The 15th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (XV PCSMGE) takes place 15 – 18 November 2015 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PCSMGE delivers one of the most important technical knowledge exchange platform for geotechnical engineers, agencies, material manufacturers, and affiliated stakeholders throughout the Americas.
Also, three major events are co-located with the PCSMGE: the 8th South American Conference on Rock Mechanics (CSMR), the 6th International Symposium of Deformation Characteristics of Soils (IC- BA2015 ) and the XXII Argentinian Congress of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (CAMSIG XXII).
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR XV PCSMGE
Multiple pre-conference short courses are available to enhance the depth of engineering information. These offerings include an International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) Argentina Chapter-organized reinforcement course with instruction from Profs. Bob Holtz, Ennio Palmeira, and Jorge Zornberg.
The XV PCSMGE short courses include:
- PC01: Advance course on coupled multiphysics analysis in geo-engineering
- PC02: Principles and practice of sustainability in geotechnical engineering
- PC03: 2D/3D Slope stability analysis.
- PC04: Geomechanics and shale gas development
- PC05: Geosynthetics for soil reinforcement
- PC06: RocScience- Numerical techniques for slope stability analysis
- PC07: Rock mechanics and empirical methods in rock engineering
- PC08-Design & failure of dikes and levees
View full course information and download flyers on the PCSMGE short course web page
ABOUT THE GEOSYNTHETICS COURSE
Prof. Bob Holtz will serve as the lead instructor for the geosynthetic reinforcement session while Profs. Ennio Palmeira and Jorge Zornberg will serve as collaborators. In their course abstract, they write:
The use of geosynthetics for reinforcing soils enables civil engineers to design and construct embankments and other structures more economically and with increased safety than is possible with traditional design and construction. Because geosynthetics are relatively new and nontraditional civil engineering materials, the course begins with a brief description of their types and manufacture, and the properties and tests required for the design, selection, and specification of reinforcing geosynthetics.
The remainder of the course focuses in detail on the three main applications of geosynthetics for soil reinforcement: (1) embankments on soft foundations, (2) steep reinforced slopes, and (3) very steep reinforced soil slopes, aka retaining walls and abutments. For each application, case histories are used to illustrate important design and construction principles. Emphasis is on the materials properties of the geosynthetics required for economical design and construction. Specifications, construction details, inspection, and suggestions for avoiding failures of each application are also mentioned. Course materials for each application as well as copies of the slides shown will be available and the schedule will permit ample time for questions and discussion.
ABOUT XV PCSMGE
The 15th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering is organized by the Argentinean Society for Geotechnical Engineering (SAIG), the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), and the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM).
The event is being managed by the Argentina office of MCI Group.
