CO-LOCATING WITH
Feb. 22-25, 2021GeosyntheticsConference.com
Attendee Brochure
SUPPORTED BYCO-LOCATING WITH
Geosynthetics Magazine
GeosyntheticsConference
A VIRTUAL EVENT
Education on Your ScheduleAll education, except
for round table discussions, will be recorded and available to watch on demand at your
convenience for 60 days after the conference.
Geosynthetics Virtual Conference 2021 is where the industry unites to share developments across the geotechnical, civil and geo-engineering communities. �e co-location with International Erosion Control Association’s (IECA) Annual Conference and Expo o�ers expanded education and networking opportunities. Connect with industry professionals and immerse yourself in a sea of knowledge through short courses, plenary sessions, technical papers and panel discussions presented by industry experts from both conferences. Visit the virtual exhibit halls to see the latest developments in geotechnical and erosion control products and services o�ered by the industry’s top companies and organizations.
Discover new products in the virtual exhibit halls �lled with top exhibiting companies across the geotechnical industry.
Connect with industry peers, exhibitors, speakers and sponsors throughout the virtual conference.
Learn from the industries most knowledgeable speakers and respected experts.
Conference Features• Interactive virtual exhibit halls• Engaging keynote lectures• Virtual networking opportunities• Participate in panel discussions• Special industry sessions • Technical paper sessions on-demand• Co-location with IECA Annual
Conference and Expo (experience 2 shows for the price of 1!)
AgricultureConstruction Quality
AssuranceEarthquake EngineeringErosion ControlField and Laboratory
TestingFoundations and Slope
StabilityGeophysicsGolf Course Construction
and MaintenanceGround ImprovementGrounds KeepingGeotechnical, Civil
and Environmental Engineering
HorticultureIrrigationLandscapingMiningNondestructive and
Geophysical EvaluationPit, Pond and Reservoir
ConstructionRetaining WallsRisk AssessmentRoofingRoad, Rail and Runway
ConstructionSeepage and DrainageSolid/Liquid Waste
ContainmentSpill ContainmentTransportationWaste Management
Industries Represented
Join GMA Today!IFAI.com/Membership
A New Virtual ExperienceGeosynthetics Virtual Conference features world-class education, an interactive virtual exhibit hall and the opportunity to network with your industry peers in this time where in-person events are on hold. Experience short courses, keynote lectures, plenary sessions, virtual exhibit halls, and panel discussions sharing developments across the geotechnical, civil and geoengineering communities. Geosynthetics Virtual Conference will feature the entire geosynthetics supply chain. Join civil engineers, contractors, regulators, designers, installers and geotechnical practitioners at this specialized virtual event.
Technical Paper Sessions On-Demand�e conference features on-demand technical paper sessions that will cover key information about the uses, research, design and case studies involving geosynthetics. �ese papers are of extreme value to attendees and are used by researchers, academia, designers and engineers. �ey are published in the proceedings and help spread the vast knowledge and use of geosynthetics worldwide.
Co-locating with IECA Annual Conference and ExpoIECA’s Annual Conference and Expo is an educational event for the erosion, sediment control and stormwater industry and will be co-locating with Geosynthetics Virtual Conference. �e IECA Annual Virtual Conference and Expo combines intense, half-day training courses with topic-focused technical sessions and the largest expo of its kind. Attendees will have access to both show’s exhibit halls and educational content.
Keynote Lectures Geosynthetics Virtual Conference features two Keynote lectures open to all attendees. Kick-o� the conference with an inspirational lecture from Mount Everest avalanche survivor Jim Davidson. In the afternoon, Jie Han will present the Koerner Award Lecture, a cornerstone of the Geosynthetics Conference.
Get CreditEarn up to
40 PDH
WELCOME KEYNOTE
Facing Everest Sized UncertaintiesJim DavidsonTuesday, Feb. 23 | 8–9 am CST
KOERNER AWARD LECTURE
Geosynthetic-Reinforced Column-Supported Embankments: Bridging theory and practiceJie Han, Ph.D., The University of KansasTuesday, Feb. 23 | 11 am–12:30 pm CST
*includes live and on-demand education
Panel DiscussionsPanel discussions are a source of lively debate during Geosynthetics Virtual Conference. Audience participation is strongly encouraged.
