The South Afr ican Chapter of the Internat ional Geosynthet ics Society (IGS)Established in 1994 and dedicated to the Scientific and Engineering Developement of Geosynthetics and Associated Technologies. A newsletter of the Geosynthetics Interest Group of South Africa (GIGSA) in Association with the South African Institute of

Civil Engineering (SAICE)

October 2016Newsletter

Creating Awareness of GIGSA and the

appropriate use of Geosynthetics

PAST EVENTS

5th AYGEC

EuroGeo 6

IAGI

UPCOMING EVENTS

Geosynthetics Course UCT

Honorary Lecture

TASK FORCE

Election Nomination 2016

GIGSA Bursary

Photo Competition

Media

Membership

SOCIETIESIGSSAICECALENDAR

BENEFACTORS

Intel l igence

PREZ SEZ

BENEFACTORARTICLES

Kaytech

Fibertex

Aquatan

EventsFeatures

Elections2016

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FEATURES

PREZ SEZ

As we reach the end of this amazing two year term, I would like to take the opportunity to thank each GIGSA committee member for their time, enthusiasm and dedication to GIGSA. Every organization is made up of people, and people make great organizations, not vice versa. GIGSA is one of the best chapters in IGS and this is the result of having great people among its members.

Looking back at the past two years we have crossed many bridges, but still have many, and important ones, ahead of us. The bursary task force is one of our proudest initiatives, as it represents, as a whole, the mission of GIGSA ?to promote the understanding and appropriate use of geosynthetic technology throughout South Africa?. Well done to Dawie and Karl for their first GIGSA Bursary. Many of our events have been very successful, from those by Pat Naughton to Helmut Zanzinger, without forgetting the broadcasting of the GSI Webinars. We are still looking forward to the last, and I think the most important, event for the year, the 1st GIGSA Honorary Lecture. This will be presented during the AGM in honor of Kim Barnard, and it has been awarded to Garth James for his dedication to GIGSA from the beginning.

At the end of October, together with the University of Cape Town, GIGSA will assist Prof Kalumba in a master degree course on Geosynthetics Engineering, a great week of designing with

geosynthetics, from introduction to detail design and installation methodology presented by peers in the field of South African geosynthetics. Once again, GIGSA is the first throughout the world to achieve such milestone. The current committee is on its way out and I am happy to see new faces getting involved in geosynthetics to the point that they wish to become a committee member. For this election, we have 16 candidates and I wish them all the best at GIGSA.

On a personal side, I am proud to have been the President of GIGSA, and hope that I have not disappointed anybody. It was a long journey with many sleepless nights and tight deadlines which had to take preference, even sometimes over work and family, but at the end my heart is warm looking at this amazing journey I had travelled with all of you.

I invite you to join us at the AGM on the 16th November 2016 as an excuse to meet old and new friends, and to learn about what GIGSA has planned for the next 2 years.

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SERIOUS ABOUT GEOSYNTHETICS

With over 45 years? experience and unique offerings in the geosynthetic market, Kaytech as a true pioneering company is committed to reinforcing solutions within a culture of innovation and sustainability. Three such offerings within their large range of products are EnviroFix GCL, TriAx and bidim, used recently in two different large-scale projects.

EnviroFix GCL installed as protection at Kusile Power Station

1 million m2 of EnviroFix X1000 GCL was installed as part of a lining system beneath the coal stockyard and ash handling facilities at the Kusile Power Station project, to ensure the safety and protection of surrounding ground water against the pollutants generated from the coal and ash. In this lining system, EnviroFix acts as a secondary lining taking the place of at least 300mm of compacted clay used in conventional composite linings systems. The only GCL manufactured in South Africa, EnviroFix is produced by needlepunching a uniform layer of sodium bentonite between two durable outer layers of geotextile. Sodium bentonite is a naturally occurring clay mineral that swells considerably upon contact with moisture and, when this occurs under confinement, as in EnviroFix, a lining of very low permeability is produced. A proprietary heat-treating

process (Thermal Lock) in the manufacture of EnviroFix, results in a GCL with increased internal shear resistance and long-term creep resistance. The Kusile installation has saved Eskom millions of Rands in time, construction expenses and costly transportation of imported materials.

TriAx and bidim provide stabilising effect at Groblersdal Mall

Due to waterlogged soil, Tensar TriAx geogrid (supplied exclusively by Kaytech in South Africa) was used in conjunction with bidim to provide separation and subgrade stabilisation for the loading platform at the site of Groblersdal Mall. Compared to bi-axial geogrids, the triangular geometry of TriAx provides near uniform radial stiffness through 360o making it a truly multi-directional product with near isotopic properties. Manufactured from rigid polypropylene, the unique characteristics of TriAx allow for reduced aggregate layer thickness thereby not only reducing the quantity of aggregate required, but also the volume of material to be excavated. When combined with a suitable aggregate, TriAx produces a mechanically stabilised layer of unsurpassed performance. The final solution specified bidim A2 and TriAx TX 160 with a fill layer of between 600mm and one metre, for the first platform. To date, 5 400m2 each of bidim A2 and TriAx TX 160 has been installed with excellent compaction achieved.

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Kaytech produces bidim by converting ?green? PET flake into extruded fibre via a continuous filament spunbonding process. This is followed by needle punching to give the finished geotextile its structural integrity. Bidim is the only continuous filament, spunbonded, needle punched PET geotextile on the market ? and the only geotextile to use recycled plastics in its manufacture. The equivalent of over 15 000 recycled PET beverage bottles (2l) was used in the 5 400m2 of bidim that was used in the Groblersdal Mall project.

