Geosynthetics are used in the construction of roadways, bridge abutments, marine structures, reservoirs, landfills and many other structures. Contractors often demand an assurance from the manufacturer that the planned structure will last for the whole life of the structure, which may be a hundred years or more. These materials, and even the polymers from which they are made, were unknown a century ago. There is therefore no experience of their use for this length of time.
In fact, commercial geosynthetics have generally proved themselves durable over the fifty years since they were first installed, and over that period the qual-ity of the products available has been improved. An understanding of the phys-ics and chemistry of degradation has led to tests that can be performed within a reasonable time to provide an assurance that a conventional geosynthetic will last for at least 25 years in a 'normal' soil environment. The methods of installation are controlled and quality assurance has been improved.
A more formal and comprehensive life assessment is required for a geosyn-thetic to be used outside these limits: for new or different polymers, higher tem-peratures, more aggressive environments and above all for longer lifetimes. This conference is intended to set out how to perform such an assessment.
The second day of 23 October will conclude with a technical tour to the artificial lakes construction site in Dubai.
Conference fee: 990,00 EUR
Early bird discount: Register before 24 September 2008 for only 850,00 EUR
Conference language: English
Venue: Radisson SAS Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
United Arab Emirates