Topic:

Evaluating Bituminous Geomembrane Formulations

Course Overview:

The Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) develops internationally recognised test methods and specifications for geosynthetic materials, ensuring consistency, reliability, and performance in civil engineering applications. Recent updates to the GRI GM38 test method allow for increased mineral filler or bulking agent content in Bituminous Geomembranes (BGMs). This key test tells engineers how materials perform, giving them the information needed to make confident choices.

In this webinar, Ryan Hackney will explore how different bituminous formulations respond to variations in filler percentages and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) content, highlighting how these changes correlate to membrane performance. Using comparative examples and laboratory testing methods, Ryan will demonstrate how BGM formulations can be assessed, compared, and optimised.

Attendees will learn how to select the right membrane for various conditions to reduce the risk of failures or leaks, how to optimise material efficiency to balance performance and cost, and how to gain confidence in specifications by ensuring compliance with international standards. By seeing formulations compared through lab testing, engineers will be able to make practical, evidence-based decisions for their projects rather than relying on guesswork.

Speaker:

Ryan Hackney is the Mining and Environmental Manager for Geofabrics Australasia and has 20 years of experience with geosynthetic testing, analysis, development, and applications. He is passionate about the role geosynthetics play in protecting the environment and how these construction materials can be used as an economical and sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods. Ryan has a bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences and a master’s degree in Engineering Geology obtained at the University of Leeds in the UK. He is the past Secretary, Treasurer, and current Vice President of the Australasian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the methods to assess and evaluate BGM formulations
• Learn how different bitumen formulations and additive content impact membrane performance
• Gain insight into laboratory testing methods for assessing, comparing and optimising BGM formulations to support informed engineering decisions