Measuring the Performance of Geosynthetic Roads—Bench Top to Full-Scale Testing and Monitoring MethodModerator: Eli Cuelho, TRI Environmental and Jeb Tingle, USACE
At What Frequency Should We Take Seam Destructive Samples?Moderator: Glen Toepfer, CQA Solutions, LTD
Geosynthetic Specifications: The Pros and Cons of Existing Geosynthetic SpecificationsModerator: L David Suits, LDS Geosynthetics Consulting Services
The Permanent Road Foundation ExperienceModerator: Mark Marienfeld, TreadMark
Women in Geosynthetics Round Table DiscussionModerator: Jordan Wiechmann, Plastatech Engineering, Ltd and Jen Miller, Fabricated Geomembrane Institute
Short CoursesGeosynthetics Virtual Conference o�ers six half-day Short Courses on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. �ese in-depth courses feature detailed instruction in a live on-line setting. All courses provide four PDH’s and are included with full registrations at no extra cost.
Fundamentals of Geosynthetics— Types, Functions, Selection and PerformanceKerry Petrasic, Gannett Fleming
Geosynthetics in Erosion and Sediment Control and Erosion-Resistant Hydraulic StructuresJoel Sprague, TRI Environmental; Markus Wilke, HUESKER Synthetic GmbH
Landslide Remediation/Erosion Control with Geogrid, Geocell and Soil AnchorsStephan Gale and Nathan Lichty, Gale-Tec Engineering
AASHTO 2020: Three Acceptable Design Methods of Geosynthetic-Reinforced WallsDov Leshchinsky, University of Delaware and ADAMA Engineering; Daniel Alzamora, FHWA Resource Center
Construction on Soft Soil using GeosyntheticsLilma Schimmel, HUESKER Inc; Alex Potter-Weight, Menard USA
Designing for a Zero-Leak Containment FacilityAbigail Gilson MS, PE, TRI Environmental; Jeff Blum, Weaver Consultants Group; Richard Brachman PE, Queens University
Topics are subject to change. Visit GeosyntheticsConference.com for up-to-date information.
Technical Session Topics Case HistoriesErosion SolutionsEnvironmentalAdvancements in Sediment Control TechnologiesGeosynthetic BarriersGeosynthetic Clay LinersGRS AbutmentsGeosynthetics in Pavement Maintenance & Surface Treatment ApplicationsGround ImprovementInnovative ApplicationsLightweight BackfillsRoadwaysGeosynthetic Testing and PropertiesWalls, Embankments, and SlopesWater Protection
Member* Nonmember
FullIncludes all standard education for Geosynthetics Virtual Conference and IECA Annual Conference, Welcome Plenary, Koerner Award Lecture, proceedings, trade show access, Learning Zone presentations and pre-show Short Courses. (Does not include IECA pre-conference education.)
$200 $250
Trade Show OnlyIncludes trade show access, Welcome Keynote, Koerner Plenary, Networking Rooms and Learning Zone presentations. (Does not include classroom education or pre-show Short Courses.)
FREE $20
Visit GeosyntheticsConference.com to register today.
Registration is Open
IFAI Members Receive Discounts on Registration. Join today at IFAI.com/Membership or 800 486 3947.*Member rate available for members of IFAI, GMA, IGS-NA or any supporting organizations (see back page for list of supporting organizations).
Discounts AvailableGOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES are eligible to receive a 30% registration discount by entering the code GC21GVT during registration. Government employees who do not register using a government email address may be required to submit identification to verify eligibility.STUDENTS will receive a 70% registration discount by entering the code GC21STU during registration. Students may be required to submit school identification to verify eligibility.
Contact Barbara Connett at [email protected] for any questions.
