NAGS Announces their Biennial Meeting

Announcing the NAGS – North American Geosynthetics Society – Biennial Meeting in conjunction with the Geosynthetics 2015 Conference
When: 6 – 7 pm Monday, February 16, 2015
Where: Room E148 of the Convention Center (Note the change in room from the original announcement sent by e-mail.)

  • Come meet the 2015-2017 Board of Directors
  • Help recognize the outgoing Board members
  • Help us look ahead
  • and take a brief look back over the past two years

See you at the Meeting!
geosynthetics2015Conflogo

Visit Conference Website

GeoAmericas 2016 Call for Abstracts

geoamericas2016_logo_withtag_lg_4c

GeoAmericas 2016 — the 3rd Pan-American Conference on Geosynthetics — continues the GeoAmericas tradition of excellence established in Cancún (2008) and Lima (2012). The North American Geosynthetics Society, which is organizing the event, has opened the abstracts submission window.

DOWNLOAD CALL FOR ABSTRACTS (PDF)

Abstracts will be due 10 April 2015. Submit abstracts online at www.GeoAmericas2016.org.

SUBMIT ABSTRACTS

Abstracts in English of up to 400 words are invited on all applications utilizing geosynthetics. Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Mining
  • Water and Wastewater
  • Roads, Ports, and Railways
  • Slope Stability & Reinforced Structures
  • Sustainability
  • Tunnels
  • Durability of Geosynthetics
  • Waste Management
  • Testing
  • Quality Control & Quality Assurance (Construction and Manufacturing)

 

SPECIAL SESSION TOPICS
GeoAmericas 2016 will host some special sessions, as requested by the engineering community during the previous Call for Proposals. Abstracts are welcomed for special sessions consideration. They include:

  • Geosynthetic Stabilized Earth Walls with Clay as Reinforced Soil: Opportunities, Challenges and Experience
  • Finite Element Seepage Analysis Involving Geosynthetics
  • Limited Life Basal Reinforcement for an Embankment Built on Saturated Soft Clay
  • Installation Aspects of Soil Reinforcement Applications
  • Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls and Embankments Adjacent to Existing Structures – Design and Construction
  • Atypical Obstacles in Reinforced Soil Design
  • Lessons Learned From Failures
  • Geomembrane Stress Cracking Resistance Using Various Polymers
  • Geosynthetics in Energy Applications
  • Geomebrane Welding: What Have We Learned Over the Years
  • Geosynthetic Assets: Maximizing Your Return-on Investment
  • To Use or Not: Geosynthetics in Permanent Mining Structures, as Waste Dumps and Tailings Dams

 

LEARNING FROM EVERY REGION AND NATION
GeoAmericas 2016 does not have an overall theme; rather, the organizers seek to bridge nations and regions through their diverse engineering challenges and how engineers in one part of the Americas may learn from engineers in another. From Northern Canada to Cape Horn, a tremendous range of climates and infrastructure needs are found.

At GeoAmericas, the best of the geosynthetic solutions to these challenges will be represented.

IMPORTANT DATE FOR AUTHORS
6 January 2015: Call for abstracts opens
10 April 2015: Call for abstracts closes
15 April 2015: Authors notified
1 August 2015: First draft of papers due
15 September 2015: Reviews complete
30 November 2015: Final papers due
15 January 2016: Presenting authors must be registered

ABOUT GEOAMERICAS 2016
GeoAmericas 2016 (www.GeoAmericas2016.org) will provide an international forum for engineers, practitioners, and academe from throughout the Americas to explore current and future potential applications for geosynthetics. It offers an active marketplace for the promotion of geosynthetic products and technologies, and its keynote lectures, panel discussions, short courses, and technical sessions will offer exceptional knowledge transfer and networking opportunities.

The North American Geosynthetics Society (www.igs-na.org), which is the host chapter for GeoAmericas 2016, is a chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS).