Kaytech has pioneered the use of a selected post-consumer PET recycle stream since 1984. They continued to use virgin and recycled polymer in the manufacture of bidim until 2000 when their full production used 100% recycled PET. During those 16 years, the virgin PET product was phased out as

the recycled bidim was phased in. The use of recycled PET, when processed with an expert technique, similar to that employed by Kaytech, offers a product that not only meets, but in some respects outperforms, geotextiles produced from virgin textile grade polymer. This is primarily due to the type of polymer derived from PET beverage bottles showing specific characteristics that are better suited to geotextile applications. As forerunners in geosynthetic solutions, Kaytech has honed the ability to engineer solutions that meet specific requirements in a myriad of applications within the construction industry. Increasingly, Kaytech is helping to curb production costs through recycling ? for the greater benefit of Mother Earth.

While Kaytech is serious about geosynthetics, some of their projects involve play too. The Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban keeps its pitch in top form due to the use of bidim geotextiles in the drainage system that lies beneath it.

It is noted that the views and statements included in benefactor articles are those of the benefactor contributing the article, have not been fact-checked by GIGSA, and may not reflect the opinion of GIGSA.

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FIBERTEX GEOTEXTILES AFRICA PROUDLY PARTNERS WITH GEOSYNTHETICS ON GEOGRIDS

Fibertex Geotextiles Africa, the construction products sales division of Fibertex South Africa - the appointed exclusive distributors in South Africa for the German manufactured NAUE Geosynthetics range of geogrids - supplies durable PET (polyester) and PP (polypropylene) high-strength geogrid reinforcement materials for all civil engineering applications, including mining, environmental, infrastructure and marine engineering projects.

?Secugrid® - a high-performance, soil reinforcement product produced with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology - strengthens naturally unstable soil and subgrades to be able to withstand the loading conditions imposed by modern engineering demands,? says Darryn Meisel, national sales manager, Fibertex Geotextiles Africa. ?Secugrid offers high strength at low strains which is an absolute critical necessity for all reinforcement applications. Secugrid is available in both biaxial form, for use in basal reinforcement applications such as parking lots, airport runways, paved and unpaved road construction, dam levees and railroad tracks, and in uniaxial form, for use in other applications such as segmental block retaining walls, embankment reinforcement and pile cap platforms.?

Typical geogrid installation in a basal application showing Secugrid (upper layer) & Combigrid (lower layer).

Secugrid in a typical block wall retaining structure application.

?Secugrid is available in biaxial grades of up to 80kN/m UTS (ultimate tensile strength) in PET and PP varieties, and in uniaxial grades of up to 400kN/m for the nominal flat bar extruded range, or up to 1200kN/m for the newly released coated PET Secugrid HS® range. The serviceability limit state demands force transfer at low strains, typically less than 2%. This is absolutely critical when utilising the internal shear strength of the soil as a composite structure in basal reinforcement.?

Geogrid reinforcement decreases the dependency on base course thickness, also extending service life and reducing long-term maintenance needs.

Secugrid is manufactured from extruded monolithic PET or PP strands that are drawn to orientate the polymers into high-tenacity flat bars to achieve a high modulus i.e. high strength at low elongations. This, combined with the NAUE patented welding technology, provides a structurally sound and stable geogrid. Furthermore, the surface of the bars are embossed, inducing additional frictional interaction with the soil. This enables the Secugrid to pick up the required load transfer quickly through both an interlocking and frictional effect, with little or no movement in the overlying soil materials. The Secugrid range is also manufactured to stringent international specifications, including EN ISO 9001:2008, ensuring uniformity and high quality.

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Secugrid high strength monolithic welded junctions provide a structurally sound and stable geogrid suitable for basal reinforcement and mechanically stabilised earth walls, including veneer stabilisation and segmental retaining walls.

Secugrid is supplied in rolls and is easy to handle; quick and efficient to install, with minimal demand on labour resources. The product is also highly resistant to biological and chemical degradation and installation damage.

Secugrid is a robust reinforcement material that can be easily and safely installed during virtually all weather conditions, without the need for heavy equipment or special construction techniques. Panels are joined and continuity is assured with simple overlaps depending on the application. Standard cutting tools can be used for on-site trimming and various geometrical shapes for steep sided slopes can be formed when necessary.

Secugrid 200/40 R6 (35 000m2) being installed as veneer reinforcement to the HDPE geomembrane liner at Vissorshok Landfill, Cape Town.

In addition to the standard Secugrid range, Fibertex Geotextiles Africa also supplies Combigrid® - a combination Secugrid/Geotextile composite product. Combigrid delivers

reinforcement, filtration, separation and drainage all in one product. This product is predominantly used in conjunction with soft and low ?California Bearing Ratio? (CBR) soil, where reinforcing in combination with separation and filtration is needed. For example, in base and embankment reinforcement and load transfer platforms of pile caps.

Combigrid: Secugrid with an integrated non-woven PP geotextile.

Fibertex Geotextiles Africa supplies an extensive range of environmentally-friendly geosynthetic products from its KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape sales offices and warehouse facilities. The range includes locally produced needlepunched staple-fibre PP and recycled PET nonwoven geotextiles, woven tape geotextiles, gabions and Reno mattresses, subsoil drainage pipes and fittings, erosion control mechanisms as well as an extensive range of cuspated sheet drainage solutions. Apart from geogrids, the company also supplies geocells, as well as geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) and geomembranes as part of composite lining systems, used in modern landfills and for other environmental protection applications.

