Geosynthetic Composite Materials Are Changing Conversations in the Field

Ryan Kamp's story in geosynthetics, which began at the bottom of a containment cell and finds him today atop one of the most successful installation companies in the world, is an exemplary tale of hard work and the value of creating opportunity for the people around you. Here, he talks with Tamara Tuttle about careers, the state of coal ash containment, and how to listen to the voice within when the desire to grow in business strikes. 

Geosynthetic clay liners have a tremendous record as hydraulic barriers in engineered lining and capping systems. Still, they are not well understood by the larger geotechnical design community. They require knowledge not only of geosynthetics but of sodium bentonite types, behavior, and suitability in certain applications. Dr. Craig Benson, Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, is one of the most versed researchers in the world on GCLs and bentonite-polymer composites. These composite materials are changing the way we view GCLs and how they can be used beneficially and most effectively in aggressive environments requiring barrier support.

Tamara Tuttle returns to the hosting duties and interviews Jean-Louis Vangeluwe, CEO of Solmax, the world’s largest producer of geosynthetic materials. It’s a fascinating discussion of the business side of infrastructure, of material selection and company acquisitions, of sustainability, corporate culture, corporate responsibility, and what we owe to the earth. JLV also questions whether the geotechnical should continue using the word "geosynthetics."

The swelling volume of microplastics in the ocean has caused significant concern across governments and industries. Some argue for "no plastics on beaches." These arguments are generally in relation to litter, but typically encompass all types of plastic and functions, such as plastics used in infrastructure. Are all these plastics the same, from the perspective of the environment? In how they degrade? In how they contribute to microplastic concerns? Boyd Ramsey, an environmental barriers expert and the co-chair of the International Geosynthetics Society's Sustainability Committee, discusses properly understanding plastics and the many things we all need to be better at--including within plastics industries.

The Latin American infrastructure market is as diverse as the region's people and terrain. Francisco Pizarro shares his insight into the challenges and opportunities from the Mexico/US border to the tip of Chile. He and Tamara Tuttle identify how geosynthetic companies enter into and expand new markets, how different countries support development (such as in oil and gas, mining, transportation, and the use of public-private partnerships), and how geosynthetics serve some of the major needs: project economy, efficiency, and sustainability. Francisco also shares what it's like to doing business in Peru with a famous name.

Geosynthetic materials are renowned for sustainability properties. Today, we are finding more manufacturers with expertise in synthetics applying their knowledge to biodegradable, including 100% biodegradable materials for infrastructure, as NAUE has. We talk online the company's Kent von Maubeuge and Dr. Helge Hoyme about the new green materials.

We are happy to feature Ikson's song "Last Summer" in the intro and outro music for this podcast. Listen to more at www.iksonmusic.com.

Geosynthetica editor Chris Kelsey checks in with Lilma Schimmel, Head of Engineering for HUESKER. The company has a long history with geosynthetic composites. Market interest in enhancing infrastructure performance with composite materials has grown at such a rate that engineering design services have become a larger part of the conversation than manufacturing. It's really about partnership with design engineers to achieve the best project results, Schimmel notes.

We believe in efficiency, which is why this week's 3-minute update unfolds in just 2 minutes. GeoTalk is about the innovations, designs, technologies, projects, standards, and people that shape geosynthetics and geotechnical engineering. Our listeners are the experts. Want share your story with the international engineering community? We're listening.

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.

Geosynthetica’s editor Chris Kelsey checks in on the growth of virtual events as the global civil and geotechnical engineering community adjusts to professional development during the COVID pandemic.