The International Journal of Geoengineering Case Histories is a new, refereed online journal in the field of Geoengineering. The journal aims to become a focal point of geotechnical engineering practice worldwide by publishing case histories. The journal is refereed in accordance to the procedures of the most prestigious journals in our field and the Editorial Board of the journal consists of some of the best engineers of practice and Professors worldwide that guarantee the quality of the publication. Characteristics of the journal: The International Journal of Geoengineering Case Histories has characteristics that differentiate it from existing journals and will position it as a very useful tool for the engineer of practice. Such characteristics are listed on the website of the journal and include use of colored figures, compilation of a database of case histories, online searchable directory of papers. One of the most important characteristics of the journal is that it will be available at no cost on the Internet, allowing unlimited access to engineers worldwide. Printed copies of the journal will be available with subscription, but engineers will now be able to just visit the website and download the papers that are of interest to them. Because of the journal’s focus on case histories, its unique characteristics, the high quality of the publication and its unrestricted access to its content, it is expected that it will become very popular among engineers of practice but also among researchers that want to access the data. The journal intends to be a free, very useful, high quality and everyday tool for the work of practicing engineers. The journal was announced for the first time in the “Prakash Case Histories Conference” this April and the responses by the engineers of practice were enthusiastic. Learn more here.;

Special from the IFAI Bookstore: Advanced Landfill Liner Systems. Learn more here.;

A photographic library is being developed at geosynthetica.net as a means to help engineers understand the nature and cause(s) of geosynthetic materials/product performance concerns. It will represent the performance of geosynthetics since the early 1980s so it should be noted that a number of the early materials problems have been resolved and occur only infrequently these days. In fact, the predominant cause of failures these days is not the quality of the geosynthetic product itself, rather, it is the design of geosynthetic containing systems applications to which the specified geosynthetics are not suited - a lack of knowledge by the design engineer of the performance characteristics of the different geosynthetic material products. We welcome additional examples from around the world (liners, caps, walls, slopes, berms/bunds, floating covers, erosion control, roads, dams, etc.). Please send a photograph and a very brief explanation of the cause of failure to lara@geosynthetica.net.

Several attempts have been made to revise the D6243 standard. A difference in opinion relating to gripping and clamping is the principle stumbling block. A revision must be put in place as soon as possible to reduce issues withing the GCL industry. Contact Alan Marr with questions or concerns at wam@geotest.com.

Work Item Summary: (Copyright 2003 ASTM International. All rights reserved.) Work Item Type: New. Developed by Subcommittee: D35.03, see Related Work by this Subcommittee. Date Initiated: 01-29-2004. Scope - This is a material specification covering inorganic paving mats typically used for, but not limited to, use in joint and localized (spot) pavement repairs; and paving mats intended for curb-to-curb coverage to provide waterproofing of the pavement structure and retard reflective cracking in bituminous overlays. They may be woven or non-woven in construction. This is a material purchasing specification and design review of use is recommended. This standard will be used as a purchase specification for inoganic paving mats. There are currently no ASTM or AASHTO specifications covering inorganic paving mats for highway use. Keywords: Paving mat; inorganic paving mat; pavement waterproofing; reflective cracking; pavement interlayer; pavement joint repair. The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee. Please contact David Jones for more information: E-Mail: david.jones4@owenscorning.com. Address: Owens Corning, 5616 Piney Lane Dr., Tampa, FL., 33625, USA. Phone: (813) 908-1633, Fax: (813) 908-3524 . Learn more here.;

A new web site has been launched by J. Kenneth Kearney called e-JKK. The site, which features geotextile in agricultural applications, is only one week old and it's debut was announced at the IDEA 04 show in Miami, FL this past week. Learn more here.;

This issue of The Liner Letter contains information on the EXPOMIN 2004 International Mining Exposition in Santiago, Chile.

Membership Directory Advertising - Showcase your company in the annual 2004/2005 IECA Membership Directory. Deadline for submitting artwork (correctly formatted- hard copy) as well as electronic version and payment is May 14, 2004. Click here the link below for complete details or contact Sheryl Shipley, Member Service Manager, Ph: (970) 879-3010, e-mail: sheryl@ieca.org. June 30 - Membership Upgrade - Upgrade your Professional membership to the Corporate, Emerald or the NEW Cornerstone level by June 30, 2004 and receive a 10% discount (up to $250.00) on your first year's dues. These three membership categories allow a 20% discount on any size ad in the above-mentioned annual IECA Membership Directory. The Emerald and Cornerstone levels provide your company with greater visibility and additional advertising opportunities. Hurry, upgrading discount offer expires June 30, 2004. Go to http://www.ieca.org/Membership/JoinIECA.asp for a complete listing of benefits for each membership level, or contact Sheryl Shipley, Member Service Manager, Ph: (970) 879-3010, e-mail: sheryl@ieca.org with any of your membership or advertising questions. Discover how you can renew your IECA membership FREE. Go to http://www.ieca.org/Membership/GetaMember/StrengthInNumbers.asp for complete details. Learn more here.;

Geo-Productos Mexicanos S.A. de C.V. and Tenax S.A. de C.V. have joined the Mexico chapter of the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA). GMA Mexico holds frequent seminars for the Mexican construction industry, providing engineers, architects and contractors focused information on sound geosynthetic design, selection and installation. GMA Mexico’s newest members become the fifth and sixth to join this year—a sign of strength in Latin America’s infrastructure improvement market. For information regarding the activities of GMA and GMA Mexico, contact the Geosynthetic Materials Association, 1801 County Rd. B W., Roseville, MN 55113-4061; +1 651 225 6942, fax +1 651 631 9334, e-mail dfhalloran@ifai.com, Web site . Learn more here.;

The July 15 deadline for the 2004 International Achievement Awards competition is quickly approaching. Geosynthetic materials currently have just one category in the competition, yet the field deserves more. Submit your company's projects and help promote our profession. Members of the Industrial Fabrics Assocation International (IFAI) and the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) qualify for special member benefits, such as six free competition entries if entries are received by May 1, 2004. A later deadline of July 15, 2004 is also available. For more information, download the competition PDF at the link below.