Multiple Benefits with Geosynthetics

 Multiple Benefits with Geosynthetics: A Sustainable Future for Infrastructure

– Experts Must Recommend Sustainable Solutions
– VMRDA Chief Engineer M. Vinay Kumar

Geosynthetics are proving to be highly beneficial in multiple aspects of the construction industry, said M. Vinay Kumar, Chief Engineer of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA). He was speaking at the inauguration of a one-day seminar jointly organized by the Department of Civil Engineering at Andhra University, the Indian Geotechnical Society – Visakhapatnam Chapter, and Maccaferri India.

This seminar was organised on the theme "Nurturing the Nation’s Infrastructure with Sustainable Geosynthetic Solutions". the seminar was held on Wednesday at the Andhra University Civil Engineering Department.

In his address, Chief Engineer (VMRDA) Vinay Kumar emphasized that geosynthetics are a product of human intelligence and have gained prominence over the past three decades. He noted that even in the construction of Visakhapatnam's first flyover, geosynthetics played a critical role. He encouraged young engineers to explore career opportunities in this emerging field and called on experts to develop and recommend sustainable solutions. He also stressed the importance of such conferences for learning, raising awareness, and driving innovation in the construction sector. Additionally, he advocated for environmentally balanced development practices.

Gianluca Spadaro, Business Head at Maccaferri, highlighted that the environment is presenting new and complex challenges to the construction industry, ranging from water scarcity in some regions to excessive rainfall in others. He stated that managing water resources will be crucial in the future and that geosynthetics offer viable sustainable solutions that can also help reduce construction costs.

Prof. C.N.V. Satyanarayana Reddy, Chairman of the Indian Geotechnical Society – Visakhapatnam Chapter and professor in Civil Engineering Department, Andhra University remarked that the use of geosynthetics in civil engineering projects is steadily increasing. He explained that, unlike traditional methods, geosynthetics enable the construction of stronger, more cost-effective, and longer-lasting infrastructure. He also mentioned that the department has introduced dedicated courses on geosynthetics. These materials have already been used in strengthening the Visakhapatnam Airport runway and in multiple other infrastructure projects.

Technical presentations were delivered by Maccaferri’s Technical Head Ratnakar Mahajan, Geosynthetics Business Head Saurya Dass, Prof. Rajagopal, and Prof. C.N.V. Satyanarayana Reddy, among others.

The conference was attended by industry professionals, civil engineering faculty members from various institutions, staff, and students.

Later sessions included discussions on “Scientific Approach to Selection of Erosion Control Measures using Geosynthetics, Geosynthetic Solutions for Ground Improvement in Ports, Highways, and Logistics Parks, igh-Performance Drainage Composites for Sustainable Highways, Comprehensive Insights on Geosynthetics: Case Studies, Codal Guidelines and Design Software, Construction of railway and airport runway embankments using geosynthetic reinforced soil, Application of Geogrids in Engineered Landfills were elaborated upon by experts.

This collaborative conference between academic institutions and industry aims to provide direct insight into pressing challenges in the construction field, with technical input from Maccaferri representatives, Andhra University faculty, and domain specialists.