The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) recently delivered its Professional Development Course on Geosynthetic Barrier Systems in Sandton, South Africa, from May 6–8, 2026. Bringing together engineers, researchers, consultants, regulators, contractors, and industry professionals, the course provided several days of technical learning, discussion, and collaboration focused on geosynthetic barrier systems and their practical applications across infrastructure and environmental projects.

The course received highly positive feedback from participants, with 93.8% rating the course overall as either 4 or 5 out of 5, and 75% rated the technical depth of the program as “Excellent.” In addition, 96.9% of participants said they would recommend the course to others.

Designed to support continuing professional development and industry knowledge-sharing, the course combined technical presentations, practical insights, and interactive discussions led by experienced professionals from across the geosynthetics sector. Participants had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of key principles, current practices, and real-world applications while engaging directly with experts and fellow attendees from across the industry.

Technical Topics & Learning Outcomes

Throughout the course, participants explored a range of technical topics related to geosynthetic barrier systems, including design considerations, material performance, installation practices, quality assurance, sustainability, and long-term infrastructure performance.

The program was designed to strengthen both theoretical understanding and practical application, helping attendees build technical confidence while gaining insight into current industry standards, emerging challenges, and best practices within the sector. 

Presenters included representatives from academia, manufacturing, consulting, and industry leadership, providing participants with a balanced perspective that combined technical theory, research insight, and practical field experience. The program was led by recognised experts including Sam Allen of TRI Environmental and President of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), Prof. Fady Abdelaal of Queen’s University and Chair of the IGS Education Committee, Jabulile Msiza of Jones & Wagener and Chair of the IGS Technical Committee on Barrier Systems (TC-B), and Peter Hardie of AKS Lining Systems. 

Participants particularly valued the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals and engage in discussions around real-world applications, current challenges, and best practices within the geosynthetics industry.

Feedback highlighted the value participants placed on the balance between technical theory and practical industry application, particularly around:

• Durability and service life prediction
• Geomembrane chemistry and material performance
• Leakage rates and containment systems
• Construction Quality Assurance (CQA)
• Real-world case studies and field performance
• Testing methodologies and long-term infrastructure considerations

Participant Experience & Engagement

The course encouraged active discussion and collaboration throughout the program, creating opportunities for participants to share experiences, discuss technical challenges, and explore practical solutions relevant to their own projects and regions.

Participants particularly valued the opportunity to learn directly from experienced industry professionals, researchers, manufacturers, and CQA experts, while also engaging in interactive discussions, audience participation, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing across different regions and sectors.

Course feedback also demonstrated strong participant satisfaction:

• 81.3% rated the standard of instruction as “Excellent”
• 84.4% felt the course assessment was set at an appropriate level
• 90.6% rated the course content as either “Relevant” or “Extremely relevant” to their professional needs

Participant comments highlighted the course’s strong technical depth, practical relevance, and collaborative environment:

Professional Development & Certification

Participants who successfully completed the course assessment received an IGS Certificate of Completion recognizing their professional development and technical competency in geosynthetic barrier systems.

The certification reflects the IGS commitment to supporting high-quality education, technical excellence, and continued learning across the global geosynthetics community.

Visual Content

The below photographs captured throughout the course showcased technical presentations, participant engagement, collaborative discussions, and networking opportunities across the three-day program. 

Continuing Education with IGS

The IGS continues to provide professional development opportunities designed to support technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation across the geosynthetics industry worldwide. Through Professional Development Courses, webinars, conferences, and technical resources, the Society aims to help industry professionals stay connected to the latest developments, research, and best practices within the sector.

Upcoming Events and Professional Development Opportunities

IGS Professional Development Course: Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Structures
📍 São Paulo, Brazil
📅 May 26–28, 2026

This upcoming in-person course will provide participants with practical insights into the design, construction, and performance of geosynthetic reinforced soil structures, delivered by experienced industry professionals. 

For more information and to register, visit here: https://members.geosyntheticssociety.org/events/view/professional-development-course-geosynthetic-reinforced-soil-structures 

2026 IGS TC-Reinforcement and ISSMGE TC218 Workshop
📍 Mediterranea University, Reggio Calabria
📅 July 7-9, 2026

Bringing together leading experts and industry professionals, this workshop will focus on the latest developments, research, and practical applications related to reinforced soil structures and geosynthetic reinforcement technologies. 

For more information and to register, visit here: https://members.geosyntheticssociety.org/events/view/2026-tc-reinforcement-workshop 

IGS Professional Development Course: Sustainable Design with Geosynthetics -Roads, Railways and Airfields
📍 Technical University of Civil Engineering , Bucharest

 📅 July 22 - 24, 2026

This Professional Development Course will explore the use of geosynthetics in transportation infrastructure applications, including roads, railways, and airfields, with a focus on performance, design considerations, and long-term infrastructure resilience.

For more information and to register, visit here: https://members.geosyntheticssociety.org/events/view/igs-pdc-roads-railways-airfields-july-2026

Readers are encouraged to explore:

• The IGS Events Calendar
• IGS Membership Opportunities
• Newsletter Subscription and Industry Updates
• IGS LinkedIn 

The IGS looks forward to continuing to support the global geosynthetics community through accessible, high-quality educational initiatives and professional engagement opportunities.