The Fifth Asian Regional Conference on Geosynthetics (Geosynthetics Asia 2012) will be held at Centara Grand Lardprao Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand from 13 to 15 December 2012. GA2012 will be hosted by the International Geosynthetics Society-Thailand (IGS-Thailand), Asian Center for Soil Improvement and Geosynthetics (ACSIG) and Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) under the auspices of the Internationla Geosynthetics Society (IGS). The theme of this Conference is "Geosynthetics for Sustainable Adaptation of Climate Change".

The Australian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (ACIGS) is offering a seminar on "Geosynthetic Filtration & Failutres" with renowned geosynthetics expert Dr. J.P. Giroud as the primary speaker. Warren Hornsey (Geofabrics Australasia) helps lead the seminar as well as provides an overview of geotextile testing in the region. The first of the presentations has just taken place in Brisbane (Oct 26), but three more sessions are still available. Learn more.

In underground coal mines, the mines prefer to leave a base of coal to leave a firm subgrade for traffic. However, when coal seams are thin, in order to attain a minimum height to the roof miners have to dig into the base and expose soft lenses of clay which have low bearing capacities. Consequently, these frequently traversed pavements become impassable when mine vehicles, shuttle cars and mining machines create ruts which deepen over time and require maintenance to maintain access. Geofabrics Australasia writes on how they've worked with mining companies to create geosynthetic-supported roads that are more durable and economical than concrete or traditional aggregate roads in underground mines.

The Geosynthetics Interest Group of South Africa (GIGSA), which is a chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), has published the October GIGSA Newsletter. This edition features stories on a new nonwoven manufacturer in South Africa, geocontainers for erosion control, the historical use of geotextiles in the Namibian road system, and more.

On 8 November 2012, geotechnical engieering expert Dr. Kerry Rowe, a Sir John Kennedy Medal recipient (which is the Engineering Institute of Canada's highest award), will speak at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. The topic of his talk will be "The Use of Geosynthetics to Aid Construction over Soft Soils - Successes and Cautions." This presentation explores the reason for the success and the benefits that can be achieved using geosynthetics, as a basal reinforcement, and PVDs to increase short-term stability of embankments and to accelerate consolidation and long-term strength gain.

irestone Building Products Company, LLC, a leading manufacturer and supplier of a comprehensive "Roots to Rooftops" system of building envelope solutions, has made a major investment in innovation with a new Global Technical Center. While construction was completed in spring 2012, the Center is now fully staffed and operational with advanced analytical testing technologies in place. The Center is located in Fishers, Ind., near Indianapolis.

GSE Environmental, a leading global manufacturer and provider of geosynthetic lining products and services, has announced the launch of its Coal Ash Barrier System, which addresses increasing concerns about coal ash containment and the possibility of groundwater contamination. The system was unveiled during GSE's coal ash technical seminar held in Virginia. With power facilities and utility companies realizing the consequences of having insufficient coal ash containment and with new EPA regulations pending, GSE took proactive measures to provide the energy industry with a first of its kind containment system that combines three of the company's proven geosynthetic products that meet or exceed regulatory standards to maximize groundwater protection and minimize both risks and costs.

Two years ago the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) Board set up the IAGI Installation Awards of Excellence. The first Awards were handed out in 2011. The 2013 I^2 Awards are now open for entry. All IAGI members are reminded that this event, open only to projects on which they've worked, is free for them to enter. Deadline for submissions: 15 January 2013. Learn more.

On November 15 at 1:00 pm EDT, Maccaferri will host a webinar on "Gabions and Reno Mattresses in Hydraulic Applications." Topics for this engineers, planners, developers and contractors-oriented session include channel bank protection; drop structures; culvert inlet and outlet protection; and bridge abutment scour protection. Attendees will receive a non-credit 0.15 CEU certificate following the webinar and a link to download handouts, technical data sheets, product specifications, product installation guides, a gabion installation video, case studies, and design software. Learn more here.;

On Monday, 24 September, Deltares started a unique experiment with geotextile on the IJkdijk in Groningen on behalf of the Rivierenland Water Authority and with co-financing from the Room for the River program. A 15 m wide and 0.5 m long GeoDetect® filter and detection system, provided by TenCate, was positioned vertically in the clay layer of a test dike. The week-long test was engineered to see if this design approach could counteract piping. Sensors and water-pressure meters were used for monitoring. GeoDetect®, a unique sensor-enable geotextile, was developed to detect and interfere with internal erosion processes within hydraulic structures; but using it to deal with piping is an entirely new application. This latest experiment at the IJkdijk has shown for the first time in the field that geotextiles can actually stop piping.