Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) have a tremendous record as hydraulic barriers in engineered lining and capping systems. Yet, they are not 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. The four-part, free GCL webinar series from Dr. Craig Benson, Dean of...

AMI’s Waterproof Membranes conference is back! The next edition will take place 8 – 10 November 2021 at the Pullman Cologne hotel in Cologne, Germany. The single-track, international conference focuses on market dynamics, technical innovations, manufacturing, supply chains, and other matters influencing the success of barrier materials. Presentations address geotechnical and architectural barriers. The conference begins with an evening reception on November...

If you missed the virtual 4th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics (4 ICTG), you can still learn from the events hundreds of contributors! The conference, which was held online in late May 2021, included more than 230 peer-reviewed papers and roughly 400 participants. Geotechnical professionals who were not able to attend can now access the event's presentations through 31 August...

Geosynthetics have provided a wide range of flood defense solutions around the world. They are used to halt erosion, strength coast lines and riverbanks. They support dunes and prevent sand wash out in the face of hurricanes. They provide alternatives to sand bags. For many projects, they provide essential levee reinforcement to provide long-term defense against flood threats. Here, we...

This series of Technical Notes, authored by Concrete Canvas Ltd., consider the importance of using ASTM standards that are specific to Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats (GCCMs) when selecting GCCM materials for use on erosion control projects. SERIES INTRODUCTION GCCMs are unlike most geosynthetics as their properties change on hydration from flexible to rigid. Both the uncured (pre-set, soft and flexible) and cured...

Montreal-based McGill University is home to one of Canada's top geotechnical engineering programs. Titan Environmental Containment has long partnered with different engineering schools on materials development projects. Now, Titan is increasing its involvement with the McGill University Geo-Group, courtesy of a new three-year research project: Improving the Performance of Ground-Supported Slabs Subject to Extreme Environmental Conditions by Using Rigid...

The International Geosynthetics Society's sustainability eBook (Preparing the Ground for a Brighter Future) is based upon IGS Vice President Dr. Nathalie Touze’s 2018 Giroud Lecture, which propelled a major IGS sustainability initiative. The free, digital publication first published in English in 2020 to coincide with the 50th Earth Day celebration. A central focus in the eBook is the many...

FC Géosynthétiques is one of the most recognized geosynthetic installers in Canada, with a strong track record in the field and a team that is increasingly an active contributor to geosynthetics events. The company won the inaugural GeoGames (2019), for example, from the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI). At that point, the operation still utilized the FC Liners...

The Australasian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (ACIGS) is one of the most active IGS chapters in the world. It has been particularly active in hosting top-tier webinars on important infrastructure, environmental, and geosynthetics issues (such as construction quality assurance ). The chapter shares those educational opportunities with the global community through live and on-demand streaming of those...

In 2020, to mark the 50th Earth Day celebration and outline the many ways in which geosynthetics serve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Geosynthetics Society released a sustainability eBook. The succinct, digital publication (Preparing the Ground for a Brighter Future) is based upon IGS Vice President Dr. Nathalie Touze’s 2018 Giroud Lecture, which propelled a major...