Technical Paper Presentations:

70 Ranch Case Study: Interpreting the Data
Matthew Kemnitz, Leak Location Services, Inc.

70 Ranch Raw Water Reservoir – A Geosynthetic Lining System Solution for a Difficult Site
Ronald Frobel, R.K. Frobel & Associates Consulting Engineers; Ray Peebles, Cooley Group

Geomembrane Installation and Testing Cost Estimator
Timothy Stark, Ph.D., P.E., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Advantages of Using International Specs in PVC Geomembranes for Mining
Myriam Acevedo and Juan Cortes, Filmtex S.A.S.

Technical Paper Presentations:

Renewing the Maerkle Reservoir for the City of Carlsbad with Advanced Floating Cover Technology
Pat Elliott, Raven Engineered Films; Douglas Hilts, Hilts Consulting Group, Inc.

Creating Operational Flexibility with Limited Storage Options
Alex Gersch, Layfield Australia

Above Ground Storage: Bucket versus Flat Liners
Ron MacKenzie, Inland Tarp & Liner, LLC

Geomembrane Defect and Wrinkle Leakage Calculator
Timothy Stark, Ph.D., P.E., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Selecting and Specifying the Appropriate Geomembrane
Moderator: Timothy D. Stark, Ph.D., P.E., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This panel discussion assembles five industry leaders to discuss factors that should be considered when selecting and specifying a geomembrane for a particular application. Topics include chemical resistance, exposed versus unexposed applications, differential settlement, site conditions, weather, puncture resistance, slope stability, interface shear strengths, construction logistics, warranties, repairability and color.

Panelists:
Fabricator: Brian Fraser, Layfield Group, Inc.
Installer: Patrick Elliott, Raven/CLI Construction, Inc.
Engineer: Douglas Hilts, Hilts Consulting Group, Inc.
Engineer: Joseph Troxell, Tetra Tech
Engineer: Jonathan Shamrock, Tonkin + Taylor

Subcommittee Chairs for ASTM International’s Committee D35 on Geosynthetics share current, relevant topics being worked on in their groups.

Presenters:
Intro: Gary Torosian, Geocomp
D35.01 – Mechanical Properties: Sam Allen, TRI Environmental
D35.02 – Endurance: Eric Blond, Eric Blond Consultant
D35.03 – Permeability and Filtration: Melissa Medlin, TenCate Geosynthetics
D35.04 – Geosynthetic Clay Liners: Kent von Maubeuge, NAUE
D35.05 – Erosion Control: Rebecca Kurek, Lumite Inc.
D35.06 – Specifications: David Suits, LDS Geosynthetics Consulting Services
D35.10 – Geomembranes: Zahirul Islam, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
D35.93 – Terminology: Robert Lozano, The Reinforced Earth Company

Session Chair: Jorge G. Zornberg, Ph.D., University of Texas

This special session is a compilation of research components of the NCHRP 24-41 report featuring technical presentations that led to recommendations for AASHTO modifications.

Presentations:
Welcome and Project Overview — Jorge G. Zornberg, Ph.D.
Load-carrying GMSE Bridge Abutments: Lessons Learned from Experimental Evaluations — Amr Morsy, Ph.D.
Load-carrying GMSE Bridge Abutments: Lessons Learned from Field Monitoring Evaluations — Burak Tanyu, Ph.D.; Fitsum Gebremariam, Ph.D.
Load-carrying GRS Bridge Abutments: Lessons Learned from Numerical Evaluations — Panpan Shen, Ph.D.; Jie Han, Ph.D.

Session Chairs: Dov Leshchinsky, ADAMA and Barry Christopher, Christopher Consulting

This special session focuses on recommendations for the design of load-carrying geosynthetic-reinforced bridge abutments.

Short Presentations:
Welcome and Context of the Discussion — Dov Leshchinsky and Barry Christopher
Evidence from FHWA’s GRS-IBS Program — Jennifer Nicks, FHWA
General Design and Construction Aspects from FHWA’s GRS-IBS Program — Daniel Alzamora, FHWA
NCHRP 24-41 Recommended AASHTO Modifications — Jorge G. Zornberg, Ph.D.

Q&A Panel Discussion
Moderators: Dov Leshchinsky and Barry Christopher
Panelists: Jennifer Nicks, Daniel Alzamora, Jie Han, Burak Tanyu and Jorge Zornberg

George Koerner, GSI; Joel Sprague, TRI; and Drew Loizeaux, Propex

High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats have taken erosion control with natural vegetation to a new level. This session covers HP-TRM testing, properties, specifications and field case histories.

Topics include channel and slope erosion, available erosion control products, laboratory and field testing, product variables, cost and performance, analytic modeling, design guidance, sustainability and embodied carbon.

Drainage is an essential component of every soil structure, including Mechanically Stabilized Earth structures. This session reviews essential MSE drainage design concepts and case histories showing how drainage-specific geomaterial products can protect MSE structures.

Presentations:
MSE Structure Drainage – Critical to Success — Robert Gladstone
MSE SRW Drainage Systems in Water Applications — Karen Nelson
Geocell MSE Earth Retention in Drainage Applications — Bryan Wedin
Use of Geosynthetic and Natural Materials Combined with MSE Technology to Raise a Dam — Robert Johnson
External Drainage to MSE Structures — Lee Church
Case Studies of MSE Panel Walls in Hydraulic Applications — Keith Brabant