View the topics of next year's issues and contact editor Christopher Kelsey for information on how to contribute to GFR 2004.

The Manhattan College School of Engineering Center for Geotechnology (CGT) web site has much information on geofoam and geocombs. Learn more here.;

Twenty-two top executives representing the national standards bodies of the Asia/Pacific region convened at ASTM International for a two-day Open House. The event, held September 22 and 23, was an open forum for frank and stimulating discussion regarding today's changing world of international standardization. The countries participating in the dialogue included: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the People's Republic of China, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. The Chairman of the World Trade Organization's Technical Barriers to Trade Committee, Juan Antonio Dorantes, via conference call, addressed the subject of international standards, namely standards that are transparent, coherent, and impartial. A reoccurring theme during the event was the need for international standards to be inclusive as opposed to exclusive. Attendees learned firsthand that they have the opportunity and freedom to use U.S.- generated international standards while still honoring the intent of the World Trade Organization's obligations to use international standards. Other discussion points focused on the standardization needs of developing nations, the need for flexibility within the global standards system, and support for small businesses. The guests also challenged their hosts to provide a vision for their organizations in the year 2013, further adding to the meaningful exchange. The Open House was co-sponsored by ASME International, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and ASTM International, in cooperation with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). During the Open House, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Philippines' Bureau of Product Standards and ASTM International. "The influence of ASTM standards is greatly felt in the Philippines," noted Jesus L. Motoomull, Director of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Product Standards, at the signing. He went on to explain that 90% of the references to ASTM standards deal with the safety of products in the Philippine market. In his remarks to the audience, ASTM President Jim Thomas described the event as history making for ASTM International and as an opportunity to hear different viewpoints, share ideas, and to learn from each other. About his own organization, Thomas explained, "The process for the development of standards at ASTM International is unlike others in the world. Our participation is direct-no delegations, no prerequisites."

When a company is seeking competitive insurance proposals, it is a common practice for one or more of the agents to lock up the marketplace by quickly approaching numerous insurers about the account, including insurers the agent does not intend to use. Once approached by one agent, most insurers will not quote the account through another agent, which quells competition. To keep this from occurring, it is wise to seek proposals from a limited number of qualified agents and assign insurers to them. This is done by asking each agent for a prioritized list of the companies he/she wishes to work with and advising them not to approach any markets until the markets are assigned. Then use the prioritized list to assign each insurer to only one agency, attempting to give each agency its first or second choice and working down from there. Advise all agents of the markets they may approach and inform them that they will be disqualified if they approach any others. The result is a coordinated approach to the marketplace that will maximize the competitive process. Source: Derived from one of the recommendations in "101 Ways To Cut Business Insurance Costs" http://www.irmi.com/products/bookdescriptions/101ways.asp

Read about the project which was conceived by Prof. John S. Horvath, Ph.D., P.E. of the Manhattan College Civil Engineering Department in 1988 to explore innovative materials for use in geotechnical engineering. Learn more here.;

McCleery Yarns, Ciba Specialty Chemicals and Constab Additive Ploymers (UK) Ltd. have cooperated to produce a polypropylene yarn that is resistant to UV radiation and offers protection against fire.

For up to date Canadian Waste & Recycling news & editorials, see www.solidwastemag.com. Learn more here.;

A complete list of accepted papers for EuroGeo3 in Munich, Germany, 1-4 March, 2004. Learn more here.;

Testing Installation Damage of Geosynthetic Reinforcement - an article written by C. Joel Sprague and Sam Allen. Proper testing procedures lead to proper installation techniques—yielding stronger performance of materials in the field. full article (.pdf 210 KB)

It was suggested in Sardinia that it might be useful to establish an informal group to discuss technologies for remotely repairing liners under waste and liquids. If you would like to participate in such a group please contact elizabeth@geosynthetica.net or icorp@geosynthetic.com. There is already interest in the USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, South Africa, and Slovakia.