Geosynthetica's Geotalk

Geosynthetica Editor Chris Kelsey checks in on the impact of COVID on geotechnical engineering events, including EuroGeo 7, the Canadian Geotechnical Society annual conference, Slope Stability 2020 in Australia, and TRI Environmental's renowned geosynthetics CQA courses.

Geosynthetica Editor Chris Kelsey sits down with Kent von Maubeuge to discuss the rapidly growing group of construction materials known as multi-component geosynthetic clay liners. These GCLs offer unique performance enhancements for containment applications in infrastructure.

Phil McGoldrick shares his experience in international market development and geosynthetics, as his company, Strata Geosystems, prepares to triple its capacity.

This week, we talk with Tom Williams, a 40-year veteran of disturbed land reclamation work, much of which has been in connection with mining activities. Tom is the VP Environmental Affairs of Fiore Gold US Inc., and he’s also one of the featured speakers at the International Erosion Control Association 2018 Conference and Exhibition.

Landfill engineering has advanced significantly over the past 35 years. Geosynthetic lining, capping, and final cover systems have had a lot to do with that success. ClosureTurf is one of fastest growing final cover systems in use. We checked in with Chris Eichelberger of Agru America about the system's long-term benefits, other applications using it, and more.

Geosynthetics have achieved some remarkable levels of performance in infrastructure, playing a big role while being only a small part within any project. Biogeotechnical engineering may play a similar role in the future, including in projects alongside geosynthetics. We interviewed Kimberly Martin, a researcher at the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics at Arizona State University, about this emerging field.

With so many infrastructure applications relying upon 40 or 60-mil black high-density polyethylene geomembranes, and so many manufacturers providing them, black HDPE has started to feel more like a commodity product. Or is it the tremendous R&D going on in geomembranes that makes standard black HDPE seem like a commodity? Paul Payeur of Solmax discusses geomembrane trends and the continuing push towards reinvention.

Nearly 80 years of erosion data in the United States informs the massive RUSLE 2 database, led by the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. In this episode, Dave Lightle shares his 40+ years of experience with the RUSLE 2 mathematical prediction tool for erosion processes and better land management planning, including how the system extended beyond being a tool for farmers and ranchers and now enhances designs in urban runoff, mine remediation, landfill capping, and more.

The Alaska Department of Transportation brought a specific engineering challenge to TenCate Geosynthetics: the need to enhance lateral drainage from roadway subgrades to minimize frost boils. The company came back not only with a design solution but a new type of geotextile, one which is now finding many different applications. Mark Sikkema of TenCate Geosynthetics discusses the development and uses of this enhanced wicking geosynthetic.

Joe Little of Little Environments PLLC spent some years working in Australia, where geosynthetics have frequently been deployed in coastal applications. When he returned to the United States, he established his own practice. Now, he draws upon experience and unique project approaches from around the world in creating locally effective strategies for improving inland waterways, coastlines, and marine habitats. Geosynthetics continue to be one of his most effective tools.

Infrastructure projects often shape our futures for the better, but they can also be tremendous sources of pollution and lead to poor relations with a community for a project’s stakeholders. So, how do we improve these relationships? How do we create strong environmental programs on construction sites? How do we give communities a sense of ownership of the projects? Carissa Agnese shares her experience with managing environmental programs on Skanska USA's work sites in the Southeastern United States, where they’ve achieved some impressive, award-winning results.

The field of geosynthetics has seen a strong increase geomembrane performance debate. The topics have looked roundly at performance in exposed environments, in buried service conditions, from installation perspectives, and much more. We must not forget to include a focus on the impact of proper drainage and venting on geosynthetic barrier systems and lined facility performance.

The International Geosynthetics Society revived its Educate the Educators program in 2015. The initiative was developed in the early 1990s to educate engineers, regulators, and academics about geosynthetic materials. In the 20+ years since, the geosynthetics had grown enormously—but how to engineer with these materials had not become standard in college engineering curricula. Industry veteran Robert Mackey (S2Li) notes that college is far from the only place we need to look in focusing on education. We can’t ignore the engineers already in the field.

The field of geosynthetics has often been defined by how these materials improve the performance and economics of a particular site or application. These goals are achieved through rigorous testing to aid design. However, engineering approaches vary significantly around the world. We talked with Kent von Maubeuge (NAUE Geosynthetics) about how puncture protection is approached for landfill lining systems around the world.

Dr. Jorge Zornberg (Immediate Past President, International Geosynthetics Society) discusses three major MSE design frameworks with geosynthetics: limit equilibrium, K-stiffness, and AASHTO/FHWA. A high-level meeting took place this year to try and advance geotechnical engineering understanding in this area.

In this episode of Geosynthetica’s GeoTalk Podcast, we sit down with Dr. George Koerner of the Geosynthetic Institute to discuss exposed geomembrane performance. This includes landfill projects that have withstood hurricanes, newer infrastructure sectors, such as coal ash capping, and much more.

Jay Sprague of the South Carolina-based Denver Down Research Facility took on a private client’s pullout anchor testing questions with erosion and sediment control systems and components. The results began to yield revealing data on anchor pullout performance. It may lead to a new field standard.

Dr. Eve Brantley, an extension specialist and associate professor with Auburn University’s Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Department in the renowned College of Agriculture, discusses the lag in adoption of strong erosion and sediment control programs and how to create effective education to improve this situation.

How do we create a more water-centric infrastructure? Dr. Daniel Medina, P.E., D.WRE discusses low impact development strategies with Elizabeth Peggs. They focus on how we can overcome disparities between countries and differing community priorities with green engineering.

For nearly 10 years, Mary Nodine, P.E. has written geotechnical poetry alongside her daily engineering work. We discuss this creative, problem-solving process with her and how frustration can be a great source for inspiration.