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With the support of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Geo-Institute, the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), Geo-Frontiers 2011 is a can't-miss event. To keep readers abreast of the latest news leading up to the event and to highlight some of the conference and trade show's notable presentations and products, Geosynthetica.net has launched a Geo-Frontiers 2011 information page and e-newsletter.

HUESKER, a global leader in the manufacture of high-quality geosynthetics, is celebrating two milestone anniversaries in 2011. The Germany-based HUESKER Synthetic, GmbH marks 150 years of progressive materials manufacturing and the Charlotte, North Carolina-based center for the company's North American operations, HUESKER inc., celebrates its 20th anniversary as a distributor and producer of geosynthetics for construction, civil engineering, mining and other major sectors.

In recognition of the Presidents Day holiday here in the United States, the Early Registration Deadline for Geo-Frontiers 2011 has been extended. Please register by 23 February to receive the best pricing. Learn more here.;

Geo-Frontiers 2011 brings together the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Geo-Institute, the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). REGISTER by February 21 to get the best rates for Geo-Frontiers 2011 (www.geofrontiers11.com). Learn more here.;

Strata Systems announces that the results of tests performed by the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) on its geogrid products have been published in a final report and are available on the NTPEP website (www.ntpep.org). Strata engineers are pleased that the products tested by NTPEP performed consistently with or better than the company has self-reported in all areas measured. Product attributes tested include tensile strength, creep rupture, installation damage, and durability. Strata's Polyester polymer coated geogrid products were included in the test.

Standards and Specifications are vital to design and material selection. Engineers and Designers use them daily - but may not be getting the most out of the information presented. By joining this ASTM short course Designers will extend their understanding of materials, properties and corresponding values - allowing them to maximize their use of the data in their specifications. Learn more about this Sunday, March 13, short course. Learn more here.;

The Geosynthetic Institute's GRI-24 conference is co-located with Geo-Frontiers 2011. The discussions at GRI are always spirited, and year-after-year they touch upon the most timely (and practical) topics in the field. Two presentations of note at this year's full-day (Wednesday, March 16) GRI event include Archie Filshill of CETCO Contracting and Joseph Martin of Drexel presenting on "Comparison of Carbon Footprints for Various Storm Water Retention Systems" and Paul Oliveira of Firestone on "Geomembrane Function and Design into Water Management." These presentations will occur in Sessions 1 and 2, respectively. Learn more about the other presentations at GRI-24. Learn more here.;

Tensar International, the leader in geosynthetic soil reinforcement and stabilization, today announced it recently received full approval with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for its ARES® and Mesa® Retaining Wall Systems. As of 31 January 2011, the NCDOT requires that companies submit and receive approval to build mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) design methodology.

After the success of the previous events, AMI's 4th edition of the Middle East Plastic Pipes Conference will take place 16-18 May 2011 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Dubai, UAE. This event is focused on the applications, markets and technology for plastics pipes in the Middle East region. Plastics pipes are increasingly replacing traditional materials in piping systems in the region in both new build and in rehabilitation and repairs.

takes place 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. This seminal event includes multiple short Geo-Frontiers 2011 courses, 90 sessions within 10 technical tracks, student programs, networking events, awards programs, and the Geosynthetic Institute's GRI-24 conference, as well as four highly regarded plenary sessions: H. Bolton Seed Lecture, Peck Lecture, Terzaghi Lecture, and the Mercer Lecture. In addition to the educational component of Geo-Frontiers the event will feature an exhibit hall with over 120 geotechnical products and services exhibitors. Geosynthetica encourages its readers to take advantage of the early registration offer. The deadline for early registration is February 21. Learn more and register at the Geo-Froniters 2011 home page. Learn more here.;

Geo-Frontiers 2011 takes place 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. In addition to the various technical sessions, short courses and trade show, Geo-Frontiers will also host a Student Poster Competition. This competition provides students with the opportunity to present a poster on a geotechnical engineering-related topic or project of their choice. Students are allowed to participate individually or as teams of two. The competition will consist of the presented poster and a brief (3 minute) presentation followed by questions from the judges. Interested participants should submit a one-page abstract up to 400 words that details the topic and include one graphic figure. Also, a submission form should be emailed to GIstudents@civil.tamu.edu by February 15. Notification of acceptance will be given by February 18. Learn more at the conference website. Learn more here.;

