Transportation

In Colombia, crews have closed about half of a canal levee breach through which water is flowing at a rate of 1,400 cubic meters per second. Six districts have been inundated with 15 billion cubic meters of water. "The fact that it's still raining and continuing to exacerbate problems in Atlantico and Barranquilla [departments] tells me there will be problems with all infrastructure -- roads and bridges, buildings, drainage, water and wastewater treatment systems and parks and recreation," says Dave Brauner, a private sector consultant. Learn more here.;

In a new letter, Tensar Corporation ("Tensar") outlines its intellectual property in regards to its geogrids. The letter notes, "The Patent covers methods of constructing various geotechnical structures including, but not limited to, base reinforcement below roadways and other pavements, mechanically stabilized earth walls and slopes, and other earth structures using uniaxially or biaxially oriented integral polymeric geogrids for reinforcement. The only products authorized under the Patent are Tensar’s own uniaxial ("UX") and biaxial ("BX") integral polymeric geogrids, which in turn are available only from Tensar and its exclusive dealers and distributors." Read more (PDF). Learn more here.;

In a new letter, Tensar Corporation ("Tensar") outlines its intellectual property in regards to its geogrids. The letter notes, "The Patent covers methods of constructing various geotechnical structures including, but not limited to, base reinforcement below roadways and other pavements, mechanically stabilized earth walls and slopes, and other earth structures using uniaxially or biaxially oriented integral polymeric geogrids for reinforcement. The only products authorized under the Patent are Tensar’s own uniaxial ("UX") and biaxial ("BX") integral polymeric geogrids, which in turn are available only from Tensar and its exclusive dealers and distributors." Read more (PDF). Learn more here.;

Austria-based geosynthetics and plastic pipe manufacturer Agru has released the fourth and final 2010 issue of the Agru Times. This issue includes a number of interesting developments, such as the expansion of pipe production in China, a flue-gas desulpherization system, large-diameter pipe rehabilitation, and foamed polypropylene sheets. Read the issue today (PDF).

Last month, the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) and National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) convened the 1st GSI-Asia Geosynthetics Conference. The conference was held in Taichung, Taiwan with the theme "Geosynthetics in Infrastructure." Primary topics included Mechanical Stabilized Earth Structures, Coastal and Hydraulic Engineering, Erosion Control and Sustainable Engineering, and Transportation and Pavement Engineering. Learn more here.;

The first Erosion Control issue of 2011 is available. The issue's cleaner, more interactive digital edition makes a nice impact, and an expansive cover story on geosynthetics (in flood control, slope stabilization and dewatering) is included. Other stories focus on TRMs and blankets, silt fence and wattles, retaining walls and other issues. Read it online today. Learn more here.;

The Geo-Frontiers 2011 event includes 8 short courses, 90 sessions within 10 technical tracks, student programs, networking events, award programs, the GRI-24 annual conference and will feature 4 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. Read more.

The December 2010 issue of NAUE News is perhaps the company's most ambitious to date, in terms of content range. The introductory article addresses the departure of long-time managing director Prof.-Ing. Dr. Georg Heerten, who is retiring from his primary day-to-day operations with NAUE. Project stories in the issue look at countering the danger posed to a community by the sudden appearance of a sinkhole; high-speed railway improvement; foundation protection; landfill sealing; dam restoration; and much more. These projects are set in Australia, Germany, Romania, Burkina Faso, and elsewhere.

Fiberweb plc is pleased to announce the acquisition of Boddingtons International Limited, the parent company of the Boddingtons group of companies ("Boddingtons"), a leading UK based specialist geosynthetic and accessory manufacturer. Boddingtons is the only UK producer of geosynthetic nets as well as a wide range of accessories and laminates for use in civil engineering projects and for temporary ground protection. Its business is highly complementary to Fiberweb's Wales-based Terram business.

Geosynthetics veteran Robert Lozano is now a Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Corporate Geosynthetic Specialist for the Reinforced Earth Company. His business contact phone is +1 703 821 1175 ext. 242, and his email is Rlozano@reinforcedearth.com. Learn more here.;

Land and Water magazine has published its 2011 Buyer's Guide. In addition to product and company resource and contact listings, the issue contains a host of articles, including stories on geosynthetics in renewable energy, innovative wastewater management at a winery, hydroseeding, extreme soil lifts, and much more. Learn more here.;

Environmental Connection 2011 (EC11), annual conference and expo of the International Erosion Control Association (EC11), 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. Early registration deadline is 10 December 2010, so register now to secure the best price and reserve a seat for some of the most in-demand education. Download a registration form today. Learn more here.;

TenCate Geosynthetics has appointed Paul Firrell (44) as new managing director Europe, effective 1 January 2011. Mr Firrell has vast experience in the geosynthetics industry, including 18 years with GSE Lining Technology Inc., manufacturer of geosynthetic liners and related products and services. Here he was Managing Director of the company's EMEA and Russian operations and also held the role of Group Chief Operating Officer of the global business.