GeoAmericas2016_LowesHotel_450wVenue and Accommodation
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
1601 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

The hotel is located in Miami’s famous South Beach. A pedestrian area with phenomenal restaurants both on site and in immediate walking distance. If you would like to be entertained at one of South Beach’s many world renowned elegant restaurants or if you are ready to simply relax and enjoy vibrant night life. If you are interested in hosting additional corporate meetings or activities during or around GeoAmericas 2016 please contact Elizabeth Peggs (epeggs@minervatri.com) for assistance in coordination.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GEOAMERICAS 2016

GeoAmericas2016.org

Sign up for the newsletter on the GeoAmericas 2016 website: www.GeoAmericas2016.org.

GeoAmercicas® 2016 is Hosted by NAGS (North American Geosynthetics Society), Managed by Minerva-Technology, Resources & Information and held under the Auspices of the IGS (International Geosynthetics Society).

ga2016partnerslogos

2015 NAGS Election Candidate Biographies

The NAGS 2015 Election is open from 3 December until 17 December 2014.

Ballots will be cast electronically.  Each member in good standing may cast one vote each for President Elect and Treasurer.

There are 3 open Vice Presidential seats on the board. Each NAGS Member in good standing may cast up to 3 votes for the Vice Presidential seats, the order of selection of up to 3 candidates does not affect the weight of the vote – each vote shall count as one point for the candidate. The 3 candidates with the highest number of votes will be the successful candidates.

To review the candidates biographies, please click here.

 

NAGS Accepting Board Of Directors Nominations

Dear Members:

In preparation for our upcoming biannual meeting to be held at the Geosynthetics 2015 Conference in Portland, OR, we are preparing for elections for the NAGS board of directors. At this moment, there will be 3 Vice President Positions open and 1 president elect position open.

The positions that are up for re-election/replacement are currently held by Jay McKelvey (VP), Richard Brachman(VP), Dhani Narejo (VP) and Corey Bobba (Treasurer). The president elect position is open and must be chosen from the current BOD.

If you know of anyone that would be interested in becoming active with the North American Chapter of the IGS (North American Geosynthetics Society), please offer a nomination for the position by responding to the following e-mail: info@igs-na.org. Each nomination should be accompanied by a brief biography and picture of the nominee.

For your information, the current Board Members and their status are noted below:

Position

Position Open for Nominations

Currently Held By

Term status

Eligible for re-election?

Eligible for election as president elect?

President

NO

Bob Mackey

Completing 2nd yr of 2 yr term as president

NO

NO

President Elect

YES

John Henderson

Completing 2nd yr of 2 yr term prior to becoming president

No Action Required

NO

Treasurer

YES

Corey Bobba

Completing 1st 4 yr term

YES

YES

Vice President

NO

Mike Bernardi

2nd year of 4 year term

No Action Required

YES

Vice President

YES

Richard Brachman

Completing 1st 4 yr term

YES

YES

Vice President

YES

Jay McKelvey

Completing 2nd 4 yr term

NO

??

Vice President

YES

Dhani Narejo

Completing 1st 4 yr term

YES

YES

Member at Large

NO

Gabrielle Mariscall

1st year of 2 yr appointment

No Action Required

YES

Past President

NO

Dean Sandri

Completing 2nd year as past president

N/A

NO

Dean Sandri, PE, Past President, North American Geosynthetics Society
ENGINEER

Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
29 Via Di Nola
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

GeoAmericas 2016 Call for Proposals

geoamericas2016_logo_withtag_lg_4c

GeoAmericas 2016 — the 3rd Pan-American Conference on Geosynthetics — , hosted by NAGS, will be held at the Lowes Hotel on South Beach in Miami, Florida 10 – 13 April 2016. The event will continue the quadrennial GeoAmericas tradition of excellence, providing a forum for engineers, practitioners and academe from the Americas to explore current and future potential applications for geosynthetics. The Call for Proposals for short courses, training lectures, and technical sessions has been issued.