TenCate Geosynthetics is adding an Engineered Structures market group to its sales focus. John Lostumbo, PE will lead the group and become Market Manager-Engineered Structures. In this role, John will be responsible for promotion and commercialization of all TenCate® Engineered Structures systems and products, including Miragrid® geogrids, Mirafi® PET geotextiles, Miramesh® SG and GeoDetect® Monitoring System. Learn more here.;

The finance and investment media group The Motley Fool has published a piece about Low and Bonar, a diversified technical textile products company involved in, among many endeavors, geotextile production. The company's latest results (release 8 February 2011) include a number of positive turns. The Fool has published a snapshot of some Low's highs--a small cap company that has weathered the down markets and re-energized its business on the strength of international markets and materials such as geosynthetics. Learn more here.;

The American Public Works Association (APWA) 2011 Sustainability Conference has opened registration for its 27-29 June 2011 conference in Portland, Oregon. General topics of interest include low impact development, sustainable best practices, success stories in sustainability, and more. The 2010 event in Minneapolis was a tremendous event, and Portland's well-integrated examples of sustainable public works and APWA's active membership should make for a strong 2011 gathering. Register online. Learn more here.;

Specialty Fabrics Review has published its 2011 "State of the Industry" for the technical textiles field. One of the article's main sections focuses on the construction sector, where geosynthetics will play a key role in the next 5-7 years for major environmental protection initiatives such as the new US coal ash storage pond regulations. Read more. Learn more here.;

In the wake of parent company Fiberweb's acquisition of geonet manufacturer Boddington's, Terram Ltd. may be consolidating its geotextile manufacturing operations with Boddington's at a location near Essex. The move, if it occurs, will force a number of layoffs from Terram's current plant in Pontypool (South Wales). Company officials are discussing the possibility with employees. Learn more here.;

Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) managing director Andrew Aho had an opportunity to address the Geosynthetics Committee at the Transportation Research Board’s 90th Annual Meeting on 25 January 2011 in Washington, D.C. His comments on geosynthetic utilization in transportation and coal ash have been republished by Geosynthetics magazine. Read them online. Learn more here.;

Low and Bonar PLC, the international performance materials group, and National Petrochemical Industrial Company, a subsidiary of Alujain Corporation, today announce that they have agreed the terms on which they are to establish a joint venture company in Saudi Arabia for the design, manufacture and sale of geotextile products for the fast growing civil engineering markets in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Learn more.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) has announed the theme for the 2011 National Public Works Week, which will be held May 15-21: "Public Works: Serving you and your community." During this time, APWA encourages all public works departments to take part in activities that help promote the essential role its professionals play in society. A how-to guide has been made available online to help inspire ideas for events and participation. Learn more here.;

Friday, January 28, is the last day to book your room at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida to receive the discounted rates available only to EC11 attendees. The Environmental Connection gatherings from the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) offer short courses, technical sessions, an exhibit hall, numerous networking opportunities, certification, and much more. EC11 will be held 20-23 February 2011. Learn more here.;

Environmental Connection 2011 (EC11), annual conference and expo of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA), brings together the industry's best and brightest for a week of industry-leading education, networking and access to the largest expo hall of its kind. The event offers short courses, technical sessions, an exhibit hall, numerous networking opportunities, certification, and much more. EC11 will be held 20-23 February 2011. The event organizers report that limited space is still available in select EC11 courses. Learn more.

The India-based Business Coordination House (BCH) publishes TechTex India quarterly. The publication prevents a broad view of technical textile manufacturing issues, companies, materials and applications in one of the world's hottest development zones. The January-March 2011 issue includes an interview with GV Rao, who has a long record of participation with the Indian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (page 40) and an article on the interactions between polymeric materials and solar energy harvesting technologies (page 20). Download the issue (PDF).

As a result of a price increase from the, Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics, primarily due to their escalating raw materials costs, Tensar International will be increasing the price of GlasPave® paving fabric products by 5% effective 7 February 2011. This price increase will not affect the current pricing for GlasGrid® series of products.

The Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA) has extended the deadline for the MECA awards to January 31. If you know of an individual, group, company or organization that should be recognized, please complete the nomination form. Categories include the Innovation Award, Industry Leadership, Environmental Excellence, Environmental Leadership, and the MECA Recognition Award. Learn more. Learn more here.;

During the 2011 annual conference of the Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA), a Jeopardy!-style game will be played. Like the tv game show, it will feature contestants having to provide questions to the erosion and sediment control answers. MECA 2011 will be held 3-4 March 2011 in Plymouth, Minnesota. Learn more about and register for MECA 2011 at the association website. Learn more here.;