During the twice-yearly ASTM Committee Weeks, various standards committees and subcommittees recognize key contributions from their members for consensus building, technical expertise, leadership, and more. Two figures deeply tied to geotechnical engineering and erosion and sediment control were honored with ASTM International Awards during the late June gatherings: Dr. George Koerner (representing the Geosynthetic Institute) and Dr. Michael Robeson.
ASTM INTERNATIONAL AWARDS: D35
Committee D35 on Geosynthetics recognized the 30+ years of test method development work of the Geosynthetic Institute with the Committee’s prestigious David Suits Award. George Koerner accepted on behalf of GSI.
The Geosynthetic Institute published its first test method (geogrid junction strength) in 1987. Since then, 31 of its test methods have been co-opted by ASTM International and GSI, in turn, has depreciated its affiliated test methods. GSI is still very active in test method development with its research and industry partners—25 test methods are still active—and it is fair to expect additional testing and standardization partnership between GSI and ASTM International Committee D35 going forward.
In the meantime, the parties enjoyed pausing to recognize the work of GSI. David Suits, who has contributed to standards and industry growth for more than 30 years, was on hand to present George Koerner with the award.
ASTM INTERNATIONAL AWARDS: D18
Dr. Michael D. Robeson, PE, CPESC, CPSWQ, CESSWI of Profile Products received the the Standards Development Award and the Special Service Award from Committee D18 on Soil and Rock.
The Committee cited Robeson’s work on ASTM Standard D7986, “Standard practice for preparing specimens of hydraulic erosion control products for index property testing” and to his long-time, outstanding contributions to D18 and various subcommittees.
“These awards highlight the exceptional innovation and hard work that Dr. Robeson brings,” said his Profile colleague Marc S. Theisen, CPESC, CPSWQ, CESSWI.
Robeson has more than 20 years of experience in hydraulics, erosion and sediment control, soil modification, plant establishment, and storm water management.
Geosynthetica congratulates our friends and colleagues George Koerner and Michael Robeson on the honors they picked up during ASTM Committee Week. Well earned!
 and Dr. Michael Robeson received ASTM International Awards during June's Committee Week){kind=link}