Transportation

Register for the International Erosion Control Association's (IECA) EC11 by December 10 for the best rates. Don't miss your chance to attend industry-leading education, the largest expo of its kind and networking opportunities all at the world's largest soil and water event. EC11 will take place at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Orlando, Florida, 20-23 February 2011. Learn more here.;

ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock has announced work item WK30886, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) Performance in Protecting Hillslopes from Rainfall-Induced Erosion." This work item is balloted for the withdrawal of the existing standard D6459-07. No replacement is currently scheduled. Learn more here.;

The Emirates News Agency (WAM) has published an article regarding the opening day of Geosynthetics Middle East 2010, an important conference that not only has been co-organized by SKZ and BMC Gulf but is taking place under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Municipality. WAM reports that strong attendance has kicked off the event and that discussions have tied together nicely with the Emirates' move toward sustainability and continuing the trend of adopting newer engineering technologies. Learn more here.;

The National has published an article about the opening day of Geosynthetics Middle East 2010, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi. The article quotes speaker Abdul-Sattar al Mashhadani, a Landscape Expert with the Parks and Recreation Facilities Division of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City. He stressed the importance of sustainability and water conservation in the UAE. Learn more here.;

ASTM International's Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has revised D4886, "Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Geotextiles (Sand Paper/Sliding Block Method)" to D4886-10. This test method may be used for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of geotextiles, but caution is advised since information on the precision of the test is lacking. Learn more here.;

Strata Systems, a division of Glen Raven Technical Fabrics (GRTF), is honored to announce that GRTF has received certification to test geosynthetic fabrics from the Geosynthetic Accreditation Institute (GAI) -- Laboratory Accreditation Program. This distinguished certification makes Glen Raven's laboratory located in Glen Raven, NC now one of about three dozen laboratories in the world that has been accredited by GAI to perform tests on tensile and weight properties of geosynthetics (ASTM D4595, ASTM D6637, and ASTM D5261).

Under the patronage of Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, the 3rd International Conference "Geosynthetics Middle East 2010" is taking place in the capital city Abu Dhabi on 9th and 10th of November 2010. Organized by the leading Plastic Institute SKZ Germany in cooperation with its local partner BMC Gulf, the conference is expected to become the biggest event on Geosynthetics in the Middle East and is attracting industry experts worldwide.

Tensar International Corporation has introduced GlasGrid® TF (Tack Film) into the United States, Canada and Latin America markets. GlasGrid products, in use for more than two decades, are manufactured by Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics (SGTF), a global leader in construction reinforcement solutions. The introduction of GlasGrid TF is the culmination of five years of company research, testing and development. Read more.

Chattanooga-based Propex Operating Company, LLC, today announced that its Board of Managers has appointed Board Member John Byrne as the interim chief executive officer, effective today. Byrne replaces Stan Brant, whose resignation as Propex's president and chief executive officer was accepted by the Board of Managers on October 13. Among many products, Propex produces geosynthetics for earth retaining structures, subsurface drainage, separation and stabilization.

Global Synthetics is organizing a full-day seminar titled "Geosynthetic Ground Improvement." The event will be held in four cities across Australia, November 23-29. Supported by Engineers Australia and sponsored by NAUE, the seminar features guest lecturers Drs.Kerry Rowe and Barry Christopher. Learn more.

The Technical Textiles & Nonwoven Association is proud to announce the release of its latest learning resource on Geosynthetics: a series of informational geosynthetics lectures posted openly on YouTube. The videos address applications for geosyntehtic use and core product functions. Read more.

Ahead of the expected harsh winter, Saskatchewan is taking care of business at a well-used music festival site by repairing roads with geotextile and gravel. Two hundred truck loads of supporting material have been shipped to the site, all so the 2011 Craven Country Jamboree music festival can take place without a hitch, dip or rut next year. Learn more here.;

The Allan Block Retaining Wall Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota has entered into a cooperative marketing agreement with Strata Systems, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia to market and promote the use of Strata's geogrid reinforcement as part of Allan Block's Small Grid Program. This agreement will facilitate distribution of the product through Allan Block's global network of licensed concrete producers.

