Transportation

Previously, Geosynthetica noted in the daily news the development of a joint investment and investigation into jute and geotextiles between agencies in India and Bangladesh. The aim is to properly tap the potential of jute fabrics in preventing soil erosion along river banks, road edges and elsewhere. The reported investment has been a US $3.6-million research project to standardize design, methodology and specifications for jute geotextiles. Now, in the most recent newsletter from the India-based Business Coordination House (BCH) more information has come to light. That release is reprinted here.

The world's premier erosion and sediment control conference is just two weeks away. The International Erosion Control Association's (IECA) EC10 takes place in Dallas, Texas from 16 to 20 February. Avoid the on-site registration surcharge by registering today. This year's event includes more than 40 technical sessions under eight key track headings such as "Slope Technology," "Erosion and Sediment Control," and "Beach and Shoreline Stabilization." Read more.

Royal Ten Cate has agreed to acquire the armour company AML UK Ltd. based in Swindon, United Kingdom. This acquisition will provide TenCate with full access to the UK market for lightweight composite armour solutions. AML has annual sales of approximately €10 million. The share purchase agreement is expected to be concluded this month.

Geo-Frontiers 2011 brings together the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute (GI) and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). It will be held 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Call for Abstracts has been issued. Current tracks include Soil/Rock Mechanics and Modeling; Geotechnical Testing and Site Characterization; Foundations and Ground Improvement; Slopes, Embankments, and Earth Retaining Structures; Geosynthetics; Geoenvironmental Engineering; Geo-Hazards (Earthquakes, Landslides, Erosions, Others); Transportation Materials and Pavements; and Other Geotechnical Related Issues. Abstracts due: 8 March 2011. Learn more here.;

In November 2009 the north west of England experienced widespread flooding. In the town of Workington, one road bridge collapsed and the other was deemed unsafe. The town was divided in two. The Royal Engineers were commissioned to build a temporary footbridge. The Engineers required design guidance on stabilisation and delivery of geogrids within 24 hours.

Many forecasts believe engineering firms will hedge their bets on recovery this year, bringing many back to their force; only, with a good percentage of those new and returning employees on a contract basis to start. But the outlook is improving. Learn more here.;

On Monday, President Obama proposed $1.82 billion in funding for 27 major transit construction projects that will create jobs and increase transportation options throughout the United States. A complete list of projects -- which are located in metropolitan areas across the nation -- is available here.

The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), based in Folsom, Pennsylvania, and National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) in Taiwan have announced that the first international GSI-Asia Geosynthetics Conference will take place 16-18 November 2010 in Taichung, Taiwan. NPUST currently is the home of GSI's Taiwan office (GSI-Taiwan). GSI's Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) annually holds an international event in North America. That event is nearing its 25th anniversary. The launch of an international forum serving the Asia region is exciting news. Read more about its highlights.

Members of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) are invited to take part in the election of IGS officers and council members. The elected terms run from 2010-2014. This 12th IGS election is historically significant for the breadth of its field of candidates. In what is a rare occurrence in IGS elections, two candidates are vying to succeed president Fumio Tatsuoka (Japan). Those candidates are Peter Stevenson and Jorge Zornberg. Also, 23-well-qualified candidates are seeking the eight general elected council positions. This is certainly the largest field to ever seek election, and it's a strong sign that the IGS's 30 chapters, 121 corporate members, and 2000+ individual members are active and interested. Read about the election and statements from both presidential candidates.

Construction employment grew in only four out of 337 metropolitan areas in 2009 as spending on construction projects dropped by $100 billion in December to a six-year low of $903 billion, according to a new analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of federal figures released today.

P Brahmanandan, a 56-year-old extension service officer from the Coir Board Research Institute in India, died in Kaliapani, Jajpur, Orissa on January 28 after a heap of sand fell on him. The Coir Board has confirmed that Brahmanandan was in Orissa for coir geotextile promotional activities. Learn more here.;

In a move to continue development of solar landfill cover technology for the solid waste industry, Republic Services Inc. transferred the ownership of its solar landfill cover technology to Carlisle Energy Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carlisle Construction Materials Incorporated (CCM) and a Pennsylvania-based solar systems provider.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) is promoting National Public Works Week (NPWW) 16-22 May 2010. Each year, a promotional poster is sold and plays on the NPWW's theme. For 2010, that them is "Public Works: Above, Below, & All Around You" by illustrator Harry Campbell. Harry's distinctive graphic line illustration work can be found in most major publications including The New York Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and many others. The poster is available for purchase here. Learn more here.;

