During the ASTM D35 meetings in Jacksonville, Florida this week, a special workshop will be held on the current use of AOS in geotextile characterization tests, the availability of a more accurate pore size distribution test via an existing standard, and new equipment that may begin a process of change. Tencate published a technical note on these issues, in fact, in August 2011. Download a copy here.

As reported two weeks ago, organizers for GéoMontréal 2013 have extended the deadline for submission of abstracts to February 1. All interested participants in this event are strongly encouraged to submit their abstracts immediately. The conference will be held at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel in Montreal, Quebec, Canada 29 September – 3 October 2013. Organized by the Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS) in collaboration with the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH/CNC) and the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), GeoMontreal provides an exceptional opportunity to interact with the entire North American geotechnical community. The geosynthetics field should play a strong role in this 66th Canadian Geotechnical Conference. The theme "Geoscience for Sustainability" ties in with much of the current research and marketing of geosynthetic materials.

American Excelsior Company is entering its 125th year of business success, which is a milestone for any company. Unique to the company's longevity is that it is still making one of the same products it did 125 years ago: "excelsior." In the company's release, a bit of the history of development is included, including the various markets in which it has work. Most readers of Geosynthetica know the firm from its long history in erosion control. Learn more.

Design/Build interests continue to fuel acquisitions in the geotechnical engineering field. Golder Associates Inc., the US subsidiary of global engineering and environmental services organization Golder Associates, announced recently its acquisition of the assets of geo-environmental contracting company InterGEO Services, Inc. This enhances Golder's design/build offerings in the geo-environmental industry in areas that already align well with Golder's core practice including linings and geosynthetic materials, ground improvement, mechanically stabilized earth, and sediment remediation.

In a 21 January 2013 letter to its business partners, Tensar International Corporation has announced a price increase of 8% for its biaxial and TriAx® geogrids. Writing for the company, Dean Ditmar, Vice President and General Manager, notes that the sharp rise in raw material costs, primarily in regards to polypropylene resins and additives, has necessitated the move. "We will continue to pursue all options to manage our costs and minimize the need for future price increases," Ditmar writes. Download a copy of the letter (PDF)

CETCO has announced the next session of GCL University, an on-going series of comprehensive training seminars for engineers, regulatory personnel and facility owners/operators. This next session will be held in Pocatello, Idaho on February 12 and focus on "Design and Construction with Geosynthetics in Mining Cover Systems." Practical applications and engineering principles will be the focus. The seminar is free of charge. Those in attendance will be eligible for 5 hours of pdh credit. SPEAKERS INCLUDE Craig H. Benson (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Greg Corcoran (Geosyntec Consultants), an agency representative from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Monte Christie (Geo-Logic Associates, Inc.), and David Andrews and Greg Groene (TRC Solutions, Inc.).

When ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics meets in Jacksonville, Florida (30 January – 1 February 2013) during its regularly scheduled winter committee week meeetings, a special workshop on pore size distribution (PSD) in geotextiles will be held. The workshop takes place Wednesday, January 30 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Of note at this workshop, a far more accurate test for PSD will be discussed along with newly available equipment that will enable manufacturers and laboratories to perform the more accurate test.

A proposed new ASTM International standard will provide a test method to give index performance for both established and new geogrids, which are products used for the reinforcement and stabilization of roads, railways, airports, docks and other trafficked areas. ASTM WK39646, Test Method for Multi-Axial Low-Strain Tension Test for Geogrids and Geotextiles, is being developed by Subcommittee D35.01 on Mechanical Properties, part of ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics.

Organizers for GéoMontréal 2013 have announced that the deadline for submission of abstracts has been extended to February 1. The conference will be held at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel in Montreal, Quebec, Canada 29 September - 3 October 2013. Organized by the Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS) in collaboration with the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH/CNC) and the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), GeoMontreal provides an exceptional opportunity to interact with the North American geotechnical community. The geosynthetics field should play a strong role in this 66th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, with the theme "Geoscience for Sustainability." Learn more on the event website. Learn more here.;

Organizers for Geosynthetics Asia 2012 (GA2012) have shared a recap from December's event, which marked the 5th Asian Regional Conference on Geosynthetics (GA2012). The theme "Geosynthetics for Sustainable Adaptation to Climate Change" was well-supported by the technical sessions, sponsoring companies, and distinguished speakers. Learn more.