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Technical Committees / Committee D35/

Committee D35 on Geosynthetics
Staff Manager: Christine Sierk 610-832-9728

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GENERAL OVERVIEW

ASTM Committee D35 was formed in 1984. D35 meets twice each year, in January and June, with about 50 members participating in 40 meetings over three days. The Committee, with a membership of approximately 275 members, currently has jurisdiction over 116 standards published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 4.13. D35 has seven technical subcommittees that maintain jurisdiction over these standards. Information on this subcommittee structure and D35’s portfolio of approved standards and Work Items under construction are available from the List of Subcommittees, Standards, and Work Items. These standards have and continue to play a preeminent role in all aspects important to the effective standardization for the geosynthetic industry.

ACTIVITIES, PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES

The standards development activities of Committee D35 primarily support the construction and environmental industries, and D35 geosynthetics standards are used throughout the world. In developing solutions to complex geotechnical engineering problems, the D35 standards play a critical role in the design and selection of the proper geosynthetics material that will assist with problem solving. These documents play a key role in a U.S. national transportation product evaluation program, with the results being distributed to all state transportation agencies. The standards are also a vital part in the design and use of geosynthetics in such environmental related projects as landfills, pond liners, and waste containment facilities.

Publications

The Geotechnical Testing Journal is the premier publication for papers on geosynthetic testing. This peer-reviewed journal is published 6 times a year under the auspices of ASTM Committee D18, and is available as an on-line journal. Geotechnical Testing Journal informs the profession of new developments in soil and rock testing, along with geosynthetics, and other soil and geosynthetic related fields. The journal provides a forum for the exchange of information, particularly that which leads to the development of new test procedures or improves existing procedures. In addition, the publication invites active participation by the profession in the work of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock as well as D35.

Papers cover sampling, nomenclature, and practices relating to the determination of properties and behavior of soil and rock, and geosynthetics for engineering purposes. Topics include new testing equipment, new procedures for both field and laboratory application, evaluation of existing ASTM standards and test results.

The journal also includes technical notes, letters to the editor, discussion of previously published papers, and book reviews. All papers are peer-reviewed.

In addition to the Geotechnical Testing Journal, Committee D35 has held several symposia with presented papers that have resulted in a peer reviewed Special Technical Publication. (STP) For a list of D35 publications, click here.

PARTICIPATING AS A MEMBER ON THE COMMITTEE

ASTM International opens its doors to all technical experts with an interest in the standardization process. As a member of ASTM Committee D35, you will be exposed to the robust resources and member benefits included below that have helped make ASTM a worldwide standards development leader for more than a century:

  • Network with industry professionals worldwide
  • Receive one free volume of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards (in print or CD)
  • Use Internet-based Standards Development Forums and E-Balloting
  • Receive discounts on all ASTM publications
  • Keep up to date through a free subscription to ASTM’s monthly magazine - Standardization News
  • Benefit from reduced fees for attendance at ASTM symposia and technical workshops
  • And more

Members can participate from anywhere because of ASTM’s customized web-based systems. The best way to contribute as a member is to (1) participate in task group activities that are of interest (both virtually and in person), and (2) vote on ballots and provide feedback and recommendations. To participate in standards activities, start by identifying Work Items of interest by reviewing the List of Subcommittees, Standards, and Work Items. Contact task group leaders for those areas of interest by reviewing the Work Item summary pages and securing contact information available through the on-line roster in the member area. To make the most of your voting and participation overall, be sure to stipulate which specific subcommittees you wish to participate in when you join so that you will receive notices of ballots that open within these groups.

STAKEHOLDERS

ASTM policy requires that there be a balance of interests at the standards development table. The standards development process is open and enables all stakeholders from the industry a voice in the shaping of a standard. The only requirement is that the producers cannot out number the users. This requirement is not a problem in Committee D35 because the majority of members are users of geosynthetics or general interest participants. D35 members come from all parts of the geosynthetics industry, including: geotechnical engineers; representatives from academia; private consulting firms, government agencies; and geosynthetic manufacturers and distributors.

RELATIONSHIP WITH INDUSTRY, GOVERNMENT, AND REGULATION

Committee D35 standards are referenced extensively in various regulatory agency documents and specifications. This is an indication of the acceptance of these materials as recognized engineering and economic solutions to very complex geotechnical engineering problems.