For further information, please feel free to visit our websites at: www.fibertex.co.za & www.geotextilesafrica.co.za or to contact Darryn Meisel (National Sales Manager) on 011 965 0205 or darryn@geotextilesafrica.co.za

It is noted that the views and statements included in benefactor articles are those of the benefactor contributing the article, have not been fact-checked by GIGSA, and may not reflect the opinion of GIGSA.

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FIFTY YEARS IN THE GEOSYNTHETIC INSTALLATION INDUSTRY

When Clifford Gundle founded Aquatan fifty years ago, the Geosynthetic Installation industry was in its infancy. He realised however that it would become highly specialised and that investing in research and development was vital if they were to remain at the forefront of the industry.

Clifford?s foresight enabled Aquatan?s growth to parallel some of the great milestones achieved by the industry, and indeed, the company has contributed to many of the innovations that have occurred over half a century. Clifford began manufacturing his own plastic, known as Gun-Plas, in 1963. By 1970, they were the only manufacturers in the world capable of producing 6.86 m wide seamless sheets of HDPE. This, together with their patented, extrusion welding system, still used today, pushed the dam-lining industry into a new era, while also opening the door for Aquatan to enter markets beyond South Africa?s borders. Over time, Clifford developed a number of game-changing Geomembranes, such as: Hi-Driline®; Driline®; Hyperliner®; Hi-Drain® (cuspated sheet perforated, non-perforated; and with and without geotextile lamination made in South Africa). Aquatan also produce the Armtan-K and Aquadam and innovated the Floating Cover concept, Floataroof®, and the patented Enhanced Barrier System.

Aquatan has installed many millions of square meters of geomembranes and other geosynthetic materials in a variety of applications over the years, three of which are illustrated below.

Tailing storage facility at a Uranium Mine.

Aquatan supplied and installed 5 200 000m² of

geosynthetics in this 4 200 000m² tailings storage facility in a nature reserve. The tailings facility was lined with 1.0mm White/Black Smooth LLDPE while a Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) and LLDPE textured liner and a Geotextile were installed below the starter walls and main drain. The return water ponds and seepage ponds were lined with a GCL and 2.0mm White/ Black LLDPE. To mitigate downslope migration of the geomembrane as a result of thermal expansion and contraction of the HDPE, sandbags were positioned in a regular grid pattern across the exposed floor area. This project was completed in September 2015. (Aquatan recognises the valuable role played by SLR and Fraser Alexander in this project.)

Completed 4 200 000 m² Tailings Storage Facility.

Cross view of the Tailings Storage Facility.

Floating covers

Floating cover systems are specifically engineered and constructed flexible geomembrane barrier and geosynthetic floating covers that float on the surface of the liquid contained in a specific structure. These long-term storage facilities can be used to contain a range of liquids, from drinking water to hazardous chemicals.

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A potable water Floating Cover.

A Floating Insulation Cover in the foreground and Baffle Curtains in the background.

Enhanced Barrier System (EBS).

Aquatan developed the EBS, a concept that involves drawing a fluid under negative pressure through a pervious zone adjacent to the barrier. The fluid:

· Cools the primary composite lining and adjacent drainage systems;

· Introduces moisture to hydrate the GCL or CCL (after placement of a normal load and prior to the risk of its exposure to leachate) and

· Remove diffused Volatile Organic Compounds when present.

Schematic Description of EBS.

A Completed EBS project, upper compartment.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, to support our installation expertise and commitment to the Industry, as well as our ISO 9001:2008 listing and our independent Quality Assurance Department ? Certified by TÜV Rheinland and regulated by our Integrated Management System ? Aquatan is now able to provide our clients with the latest technology and expertise in lining installation. This includes the following: Electric Leak Location, which is a remarkable leak location methodology developed via the Southwest Research Institute under contract to the US EPA in about 1980; Electronic QC Software, which streamlines both the data collection and review process while ensuring the data meets the specifications; and its membership of the International Association of Geomembrane Installers, as an Approved Installation Contractor (AIC), with more than 50% of its welding technicians accredited as Certified Welding Technician (CWT) since 2012. It is noted that the views and statements included in

benefactor articles are those of the benefactor contributing the article, have not been fact-checked by GIGSA, and may not reflect the opinion of GIGSA.

EVENTS

PAST EVENTS5th AYGEC

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After successfully hosting GeoAfrica in 2013 in Accra, Ghana hosted the 5th African Young Geotechnical Engineering Conference where again GIGSA was present with the President Edoardo Zannoni: ?After 3 years I was back in Ghana after a great GeoAfrica 2013, but this time in Kumasi a town north of Accra known for the University? what a great place! Vibrant, young, full of enthusiasm and keen to learn at every occasion. The conference was great and reflect the vibe in the Campus with many young presenters debating their master or PhD thesis in front of ISSMGE board which has met for their meeting. Ghana is a pearl in Africa and between cocoa and plante? it is still one of the best place to go in Africa!?.

On Wednesday 10th of August, the first day of the conference, the Ghanaians lived up to their welcoming reputation as guests were received with their traditional dance and music at one of the conference halls at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Throughout the conference, not a moment of silence was observed as any interval or break was enchanted by the local gospel music and accompanied by typical local dishes and snacks, one in particularly remembered was the local yoghurt. Not only refreshingly appropriate for the climate, but surprisingly sweet and delicious.