Each year since 1960, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has held a National Public Works Week (NPWW). The week celebrates the tens of thousands of people working to build and maintain infrastructure and encourages outreach endeavors on the part of both public and private engineers, government departments and agencies, media outlets and more.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will today announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is awarding $8 billion to states across the country to develop America's first nationwide program of high-speed intercity passenger rail service. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), these dollars represent an historic investment in the country's transportation infrastructure, which will help create jobs and transform travel in America. The announcement is one of a number of job initiatives the President will lay out in the coming weeks that follow up on the continued commitment to job creation he discussed in last night's State of the Union Address.

The 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics (9ICG) will be held in Guaruja, São Paulo, Brazil 23-27 May 2010. The gathering provides an opportunity to learn about and discuss highly technical and scientific geosynthetics issues and their solutions. In addition to the exhibit hall activities, keynote lectures and technical sessions, the 9ICG offers five 3-hour short courses. These courses will be held on the opening day of the event, Sunday, 23 May. Read more.

As shown by results of 2009, SIBUR enterprises have produced 15 million tons of petrochemical products that is 3% higher than in 2008. The highest growth is seen in segment of raw materials as well as manufacture of polymers and mineral fertilizers. Reduced production of rubbers and tyres was caused by sharp decline in demand by automotive industry. Monomers fell down due to temporary shutdown of rubber output and shutoff of isoprene production by Novokuibyshevskaya Petrochemical Company.

A sampling of 2010 events and abstract calls. This week's edition includes information on the International Erosion Control Association's EC10 conference; the Geosynthetic Materials Association's Lobby Day in Washington DC; the LatAm Mining Congress; the Global Waste Management Symposium 2010; Waterproof Membranes 2010; and Geo-Frontiers 2011.

John Miner and Jeff Rasche of TenCate Geosynthetics North America presented Chec Consultants' Alan Curtis a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Asphalt Interlayer Association (AIA). The award was presented at the National Pavement Expo West's Network Night in Las Vegas in late 2009. AIA recognized Curtis for his service to the pavement industry and his efforts on behalf of pavement preservation. Learn more here.;

Huesker inc., a leading manufacturer and global supplier of geogrids, geotextiles and specialty geocomposites, has updated its website. The revised website features comprehensive information on Huesker's full product line with an option to view specifics offered from key global offices, such as Germany, the United States, Brazil, Spain, and more. The new website helps direct visitor focus to three primary areas of materials and applications: geosynthetics, geocomposites, and agriculture.

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) is holding its first-ever photo competition. Members should keep an eye on the deadline date: 1 February 2010. This initiative comes just ahead of the planned April 2010 launch of the redesigned IGS website and May 2010's major, quadrennial IGS conference: 9ICG. The 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics will be held 23-27 May 2010 in Guaruja, Brazil (near São Paulo).

For the construction of a new big box store in Corinne, Utah, the extensive parking lot was found to be located over weak soils. Base course reinforcement was needed. Project engineers asked for geogrid reinforcement, and after investigating product options they chose NAUE Secugrid® 30/30 Q1 on the basis of strength, long-term performance, and cost effectiveness.

Founded in 1998, Taian Modern Plastic (TMP) in China has grown quickly. It now claims to be the largest geogrid manufacturer in the world, with roughly 80 million sq. yds. delivered each year. A short profile has been published at the Construction News Portal. Learn more here.;

Federal stimulus money is being put to use in West Akron, Ohio on a $4.1 million road construction project. Because of poor soil conditions, the project will use geotextiles and stone to stabilize the roadway base. Learn more here.;

The University of Washington and CH2M Hill-developed Greenroads evaluation system has been released in version 1.0. The mix of voluntary and required credits for road construction categories, such as "Construction Activities" and "Materials and Resources," provides a certification-ready system for promoting road building that exceeds common practice in areas of sustainability. This includes the beneficial use of geotextiles, geogrids and erosion control BMPs. Download the full 442-page manual for free (9.56 MB PDF). Published: 19 January 2010. Learn more here.;