News

FGI Updates PVC Geomembrane Specification

The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) updated its Material Specification for New PVC Geomembranes, previously referred to as PGI 1104 and FGI 1117.  The new specification, FGI 9119, addresses camber or layflat, film gloss, shore hardness, and color deviation within a manufactured lot.  The new specification introduces the FGI Circumference Test which measures the roll circumference at the ends and several points along the roll to maintain roll straightness or decrease camber.  FGI 9119 also includes requirements for film gloss to reduce blocking or sticking of the geomembrane upon unrolling.  A Shore Hardness requirement was also added to improve handling and welding of the geomembrane.

The new specification can be downloaded for free by clicking here.

About the FGI:

The FGI is dedicated to advancing the use of fabricatedgeomembranes through education, research, and technology transfer.  The FGI is a non-profit consortium of manufacturers,fabricators/installers, designers, regulators, and material suppliers offabricated geomembranes.  

FGI Summer 2019 Newsletter - Now Available

Check out the FGI's Summer Newsletter with information on Safety, the new Online PDH Program, Upcoming Webinar on Temporary Landfill Covers, Coal Combustion Residuals Short Course, Women in Geosynthetics, and more.

Newsletter - Summer, 2019

FGI Offers Short Course in Bogota, Colombia

The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) presented a one-day short course at the Sheraton Bogota Hotel in Bogota, Colombia on 12 August 2019.  The short course was offered in collaboration with Filmtex, a geomembrane manufacturing company headquartered in Bogota, and the Colombian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS). The all-day short course drew 49 registrants.

The excellent and timely presentations focused on the challenges and environmental concerns associated with mining, tunneling, water, and waste containment technologies and how geomembranes and geosynthetics can be used to mitigate the concerns and risks.  The beginning portion of the short course focused on geomembrane fabrication, installation, manufacturing and geosynthetics for civil engineering applications with five (5) presentations.  Dr. Timothy D. Stark of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign focused on the new FGI PVC Geomembrane Specification, factory fabrication and field installation, and the Columbus Water Reservoir Project.  Juan Cortes and Myriam Acevedo of Filmtex provided insight into the latest advancements in geomembrane manufacturing.  Camillo Marulanda of Ingetec Colombia, wrapped up the morning session with an informative presentation on the use of geosynthetics for dam applications.  

The second half of the presentations continued the focus on various applications of geosynthetics in containment applications, as well as geomembrane seaming. For example, Marina Villaroel of Alphard (Canada) gave an informative presentation on geosynthetics for mining application. Julio Ferreira of TRI Environmental reviewed the best practices for developing leak location surveys and obtaining a zero leak containment system.  Finally, Jorge Herrero Vega of Cesla Mexico, wrapped up the event with a presentation reviewing the the general concepts of geomembrane seaming followed by an interactive welding demonstration that allowed attendees to weld and test geomembranes. 

Many attendee questions, comments, and experiences made the course a great success. The topics and speakers from the successful short course are shown below:

FGI Introduction, Activities, and Current Research - T. Stark (U. of Illinois)

Introducción sobre la FGI, sus actividadese Investigación actual

Introduction to IGS Colombia Chapter - Mauricio Rendon (IGS Colombia)

Introduccióna la sociedad internacional de geosintéticos, capítulo  Colombia.

FGI PVC Spec: scope, origin &description of properties - T. Stark (U. ofIllinois)

Presentación Especificación FGI 6119 para PVC

Factory Fabrication & Field Installation - T. Stark (U. of Illinois)

Fabricación de Páneles en Planta e Instalación

Geosynthetics in Tunnel Applications - Chungsik Yoo (IGS President)

Aplicaciones de Geosintéticos en Túneles(Videoconferencia)

PVC Geomembranes Manufacturing - Juan Cortes & Myriam Acevedo (Filmtex)

Producciónde Geomembranas de PVC

Columbus Water Reservoir & Geomembrane Seaming - T.Stark (U. of Illinois)

Reservorio de Agua en Columbus, OH y sellado de geomembranas.

Geosynthetics in Dam Applications - Camillo Marulanda (Ingetec Colombia)

Aplicación de geo sintéticos en Represas.