The opening ceremony began with opening remarks from the from the President of ISSMGE, Roger Frank, and good will messages from other committee board members. This was followed by the first keynote lecture on Shear Stiffness of Unsaturated Soils under Static and Cyclic Loads, presented by Prof. Charles WW Ng from the Hong

Kong University of Science and Technology. Other keynote lectures included Dr. Marcellin Kana from Cameroon and Dr. Marc Ballouz, board member of ISSMGE.

There was a total of 4 technical sessions spread through the 3 days of the conference, with the first focused on Geosynthetics and Soil Reinforcement. The technical sessions were dominated by the input from the local students who showed great willingness to learn more about Geosynthetics. Other African countries also participated with studies and knowledge from South Africa, Egypt, Sudan and Algeria.

GIGSA also participated with a keynote lecture on Soil Reinforcement, presented by Edoardo as Chair of the African Activities for IGS.

While taking the tour of the campus, it is apparent Ghana?s drive to modernization. Throughout the conference, mingling with the Ghanaians and particularly the students, it is the that Ghana?s future will continue with a warm-hearted hospitality and a bright smile. One can only agree with Edoardo?s comment, ?it is still one of the best places to go in Africa!?.

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PAST EVENTSEUROGEO 6

The 6th European Congress on Geosynthetics was held on September 25-28, 2016, under the Organization of the Turkish Chapter of IGS in the unique city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Here are some photos from our GIGSA members that attended.

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PAST EVENTSIAGI Lecture

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IAGI Lecture Feedback

John Heap, a Director of the International Association for Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI), presented a lecture to 44 GIGSA members and friends on Friday 22nd July 2016 in Isando, Gauteng. The lecture was entitled

?Ensuring competent geomembrane installations and how the IAGI adds value to clients, consultants and installers?. As the President of Colorado Lining International, John has a wealth of experience in geomembrane installations. He shared a number of interesting slides on unacceptable geomembrane installations and the cost to the client where these have needed to be repaired or replaced by professional installers.

IAGI advocates for professional geomembrane installations, and currently has 118 member companies. The organisation runs Certified Welding Technician (CWT) accreditation and Accredited Installation Contractor (AIC) programs, honours significant contributions to geosynthetics installation through their biennial awards program, and has developed useful installation guideline documents for polyethylene and various factory fabricated geomembranes. Specification of AICs/ CWTs is required in Indonesia, and occurs frequently in North America and Australia. The organisation is reported to provide a good forum

for installers to liaise with each other, talk about problems being experienced, and so forth. For more information see http://www.iagi.org/

Following John?s presentation, there were a number of questions and comments relating to how the accreditation programs work, the availability and knowledge of Proctors (invigilators) for the tests in South Africa, language and cost as a barrier to entry, how the use of AICs cannot be specified in South Africa as there is currently only one, whether non-member companies can take part in the CWT programme, whether the CWT and AIC accreditation and renewal timelines are rigorous enough, what IAGI can offer in South Africa, and whether IAGI considers geosynthetics other than geomembranes. John noted that IAGI is a volunteer-run organisation, and as such, relies on its members to develop and support initiatives in their areas, as has occurred in Australia. He noted that he would look into Proctor issues in South Africa, and that the inclusion of other geosynthetics would be useful. It was reported that language barriers could successful be addressed by using translators and scribes under a Proctor?s direction. The lively discussions concluded with drinks and snacks before attendees faced the Friday afternoon traffic.

GIGSA thanks John Heap for presenting the lecture as well as fielding the many questions posed to him, as well as Walter Meyer for organising another successful GIGSA event.

EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTSGeosynthetics Course UCT

New Geosynthetics Engineering Course at the University of Cape Town

The increasing global use and reliance on geosynthetics in the geotechnical applications has resulted in the need to train professionals in the design, construction and appropriate use of geosynthetics materials in civil engineering infrastructure projects. In response to this growing need, a Geosynthetics Engineering course was developed by the Geotechnical Engineering Group at the University of Cape Town. Commencing in 2014, the course which is run once every two years, is presented at a post graduate level to master?s students and also as a CPD course to professionals in the industry from across the country.

The Geosynthetics Engineering course was developed as part of a suite of courses under the research programme - Master of Science specialising in Geotechnical Engineering and the professional programme - Master of Geotechnical Engineering (MGeotech). The latter programme is a coursework and project oriented master?s programme designed for professionals working in the Geotechnical Engineering industry and related fields. Some of the course modules such as Slope Stability, Lateral Earth Supports, Contaminated Land Remediation, and Ground Improvement Techniques, involve incorporation of geosynthetics materials during design and construction. Over the years, these materials have helped designers and contractors to solve several types of engineering problems where the use of conventional construction materials would be restricted or

considerably more expensive. Geosynthetics materials currently form a significant part of most civil engineering projects with the benefit of reducing costs and extending the design life of structures constructed. However, most university curricula include little or no material covering the topic of geosynthetics. It?s important to include the study and design of these materials especially at the graduate level to better understand their appropriate use and design thereof. The combination of geosynthetics materials and carefully thought out design methods have made it possible for engineers to face challenges and to build structures under difficult ground conditions.

The Geosynthetics Engineering course at the University of Cape Town covers important considerations in the use of geosynthetics to solve civil engineering problems. It discusses methods of analysis, design, construction and field monitoring of structures constructed with geosynthetics.  Subjects include the behaviour and interaction of these materials in Filtration, Drainage, Separation, Reinforcement, Erosion Control, and Barrier functions. More importantly, participants are made aware of the substantial amount of information available on the subject of geosynthetics and recent advances in the construction industry.

