Tuesday, February 09, 2010
9ICG Hotel Update
In May, when participants from around the world arrive in Guaruja, São Paulo, Brazil for the 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics (9ICG), they'll have many beachfront hotel options. The conference organizers have announced that a local travel agency has arranged for special rates at more than just the conference hotel, the Sofitel Jequitimar Hotel. Attendees may also choose from several hotels located at the beaches of Enseada and Pernambuco.
Read more and guarantee your best rate no matter where you stay during 9ICG.
Rowe to Lead Geosynthetic Barriers Workshop
Dr. R. Kerrey Rowe will lead a geosynthetic barrier systems workshop in Vancouver, Canada on 11 May 2010. "Designing and Constructing Lining Systems" is sponsored by Terrafix Geosynthetics and Arrow Construction. In addition to a review of current lining technologies and managing system challenges, Dr. Rowe will also include an update on extensive site research being done at Queen’s University on the long-term performance of geosynthetic liners. Registration is just $20. Reserve your space by 16 April 2010.
Download a PDF brochure.
NTPEP's January 2010 Erosion Control Report
AASHTO's National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) January 2010 report on Erosion Control Product (ECP) data is available for free download. Products included in this edition of NTPEP Report on ECPs are required to resubmit to NTPEP every three years. In addition to the voluntary submissions and independent testing information, NTPEP includes "drop dates" for when products are set to expire.
Read the report here (PDF).
Erosion Control Field Looks to EC10
The world's premier erosion and sediment control conference is just two weeks away. The International Erosion Control Association's (IECA) EC10 takes place in Dallas, Texas from 16 to 20 February. Avoid the on-site registration surcharge by registering today. This year's event includes more than 40 technical sessions under eight key track headings such as "Slope Technology," "Erosion and Sediment Control," and "Beach and Shoreline Stabilization." Download and fax in your registration form now (PDF).
Read more about the event.
Geosynthetics Lead Dam Replacement
The design and construction of a replacement dam on difficult foundations was recently completed at a salmon smolt facility in Scotland. RM Doake from AECOM explains how the design process was shaped by working in such an environmentally sensitive area--including through the extensive utilization of geosynthetic clay barriers (also known as GCLs) and thick nonwoven geotextiles for seepage control and soil stabilization.
Read the article online in International Water Power and Dam Construction.
First GSI-Asia Conference to Be Held in November
The India-based Business Coordination House (BCH), which is involved in, among other things, the creation and promotion of geotextile and other geosynthetic seminars and companies in India, has released its January-March 2010 newsletter. This issue includes an article on an Indian government program to spur jute geotextile manufacture and study (page 15), Agru America's ClosureTurf capping system (page 30), and an article on "Jute Fibres in Geosynthetics" from Dr. G.V. Rao (page 42).
Read the issue in PDF.
EPA Releases Electric Utility Plans to Improve Safety of Coal Ash Impoundment
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released action plans developed by 22 electric utility facilities with coal ash impoundments, describing the measures the facilities are taking to make their impoundments safer. In addition to the action plans released today, EPA is also releasing assessment reports on the structural integrity of an additional 40 coal ash impoundments at 16 facilities across the country. Most of the 40 impoundments have a rating of "high" or "significant" hazard potential, indicating the potential for harm in the event of impoundment failure.
Read more.
ESCN Update
The latest episode from Land and Water magazine's Erosion and Sediment Control Network (ESCN.tv) is available. This week's stories include coverage from the International Erosion Control Association's (IECA) Winnipeg Conference, the installment of ESCN's interview with Jennifer Hildebrand regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's Effluent Limitations Guideline (ELG), the Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA) will hold its 22nd Annual Conference soon, Julie Etra offers a tip of the week on "Factoring in Failure," and more.
Watch it online today.
Reminder: Geo-Frontiers 2011 Abstracts
Geo-Frontiers 2011 brings together the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute (GI) and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). It will be held 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Call for Abstracts has been issued. Current tracks include Soil/Rock Mechanics and Modeling; Geotechnical Testing and Site Characterization; Foundations and Ground Improvement; Slopes, Embankments, and Earth Retaining Structures; Geosynthetics; Geoenvironmental Engineering; Geo-Hazards (Earthquakes, Landslides, Erosions, Others); Transportation Materials and Pavements; and Other Geotechnical Related Issues.
Abstracts due: 8 March 2011.
ASDSO Letter Concerning Virginia Dam Legislation
Sarah McCubbin-Cain has shared with Geosynthetica a letter sent to Virginia-based members of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO). There, the state senate has passed legislation that may lead to dam failures by allowing non-compliant facilities to continue to operate. ASDSO asks for help in stopping this new legislation.
Read the letter here.
Tensartech Embankments and Sustainability
The surrounding green embankments at Nottingham's new high sustainability Castle College Technology Park and Number 1 Science and Technology Park are prrominent landscape features. By using a Tensartech earth retaining solution from Tensar International, construction company Morgan Ashurst was able to realize the architect's design over very weak ground as well as provide the most cost-effective solution and prevent soil from going into landfill by re-using it in construction.
Read the story.