Geosynthetics in Waste Management - T. Stark (U. of Illinois)

Geosintéticos en Aplicaciones de Manejo deDesechos                                                                                                      

Geosynthetics in MiningApplications - Marina Villaroel (Alphard,Canada)

Geosintéticosen Aplicaciones de Minería

Leak Location for Fabricated Geomembranes - Julio Ferreira (TRI/Environmental)

Detecciónde fugas en Geomembranas

General Concepts of Geomembrane Seaming - Jorge Herrero,(Cesla Mexico)

ConceptosGenerales de Sellado de Geomembrana

Welding Demonstration - JorgeHerrero, (Cesla Mexico)

Práctica de sellado


The FGI is dedicated to advancing the use of fabricated geomembranes through education, research, and technology transfer. The FGI is an industry sponsored consortium of manufacturers, fabricators, installers, designers, regulators, and material suppliers of fabricated geomembranes. For more information on the FGI, please visit www.fabricatedgeomembrane.com

FGI Webinar:  Temporary Landfill Covers - Design & Construction

September 10, 2019 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CDT

Free to Industry Professionals & Students

1.0 PDH Available

This webinar will focus primarily on Prefabricated Landfill Covers and associated ballast systems. More specifically, it will provide a brief introduction into the geomembrane fabrication and installation processes, typical applications where these covers are used, how they perform, as well as considerations for material selection, project designs and construction techniques. Lastly, the presentation will review specific case studies throughout the United States to highlight these cover systems and designs.

Register for FREE today: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9200528983946286859

FGI Creates FREE Online PDH Credit Program

The FGI has created a program that will offer engineers one (1.0) Professional Development Hour (PDH) of credit for each FGI webinar that is viewed from the FGI Online Webinar Library. The FGI currently has thirteen (13) webinars in its online library and is offering an additional four (4) live webinars this year: CCR Regulations and Policy (August 6), Temporary Landfill Covers (September 10), Lightweight Aggregate (October 15), and Geomembrane Wrinkles (November 12). A PDH certificate will be issued to anyone who attends a live webinar or views a pre-recorded webinar in its entirety. Each live webinar will be added to the FGI's online library after the initial airing date.  

For more information or to view the list of webinars, please visit:  www.fabricatedgeomembrane.com/resources/webinar-gallery  

To learn more/register for the August 6, 2019 webinar on CCR Policy and Regulations, please visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4561903830197164300

FGI To Offer Coal Combustion Residuals Short Course

The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute is offering a one day short course on Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs): Current Regulations and Solutions.  The short course will take place on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the Center City Building near the University of North Carolina Charlotte campus. Attendees will gain a broad knowledge of current and emerging CCR regulations, local experience managing CCRs, and the advantages of using geosynthetics to manage and dispose of CCRs.  Course attendees will earn seven (7.0) PDHs. Lunch and break refreshments will be provided. The short course is offered in collaboration with S&ME, Wood, University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The short course will feature dynamic presentations from representatives of Consumers Energy, Duke Energy, American Electric Power, UNCC, The Ohio State University, Wind Defender, Wood, TRI, DemTech, Leister and S&ME.

For more information or to register, please visit: https://www.geosynthetics-ccrs-charlotte-2019.eventbrite.com

Early bird registration discount ends October 15, 2019.

FGI Welcomes Poly Fab LLC

The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) is pleased to welcome its newest fabricator/installer member, Poly Fab LLC (www.polyfabllc.com). Poly Fab LLC was established to supply step and panel geomembranes to the water transfer energy companies in several of the shale project areas in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma.  PolyFab’s primary lining products are fabricated polyethylene geomembranes and non-woven felt pads. Their FGI liaison is Enrique Saavedra, Business Development Manager, who can be reached at sales@polyfabllc.com.  Please help us welcome PolyFab LLC to the FGI!!!!

FGI Publishes Article on Elvaloy Nomenclature in Geosythetics

June/July 2019

Geosynthetics Magazine

By E. Silva and T. D. Stark

Since the first flexible membrane liner (FML) was used as part of an environmental liner system, the geomembrane industry has always looked for innovative solutions to environmental containment applications. Although there have been many innovations over the last fifty (50) years, one of the most significant is the introduction of ketone ethylene ester (KEE), which is a solid plasticizer.  KEE is available under the Elvaloy® trade or product name and is used to plasticize PVC geomembranes as discussed in detail below.

Read the full article...

FGI Records Two New Testing Videos

The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has created a library of Geomembrane Test Method Videos that explain various factory and field test methods.  Testing videos available to view/download include demonstrations on how to measure the following:  thickness, tensile strength, dimensional stability, seam shear and peel strength, and brittleness.  

