Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 40

The zero-leak goal
cannot be achieved at
end of geomembrane
installation if the
design of the
containment facility
ignores the properties
of geomembranes
and the requirements
of geomembrane
installation.
From the Koerner
Lecture by J.P. Giroud
remotely controlled underwater repair and
installation of geosynthetics. Also, we should
consider the use of biological materials and
techniques in soil structures. As a result, our
discipline should not be limited to the use of
synthetic products. In fact, we have already
adopted in our discipline some non-synthetic
products, such as steel reinforcement and
erosion control systems made of natural
fibers. But, while the term " geoproducts " may
be used to encompass geosynthetics per se,
natural fibers and metallic reinforcement, it
doesn't apply to biological matter. Could we
perhaps consider that " geoadditives " might
encompass all we add to soils to enhance the
performance of soil structures? Regardless of
terminology, I think we should be prepared
to expand the scope of our discipline. We
should not be shy. We expanded the scope
of our discipline twice already, first from
geotextiles to geomembranes, then to all geosynthetics;
and we changed the name of the
IGS accordingly, while keeping the acronym.
After these tentative thoughts about a possible
future for our discipline, I would like
to point out that there are more immediate
challenges. One of them is water conservation.
Geosynthetics have been, and still are,
the main contributors to the protection of the
environment from contamination by leakage
from waste disposal landfills and mining
facilities. We can be proud of this accomplishment.
As shown in my lecture, we can use
our expertise on leakage control to minimize
water waste. Today, a significant fraction of
the water that is collected and transported for
agriculture and domestic uses is wasted, often
because of leakage. As a result, the wasted
water (which has returned to groundwater
or rivers) must be collected again and transported
again to be finally used or wasted
again, etc. We know how to control leakage
and we must use this expertise for the great
challenge of the 21st century, water conservation.
And, as we continue to be at the forefront
of the efforts for the protection of the environment,
we should also make sure that the
progressive degradation of some geosynthetics
is not detrimental to the environment. Many
40
Geosynthetics | April May 2024
geosynthetics are more durable than concrete
and we should make sure that this fact is
widely known, but, at the same time, we know
that the general public is concerned by what
people call " the plastics. " We should take measures
to control the use of a few geosynthetics
that may cause a problem to the environment.
Thus, our discipline will continue to be at the
forefront of efforts for the protection of the
environment and water conservation.
In conclusion, I see a bright future for our
discipline provided we are open to broadening
its scope, and I am confident that the
challenges will be met.
George Koerner: How do we motivate the
next generation of young professionals to
join our industry?
J.P. Giroud: When I was young, we wanted
to do more; now young people want to do
better. Therefore, I would tell young professionals
that they will like geosynthetics
because geosynthetics make it possible to
do things better. This is particularly true
regarding the environment and climate,
subjects dear to young generations: I believe
that young professionals will appreciate
the beneficial effects of geosynthetics on
the sustainability of construction projects.
Another aspect of the geosynthetics industry
which should attract young professionals
is that creativity and original solutions
are appreciated because the geosynthetics
industry is less codified than many other
industries. Also, I would tell young professionals
that they are most welcome in the
geosynthetics industry because, as I said in
my lecture, this industry is characterized
by cooperation between professionals with
different backgrounds, as well as between
generations. Young professionals will like
to work in such a stimulating professional
environment, which provides opportunities
to interact with a variety of experienced people
and provides opportunities to work on
challenging projects. Clearly, our industry
will grow with young professionals and will
help young professionals to grow. This may
be the best conclusion for this discussion. G
Geosynthetics April/May 2024

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