Geosynthetic Short Course

Ramada Hotel - Saskatchewan Room 

806 Idylwyld Dr N, Saskatoon

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ABOUT THE EVENT /

Geosynthetics have transformed geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering over the past few decades.  Innovations in the sector continue and new products and new applications continue to be developed worldwide.  The short course will provide an overview for engineers, technologists, geoscientists and others looking to improve their knowledge of this important and rapidly-evolving field. 

The day will be scheduled as 4 modules with time for discussion and group exercises.  Case studies will highlight key concepts.

The 1st module will commence with an overview of geosynthetics materials and products, including a brief primer on the polymers used in the geosynthetics industry and how their properties differ from each other and from other engineering materials.  The properties of the polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester materials used in geotextiles, geogrids and geomembranes vary  widely and a basic knowledge of these properties is essential for selection of suitable materials and products.  Geosynthetics can provide a number of different functions, and the principle of Design by Function will be emphasized.  

The 2nd module will consider geosynthetics applications in roadways and related infrastructure.  Woven and nonwoven geotextiles, geogrids, geocells and other products all have a number of applications in this sector,  There are a number of mechanisms by which geosynthetics can improve performance and new products are continuously being developed for this sector.  Several short case studies will highlight some key considerations. 

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The 3rd module will introduce the topic of soil reinforcement in slopes and walls.  The current state of design practice represents decades of development by the geosynthetics industry, researchers and practitioners.  Case studies will focus on the use of polymer geogrids and geotextiles in mechanically-stabilised walls and steep slopes. 

The 4th module will cover the important role that geosynthetics play in environmental containment systems, including base bariers, drains, filters, protection layers and caps.  Interface shear strength,  long-term degradation of polymers and the longevity of these systems is often an important consideration in design and selection of products for these systems.  Case studies will highlight local projects. 

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Ian R Fleming, Ph.D., P.Eng.

The course will be coordinated and presented by Ian R Fleming, Ph.D., P.Eng.   Ian is a professor of geotechnical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan.  For over 30 years in consulting and academia Ian has carried out projects and research involving geosynthetics engineering, waste mechanics, mining waste and related topics.  Particular research interests include clogging of geotextile filters, compatibility and performance of geosynthetics clay liners,  interface shear strength of geosynthetics and unsaturated soil, capillarity and unsaturated behaviour of geotextiles and deformation and localised strains in geomembranes.  In this short course, Ian’s presentations will be augmented by presentations and case studies from colleagues and representatives of the geosynthetics industry.