The FGI has recently recorded two new testing videos, as part of the Geomembrane Test Method Library on the FGI website:  ASTM D1204 Dimensional Stability and ASTM D1790 Brittleness Temperature of Plastic Sheeting by Impact.  

In addition to these two testing videos, the FGI has recorded the following testing videos available to view/download:

ASTM D7408 Seam Peel Strength

ASTM D882 Tensile Properties Geomembranes

ASTM D7408 Seam Shear Strength

ASTM D5994 Thickness Textured Geomembrane

ASTM D5199 Procedure B Thickness Smooth Geomembrane

Download/View Testing Videos Here:  https://www.fabricatedgeomembrane.com/resources/video-gallery

 

FGI Welcomes Tonkin + Taylor

The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) is pleased to welcome its newest consultant member– New Zealand’s leading environmental and engineering consultancy, Tonkin +Taylor.  Head-quartered in Auckland (NZ), Tonkin + Taylor operates throughout the South Pacific, Australasia and Southern Asian region. The company is 100% employee owned and operated and is highly experienced and skilled at delivering significant solid waste, transport,utilities, coastal management, flood protection and climate change adaptation capital works programs. Their FGI liaison is senior civil/environmental engineer Jonathan Shamrock, JShamrock@tonkintaylor.co.nz.  Please help us welcome Tonkin + Taylor to the FGI!!!!

News

Exciting News for the FGI: We’re Now the Flexible Geomembrane Institute

Download Full Press Release

After sixteen years as the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI), we’re proud to announce that we have officially changed our name to the Flexible Geomembrane Institute. This change marks an exciting new chapter for our organization, expanding our mission and further solidifying our commitment to the innovative field of geomembrane technology, while maintaining focus on factory fabrication and modular construction.

This updated name better reflects the evolving landscape of the industry and the diverse needs of FGI’s growing community of members and industry professionals. By emphasizing flexibility, our new name speaks to the Institute’s broader reach, while staying true to the foundational principles and deep expertise in geomembrane applications.

"Expanding the FGI to focus on all flexible geomembrane installations allows us to include field fabrication with our long-term interest in factory fabrication and modular construction," said Dr. Timothy D. Stark, Technical Director of FGI. "As we continue to innovate and grow, we are still the same great organization, providing useful content on current and emerging trends in the industry." Patrick Elliott, President of the FGI also commented, “This simple but strategic change helps align our goals and work closer to represent the needs of our members and industry. While our core focus will always be on factory fabrication the fact remains, we want to provide industry research and technology to focus on providing the best products and techniques to solve all project challenges.”

New Domain, Same Valuable Resources
Alongside the name change, FGI has announced a new domain name. Our website is now located at www.thefgi.org. Visitors will continue to find the same valuable content, resources, and educational materials, with the added benefit of a shorter and easier domain name. For any inquiries, please contact Jen Miller at her new email address Jen@thefgi.org.

Please join all of us with the FGI in celebrating this exciting advancement.

About the Flexible Geomembrane Institute (FGI):
The Flexible Geomembrane Institute (formerly the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute) is a leading resource for the development, education, and promotion of geomembrane technology. The FGI is an industry-sponsored, non-profit institute dedicated to advancing the use of fabricated flexible geomembranes through education, research, and technology transfer. The FGI is housed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

FGI at GeoAsia8 in Brisbane, Australia

Join the FGI at GeoAsia8 in Brisbane, Australia from 10-13 June, 2025. Several FGI Members will be participating & presenting on Wednesday, 11 June in the Speed Consulting session which will focus on Containment Systems in the Energy Sector, Geomembrane Selection and Applications for Mining, and Oil & Gas Environmental Containment. This session will also include various industry experts as part of a panel discussion. Register Here: https://geoasia8.org/registration/

FGI Welcomes Textiles Coated International

The FGI is pleased to welcome its newest Manufacturer Member, Textiles Coated International (TCI). TCI has been a leading manufacturer of high-performance fluoropolymer films, laminates, and composites since 1985. TCI's products are designed to work in the most demanding environments and are especially suited for harsh chemical and thermal conditions. TCI's facilities have over 180,000 ft² of manufacturing space with customized coating, lamination, fabrication, film, mixing, maintenance, research and development, and laboratory departments. TCI is headquartered in Londonderry, NH with facilities in Europe and Mexico. The FGI liaison is Michael Goard, Global Manager of Industrial Products, who can be reached at mgoard@textilescoated.com. Please help us welcome Textiles Coated International to the FGI!!!!

