Introduction to Geosynthetic Engineering

By: 

Dr Sanjay Kumar Shukla PhD, MTech, BSc Eng, FIEAust, FIE(India), FIGS, MASCE, MIGS, MIRC, MISRMTT, MISTE, MCAII

Sponsored By: 

1. Geo-Institute of ASCE
2. Geosynthetics Institute (GI)
3. International Geosynthetics Society, GSI
4. International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE)
5. Transportation Research Board, USA

Introduction

Geosynthetics are being used extensively worldwide as they offer the most efficient, cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions to many civil, mining, agricultural and aquacultural engineering problems in a sustainable manner. Rational design methods, based on sound concepts and standardised test techniques for determining the technical properties of geosynthetics, are now available, thus placing the geosynthetics on a firm base. This interactive course provides a comprehensive introduction to geosynthetics and their field applications, called the geosynthetic engineering.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to:

1. differentiate between types of geosynthetics
2. analyse the functions of geosynthetics for their use in field applications
3. select the correct geosynthetics for a specific application
4. recommend the type of test on geosynthetics required in a specific field application
5. develop the general guidelines for geosynthetic installation, and
6. locate the references and resources on geosynthetics and their applications

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for those involved in the specification, analysis, design, construction, and/or study of geosynthetic-related projects. The participants may include the following from the areas of civil, mining, agricultural and aquacultural engineering:

1. Senior undergraduate and postgraduate students
2. Research candidates
3. Practising engineers
4. Specialised contractors
5. Project managers
6. Land developers

Official language

English

Course credit

7.5 Professional Development Hours (PDH)

Course outline

Session 1: Basic description of geosynthetics, including their types, basic characteristics, raw materials and manufacturing processes
Session 2: Functions of geosynthetics, namely reinforcement, separation, filtration, drainage, fluid barrier and protection
Session 3: Properties of geosynthetics, namely physical properties, mechanical properties, hydraulic properties and endurance properties, and their evaluation
Session 4: Selection of geosynthetics, basic design concepts and applications areas
Session 5: General field application guidelines and case studies

Biographical profile

Dr Sanjay Kumar Shukla is an internationally recognised expert in the field of Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering, and has over twenty years of teaching, research and consultancy experience. He is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering. He is an Associate Professor and Program Leader of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at VIT University, India and a Distinguished Professor at Chitakara University, India. His research interests include geosynthetics and their applications, fibre-reinforced soils, ground improvement, soil-structure interaction, soil dynamics, rock engineering, pavement engineering, and mining and environmental geotechnics. He is the author of popular ICE textbooks titled ‘Core Principles of Soil Mechanics’ and ‘Core Concepts of Geotechnical Engineering’, and has authored/co-authored/edited other 7 books and 12 book chapters. He is also the author/co-author of more than 165 research papers and technical articles, including over 105 refereed journal publications. He is a fellow of Engineers Australia, Institution of Engineers (India) and Indian Geotechnical Society, and a member of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), International Geosynthetics Society, Indian Roads Congress and some other professional organisations. He is a Senior Editor of Cogent Engineering, a Scientific Editor of Journal of Mountain Science, and a Topical Editor of Mechanical Sciences. He serves on the editorial boards of International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, Ground Improvement, Geotechnical Research, Indian Geotechnical Journal, Journal of Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering, and Advances in Civil Engineering.