Day one of Geosynthetics 2009 has come to a close, and the general consensus is that this installation in the biennial series is delivering plenty. As it’s late as I write this, I hope you’ll excuse my absence of photography today. I will post updates with images on Thursday!
Here are a few of the highlights:
- David Paul of the US Bureau of Reclamation (BuRec) got things going with a keynote lecture. Paul offered a retrospective of his 30 years of work intersecting with geosynthetics. The talk included some interesting notes on the installation of lining systems underwater.
- Technical sessions focused long-term performance of landfill barrier systems, geosynthetic longevity, landfill applications, water containment, floating covers, drainage and soil reinforcement from both fabric and geogrid angles.
- One of the more intriguing discussions came in the panel discussion session on polypropylene geomembranes. Some sharp differences of opinion characterize the formulation, use and testing of this barrier type. The discussion was vigorous and engaging.
- Short courses on geosynthetic basics and hydraulic applications were well-attended and well-received.
At 5:00 pm, a reception opened in the exhibition hall. Welding machines were fired up, music played, drinks were served, and the real networking side of the event began. I was pleased to be able to catch up with many colleagues and friends in person (rather than always through email!). It was great to finally meet John Stein of Peak GeoSolutions. (Read more about Peak in its most recent newsletter.) And it was nice to make acquaintance with representatives of Supertex, Huitex, and Zhejiang Tianxing Technical Textiles Co.
At the end of the day, I was fortunate enough to join representatives of LG Chem Ltd. and I-CORP International Inc. for a Japanese dinner. (Thank you, Kevin!) Good stories were shared and there was, as expected, plenty of discussion regarding geomembranes. For an example of the use of LG Chem’s geomembrane materials, see the recent article from geosynthetica by Solmax‘s Carl De Leon.
Many more recognitions and thanks are due; but those must wait for day two. Day one was, to say the least, full.
Chris Kelsey is the editorial director for geosynthetica.net. He can be reached at chris@geosynthetica.net.
