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 [...]

Samir Agrawal, new president of Strata Geosystems. Photo courtesy of Strata Geosystems. Strata Geosystems has appointed Samir Agrawal as the company's new president. Agrawal joins Strata Geosystems with over 20 years of experience in driving organizational transformation and formulating high-impact business strategies. Most recently, he served as the CEO of Human Protection business at Arvind [...]

Abstract submissions are open for the 2027 Geosynthetics Conference. The conference will take place Feb. 21–24, 2027 in Reno, Nev., co-located with the IECA Annual Conference, bringing together two leading communities for an expanded audience and broader educational opportunities. Organizers are seeking technical papers across a range of topics to help shape the conversation around [...]

The roads of the national highway system are a critical asset, and their performance directly impacts the economy, commerce and social connectivity of the country.  Interstate 10 near San Antonio, Texas. Photo courtesy of Jorge G. Zornberg. Therefore, designing and constructing durable roads that can withstand the anticipated loading conditions in consideration of the variable [...]

The hotel block is now open for the Geosynthetics Materials Association's Spring Lobby Days, June 1-4 in Washington, D.C. For more information on Lobby Days, contact Fred Chuck, executive director, Geosynthetics Materials Association, at fred.chuck@textiles.org. Three hotel options are available: WASHINGTON MARRIOTT at Metro Center 775 12th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.  20005 Guest Room Block: Please [...]

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer announced on March 11 the launch of investigations into Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. Additionally, Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard announced the first round of discussions in preparation for the joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Section 301 investigations The investigations will [...]

Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls have been used in the United States since the early 1970s and earlier in Europe.  MSE walls are an earth retention system that is composed of granular backfill material, soil reinforcing, and a facing element. MSE walls were developed as an alternate construction technology to other gravity bottom-up construction methods [...]

The Town of Needham recently completed a major renovation of Claxton Field, a multiuse recreation facility. The purpose of the project was to improve the functionality and overall experience of the community space by reconfiguring several athletic fields, installing new site amenities, upgrading lighting and turf, and adding ADA-accessible walking paths and landscaping. Previously a [...]

Officine Maccaferri announced this week that it will expand its U.S. manufacturing footprint with a significant investment in Synteen Technical Fabrics Inc. with a newly renovated, multi-technology production facility in Fort Lawn, S.C. Photo courtesy of Officine Maccaferri. Maccaferri acquired Synteen in February 2025. Following twelve months of industrial and commercial integration and portfolio expansion [...]

The call for abstracts for Geosynthetics Conference 2027 is now open. You are able to submit abstract submissions for technical papers of all types. Conference organizers are looking for submissions on the following topics: Agriculture/Aquaculture Bridges and Foundations Case Studies Conveyance and Storage Dams and Levees Drainage Energy Environmental (waste containment, tailings, etc.) Hydraulics Hydro-Fracking Innovative [...]

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on all countries, effective Feb. 24. This follows the Supreme Court's Feb. 20 ruling that the country-specific tariffs imposed by the president under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in 2025 were illegal. The day of the court's ruling, the president issued a proclamation imposing [...]

In Rockville, Md., the Gude Road Landfill operated from 1964 until 1982, disposing of municipal solid waste. The dumpsite predated modern landfill design regulations, lacking an engineered liner cover system. This led to significant environmental concerns requiring remedial action to meet current regulatory standards. The Gude Road Landfill in Rockville, Md. Photo courtesy of Hallaton [...]

Strata Geosystems (India) Pvt. Ltd. has announced the strategic acquisition of Venus Interlinings, an India-based manufacturer of advanced non-woven geotextiles and technical textiles. For Strata, also headquartered in India, this transaction brings the company into the non-woven geotextiles segment, enhancing its product portfolio and strengthening its vertically integrated capabilities. The acquisition brings with it a [...]