In a joint webinar, co-sponsored by the IGS Australian chapter (ACIGS) and the IGS Technical Committee on Barrier Systems, I presented and discussed the topic of Geo-barriers, specifically durability and estimations of durability performance using Oxidative Induction Time (OIT), both standard and high-pressure. Other panelists were Fred Gassner, Kerry Rowe, Warren Hornsey and Eric Blond.

OIT and retention of OIT are heavily used in our industry to estimate durability and lifespan and are part of the Victoria, Australia BPEM regulatory standards. However, the interpretation of the OIT and aged OIT retention test results is both formulation and testing protocol specific and should be undertaken with care and experience.

In addition to my client work and other industry responsibilities, I also serve as the Secretary / Treasurer of the International Geosynthetics Society Foundation.  The IGS Foundation was created in late 2019 and is a non-profit, charitable organization.  The mission of the Foundation is to support and expand the activities and reach of the IGS, particularly in the areas of education and market growth.  I will serve on the Board of Trustees of the Foundation until December, 2021, having been selected by the IGS Council.

The Foundation welcomes the participation and support of all, within, or outside the general geosynthetics industry.  Geosynthetics make a strong contribution to a better planet and the Foundation is an important part of expanding that market and our industries’ sustainable message.   A brief video with several of our Founding Donors, myself and the Board’s Chairman – Jacques Cote explains the Foundation and highlights our kickoff at GeoAmericas 2020.  The video is linked here, and can also be found on the IGS Foundation website at http://www.TheIGSFoundation.com

Please contact me if you have any questions. I hope that you will “Join us”.

In June, 2020 a customer/client satisfaction survey was conducted among the 60 plus clients and prospective clients of Boyd Ramsey Consulting LLC. Participation was good at over 30% and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The services provided were characterized as “reliable”, “high quality” and always meeting time commitments. I particularly value the comments and good ratings from repeat customers, who see the value of long-standing relationships. I will keep continuous improvement as an important part of my programs. I thank the participants and my clients for their feedback and support.

An article authored by yours truly, Boyd Ramsey, was published in the February issue of ReSource magazine, a South African environmental and general interest geotechnical publication. The article is linked here https://issuu.com/glen.t/docs/resource_feb_2020/30 and reviews some of the South African successes of waste containment and geosynthetics.

On January 22-23rd, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain the second technical workshop of the IGS Technical Committee on Barriers was held. Approximately 80 attendees witnessed a two-day series of presentations and discussion periods on new developments and important topics relative to the geosynthetic barrier industry. Led by Event Chairman Kent von Maubauge, the four sessions and discussions captured the current trends and interest items within the industry, presenting cutting edge research and provided a forum for discussion and identification of future research topics. Please contact Boyd for additional information and summaries.