FGI Spring 2025 Newsletter Now Available

Download Newsletter

Top FGI Headlines for Spring 2025:

- New Officers and Board of Directors Elected

- FGI at Geotechnical Frontiers 2025

- New Member Welcome

- Upcoming Webinars (NY State PDH Approval)

- Online CQA Course & Certification Available On-Demand

- FGI Creates Anchor Trench Calculator

FGI Announces New Officers and Board of Directors

Download Article

The newly elected FGI Officers and Board Members are:
• President – Patrick Elliott (Colorado Lining International)
• Treasurer – Brian Fraser (Layfield Geosynthetics)
• Secretary – Maya Innis (Leister Technologies)
• Board Member - Annette DeHavilland (Ohio EPA)
• Board Member - Todd Harman (Hallaton)
• Board Member - Ron MacKenzie (Inland Tarp & Liner)
• Board Member - Neil Nowak  (WSP)

Join the FGI at Geotechnical Frontiers 2025

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
9am – 1pm: Women in Geosynthetics Coffee/Espresso Bar (Booth 323)
1:30 – 3pm: Women in Geosynthetics Round Table Discussion
7pm – 8pm: FGI Membership Meeting (all are welcome)

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
10:30am – Noon FGI Technical Session on Containment Applications

Visit FGI Booth #323

FGI Welcomes Vindex Liners Inc

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The FGI is pleased to welcome its newest Fabricator/Installer Member, Vindex Liners Inc. Vindex Liners Inc provides a wide range of geosynthetic and geotextile products to meet the needs of every customer from initial design to final quality assurance processes. Vindex Liners Inc fabricates a variety of geosynthetic materials suitable for water resource and conservation management, oil and gas, agriculture, and environmental remediation. In addition to only using the highest quality materials and top-of-the-line technologies, Vindex Liners Inc provides on-location liner installation and seaming, as well as tarp and liner repairs. Vindex Liners Inc is headquartered in South Heart, North Dakota and the FGI liaison is Desmond Bandah, Director of Operations, who can be reached at desmond@vindexnd.com.  Please help us welcome Vindex Liners Inc to the FGI!!!!

FGI Welcomes Blue Environmental Containment, Inc.

The FGI is pleased to welcome its newest Fabricator/Installer Member, Blue Environmental Containment, Inc. (Blue EC).  Blue EC has been a geomembrane installer since 1995 and a fabricator since 2014.  Currently servicing the northwestern U.S. including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii. Blue EC is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and the FGI liaison is Jeff Boys, President, who can be reached at jeff@blueec.com.  Please help us welcome Blue Environmental Containment, Inc. to the FGI!!!!

FGI Welcomes WSP

The FGI is pleased to welcome its newest Associate Member, WSP. With over 73,900 professionals, WSP is one of the world’s largest leading engineering and professional services firms. WSP provides strategic advisory, engineering and design services to clients in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, power, energy, water, and mining sectors. WSP strives to develop creative, comprehensive and sustainable engineering solutions for a future in which society can thrive. Equipped with an intimate understanding of local intricacies, world-class talent and proactive leadership, WSP plans, designs, manages and engineers long-lasting and impactful solutions to uniquely complex problems. Their FGI liaison is Neil Nowak, P.E., Vice President Civil Engineer, who can be reached at Neil.Nowak@wsp.com. Please help us welcome WSP to the FGI!!!!

FGI Welcomes MVS Industries

The FGI is pleased to welcome its newest Manufacturer Member, MVS Industries, Inc. (MVS). MVS has its roots in the steel packaging industry and has grown to also become a vertically integrated manufacturer of innovative coated woven products and diverse multi-layer reinforced plastic substrates. MVS serves a wide variety of markets such as geomembrane, protective packaging (lumber wrap & metal wrap),converted fabrics, agricultural and construction products. Consistent product quality is achieved by using state-of-the-art plastic extrusion, weaving, coating, laminating, printing techniques and a strong commitment to partnership with our customers, employees and suppliers. MVS is headquartered in Hyderabad, India with a growing presence in North America. The FGI liaison is Clive Mills, Vice President of Business Development, who can be reached at clive@mvsindustries.org.  Please help us welcome MVS Industries to the FGI!!!!