DOWNLOAD THE CALL FOR PROPOSALS (PDF)

Proposals for short courses, training lectures, and technical sessions will be due 15 November 2014. Sign up for the newsletter on the GeoAmericas website: www.GeoAmericas2016.org.

Note: The Call for Abstracts—for individual papers—will be issued in January 2015.

More about GeoAmericas 2016
GeoAmericas 2016 is developing a program to advance the knowledge and understanding of geosynthetics at every level, from novice to expert. All will be provided with an opportunity to gain and share knowledge.

Considering the diverse range of interests and applications, the conference has chosen not to isolate a theme; rather, the event will facilitate learning and dialogue on the key issues faced by geosynthetic communities throughout the Pan-American region.

Key application sectors will include, but are not limited to, transportation, mining, infrastructure, waste, and water. Other relevant discussions may focus on improving the quality and durability of works through the application of geosynthetics.

As with previous GeoAmericas conferences, the technical calls have been divided, with the Call for Proposals preceding the Call for Abstracts. This division will help the individual paper authors more accurately slot their submissions into the larger technical program.

GeoAmericas Important Dates

  • 15 November 2014: Call for Proposals Closes
  • 6 January 2015: Call for Abstracts OPENS
  • 10 April 2015: Call for Abstracts CLOSES
  • 15 April 2015: Authors Notified
  • 1 August 2015: First Drafts of Papers Due
  • 15 September 2015: Reviews Complete
  • 15 September 2015: Tech Committee Meeting
  • 30 November 2015: Final Papers Due
  • 15 January 2016: Authors must be registered. Papers to proceedings.

GeoAmericas2016_LowesHotel_450wVenue and Accommodation
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
1601 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

The hotel is located in Miami’s famous South Beach. A pedestrian area with phenomenal restaurants both on site and in immediate walking distance. If you would like to be entertained at one of South Beach’s many world renowned elegant restaurants or if you are ready to simply relax and enjoy vibrant night life. If you are interested in hosting additional corporate meetings or activities during or around GeoAmericas 2016 please contact Elizabeth Peggs (epeggs@minervatri.com) for assistance in coordination.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GEOAMERICAS 2016
www.GeoAmericas2016.org

GeoAmercicas® 2016 is Hosted by NAGS (North American Geosynthetics Society), Managed by Minerva-Technology, Resources & Information and held under the Auspices of the IGS (International Geosynthetics Society).

ga2016partnerslogos

NAGS Announces 3rd Presentation of Its 2014 Webinar Series

RJonathanFanninEvent: NAGS 2014 Webinar Series: Presentation #3
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2014, 1-2 pm EDT
Location: Online Webinar
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN (Registration Closes October 7th, 2014)

REGISTER HERE

NAGS is very pleased to announce the 2014 Webinar Series:Presentation #3:
“Geofilters”

Presented by:
R. Jonathan Fannin, Ph.D., P. Eng.
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada;

DATE: Wednesday October 8, 2014, 1:00 – 2:00 pm EST

ABSTRACT: The origins of current design practice for a granular filter are first examined, along with some of the lessons learned over the years from construction of very large embankment dams, including the WAC Bennett dam in British Columbia. The origins of current design practice for a geotextile filter are then examined, in conjunction with some of the lessons learned from their use in earthworks, including the rehabilitation of the Alouette dam spillway in British Columbia. The evidence to-date suggests that both sand-gravel filters and geosynthetic filters have generally performed well at controlling seepage flow in earthwork applications for many years. However there have also been problems reported, both for granular filters and for geotextile filters. This lecture draws upon industry-university research on the sinkhole incident at the WAC Bennett dam in British Columbia, and industry-university research on the filter compatibility of geotextiles in unidirectional and reversing flow, to understand better the significance of issues affecting the performance of geofilters in earthworks. The merits of mandating the use of a geosynthetic filter as an adjunct to a granular filter, in critical infrastructure, are then considered within the context of risk management.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Jonathan Fannin obtained a B.Sc. (Civil Engineering) from the Queen’s University of Belfast, and a D. Phil. (Geotechnical Engineering) from the University of Oxford for studies on geosynthetics for soil stabilization. He is a recipient of several awards, including an IGS Award for contributions of laboratory and field research to engineering practice, a CGS Quigley Award for the best paper in the Canadian Geotechnical Journal, a Karl Terzaghi Fellowship from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and most recently, a Distinguished Visiting Fellow award from the U.K. Royal Academy of Engineering. Jonathan has provided specialist technical advice on a number of dam projects in North and South America and, in 2013, was made a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada in 2013.

