Geosynthetica organized a geomembrane welding quality workshop in São Paulo, Brazil on April 18 and 19. Our Brazil industry editor Bruno Pedroni attended and reports that more than 30 professionals participated in the event, which was the second workshop of its type in the country. The first workshop was held in 2015.
The two-day geomembrane welding quality education was held at the Institute of Engineering. Practical and theoretical classes were presented with engineers Luduik Rosales, Indiara Giugni, and Dr. Julio Ferreira leading the sessions. The objective of the event was to contribute to the improvement of the quality of geomembrane installations throughout Brazil.
Photos from the event have been provided by Bruno Pedroni and Julio Ferreira.
In a recent interview with Geosynthetica Latin America editor Natalia Rodado, Dr. Ferreira noted that the manufacturing quality in Brazil was strong, but that manufacturers had concerns on introducing products to the field. The country does not have as strong of regulatory support and education about geosynthetics is still relatively narrow. Thus, workshops of this nature, which get the active workers in the field involved with quality improvement measures, go a long way towards raising the bar for the country’s industry and help ensure that engineered facilities go into service in the condition they are designed for.
IAGI ENHANCES GEOMEMBRANE WELDING QUALITY
Some of the other key objectives of the geomembrane welding quality workshop were to increase the technical knowledge of contractor professionals who offer geosynthetic installation services; to promote a more qualified and transparent dialogue between the engineers, contractors, and installers; and to provide stronger technical and theoretical foundations for geomembrane welders.
The International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) helped elevate the importance of these sessions and in meeting these goals by providing for the first time an opportunity for Brazil installation professionals to seek IAGI recognition in the Certified Welding Technician (CWT) program.
Learn more about the Brazilian geosynthetics industry at www.geosynthetica.net.br (Portuguese).
Additional stories from Central and South America are available at www.geosynthetica.com.es (Spanish).
For information on how Geosynthetica’s publications or its publisher, Minerva, can help organize engineering education, contact Elizabeth Peggs and Geosynthetica today!.
