The International Geosynthetics Society is dedicated to promoting the awareness and proper utilization of geosynthetic technologies in infrastructure. In support of its mission and backed by its 4000+ global membership from the geotechnical engineering field, the IGS has released its Guide to the Specification of Geosynthetics 2018. This specification guide, available to all as a free PDF download, is the...

For years, members of the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers have discussed the possibility of a geomembrane welding competition at a major event. Attendees of these conferences routinely witness welding equipment demonstrations at equipment maker booths, but structuring an actual competition has been complicated. In 2019, though, the GeoGames will become a reality. “Twelve teams of 2 to 3 IAGI-certified...

The International Geosynthetics Society supports its young members through special symposia at major events, a committee to liaise with chapters and the IGS Council, and now through the first IGS Young Members Committee Photo Contest. The contest launched in May, and with finalists selected it now has opened a public vote to select a winner. Share this opportunity with your...

By José Miguel Muñoz Gómez – High-density polyethylene liners are renowned for containment performance in landfills, mining, wastewater, and other vital sectors. Less discussed but meriting evaluation is the superior carbon footprint rating that HDPE geomembranes provide versus traditional barriers like compacted clay. A 1.5mm (60-mil) HDPE liner can provide a seal similar to 0.6m of high-quality, homogeneous compacted clay...

Waterproof Membranes 2018 will be held 5 – 7 November 2018 at the Maritim Hotel in Düsseldorf, Germany. Geosynthetics veteran Boyd Ramsey has been added to the program as the first featured speaker (following the traditional market focus open from the hosts AMI). The international conference focuses on the market dynamics, technical innovation, and the manufacture, installation, and performance of membranes, both...

The inaugural Geo-Structural Aspects of Pavements, Airfields, and Railways Conference (GAP 2019) will be held 4 – 7 November 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event, managed by Minerva (publisher of Geosynthetica), is being developed in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. GAP 2019...

In the construction of the foundation platform for a luxury housing development in Elche (Alicante), Spain, several gravity retaining walls were required. The complex was built on elevated ground and the walls were needed to properly contain the structural fill on which the foundation would lean. Gabion walls from Maccaferri were selected. The development, known as Ocean Sky, is located...

Dr. George Koerner, Director of the Geosynthetic Institute, published a very nice report from the International Geosynthetics Society’s IGS Technical Committee Workshops. The gathering, which included workshops organized by the IGS Technical Committees on Soil Reinforcement (TC-R) and the IGS Technical Committee on Barriers (TC-B) was held in June. We reprint here by permission George Koerner’s report. We also recommend...

A follow up on a GCCM patent story from earlier this year: The preliminary injunction issued in a Polish court against Eurobent Sp.zo.o regarding potential infringement of Concrete Canvas's patent PL/EP 2027319 has been upheld by the appeals court in Wroclaw. Concrete Canvas had challenged Eurobent's material branded as Tiltex™. Both Concrete Canvas and Eurobent manufacture a new type of barrier material referred...

UPDATE: IGS North America will move the webinar to the fall, due to interested attendee requests but difficulty arranging time during a very busy season of work. IGS North America will host a geopipe webinar on July 12. The session, led by Dr. Michael Pluimer (University of Minnesota - Duluth), tackles one of the most necessary elements of modern...