Overleaf is the course programme and presenters for the course running from 24th ? 28th October 2016.

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Please note: Due to recent events, the venue for the course will be held in a different location. All attendees and members will be informed of the new venue via email.

EVENTS

For more information, please contact Dr Denis Kalumba (denis.kalumba@uct.ac.za) who is the Director of the Geotechnical Engineering Group and convenor of the Geotechnical Engineering

Programmes at UCT.

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UPCOMING EVENTSGeosynthetics Course UCT

"We do not have to do today what Terzaghi would have done 50 years ago. We need to do today what Terzaghi would do today. " JP Giroud, The Vienna Terzaghi Lecture in Yokohama 2006

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UPCOMING EVENTS1st GIGSA Honorary Lecture

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GIGSA is pleased to announce the 1st GIGSA Honorary Lecture.

The GIGSA Honorary Lecture has been introduce to honour individuals who contribute to growth of GIGSA.

This first lecture will be in honour of

Kim Barnard

The lecture will be presented by

Garth James on the topic

?Geotextiles in South Africa ? Innovation, Development and Evolution?

Kim Barnard was a founding member of GIGSA, served tirelessly on the Committee for many years, and passed away suddenly in June 2011. A brief tribute to Kim by Falk Hedrich will precede the lecture.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

Time: 15h00

Ambrosia Hall, 97 Allan Rd, Glen Austin, Midrand,

Gauteng

TASK FORCEElection Nominations 2016

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The GIGSA Constitution states that ?At the end of each two (2) year term a new committee shall be elected by the members. Nominations for the committee will be invited by post or e-mail. Should more than ten (10) nominations be received, a postal or electronic ballot will be conducted.? GIGSA members were requested by e-mail to nominate committee members for the term running from November 2016 to November 2018. Nominations closed on the 9th of September 2016, with a total of

16 signed and accepted nominations received. It was confirmed that all the nominees and nominators are paid-up GIGSA members. As more than 10 nominations were received, a ballot is required. As per the 2014 election, an electronic ballot will be run through an external company which runs the IGS elections.

The nominations for the next term of the GIGSA committee are as follows, in alphabetical order:

Person nominated Employed by

Andrew Copeland Knight Piésold Consulting

Charl Cilliers Jones & Wagener Engineering & Environmental

Colin de Bruyn Gundle Geosynthetics

Edoardo Zannoni Maccaferri Africa

Florian Hoertkorn Jones & Wagener Engineering & Environmental

Gerhard Coetzer Golder Associates Africa

Irene Inan (née Nyirenda) GSE Environmental

Johann le Roux Beal (Pty) Ltd

Johnny Oriokot Fibertex Geotextiles Africa

Keith Mnisi Triage Business Services

Melchior Briers Atarfil

Paul Pratt Kaytech Engineered Fabrics

Peter Hardie AKS Lining Systems

Ricardo Sousa Maccaferri Africa

Tyrone Naidoo Kaytech Engineered Fabrics

Walter Meyer Aquatan Lining Systems

Justification for each of the nominations will be made available electronically as soon as it has been compiled. GIGSA members and benefactors are

requested to look out for e-mails in October providing this information and requesting them to vote electronically. Every vote counts!

TASK FORCEGIGSA Bursary Progressdelayed report

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Dawie Marx

Since the last update I mainly conducted my centrifuge modelling. My model consisted of a clay liner on top of a sand layer with a trapdoor below.  As the trapdoor settled, the sand

deformed and it induced differential settlement to the clay liner.  I tested an unreinforced clay liner, one reinforced at the bottom quarter, one reinforced at the top quarter and one reinforced both at the bottom quarter and the top quarter and monitored the behaviour.  I continuously took photos of the liner as it deformed.  By comparing the movement of a patch of soil from one frame to another one can calculate the strain in the clay using GeoPIV (a software package).  I also took laser scans of the surface to measure the shape and sizes of the cracks. Finally, as part of the centrifuge test

I  conducted bending beam tests on the clay to determine the tensile strength of it  That would give me an indication of the stress required for cracking.

The past 6 weeks I have been in Cambridge working with Talia da Silva (funded partially out of my GIGSA funds and an ISSMGE scholarship). We conducted three of her centrifuge tests.  These consisted of clay liners directly on top of a trapdoor, for a small trap door, a wide trapdoor and a wide trapdoor with overburden on the clay.  We also did a number of bending beam tests and is in the process of doing some more on clay consolidated to a higher pressure.

Karl Bester

Course Work:

I attended a Course on Contaminated Land Use and Remediation from the 20-24th June 2016. And I am still at

present working on the final project hand in for this course which is due on the 24th August 2016. (Still awaiting marks for first two courses attended).

Research:

Before going down to Cape Town for the course I was informed by the technician assisting with the construction of the testing apparatus, that there had been delays in the planned progress and that we wouldn?t meet our target date as presented in the previous update. This was due to other more prioritised research projects (for Professors) also requiring manufactured items as well. While I was down for the course I went to inspect the progress made and apparatus components manufactured so far. There was a minor issue related to the position of the permanent mesh at the bottom of the testing cylinders as well as the thickness of the circular

flange plate which would hold the geotextile in place during testing. This was addressed and would be rectified. On the last updated workshop progress report from the head Lab technician my apparatus was reported to be 70% complete.

