News

News, announcements, policy updates, spotlighted websites, software updates and other info that may be of interest to practicing geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, geophysicists, hydrogeologists and related professions.

Press Releases

Researchers examine carbon capture and storage to combat global warming

July 15, 2007 rockman Comments Off on Researchers examine carbon capture and storage to combat global warming

While solar power and hybrid cars have become popular symbols of green technology, Stanford researchers are exploring another path for cutting emissions of carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas that causes global warming.

Carbon capture and storage, also called carbon sequestration, traps carbon dioxide after it is produced and injects it underground. The gas never enters the atmosphere. The practice could transform heavy carbon spewers, such as coal power plants, into relatively clean machines with regard to global warming. [Image Credit: Statoil]

 

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Standards and Codes

ASTM Updates June 9 through July 9

July 11, 2007 rockman Comments Off on ASTM Updates June 9 through July 9

Here are some revised ASTM standards and work items that pertain to geotechnical engineering, pavement, construction QC/QA, and laboratory testing etc. Of special interest to some of you might be the revised standard for moisture and density testing using a nuclear density gauge or nuke gauge, ASTM D6938. There are a bunch of others as well. 

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Geologic Hazards

Arizona Earth Fissure Planning Maps

July 11, 2007 rockman Comments Off on Arizona Earth Fissure Planning Maps

According to Lee Allison’s Blog (Lee is the head of the Arizona Geological Survey and the Arizona State Geologist), the AZGS has released earth fissure maps of 4 Arizona Counties suitable for planning purposes. Read on for more details.

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Available Resources

New Publications in Geosynthetics

June 26, 2007 rockman 1

GeoSynthetica.net has a nice index of technical articles related to geosynthetics. Most recently, they have linked to some articles by Dr. John S. Horvath at Manhattan College on the topics of geosynthetics for ground improvement, geofoam, and cellular geosynthetics. Also included in this list is a Spencer J. Buchanan Lecture by Robert D. Holtz on Geosynthetics for Soil Reinforcement. Read on for links to these PDF articles.
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Geologic Hazards

Home Owners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Geologic Hazards

June 26, 2007 rockman Comments Off on Home Owners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Geologic Hazards

Anyone who owns a house or is looking to buy one should be aware that nearly all home owner’s insurance policies will not cover them in the event their home is damaged by common geologic processes including floods, landslides, earthquakes, subsidence, and expansive or swelling soils. (Image by Geology.com)

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Available Resources

TRB: 30 Years of MSE Walls

June 26, 2007 rockman Comments Off on TRB: 30 Years of MSE Walls

The Transportation Research Board has released a publication titled "Research Pays Off – Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls on the Interstate Highway System: Thirty Years of Experience". Check out the link after the break.

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