World premiere in Frankfurt: the first photovoltaic system in the form of solar carports on top of a car park has started operation. In co-operation with the Sonneninitiative e.V. association, Messe Frankfurt has installed an additional citizen-owned solar power plant on the roof of its Rebstock multi-storey car park. The electricity generated there can be used on location, for instance as climate-friendly power for electric cars.

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS) has added an innovative new product to its Arc line of plastic leaching chambers to meet the needs of septic leach field installers. The new Arc 36LP is specially designed for challenging installations such as high groundwater conditions or other site restrictions. Installing systems requiring shallow burial depths has several advantages, including greater separation from the groundwater, enhanced aerobic bacterial action and improved percolation rates. The new Arc 36LP chamber leverages more than 40 years of experience designing state-of-the-art engineered structures.

The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) has announced its University Partners initiative. This initiative creates an informal relationship between IECA and universities and colleges that offer courses in the fields of erosion control, sediment control and stormwater management. The overall objective of this program is to introduce students to IECA and provide a means for them to interact in an educational environment with the industry professionals who make up IECA's membership.

IECA's Career Center has joined the Environmental and Engineering Vertical Networks aimed to increase exposure of job placement ads purchased by IECA members and to grow the pool of jobs available for IECA members to explore. Job Target, who manages IECA's Career Center, offers 85 Vertical Networks covering a wide-array of industries and specialties. The Networks provide an easy, cost-effective way to get more eyes on job ads by posting a job using the new Network products. IECA members who purchase a Network product will gain exposure on 14 Environmental Network sites. Learn more.

Seats are booking fast for the 3rd International Geosynthetics Middle East 2010. Looking at the current bookings so far, this event will be the largest conference on Geosynthetics in the Middle East organised by SKZ Germany. Under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Municipality, the event is taking place from 9-10 November 2010 in Abu Dhabi, UAE and will provide a highly attractive platform for international geotechnical and environmental specialists to exchange their knowledge and experience on geosynthetic related topics.

The AMI conference on Waterproof Membranes looks at the trends and technical developments in the international roofing and geomembrane industry. It takes place from 30 November-2 December 2010 at the Maritim Hotel in Cologne, Germany. Learn more and register.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) 2011 Sustainability Conference has extended abstract presentation proposals through 31 October 2010. General topics of interest include low impact development, sustainable best practices, success stories in sustainability, and much more. The event will be held 27-29 June 2011 in Portland, Oregon. Learn more and submit a proposal electronically. Learn more here.;

The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) held its third short course in Denver, Colorado, on 15 October 2010 at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The short course was organized by the FGI and attended by forty-six (46) people. The excellent and timely presentations, e.g., presentations of the use of fabricated geomembranes in the BP Oil Spill and mining applications, and attendee questions and comments made the course a great success. The course covered the design, specification, testing, manufacturing, fabrication, installation, inspection, welding, and field testing of fabricated geomembranes in a variety of applications. Read more.

The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) has provided significant leadership in public discussions on the future of US coal ash facility construction rules. With current discussion regarding whether facilities might be governed under Subtitle C or D regulations, GMA has spoken at public gatherings and submitted formal comments and documents whenever the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called for input. The latest comments regarding the storage of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) were submitted 14 October 2010. We encourage readers to follow this developing story and the important work GMA is carrying out. Learn more here.;

The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) has opened registration for its annual conference and expo, Environmental Connection 2011 (EC11). Interested parties can visit IECA's website for details on full-day courses, shorter technical sessions, special events and the exhibit hall. EC11 will take place at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Orlando, Florida, 20-23 February 2011.

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 October-December 2010 issue includes articles on erosion control blankets (written by Conwed Plastics' Stefan Tielen) and road stabilization with geotextile separators. Download the issue (PDF). Learn more here.;

The Mountain States Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) is seeking nominations for its 2010 Project Awards. Three projects will be selected for presentation at the 2010 MSC Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado at the luncheon on 8 December 2010. Nominations are due November 5. Conference attendees will vote at the conclusion of the presentations to determine the outcome. The project receiving the most votes will receive the "2010 MSC IECA Project Excellence Award." Learn more here.;