PRESENTATION #3 REGISTRATION FEE:
$100 – Presentation #3 MEMBER Fee: NAGS / CGS / IGS
$300 – Presentation #3 NON-MEMBER Fee ( Save money and become a member of NAGS today! )
$25 – Presentation #3 NAGS Student Member Rate ( Students may apply to NAGS at no charge for membership! )

PDHs: Professional development credit will be available for each participant paying a registration fee.

GROUPS: Small groups of up to five people are welcome to participate for one registration fee. Groups larger than five must pay a second registration fee.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN (Registration Closes October 7th, 2014)

REGISTER HERE

NOTES: All fees are in USD. Why not join NAGS for $75 USD? Please see www.nags-igs.org for details.

cgs_logo
Co-sponsored by the Geosynthetics Division of the Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS)

NAGS – Providing leadership in advancing the education and research of geosynthetics

NAGS Announces 2nd Presentation of Its 2014 Webinar Series

Bob MackeyEvent: NAGS 2014 Webinar Series: Presentation #2
Date: Wednesday July 9, 2014, 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDT
Location: Online Webinar

REGISTER HERE

NAGS is very pleased to announce the 2014 Webinar Series:Presentation #2:
“Composite Drainage Nets – Design and Testing”

Presented by:
Bob Mackey, P.E., BCEE
S2L, Incorporated
Maitland, Florida, USA

DATE: Wednesday July 9, 2014, 1:00 – 2:00 pm EST

ABSTRACT: The development of composite drainage nets (CDNs) (a.k.a. “geocomposites”) has advanced from the initial biaxial nets to tri-axial nets to the current composite drainage products of various geosynthetic materials and structures. The use of CDNs requires a fundamental knowledge of the CDN components and the specifications for those materials.

This North American Geosynthetics Society webinar will address the various design, testing and installation issues one must consider with composite drainage nets. Issues include:

  • Various CDNs and their components
  • Ply adhesion (geotextile/geonet)
  • Flow pattern considerations
  • Reduction factors
  • Creep reduction estimates and testing
  • Transmissivity testing
  • Design specifications (cap and leachate collection)
  • Installation issues
  • Construction and historical issues

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Mr. Mackey is a civil/environmental engineer with 28+ years of experience in the solid waste management field. Bob is currently president of the North American Geosynthetic Society and Chairman of the ASTM International Committee D35on Geosynthetics. Mr. Mackey is an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida, former co-instructor for the ASCE continuing education course “Design of Waste Containment Liner and Closure Systems,” and a member of ASCE’s Body of Knowledge Committee, 2nd Edition. Bob has received ASTM’s Award of Merit (the association’s highest award), and he has been honored with the designation of Fellow by ASTM, ASCE and the Florida Engineering Society.

PRESENTATION #2 REGISTRATION FEE:
$100 – Presentation #2 MEMBER Fee: NAGS / CGS / IGS
$300 – Presentation #2 NON-MEMBER Fee ( Save money and become a member of NAGS today! )
$25 – Presentation #2 NAGS Student Member Rate ( Students may apply to NAGS at no charge for membership! )

PDHs: Professional development credit will be available for each participant paying a registration fee.

