“Tall” Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls (MSEW) are sometimes required in circumstances in which projects require large grade separations.  What is considered “tall” in relation to MSE walls? In the United States most MSEWs typically range in height from 10 to 30 feet, which is consistent with the support of highway embankments and abutments. Taller walls are [...]

Snow Peak Capital LLC, a private equity firm, announced the sale of Dalco-GFT Nonwovens, a leading manufacturer of needle-punched nonwoven specialty fabrics, to Arvind Advanced Materials Ltd. Arvind Advanced Materials is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arvind Ltd., a leading global textiles and advanced materials company headquartered in Ahmedabad, India. Snow Peak Capital and Joey Duncan, [...]

Aaron Smith, President and CEO of Maccaferri North America; photo courtesy of Officine Maccaferri. Officine Maccaferri officially inaugurated its new North American manufacturing facility in Fort Lawn, S.C., on June 5. The event marked the official start of operations at the facility and brought together Maccaferri’s leadership, leading business partners and representatives of local and regional institutions. The inauguration gives tangible form to the investment announced [...]

Soil erosion is a broad topic, but this article will focus on the impact of erosion along riverbanks and coastal areas due to water.   Des Moines River Stabilization; photo courtesy of Solmax. Erosion is a mechanism in which soil particles are detached and transported due to forces from flowing water and are subsequently deposited [...]

Layfield was recognized for its industry-leading performance, its global business practices, and its sustained growth by receiving the 2026 Canada’s Best Managed Companies award. Celebrating over 30 years, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program awards excellence in private Canadian-owned companies with revenues of $50 million or greater. To attain the designation, companies are evaluated on their [...]

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, following a 14-hour legislative markup today, approved H.R. 8870, the BUILD America 250 – a bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs. According to its authors, the bill provides the largest ever investment in America’s [...]

U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo., and the Committee’s Ranking Member Rick Larsen, D-Wash., have released the text of a bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs. The BUILD America 250 Act – Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development [...]

There's still time to join Geosynthetics Materials Association (GMA) on their trip to Washington, D.C. June 2-4 for GMA Lobby Days. GMA members and anyone else who would like to attend will meet with congressional representatives and learn how the upcoming election will impact Congress.  Visitors are welcome—contact Fred Chuck, GMA Executive Director (fred.chuck@textiles.org). Click here to register. Schedule at a Glance Tuesday, June 2nd [...]

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the department is making $3 billion available for states to invest in aging bridge infrastructure across the country. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s Bridge Investment Program (BIP) focuses on repairing bridges in poor condition. “The Trump Administration is getting back to basics to upgrade America’s bridge projects nationwide, improving [...]

Steepened geocell faced slope in Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Daniel E. Alzamora. The infrastructure that we rely on daily is increasingly under pressure from weather events and associated geohazards. In addition, there is rising demand for development of infrastructure into more challenging ground conditions.   Geosynthetics, such as geotextiles, geogrids, drainage nets, geocells, erosion control [...]

The 2026 edition of the Geosynthetics Trends & Innovations digital supplement is now available. The annual eBook offers articles on emerging technologies, market shifts, and expert insights. Inside, you’ll find Geosynthetic solutions engineered to survive extreme weather Geotextiles, geogrids lead the quest for 100-year roads The role of geosynthetics in improving sustainability Read it for [...]

In the design and construction of earth retaining systems, the use of geosynthetics has become essential. Geosynthetics often deliver durable, economical and flexible solutions when compared to alternate gravity structures.  Boulder City Bypass – Wire face MSE wall, 60 feet tall. Photo courtesy of Daniel E. Alzamora. Typical categories of earth retention systems include reinforced [...]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has developed the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal, which importers and brokers can use to submit refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as authorized by a March 4 Court of International Trade ruling that deemed the duties illegal. The [...]

ATA Women in Textiles Summit participants. Image: Devin Steele More than 100 professionals from across the U.S. textile industry gathered in Asheville, N.C., March 30–April 1 for the eighth annual Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Women in Textiles Summit, a dynamic, multiday event focused on leadership, mentorship and advancing women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The [...]

Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is now accepting applications for open ATA Board of Directors positions. The ATA Board of Directors relies on highly engaged, volunteer leadership that is willing to represent our members, work with ATA leadership staff and provide guidance in the direction of the association and its activities. The ATA Leadership Development Committee [...]

The City of Ocala has seen significant growth in the past decade, spurring increased traffic congestion. To alleviate these challenges, the city planned a road extension including a new four-lane, divided highway along the Northwest side of Ocala. This portion of the project was built on a new embankment constructed through a gravel pit of [...]

Daniele Cazzuffi has been elected as president of the International Geosynthetics Society, the group announced this week. Image courtesy of International Geosynthetics Society. He succeeds Sam Allen, who will continue to serve on the Council as Past President. Dr. Laura Carbone has been elected as the IGS Vice President. They, and 10 newly elected Council Members, [...]

It’s time to register for the 2026 Spring Geosynthetics Materials Association Lobby Days and make sure your voice is heard. The 2026 GMA Spring Lobby Days will take place on June 2–4, 2026, in Washington DC. Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) members will have the opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives, hear from invited guests and learn [...]

The Geo-Congress is an annual conference sponsored by the Geo-Institute (G-I) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The conference focuses on highlighting excellence in all aspects of geotechnical engineering. In 2026, the GeoCongress was held in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 9-12. Photo courtesy of Geo-Congress 2026. The typical conference programming includes traditional [...]

Geosynthetics industry expert L. David Suits passed away April 3, at the age of 80. Suits had more than 50 years of industry experience, most recently as the head of his own consulting firm, LDS Geosynthetic Consulting Services. He also worked for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) where he oversaw the testing [...]