Geosynthetica's GeoTalk

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.