Geosynthetica's GeoTalk

Phil McGoldrick shares his experience in the international market development of geosynthetics, the growth of value engineered systems, and re-investment and expansion on the manufacturing side. We spoke to him just ahead of his company, Strata Geosystems, tripling its production capacity in India.

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. Geosynthetica met with him at the International Erosion Control Association 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 discusses how they developed an 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 should shape a better future, but they can also be tremendous sources of pollution and lead to poor relations with a community. How do we improve these relationships? How do we create strong environmental programs in construction? How do we give communities ownership of a project? Carissa Agnese shares her experience with managing environmental programs. She's 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.