Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) have a tremendous record as hydraulic barriers in engineered lining and capping systems. Still, they are not necessarily well understood by the larger geotechnical design community. They require knowledge not only of geosynthetics but of sodium bentonite types, behavior, and suitability in certain applications. Dr. Craig Benson, Dean of the School of Engineering at the University...

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) and its 40+ chapters organize and support numerous conferences around the world, including quadrennial regional conferences and the quadrennial International Conference on Geosynthetics (ICG). Last year saw only one of the three expected regional IGS conferences (GeoAmericas 2020) able to be held, due to Covid’s disruption. That event was held virtually. This year, engineers, regulators,...

There’s an old saying in media that “content is king.” Our friends at NAUE Group are certainly celebrating a regal milestone in the field, as they published Issue #50 of NAUE News in December. The publication series, established in January 1998, has never been an exclusively corporate newsletter. The company has steadily delivered relevant project stories, standards updates, market...

Each year we look back at the most-read stories on Geosynthetica. One of the fascinating things about this year’s list is how our readers were doing the same: looking back. More than half of the Top 10 articles are from previous years. The 2018 volume of stories performed particularly well. It’s a testament to the enduring relevancy of the geosynthetic...

Editor’s Introduction: This coal seam gas article was first published 20 July 2016 on Geosynthetica. We re-release it here in honor of the author, Fred Gassner, being awarded Honorary Membership with the Australasian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (ACIGS). Gassner helped found the ACIGS 20 years ago. Brine Ponds for Coal Seam Gas Operations By Fred Gassner – In the past...

Editor's Introduction: This floating covers article was first published 24 September 2013 on Geosynthetica. We re-release it here in honor of the author, Mike Sadlier, being awarded Honorary Membership with the Australasian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (ACIGS). Sadlier helped found the ACIGS 20 years ago. Floating Covers, Evaporation and Mine Economics By Mike Sadlier - Using a hypothetical example...

International geosynthetics manufacturer Solmax is well known for its barrier technologies, including with conductive lining systems that can enhance site quality assurance. The company is now expanding options for the marketplace with these systems. This week, it unveiled its Leak Location Suite (LLS). The system aims to build repeatable liner testing and remediation into containment design. See end of story...

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) supports two official geotechnical publications: Geosynthetics International and Geotextiles and Geomembranes. Both IGS Journals are among the most highly ranked, peer-reviewed geotechnical publications in the world, according to Scimago's list of 263 ranked journals. Geotextiles & Geomembranes, in fact, is a Top 10 publication and Geosynthetics International is in the Top 20. Each year, the...

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) Technical Committee on Barriers (TC-B), in partnership with the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), has launched a database to track global guidelines and regulations that govern and affect geosynthetic barrier applications. The project focuses on 12 sectors right now: Landfills Hydraulic Engineering Mining Coal Ash Railways Road Construction Groundwater Protection Soil Encapsulation Waterproofing Tank Farms Storage...

The long-running geosynthetics CQA Week training courses from TRI Environmental return 7 - 11 December 2020 in an online format. This marks the second time this year that the education will be presented live and online. With five half-day (morning) sessions and one major certification opportunity (GCI-ICP), CQA Week provides thorough training that serves to expand opportunities for engineering...