Welcome to the Spring ACIGS newsletter.

Since our last newsletter we have held our first technical webinar. Kent Von Maubeuge presented “regulations and recommendations from the new ISO design guide for geosynthetic barriers”.  We thank Kent for a most informative insight into the approaches adopted in other communities and for a well-attended presentation. There is no charge for ACIGS webinars and recordings can be accessed via the Video Library on this site.  For information on upcoming webinars please see Jonathon’s post.

For those considering international conferences a reminder that the next IGS Pan-American regional conference is in April next year, GeoAmericas 2020, in Rio de Janeiro, (geoamericas2020.com). The theme is “Geosynthetics Solutions for a Fast-Changing world”. This is a milestone conference expecting over 1,000 participants from more than 30 countries. IGS is also holding a Stabilization & Hydraulics Technical Committee Workshop in Prague, 10 – 13 November 2019.  IGS Technical Committee workshops are usually bi-annual events and IGS chapter members are invited to participate.  The selected topics will be presented by revered international experts and significant time will be available for discussion and debate.

A number of ACIGS members have suggested that reviewing current industry practice and seeking opportunities to improve and standardize industry practice which would assist in achieving the successful delivery of projects.  In response ACIGS is arranging a workshop. This first workshop will be in Melbourne where there is a high level of geosynthetics CQA activity particularly related to landfill.  Attendees at the workshop will represent a cross-section of stakeholders including asset owners, Designers, CQA practitioners, geosynthetic testing laboratories, and Construction Contractors.

I am pleased to announce a new ACIGS initiative partnering with Universities providing a joint research program between ACIGS and the University of Queensland and are looking to extend this project to other states.

The society is supported by a number of company members without whose generous support we would be unable to provide membership events and activities.  With thanks to existing company members and acknowledgement of Teneo, GeoQ and Solmax who have recently joined the Australasian Society.

As always please don’t hesitate to contact myself or any of the leadership team with suggestions or requests regarding member activities.