IAEG 2026 Course #6: Geosynthetics for Sustainable Geotechnical and Engineering Geological Practice

This course, endorsed by the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), will be organised as part of the 2026 Congress of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG 2026). The IAEG 2026 will take place in Delft (The Netherlands​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​) from 30 October to 6 November 2026.

The listed IAEG workshops on the EFG calendar are scheduled, but additional workshops may be added and/or the existing ones may be slightly modified.

IAEG 2026 Course #6: Geosynthetics for Sustainable Geotechnical and Engineering Geological Practice

WHEN:

Saturday 31 October or Sunday 1 November 2026 (Day To Be Confirmed).

Full day – 9:00 to 16:00.

INSTRUCTOR:

• Dr Sanjay Kumar Shukla is a world-renowned expert in Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering. He is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering. He currently serves as the Civil Engineering Discipline Coordinator and Founding Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering Research Group Leader at Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia. He holds Distinguished Professorships at several institutions, including Delhi Technological University, India, and Southern Illinois University, USA. He is a registered Chartered Professional Engineer in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering with Engineers Australia and an International Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering by the International Engineering Association.

OVERVIEW:

Engineering geology, geotechnical engineering and geosynthetics together provide sustainable and resilient solutions for modern ground infrastructure. While engineering geology explains the behaviour of soils, rocks and groundwater, and geotechnical engineering applies this understanding to design and construction, geosynthetics as engineered polymeric materials enhance ground performance through reinforcement, drainage, filtration, separation and protection. Their integration offers cost-effective, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible alternatives for civil, mining, agricultural and environmental applications.

This one-day course introduces the fundamentals of geosynthetic engineering within the framework of engineering geology and geotechnical engineering, highlighting material types, properties, design concepts and field applications for sustainable and climate-resilient development.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is ideal for professionals and researchers involved in the specification, analysis, design, construction, and study of geosynthetic-related projects. Participants may include those from the fields of engineering geology, civil/geotechnical engineering, mining engineering, agricultural engineering, and aquacultural engineering

Participants may include:

• Senior undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Research scholars and PhD candidates
• Practising engineers and consultants
• Specialised contractors and field supervisors
• Project managers and infrastructure planners
• Land developers and asset owners.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

This workshop aims to:

• Introduce fundamental concepts of geosynthetics and their integration in geotechnical practice.
• Explain the types, properties, functions, and manufacturing processes of geosynthetics.
• Provide guidance on geosynthetic selection and basic design approaches.
• Present recognised laboratory and field testing standards.
• Demonstrate installation practices and construction quality control. Share real-world case studies and direct participants to advanced study resources.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Distinguish among different geosynthetic materials and their characteristics
• Evaluate the functions of geosynthetics and link them to suitable engineering applications.
• Select appropriate geosynthetic products for specific project needs.
• Recommend suitable laboratory or field tests to assess geosynthetic performance.
• Formulate basic installation guidelines and quality control considerations.
• Locate and use authoritative references for further study and technical practice in geosynthetics.

TEACHING STYLE:

Lectures and case studies.

COURSE MATERIAL:

• Textbook Shukla, S.K. (2026). An Introduction to Geosynthetic Engineering. Second edition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis, London, UK.
• Reference book Shukla, S.K. (2022). ICE Handbook of Geosynthetic Engineering. Third edition, ICE Publishing, London, UK.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

Notebook.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Registration required.

Fee: 200 euros, including catering (coffee breaks and lunch).

20% discount for EurGeol title holders.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:

50.