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 [...]

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6–3 decision that most of the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful. The ruling references country-specific tariffs that President Trump began implementing in 2025 after declaring a national emergency under the IEEPA. These tariffs were at minimum 10%, [...]

The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) will hold its 2026 General Membership Meeting during the 2026 IECA Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. With our association relationship, IECA has provided a room and time slot (Room 203B: Tuesday, March 3rd 3:20-4:30pm) for our meeting. Attendance is open to all members and any guests. We will be providing [...]

Photo: Advanced Textiles Association The Advanced Textiles Association's Women in Textiles Summit is coming to Asheville, N.C., March 30 to April 2. When you register for the 2026 Women in Textiles Summit, you’re not just signing up for powerful conversations and connections. You're stepping into the heart of one of the most vibrant, creative cities [...]

In the summer of 2024, ThermoBond, a leading manufacturer of precast concrete structures, initiated construction on a new facility in Brandon, S.D. GeoTek Engineering collaborated with Solmax to develop a reinforced section using MIRAFI RS580i, a high-performance woven geosynthetic designed to enhance load-bearing capacity. Photo courtesy of Solmax. A key element of the site was [...]

The 2026 International Achievement Awards (IAAs) are now accepting entries. Exclusive to Advanced Textile Association (ATA) members, this competition—now in its 79th year—celebrates the best projects in the specialty fabrics industry. With a reduced entry fee of just $25, it’s easy to enter. Showcase your technical skills and gain industry-wide recognition by entering your best [...]

The Federal Highway Administration Office of Infrastructure is hosting an external webinar to review the phased requirements the Manufactured Products Final Rule from 2-3:30 p.m. EST Feb. 10. On January 14, 2025, FHWA terminated its 1983 Manufactured Products General Waiver, which excluded manufactured products from coverage under FHWA’s Buy America requirements, after determining the waiver [...]

Water is generally recognized as the cause of most geotechnical failures or poor performance. This is because water affects both sides of the stability equation. It increases the loading and reduces effective strength.    Highway 148, outside of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Photo courtesy of Solmax. In addition, flowing water adds seepage forces as well [...]

The short-lived federal government shutdown ended Tuesday, as the U.S. House voted to fund the U.S. Department of Transportation and several other agencies through Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. The Department of Homeland Security was only funded through Feb. 13 under the deal to get the bills passed. President Trump signed the [...]