In the interim the geotextiles to be tested have been confirmed and are in the process of being sourced. The preferred soil gradation for testing has been established and will be sent out to suppliers next week to determine if such a gradation can be supplied as is or if I would need to purchase the closest possible material and then re-grade it accordingly in the lab.

Summary:

- I have attended 1 further course during the reported period.

- Testing apparatus construction has been delayed considerably and is only 70% complete as of the 5th August 2016.

- Geotextiles for testing have been selected and being sourced.

- Gradation curve of preferred soil for testing has been established and will be sent out to suppliers on the 23rd August 2016.

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TASK FORCEPhoto Competition

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GIGSA 2016 PHOTO CONTEST NOW OPEN!

The GIGSA 2016 Photo Contest is now open to all members of GIGSA! The contest will be open through 31 October 2016.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TODAY!

All entries should include a photo title, description and photo credit.

The following awards will be given:

1st Place - R 1000.00

2nd Place - R 500.00

3rd Place - R 250.00

Rules and Guidelines of the Photo Contest

1. Photos should clearly display a geosynthetic material/technology in use

2. Photos should provide a clear understanding of what geosynthetic technology or event is being demonstrated

3. Contestant must be a GIGSA member in good standing

4. Each individual member of GIGSA and/or Benefactor Member Representative may submit up to 5 photographs each. Each Benefactor Company may also submit up to 5 photographs each

5. A title, description, and photo credit are required for each photo

6. The file size should not exceed 4MB per picture

7. File format must be .jpg

8. Naming convention of the submitted .jpg should match or be similar to your photo title to avoid any confusion

9. Photos should be sharp, well focused and aesthetically pleasing

10. "Before and After" photo sets are welcome and count as one entry

11. Final selection of First, Second, Third and Honorable Mention photos will be made by an independent committee

12. All submitted photos if not directly owed by the submitter should sort after relevant permission or copy right aspects before it is submitted to GIGSA. GIGSA will not be held liable for any copy right issues once the pictures are published.

Thank you for your participation!

For technical problems with this form please contact HHanson@Minervatri.com

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TASK FORCEMedia

Report as from June 2016

Social media is no longer just on the rise but a major way of staying in touch. It has now become an everyday way of life. To better keep in contact with GIGSA or find out about future events relating to the geosynthetic industry; try one of the following links below by clicking on your preferred social media platform. We may not have many followers yet but we will get there in time with your help. Invite your friends and colleagues as well. These social media platforms can be used as a forum for discussions pertaining to anything geosynthetic related.

Some tips for GIGSA?s social media platforms:

Tip #1: Place your questions or thoughts on any of these platforms and you are likely to get a response be it from a supplier, consultant, contractor or someone just browsing the page.

Tip#2: Don?t be afraid to ask GIGSA questions as well. If we can?t answer you then we can get someone that will be able to!

Tip #3: Keep it clean! Social media was invented to keep in contact not grow apart; help maintain our level of professionalism by always being courteous! Happy Clicking from the team at GIGSA!

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INTELLIGENCE

TASK FORCEMembership Statistics

The GIGSA membership categories still consist of the following?

- Student members, individual members,

- Affiliate members and

- Benefactors.

At the end of 2015, there was a need for GIGSA to review the membership numbers as per categories above. For this reason the membership reporting shall include only the individual members, affiliate members and benefactors, The current serving GIGSA President has a vision to achieve a 25% increase in membership for both individual and benefactor categories by the end of 2016. This implies having 1 more benefactor member joining

GIGSA and 31 more individual members joining this year. Please assist us by inviting colleagues involved in geosynthetics to join.

New GIGSA member numbering system

As a privilege of being a GIGSA member, you automatically become an IGS member. Effective of 1st January 2016, GIGSA has decided to adopt a new membership numbering system inline with the IGS member allocation numbering system. Therefore for all new members that join GIGSA effective 1st of January 2016, your GIGSA membership number will correspond to the IGS number. All other previous members that joined prior to 2016, your GIGSA membership number and IGS number are still valid and remain unchanged.

SUMMARY OF GIGSA MEMBERSHIP IN OCTOBER 2016

Individual Memberships Covered By Affiliate Status 2

Individual Memberships Covered By Benefactor Status 62

Individual Members 164

Honorary Life Members 10

Tot al Mem berships Per Cat egory

Total Memberships (Persons) 241

Affiliate Members 3

Benefactors 32

The IGS have revamped their website and the new site includes a number of features that are only accessible to you­­ as an IGS Member­­when you log in. The new site has in addition an enhanced content, including a photo gallery, news and even a translation function (for non­technical text). The newest addition to the website is the Proceedings

Library. This is a work in progress, with all papers from IGS conferences being added in as conferences take place.

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IGS members have further exclusive access to items such as: the membership directory, IGS Journals, training lectures, and much more. When logged in, you may enjoy direct access to the IGS Journal Geosynthetics International. IGS Members will no longer need to log­in on the Journal?s web page if they access the journal via IGS site. You may also gain access to Geotextiles & Geomembranes via the IGS web site? however, you still need the required log­in information from the publisher. IGS is currently working with the publisher to provide automatic log­in to G&G in the future. Please allow one week for the publisher to process your society access.

With the new IGS web site comes a new, more secure and more effective log­in system. In order to establish your username and password please follow these directions:

1.Go to www.geosyntheticssociety.org

2.Near the top/left side of the screen there is a ?USER NAME? field, please type in your 4 digit membership number: xxxx

3.Click on the red ?Forgot Password? button in the same area.