Monday, Feb. 22 Tuesday, Feb. 23 Wednesday, Feb. 24 Thursday, Feb. 25
On-demand Technical Paper Sessions Available
8 am
On-demand Technical Paper Sessions Available
8 am
On-demand Technical Paper Sessions Available
8 am
On-demand Technical Paper Sessions Available
8 am
Short Courses
Noon−4 pm
Welcome Keynote Lecture–Jim Davidson
8−9 am
Special Session 38–9:30 am
Special Session 68–9:30 am
Special Session 19:15–10:45 am
Panel Discussion 38–9:30 am
Special Session 78–9:30 am
Panel Discussion 19:15–10:45 am
Special Session 410–11:30 am
Special Session 810–11:30 am
Koerner Award Lecture–Jie Han
11 am–12:30 pm
Training Lecture10–11:30 am
Exhibits Open11:30 am–2 pm
Exhibits Open11:30 am–2:30 pm
Exhibits Open11:30 am–2:30 pm
Closing Panel Discussion2–3:30 pm
Special Session 22:30–4 pm
Special Session 52:30–4 pm
Panel Discussion 22:30–4 pm
Panel Discussion 42:30–4 pm
Schedule at a glanceAll posted times are in Central Standard Time (CST)
ORGANIZING COMMITTEEJie Han, Ph.D. Committee Chair | The University of Kansas
Kathryn Grant Exhibit Chair | Propex
Michael R. Simac, PE Short Course Chair | EARTH Improvement Technologies
Melissa Beauregard, Ph.D., PE Technical Program Co-Chair | United States Air Force Academy
Jennifer E. Nicks, Ph.D., PE Technical Program Co-Chair | Federal Highway Administration
Fred Chuck General Member | Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA)
Todd R. Berger General Member | Geosynthetics magazine
Robert Lozano General Member | The Reinforced Earth Company
Ben Leshchinksy, Ph.D. IGS-NA Conference Representative Oregon State University
Ed Silva Application Expert: Barriers | E2
Nilay Patel Application Expert: Drainage SKAPS
Chris Eichelberger Application Expert: Environmental | Agru America, Inc.
Melissa Hurley, CPESC Application Expert: Erosion Control Cascade Geosynthetics
Lilma Schimmel, MSCE, PE Application Expert: Reinforcement | HUESKER Inc.
David Andrews, PE Application Expert: Stabilization / Separation | Propex
Barbara Connett Secretary General Geosynthetics Conference
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONSAssociation for Mechanically Stabilized Earth (ASME)
ASTM InternationalCanadian Geotechnical Society (CGS)Deep Foundations Institute (DFI)Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC)Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI)Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)Geosynthetic Institute (GSI)Geo-Institute Kansas City Chapter (GI-KC)International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) International Geosynthetics Society – North America (IGS-NA)
International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI)
Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST)
University of Kansas (KU)University of Missouri (MU) – ColumbiaUS Universities Council for Geotechnical Education and Research (USUCGER)
Geosynthetics Virtual Conference 2021 is organized by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and supported by the Geosynthetic Materials Association, Geosynthetics magazine and the North American Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS-NA).
ExhibitorsAs of Jan. 7, 2021
PLATINUM
SILVER
Advanced Terra Testing
American Excelsior Co.
Atarfil
Axter Coletanche Inc.
COMANCO Environmental Corp.
Cooley Group
Earthsavers Erosion Control, LLC
East Coast Erosion Control
Envirolok
Flex MSE
Inland Tarp & Liner LLC
Intertape Polymer Group
Layfield Geosynthetics
Leak Location Services Inc.
Maccaferri Inc.
Megaplast USA Inc.
Miller Weldmaster Corp.
NAUE America
Polyweld USA Inc.
Presto Geosystems
Raven Engineered Films
Strata Systems
Tenax Corporation
Tensar International Corporation
Texel Technical Materials Inc.
Titan Environmental
TRI Environmental
Willachoochee Industrial Fabrics Inc.
STANDARD
GOLD
Interested in Exhibiting or Becoming a Sponsor?Contact IFAI Director of Sales & Marketing, Amy Collins
[email protected] | +1 651 225 6970