GROUPS: Small groups of up to five people are welcome to participate for one registration fee. Groups larger than five must pay a second registration fee.

REGISTER HERE

NOTES: All fees are in USD. Why not join NAGS for $75 USD? Please see www.nags-igs.org for details.

NAGS – Providing leadership in advancing the education and research of geosynthetics

NAGS Announces 1st Presentation of Its 2014 Webinar Series

rowe_picEvent: NAGS 2014 Webinar Series: Presentation #1
Date: Wednesday March 19, 2014, 1 – 2 pm EDT
Location: Online Webinar

REGISTER HERE

NAGS is very pleased to announce the 2014 Webinar Series:Presentation #1:
“Recent insights on the performance of GCLs in bottom liners and covers”

Presented by:
R. Kerry Rowe
GeoEngineering Centre at Queen’s-RMC
Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada

DATE: Wednesday March 19, 2014, 1-2 pm EST

ABSTRACT: The available evidence suggests that both geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) and composite liners with a geomembrane (GMB) over a clay liner have performed extremely well at controlling leakage in field applications for a couple of decades. However there have also been some problems reported and recent research has allowed us to have a much better understanding of the key design and construction factors affecting good and poor performance. This lecture examines some of these issues affecting GCL performance such as the water retention curve of GCLs, subgrade grain size and initial water content, GCL water content and normal stress on the GCL, the effect of daily thermal cycles on hydration, GCL panel shrinkage, and cation exchange. Factors affecting composite liner performance examined include the potential for desiccation of the clay liner under a sustained thermal gradient, GMB/GCL interface transmissivity, wrinkles in the GMB when the ballast layer is placed over the composite liner, and the potential interaction between wrinkles and GCL panel overlaps. Recent insights regarding leakage through composite liners are discussed. Although a number of potential issues with liner performance are discussed, it is concluded that all can be addressed by appropriate design, material selection, construction, and operation.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Professor Rowe holds the Canada Research Chair in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering at Queen’s University. He is an author of 300 journal papers, 3 books, 18 book chapters, and 290 full conference papers. He has presented many prestigious lectures including the Giroud Lecture (2002), Rankine Lecture (2005), and Casagrande Lecture (2011). He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Royal Academy of Engineering and The Royal Society. He is past president of the International Geosynthetics Society, Canadian Geotechnical Society, and Engineering Institute of Canada.

PRESENTATION #1 REGISTRATION FEE:
$100 – Presentation #1 MEMBER Fee: NAGS / CGS / IGS
$300 – Presentation #1 NON-MEMBER Fee ( Save money and become a member of NAGS today! )
$25 – Presentation #1 NAGS Student Member Rate ( Students may apply to NAGS at no charge for membership! )

PDHs: Professional development credit will be available for each participant paying a registration fee.

GROUPS: Small groups of up to five people are welcome to participate for one registration fee.
Groups larger than five would be required to pay a second registration fee.

NOTES: All fees are in USD. Why not join NAGS for $75 USD? Please see www.nags-igs.org for details.

cgs_logo
Co-sponsored by the Geosynthetics Division of the Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS)

NAGS – Providing leadership in advancing the education and research of geosynthetics

Geosynthetics 2015 ‘Call For Abstracts’

Geo2015

Online Abstracts are now being accepted for Geosynthetics 2015, a geosynthetics conference coming February 15–18 to Portland, Oregon in 2015.

Event: Geosynthetics 2015
Date: February 15–18
Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon

GEOSYNTHETICS: ADVANCES AND INNOVATION
The theme of Geosynthetics 2015 is Advances and Innovation. The conference will feature four days of technical programming, including short courses, panel discussions and papers. For the first time ever, Geosynthetics will be co-locating with International Erosion Control Agency’s Environmental Connections 2015 conference. The conferences will feature a shared exhibit floor while maintaining separate technical programs.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
This Call for Abstracts is issued to create a comprehensive, varied, and exciting Technical Paper Program. Submit your 200-300 word abstract by April 15 and become part of Geosynthetics 2015. Abstracts are being accepted on any topic relevant to the event. Please click here for the current list of proposed sessions and general topics.