4.You will immediately receive an encrypted password via email to your email address (as listed in the IGS database).

5.Using your IGS MEMBER NUMBER as your USER NAME (xxxx) and the PASSWORD provided via email (carefully copy and paste is the best way with the computer generated password) please login to the site.

6. You may create a personal password at any time after you have logged in by clicking on the ?Change Password? immediately below the log­in panel.

7.Contact details information update and all other enquiries.

Should you not know what your log in details (IGS Number) or require any further assistance with the website or have any questions regarding your membership or you would like to update your contact details, kindly send an email to secretary@gigsa.org

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TASK FORCEIGS Website Access

INTELLIGENCE

PARENT SOCIETY IGS

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IGS NEWS

The society?s newsletter, IGS News, is published three times annually and is available on-line to both members and non-members of the society. If you have news and information related to the geosynthetics industry, to share with your colleagues and members of the IGS, please contact IGSsec@GeosyntheticsSociety.org.

IGS-NA/NCMA Segmental Retaining Wall Best Practices Webinar Announced

The International Geosynthetics Society North American Chapter (IGS-NA) and the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) are co-hosting an October 26 webinar. The topic: Segmental Retaining Wall Best Practices.

?Ahead Of Print? for Geosynthetics International articles available today!

The following articles are now available ?Ahead of Print? from Geosynthetics International.

Educate the Educators program wrap-up ? Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

With the great support of IGS, the IGS China Chapter and the China Techncial Association for Geosynthetics and IGS council members, the Educate the Educators (ETE) program was held on 18th ? 19th August, 2016 in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China. This program was first of its kind in China. Prof. Chungsik Yoo, Vice President of IGS, delivered a speech in the opening ceremony to introduce the objectives of IGS and this program. Over 70 people attended the training program, who were from more than 30 colleges and institutes of China. Through this event, Chinese Chapter recruited more than 30 new members of IGS.

Geotextiles and Geomembranes: Best papers in 2015

Following the Editorial Board meeting held in Yokohama in September 2006, it was decided that it would be desirable to recognize some of the best papers published in Geotextiles and Geomembranes.

find more on : www.geosyntheticssociety.org

INTELLIGENCE

SISTER SOCIETY SAICE

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Civil Talk - 14 October 2016

The SAICE Transportation Division brings you this 3rd instalment of our vigorous discussion sessions.

Panellists

Herman Joubert - Transportation Engineer at Gautrain

Harm Schreurs ? Development Engineer

Esther Schmidt - Senior Engineer at Johannesburg Roads Agency

Facilitator

Alan Robinson - Traffic Engineering Specialist at SANRAL

Avant-garde Forum - Pushing the limits!

SAICE Johannesburg Branch recently held the first of its kind - Avant-garde Forum. The initiative provided a platform for young professionals to showcase their present or recent

projects where ingenuity was a primary catalyst for success, with the overall outcome of celebrating civil engineering excellence. The branch identified

a gap and a sincere yearning for a space within SAICE, where Young Professionals could showcase, share and think out loud about innovative ideas that they have.

Presidential delegation gears up for Bloemfontein Visit

It is just under a month till SAICE?s President and CEO touch down in Bloemfontein, where they will be meeting with regional committee representatives and civil engineering

students in the area. The purpose of these visits are to form partnerships that will facilitate collaboration, engagement and plans of action on pertinent matters that pose as serious challenges.

find more on : www.saice.org.za

INTELLIGENCE

EVENTS CALENDAR 2016-2017

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Date Event Location/Host

08-11 Nov 2016 6th Asian Regional Conf. on Geosynthetics New Delhi,India

14-16 Nov 2016 5th International Conf. on Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics

Tehran,Iran

12-15 March 2017 Geotechnical Frontiers Florida,USA

28-30 June 2017 BCRRA 2017 Athens,Greece

16-19 July 2017 PBD-III Vancouver 2017 Vancouver,Canada

15-19 Sept 2017 GeoMEast 2017 Sharm El-Sheikh,Egypt

17-21 Sept 2017 ICSMGE 2017 Seoul,S Korea

BENEFACTORS

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BENEFACTORS

INTELLIGENCE

Engineered Linings (Pty) Ltd

www.englining.co.za

PO Box 36614, Chempet, 7442

(T): (021) 551 2430

(F): (021) 552 5928

(E): ct@englining.co.za

Kaytech (Pty) Ltd

www.kaytech.co.za

PO Box 116, Pinetown, 3600

(T): (031) 717 2300

(F): (031) 702 0435

(E): supportptn@kaytech.co.za

Aquatan (Pty) Ltd

www.aquatan.com

PO Box 633, Isando, 1600

(T): (011) 974 5271

(F): (011) 974 4111

(E): aqua@aquatan.com

Fibertex Geotextiles Africa (Pty) Ltd

www.geotextilesafrica.co.za

PO Box 20., Hammarsdale, 3700

(T): (011) 965 0205

(F): (011) 965 0231

(E): tenders@geotextilesafrica.co.za

SRK Consulting (Pty) Ltd

www.srk.co.za

PO Box 55291, Northlands, 2116

(T): (011) 441 1111

(F): (011) 880 8086

(E): johannesburg@srk.co.za

Jones & Wagener (Pty) Ltd

www.jaws.co.za

PO Box 1434, Rivonia, 2128

(T): (011) 519 0200

(F): (011) 519 0201

(E): post@jaws.co.za

Gundle Geosynthetics (Pty) Ltd

www.gundlegeo.co.za

PO Box 455, Springs, 1560

(T): (011) 813 2180

(F): (011) 813 2189

(E): ggsales@gundleapi.co.za

ARQ Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd www.arq.co.za PO Box 76379, Lynnwood Ridge,0040(T): (012) 348 6668 (F): (012) 348 6669 (E): arq@arq.co.za

