Geosynthetica's GeoTalk

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.

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.