All submissions will be peer reviewed at each step including the abstract, first draft and final paper submissions. At least one author from each accepted final paper must register and present the paper during the conference.

Abstract Submission Timeline
Abstracts due: April 15, 2014
Acceptance notification: May 15, 2014

Click For Abstract Details

We look forward to receiving your proposal.

Technical Program Co-Chairs:

James McKelvey III, P.E.
Earth Engineering Inc.
JayM@EarthEngineering.com

John McCartney Ph.D., P.E.
University of Colorado at Boulder
john.mccartney@colorado.edu

Secretary General: Barbara Connett
Geosynthetics 2015
651 225 6914 * 800 486 3980
bjconnett@ifai.com

Geosynthetics 2015 is organized by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), and supported by the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS).

Click For More Conference Details

Geosynthetics 2015 ‘Call for Proposals’

Geo2015

Online proposals are now being accepted for Geosynthetics 2015, a geosynthetics conference coming February 15–18 to Portland, Oregon in 2015.

Event: Geosynthetics 2015
Date: February 15–18
Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon

CALL FOR SESSION PROPOSALS
The Call for Session Proposals is your opportunity to be a Session Chair for the topic of your choice during Geosynthetics 2015.

Session formats include technical paper sessions, invited paper sessions and panel discussions. All technical paper sessions will be 90 minutes in length. Multiple sessions with a related theme are possible. Submission should include a description of the proposed topic, and any plans outside of the call for abstracts for soliciting papers.

All abstracts and papers (including invited papers) are subject to the official Geosynthetics 2015 review process.

Submit your Session Proposal online by Jan 31, 2013 and become a part of Geosynthetics 2015.
Session Proposal Submission Timeline
Proposals due: January 31, 2014
Acceptance notification: February 15, 2014

CALL FOR SHORT COURSES PROPOSALS
Geosynthetics 2015 is committed to providing continuing education opportunities for participants. Short Courses can be a half day to a full day long and will be held prior to Geosynthetics 2015.

Proposals should include the course title, a description of the course with a summary of its learning objectives and a list of instructors.

Submit Short Course Proposals online by Feb. 28, 2014.
Short Course Proposal Submission Timeline
Proposals due: February 28, 2014
Acceptance notification: March 31, 2014

CALL FOR PRACTICAL LEARNING WORKSHOP PROPOSALS
One of the goals of Geosynthetics 2015 is to reach out to industry landscape architects, engineers, installers, specifiers and others that are not familiar with the use of Geosynthetics. To that end we will be offering special sessions focusing on the “basics” of geosynthetics and practical “how -to” techniques that include planning, design, and /or construction. These sessions will be held during the conference and should be 2 – 4 hours in length. Where appropriate these workshops may be repeated during the program.

Proposals should include the workshop title, a description of the course with a summary of its learning objectives and a list of instructors.

Submit Practical Learning Workshop Proposals online by Feb. 28, 2014.
Practical Learning Workshop Proposal Submission Timeline
Proposals due: February 28, 2014
Acceptance notification: March 31, 2014

Click For Proposals Details

We look forward to receiving your proposal.

Technical Program Co-Chairs:

James McKelvey III, P.E.
Earth Engineering Inc.
JayM@EarthEngineering.com

John McCartney Ph.D., P.E.
University of Colorado at Boulder
john.mccartney@colorado.edu

Secretary General: Barbara Connett
Geosynthetics 2015
651 225 6914 * 800 486 3980
bjconnett@ifai.com

Geosynthetics 2015 is organized by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), and supported by the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS).

Click For More Conference Details