In October 2009, a rock slide along Interstate 40 in Haywood County, North Carolina, was so severe that it closed this major stretch of road for more than six months. The event brought to light a gap in American transportation standardization: geohazard mitigation solutions. The Association of Geohazard Professionals, a new non-profit organization, has formed.
Key stakeholders the association serves include contractors, engineers, geologists, manufacturers and public agencies.
The Association has just held its first meetings in North Conway, New Hampshire in conjunction with the Highway Geology Symposium. The mission, announced in a September 10 plenary address, is to “support the development of standards, specifications, and best practices concerning the design and implementation of geohazard-related solutions; and to inform and educate the Geohazard Community and the general public.”
An interim board was announced on September 10:
- Bill Kane, President (KANE GeoTech, Consultant)
- Ghislain Brunet, Vice-President (Maccaferri, Manufacturer)
- Chris Ingram, Secretary (HI-TECH, Rockfall Contractor)
- Steve Mumma, Treasurer (Geobrugg, Manufacturer)
- Bob Forbes, At-Large (Ameritech, Contractor)
- Ben Arndt, At-Large (Yeh & Associates, Consultant)
- Elizabeth Peggs, Executive Director (Minerva TRI, Consultant)
During the Association’s first meetings, issues such as membership, by-laws, and election dates were finalized. Additional information from the Association will be announced in the press and on the Association website shortly.
Geohazards mitigation is a major area of geotechnical engineering and testing around the world, but it has not been given significant attention in the United States.
Key issues for the Association initially concern:
- Anchor testing procedures
- Specification irregularities
- Design/Construction by unqualified individuals
- Rope access certification
- Product testing
- Product standards
- Standards of practice
Visit www.geohazardassociation.com to sign up for notifications from the Association of Geohazard Professionals.
