In the latest issue of Erosion Control magazine, regular contributor Carol Brzozowski writes on flood control, streambank restoration, and creating public space. Among the experts she interviews is Fiberweb's Brian Whitaker, who shares thoughts on important design considerations.

On the first full day of technical sessions at EuroGeo 5, Daniele Cazzuffi (CESI SpA, Italy), José María González (TRAGSATEC; ATEBA, Spain), and Ian Peggs (I-CORP INTERNATIONAL, Inc., USA) will chair a major session on Hydraulic Structures. This is also the IV International Symposium on Water Reservoirs.

Maccaferri has posted a new video with a series of images and application information from installations around the world. From geogrid used for debris control in a Swedish mining tunnel to rockfall netting/mesh in Australia; and from 20m+ high crusher walls in Africa to leachate containment in Peru--the video presents a strong range of applications and geosynthetic and affiliated-technology solutions. It's a nice overview. Learn more here.;

SynTec, LLC, manufacture of state of the art geosynthetic products, announced the release of ROADWORX® a design software for unpaved and paved roads using SynTec's biaxial polypropylene geogrids. ROADWORX® provides reliable and proven design methods to calculate layer thicknesses for paved and unpaved roads. A comprehensive cost calculator lets the user compare and identify the most economical solutions. The release of ROADWORX® is a part of SynTec’s ongoing commitment to product evolution, innovation, and support. The resulting version comes from a combination of industry guidelines and feedback from geosynthetic experts, designers and end-users of biaxial geogrids.

It's been said that a "picture tells a 1000 words." This image from Kingscliff (NSW, Australia) says quite a bit more about the impact of geosynthetics. Geofabrics Australasia was part of this installation of geobags from earlier this year to correct severe beachfront erosion outside a surf life saving club. Note the traditional chunky riprap and its warning sign. And note the beach-goers resting comfortably against the newer, softer (yet stronger) beach protection measure.

SynTec now offers Type 1 and Type 2 biaxial geogrids in 16ft wide rolls. The wider rolls reduce shipping costs, minimize waste lost to overlaps and reduce construction time. The new wider rolls will be standard stock for SynTec and are readily available now. SynTec biaxial geogrids are produced in the USA and offered throughout North and South America.

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) Indian Chapter (IGS India) has announced the publication of Volume 1, Issue 2 of the Indian Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Improvement. This issue includes articles on "Comparative Study on the Performance of Piled Embankments with and without the Geosynthetic Reinforcement," "Evaluation of the Performance of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Walls Using a Geocentrifuge," and "A Case Study on the Use of Coir Geotextiles for Stabilizing a Steep Slope." Additionally, updates on forthcoming events and opportunities are included. The journal is distributed for free to IGS members, who also enjoy full access electronically to other international journals on geosynthetics. Join today. Learn more here.;

Global professional services consultancy Coffey Geotechnics announces the appointment of Ron Morley as Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Western Australia. Ron, has over 35 years’ geotechnical experience for transportation systems, oil and gas projects, ports and harbours and commercial developments with global expertise gained from projects in the UK, Middle East, Far East, US and Australia.

Within the geotextile tube industry, producing a strong and secure textile injection port system has always proved challenging. Both the sewn attachment and the final closing method of these ports have never been as durable as the textile tube itself. TenCate Geosynthetics Americas has developed a rigid, mechanical injection port system (known as Geoport) which virtually eliminates unwanted stress at this location.

Geofabrics Australasia has announced the publication of the August 2012 issue of Geofabrics Journal. This issue includes a note about the differences between index and performance tests, the advantages of powdered bentonite versus granular, news of new premises in Adelaide, and a Tasmanian riverbank erosion control project that has utilized sand-filled geocontainers extensively (and to great success). Read the issue here.