Brown Bag: Introduction of Geosynthetics and Overview of their Properties & Functions
Date and Time
Friday Sep 20, 2019
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
11:30 a.m. Registration
12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Luncheon and Program
Location
Marriott Minneapolis West
9960 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55426 (952/544-4400)
(Located on the North frontage road of I-394 between Hwy 169 & Hopkins Crossroad, directly across from the ACEC/MN office)
Fees/Admission
This program is free to ACEC/MN members. Lunch is provided by GMA.
Description
Description: This one-hour course will provide participants with an overview of geosynthetics and geomaterials used for geotechnical applications. Basic function, polymers, limitations, and capabilities of geosynthetic reinforcements are introduced. The course is intended for civil, and geotechnical engineers.
Objectives: Course participants will understand different types of geosynthetic materials, their functions, types, capabilities, and limitations. Course participants will understand the function and limits of geosynthetic reinforcement. Participants will understand various polymer materials for geogrid, woven and geocomposite geosynthetics. Participants will learn that geosynthetics are engineered materials and are selected according to their functions for a particular application criterion.
Speakers:
Jonathan Curry, MPA, is the Managing Director of Geosynthetics Materials Association (GMA) and Advanced Textile Products division (ATP) at Industrial Fabrics Association International headquartered in Roseville, MN. GMA is the central resource for geosynthetics in the United States. Mr. Curry has a Master’s in Public Administration from Hamline University and years of experience in business management which has attributed to the success of several accomplishments. Mr. Curry has been instrumental in several lobbying efforts for GMA; including the inclusion of geosynthetic language in the transportation FAST Act. He was also involved with the passage of the WIIN Act (Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation) in 2016; these accomplishments help solidify geosynthetics a spot as a leading innovative material in the environmental protection and water resources industries. Mr. Curry has coordinated over 150 meetings on capitol hill, as well as several state visits. During these visits, Mr. Curry works with transportation and environmental departments, along with governors’ offices and contractor groups to educate state officials on the benefits of geosynthetics. He has also been involved with several state specification reviews and has arranged several educational seminars.
Benjamin Cross, PE, has a combined 22 years of experience in construction, engineering design, sales, marketing and is the Regional Sales Manager for HUEKSER - Midwest. Ben is responsible for all business development in the Geosynthetic market with distributors, engineering firms as well as state and local entities throughout the Midwest. Prior to joining HUESKER as a Regional Sales Manager Ben was involved with a number of engineering disciplines including Heavy Civil Construction, Road and Bridge Design, Pavement Preservation and Management, Asphalt Emulsions and Concrete Paving, Water & Wastewater – aeration blower marker, as well as Storm Water Design and Sustainable Solutions. Ben spent the first 8 years of his career as a Project Engineer with INDOT in the Seymour district where he oversaw multi-million construction projects.