Reinforced Earth (Pty) Ltd

www.recosa.co.za

PO Box 91231, Auckland Park, 2006

(T): (011) 726 6180

(F): (011) 726 5908

(E): resa@recosa.co.za

Maccaferri Africa (Pty) Ltd

www.maccaferri.com/za

PO Box 815, New Germany, 3620

(T): (031) 705 0500

(F): (087) 742 2734

(E): dbna@za.maccaferri.com

Gast (Pty) Ltd

www.gast.co.za

PO Box 9516, Hennopspark, 0046

(T): (012) 660 1616

(F): (012) 660 2093

(E): info@gast.co.za

Fraser Alexander (Pty) Ltd

www.fraseralexander.co.za

PO Box 14700, Witfield, 1467

(T): (011) 929 3600

(F): (011) 397 4607

(E): fainfo@fraseralexander.co.za

Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd

www.stefanuttistocks.com

PO Box 12394, Aston Manor, 1630

(T): (011) 571 4300

(F): (011) 571 4370

(E): holdings@stefstocks.com

Dura-Line (Pty) Ltd

www.duralinesa.co.za

PO Box 334, Kya Sand, 2163

(T): (011) 708 1659

(F): (011) 708 2192

(E): info_sa@duraline.com

Golder Associates Africa (Pty) Ltd

www.golder.com

PO Box 6001, Halfway House, 1685

(T): (011) 254 4800

(F): (011) 86 582 1561

(E): mail@golder.co.za

Total Terrain Lining Systems (Pty)Ltd www.ttls.co.za PO Box 98317, Sloane Park, 2152

(T): (011) 467 0892

(F): (011) 467 0892

(E): via website

BKV Holdings (Pty) Ltd

www.bkvholdings.com

PO BOX 10994, Stubenvale, 1570

(T): (086) 111 2361

(F): (011) 817 2981

(E): bvermeulen@bkvholdings.com

AKS Lining Systems (Pty) Ltd

www.aks.co.za

PO Box 1066, Cape Gate, 7562

(T): (021) 983 2700

(F): (021) 982 1597

(E): info@aks.co.za

Hefer Plant (Pty) Ltd

www.heferplant.co.za

PO Box 6165, Greenhills, 1767

(T): (011) 412 4302

(F): (011) 692 4068

(E): shawn@heferplant.co.za

Integrated Polypropylene Products(Pty) Ltd www.poly-prop.co.za

PO Box 81, New Germany, 3620

(T): (031) 710 4446

(F): (031) 710 4556

(E): via website

Plasti-Weldwww.plastiweld.co.za

45 Golden Dr, Morehill Ext 8, Benoni 1500

(T): (011) 849 9058

(F): (011) 425 3322

(E): sales@plastiweld.co.za

Rho-Tech

www.rho-tech.co.za

PO Box 1428, Amanzimtoti, 4125

(T): (031) 914 0966

(F): (031) 914 0968

(E): info@rho-tech.co.za

Geo-X (Pty) Ltd

www.geo-x.co.za

Postnet Suite #762, Private Bag X1007, Lyttelton, 0140

(T): (011) 3140023 / 3140058 (F): (011) 314 0037 (E): geo@geo-x.co.za

Knittex (Pty) Ltd

www.multiknit.co.za

15 Mercedes Rd, Randfontein

(T): (011) 692 1658

(E): clientliaison@knittex.co.za

WBHO (Pty) Ltd

www.wbho.co.za

PO Box 531, Bergvlei, 2012

(T): (011) 321 7200

(F): (011) 887 4364

(E): wbho@wbho.co.za

Polyroads Pavements (Pty) Ltd

www.polyroads.com

P.O. Box 1184, Mulbarton 2059

(T): (011) 868 1181

(F): (011) 868 1183

(E): info@polyroads.com

Gilbert Geosyntheticswww.gilbertgeos.co.za

PO Box 226, Umhlali, 4390

(T): (087) 943 8930

(F): (086) 579 4625

(E): info@gilbertgeos.co.za

Spilo (Pty) Ltd

www.spilo.co.za

PO Box 282, Paarl, 7620

(T): (021) 862 6100

(F): (021) 862 9361

(E): sales@spilo.co.za

Beal Consulting (Pty) Ltd

www.beal.co.za

PO Box 71527, Pretoria, 0041

(T): (012) 809 4383

(F): (012) 809 0248

(E): via website

Accuplas Plastic Engineering CC.

93 Hefer St, Rustenburg, 0300

(T): (014) 596 5279

(F): (014) 596 5237

(E): tommie@accuplas.co.za

Knight Piésold (Pty) Ltd

www.knightpiesold.com

PO Box 221, Rivonia, 2128

(T): (011) 806 7111

(F): (011) 806 7100

(E): via website

NGQ Consulting (Pty) Ltd

www.ngqconsult.com

Postnet 182, Private Bag X04, Sinoville, 0129

(T): 079 875 5691

(E): nadia@ngqconsult.com

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