Environmental Connection 2011 (EC11), annual conference and expo of the International Erosion Control Association (EC11), 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. Early registration deadline is 10 December 2010, so register now to secure the best price and reserve a seat for some of the most in-demand education. Learn more about the training courses, technical sessions, exhibit hall, hotel and travel.

From January 2011, Ian Fraser, will succeed Hein Jas as Tensar International's Director of Application Technology. Ian Fraser will lead the company's development of new and existing markets as it seeks to speed the adoption of geosynthetic materials in construction projects. Currently Vice Chairman of the UK Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society, he represents the IGS on The Ground Forum and is leading the Working Party on the Development of a Minimum Standard for Geotextile Separators in the UK. He is also involved in the development of a Code of Practice for Use of Geosynthetics in Asphalt via the Road Surface Treatment Association.

During a 27 November 2010 gathering at the Gujarat Centre of The Institute of Engineers in India, numerous speakers, including government ministers, presented case studies and information on geosynthetics. The event focused on the beneficial impact of polymeric materials on infrastructure. DNA India reports that participants included government agencies and industries, manufacturers and academics. Areas discussed involved roads, water conveyance and storage, erosion control, and more. Learn more here.;

Pipelines International has published an article on its website regarding the construction of pipelines in rainforests. Among the many recommendations is the need for geotextiles or other geosynthetics to ensure access road stability. The soils at most of these sites do not have good load bearing capacity. Geosynthetics provide that support and allow dependable pipeline construction. Learn more here.;

The Ministry of Textiles is set to launch the Technology Mission on Technical Textiles. It has sent the Rs 200 crore Mission proposal to the Finance Ministry whose approval is expected soon, Ms. Rita Menon, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, has announced. Inaugurating the FICCI-Ministry of Textiles 'National Conference on Stimulating Investments in Technical Textiles: Meditech & Geotech', Ms. Menon said "The Technology Mission would have two Mini Missions for providing infrastructure support for manufacture of technical textiles and market development support to the technical textile manufacturers".

With two of its most senior people, Chris Jenner and Hein Jas, retiring at the end of this year, Tensar International's commercial director John Kiely unveils the succession plan: "Knowing that Hein and Chris would be retiring we have had plans in place for some time and are pleased to have two Tensar personnel of immense experience and talent to replace them." Chris Jenner, who headed the technical design side of Tensar International in a 25 year career, handed over the role of Chief Civil Engineer to Chaido Doulala- Rigby (Yuli) almost 12 months ago. Hein Jas hands over the role of Director of Application Technology to Ian Fraser from January 2011.

Danosa, a leading Spanish producer of geotextiles, waterproofing and insulation materials, is rapidly expanding its foreign business with export sales up by 35% so far this year. Danosa products include non-woven polyester geotextiles, flat-roof synthetic PVC water proofing membrane, flexible noise insulation membranes of non-foamed reticulated PE and high density polyethylene nodular sheet for wall and floor drainage. The company has entered the renewable energy field, developing a product range dedicated to solar energy. Learn more here.;

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS), the world's largest manufacturer of corrugated plastic pipe, announced that it is opening a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Buxton, North Dakota to better serve customers throughout the entire region. The new Plant will be fully operational by spring. In addition, this new plant location is situated to service western Ontario, Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan. ADS chose the Buxton area for its strategic geographic location, excellent interstate access, and a very skilled and dedicated labor pool.

Effective Monday, November 22, Tensar Corporation and its principal business unit Tensar International will consolidate their headquarters locations to operate more efficiently. The move, which takes the companies to the Northwinds development in Alpharetta, Georgia, ends more than a decade of separate locations within a business park in Atlanta's Northern Perimeter area. Read more.

TenCate Geosynthetics North America is recognized with the 2010 International Achievement Award (IAA) presented by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) for design excellence in specialty fabrics applications. TenCate received an Award of Excellence in the category Geosynthetic Products for its Incheon Bridge project in South Korea utilizing TenCate Geotube® technology.

TenCate has entered into an agreement to purchase the geosynthetics activities of Emas Kiara Industries Berhad, a publicly listed company based in Rawang, Malaysia. This transaction will provide TenCate Geosynthetics with a significantly larger position in the supply of geosynthetics solutions to the Southeast Asian markets. The purchase is expected to be finalized in early 2011. Emas Kiara Industries is an important full-line producer and supplier of a wide range of geosynthetic products and solutions with primary focus on the Asian markets. This addition of the Emas Kiara production capabilities, employees, and product brands will significantly strengthen the position of TenCate Geosynthetics activities in this rapidly growing region of the world.

Effective 1 January 2011 Colbond will raise prices 6-10% in Europe and Asia for their entire product range due to the continued escalation of raw material costs. Similar price increases will be implemented in North America. The company is in the process of informing customers. The company states that the need for price increases has been further reinforced by rising manufacturing components and transportation costs, which have also escalated with no downward trend projected for the foreseeable future.