Image: ATA Japan ATA Japan, a member group of Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), held its Annual Meeting July 22. The meeting also included a forum and networking reception. At the meeting, members approved activity and financial reports, elected new leadership, approved amendments to ATA Japan bylaws, and approved the business plan and budget for the [...]

Image: Seaman Corporation Seaman Corporation announced that the company has completed its 10,200-square-foot headquarters expansion in Wooster, Ohio. The new space features additional offices and open-area workstations, a large, multipurpose gathering room and increased parking capacity for the Wooster team and visitors. The project also showcases Seaman Corporation products. A Lightweight Structures tulip canopy shelters [...]

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls have evolved considerably over the past 35 years in relation to facing options, reinforcement types, material testing and design methodologies.   Mechanically Stabilized Earth wall in Durango, Colo. Photo courtesy of the author. This two-part article will focus on the evolution of design methods over the past 35 years specifically related [...]

The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), in cooperation with the International Geosynthetic Society’s (IGS) 13th International Conference on Geosynthetics (13 ICG), is proud to announce that the 5th Koerner Lecture Awardee, Dr. Shobha Bhatia, will be presenting an updated version of her 2025 Koerner Lecture “From Filters to Tubes: A 30-Year Exploration of Geotextiles” during the [...]

The Advanced Textiles Association's Leadership Development Committee met on June 30, 2026, to review applications received as a result of this year's Call for ATA Board of Director Candidates. Four candidates are being recommended by the committee for positions that will become available in November: Director / Three-year term Glenn Aust, Ehmke Manufacturing Co., Philadelphia, Penn. [...]

The use of geosynthetics for rail infrastructure continues to grow not only in the United States but also worldwide.   As with other applications like roads, waste management, mining and erosion, the use of geosynthetics is recognized as capable of delivering durable, sustainable and cost-effective solutions for rail infrastructure projects.  This project used the Mirafi H2Ri [...]

Industry organizations representing U.S. textile manufacturers, apparel brands and retailers urged the Trump administration to adopt a newly developed textile and apparel trade incentive program they proposed in a joint submission to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) July 6. This is the first time these organizations have teamed up to publicly advocate for a [...]

In addition to educational sessions, Outlook® Leadership Conference attendees had the chance to watch a Greenville Drive baseball game at Fluor Field in Greenville, S.C. Image: eTextileCommunications.com/Devin Steele Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) brought together manufacturers, suppliers, government officials and industry leaders at its 2026 ATA Outlook® Leadership Conference to examine the trends reshaping the textile [...]

An ongoing challenge for geotechnical engineers is addressing the impact of expansive soils on our infrastructure. Expansive soils are clay soils that due to their mineral composition (montmorillonite, bentonite and others) attract and absorb water causing them to expand in volume as more water is absorbed. In dry conditions these materials, which might have expanded [...]

“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 [...]

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 [...]