The Australasian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (ACIGS) recently hosted their International Speakers Series in Australia and New Zealand.

The New Zealand seminar was held in Auckland on Monday, February 18, 2019 and presented by Timothy Stark, Professor of Geotechnical Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.  Important lessons were learned by the 40 delegates attending the seminar about current best practice use of geosynthetics for embankment and lined waste containment facilities based on current research and from analysis of real life case studies of failures.

Professor Stark presented on the following topics:

• Geosynthetic Interface Testing and Selection for Static and Seismic Stability where he explained the importance of interface shear testing for geosynthetic lined slopes, the correct test methods to use, and the interpretation of these test results.
• Vertical Geosynthetic Drain Analyses for Embankment Failure on Soft Soil were he presented case histories illustrating design parameters for prefabricated vertical (wick) drains and their practical implications for stability of embankments.
• Seismic Stability of a Geosynthetic Lined Slope where he presented, using a case study, the importance of designing for peak and residual shear strength on landfill liner systems base and side slopes respectively and the appropriate factors of safety to use for the design cases.
• Elevated Temperatures in Waste Containment Facilities and Effect on Geosynthetic Service Life and Facility Design where he presented on the causes and implications for geosynthetic service life of elevated temperatures in waste containment facilities.

For complete article, please visit: www.geosyntheticssociety.org/acigs-international-speakers-series/