IGS NEWSLETTER – January 2021
Helping the world understand the appropriate value and use of geosynthetics

A new IGS committee has been created to further the understanding and use of geosynthetics in making a more sustainable world. The IGS Sustainability Committee was formed during a recent virtual meeting of IGS Officers and Council Committee members. Chaired by IGS Vice President Nathalie Touze, the new body aims to improve the understanding and adoption of geosynthetics as a key component in creating more sustainable projects. READ MORE

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) Technical Committee on Barriers (TC-B) is partnering with the independent Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) on a database to track global guidelines and regulations that govern and affect geosynthetic barrier applications. IGS Members are strongly encouraged to participate! Share your knowledge. READ MORE

Three passionate proponents of geosynthetics were recognized for their hand in creating the Australasian Chapter of the IGS (ACigs). Founding Fathers Malek Bouazza, Mike Sadlier, and Fred Gassner were given honorary membership at the Chapter’s recent annual meeting, in recognition of their key roles in setting up ACigs more than 20 years ago. READ MORE


It’s easy to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in geosynthetics. Here are a few ways to join the conversation…


Dear IGS Colleagues, 2020 has certainly been a challenging year, bringing unprecedented disruption to nearly every aspect of our personal and working lives. As the last 12 months draw to a close, I want to reflect on the resilience of our society this year, and look ahead to 2021. READ MORE




The IGS has a new Secretariat Manager! In November we said goodbye to Terry-Ann Paulo and hello to Elise Oatman. Here, Elise introduces herself to the IGS family and shares her excitement about IGS events in 2021.

The Italian Chapter of the IGS told a virtual audience about a range of innovative geosynthetics solutions to manage sediment and sludge. Six speakers attended the digital version of the four-day green technologies exhibition and conference Ecomondo on November 3-6.

Alternative methods of constructing laterally-loaded piles in fill walls were discussed when the Iran Chapter of the IGS hosted a webinar by Professor Jie Han. Dr. Han, of the University of Kansas, spoke about ‘Interactions between Geosynthetic-Reinforced Fill Walls and Laterally-Loaded Piles’ at a virtual event on December 21. READ MORE

Assumptions on the limited types and finishes of reinforced soil structures (RSS) were challenged during a lively webinar organized by the UK Chapter of the IGS and the Yorkshire Geotechnical Group (YGG). Speaker Dave Woods explained how there was more to reinforced fill than 6I/6J granular materials. READ MORE

Tailings and Mine Waste 2020 went virtual this year and drew a huge crowd to all of the sessions. The IGS North America (IGS-NA) chapter is proud to have been a supporting organization to this annual event. During years when the event is held in-person, it alternates between Keystone, Colorado, Banff, Alberta, and Vancouver, British Columbia. 
Lessons learned from the catastrophic Yeager Airport landslide were explored during a recent ICE-IGS webinar.
Calendar of Events
India Expo Centre, India & VIRTUAL | February 24- 27, 2021
Now VIRTUAL
Cartagena, Colombia | February 22 – 26, 2021
NEW DATE - October 7 - 10, 2021
Athens, Greece
Warsaw, Poland | May 16 – 19, 2021
Chicago, Illinois, USA | May 23 – 26, 2021
Lima, Peru | August 24 – 26, 2021
Taipei, Taiwan | November 22 – 26, 2021
Cairo, Egypt | February 21-24, 2022
Rome, Italy | September 18 – 22, 2022
The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) is a learned society dedicated to the scientific and engineering development of geotextiles, geomembranes, related products, and associated technologies. The core purpose of the IGS is to provide the understanding of and promote the appropriate use of geosynthetic technology throughout the world.
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