July 7–9, 2026 | Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria | Italy

Workshop by the numbers: 

🌍 40 delegates from around the world
🎤 22 technical presentations delivered by international experts
🧠 6 themed technical sessions covering the latest advances in soil reinforcement
💬 6 open discussion sessions encouraging technical exchange and collaboration
🌎 5 continents represented
📅 3 days of technical sessions and discussion
🤝 2 international technical committees collaborating (IGS TC-R and ISSMGE TC-218)
🍽️ 2 networking events including the Workshop Dinner and the Cocktail Evening at Tuluum Beach Club
🏛️ 1 host university – Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria

Introduction

For 3 inspiring days in July, the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) Technical Committee on Soil Reinforcement (TC-R), in collaboration with ISSMGE Technical Committee 218 (Reinforced Fill Structures), welcomed researchers, practitioners, designers, and industry leaders from around the world to Reggio Calabria, Italy, for the 5th IGS TC-R Workshop on Soil Reinforcement. Hosted at the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, the workshop provided an international forum for technical exchange, collaboration, and discussion on the latest developments in soil reinforcement engineering.

With approximately 40 delegates representing all 5 continents, including participants traveling from Australia, the workshop once again demonstrated the truly global strength of the geosynthetics community. 

The workshop also highlighted the close collaboration between the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) and its sister society, the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE). Through the joint efforts of the IGS Technical Committee on Soil Reinforcement (TC-R) and ISSMGE Technical Committee 218 (Reinforced Fill Structures), the event demonstrated how collaboration between the two societies continues to strengthen technical knowledge, foster international collaboration, and advance best practices across the global geotechnical engineering community. 

Advancing the Future of Soil Reinforcement

The workshop was designed to advance knowledge and encourage collaboration in the design, performance, sustainability, and resilience of reinforced soil structures.

Throughout the 3-day program, internationally recognized experts presented the latest research, practical applications, and innovative engineering solutions covering a broad range of reinforcement topics.

Key themes included:

• Seismic performance of reinforced soil walls and slopes
• Design methods and advanced numerical modeling
• Geosynthetic material testing and durability
• Mechanical behavior of reinforced soils
• Sustainability and the use of marginal fill materials
• Basal reinforcement technologies
• Railway infrastructure applications
• Long-term performance of reinforced structures
• Innovative engineering case histories
• Geosynthetic material characterization
• Polymer reinforcement behavior
• Bridge abutments and transportation infrastructure
• Large-scale field experience and instrumentation
• Circular economy and recycled materials in reinforced soil systems

Every technical session concluded with open discussions, allowing delegates to exchange ideas, challenge existing approaches, and share experiences from projects around the world. These discussions continue to be one of the defining strengths of TC-R workshops, fostering collaboration between academia and industry while helping shape future research priorities.

Technical Program Highlights

The workshop featured more than 20 technical presentations delivered by internationally respected experts. The program was organized into several technical themes spanning research, design, testing, sustainability, and practical applications.

Day One: Seismic Performance and Engineering Case Histories

The opening day focused on the behavior of reinforced soil structures under seismic loading, with presentations covering:

• Mechanical and dynamic behavior of fiber-reinforced soils
• Seismic response of reinforced soil walls
• Time-history analysis of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls
• Geofoam seismic buffers
• Temporary construction roads
• Sustainable infrastructure using geosynthetics
• Reinforced steep slopes
• Innovative retaining structure applications

The afternoon sessions highlighted real-world engineering case histories, demonstrating how research is successfully translated into practical infrastructure projects.

Day Two: Design Methods, Numerical Modeling, and Material Testing

The second day focused on improving design methodologies and understanding reinforcement performance through advanced testing and numerical analysis.

Presentations included:

• Horizontal deformation prediction methods
• New Eurocode design approaches
• Performance of reinforced soil systems
• Canadian bridge design developments
• Three-dimensional numerical modeling
• Pullout resistance of reinforcement systems
• Direct shear testing
• Performance of recycled polymer geosynthetics following mechanical damage

These sessions demonstrated how improved analytical methods and material characterization continue to strengthen confidence in reinforced soil design.

Day Three: Sustainability and Basal Reinforcement

The final day emphasized sustainable engineering solutions and infrastructure resilience.

Topics included:

• Sustainable backfill materials
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for retaining structures
• Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) applications
• Long-term monitoring of geotextile basal reinforcement
• Piled embankment design
• Improving railway ballast performance using reclaimed materials and innovative geosynthetic confinement

Together, these presentations highlighted the increasingly important role geosynthetics play in developing sustainable, resilient infrastructure while improving long-term engineering performance.

Participant Experience & Feedback

Participant feedback highlighted the workshop's strong technical and collaborative focus. Attendees particularly valued the high-quality scientific presentations, which introduced new research findings alongside practical case studies and real-world applications. The opportunity to discuss technical and scientific challenges directly with leading international experts was repeatedly identified as one of the workshop's greatest strengths.

Networking also emerged as a key benefit, with participants appreciating the chance to connect with researchers and practitioners from around the world, exchange experiences, and build new professional relationships. Interactive discussions throughout the program encouraged technical debate, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, creating an engaging environment that extended beyond the formal presentations. 

More Than Technical Sessions

Beyond the technical presentations, the workshop provided numerous opportunities for delegates to build professional relationships and strengthen international collaboration.

Networking during coffee breaks, lunches, the workshop dinner, and the social evening at Tuluum Beach Club encouraged meaningful conversations between researchers, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, and academics from around the world.

These informal discussions are often where future research collaborations, technical partnerships, and innovative ideas begin.

Thank You to Our Organizing Committee

The success of the workshop was made possible through the dedication and commitment of an outstanding organizing committee.

The International Geosynthetics Society extends its sincere appreciation to:

• Ivan P. Damians
• Fernanda Bessa Ferreira
• Pietro Rimoldi
• Oliver Detert
• Nicola Moraci
• Giuseppe Cardile
• Marilene Pisano

Their hard work, leadership, and careful planning delivered an exceptional technical program that continues the tradition of excellence established by previous TC-R workshops.

Special thanks also go to the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria for hosting the event and providing an outstanding venue for delegates from around the world.

Thank You to Our Sponsor

The IGS also extends its sincere thanks to HUESKER Group, the workshop's sole sponsor.

Their generous support helped make this important international technical event possible and reflects their continued commitment to advancing research, education, and innovation within the geosynthetics industry.

The International Geosynthetics Society thanks every presenter, delegate, sponsor, and organizer who contributed to 3 outstanding days of technical excellence in one of Italy's most beautiful coastal cities.

Interested in helping shape the future of geosynthetics?

Organizations can support IGS workshops, conferences, education, and technical initiatives through event sponsorship and Corporate or Premium Corporate Membership. Alongside valuable brand visibility, members become part of a global network dedicated to advancing geosynthetics through collaboration, education, and innovation. Discover how your organization can get involved. Explore Corporate and Premium Corporate Membership. 

Continue the Conversation at 13ICG

The discussions won't end in Reggio Calabria. Delegates attending the 13th International Conference on Geosynthetics (13ICG) in Montréal will have the opportunity to explore many of these topics further during the dedicated TC-R Special Session, bringing together internationally recognized experts in geosynthetic reinforcement and reinforced soil structures.

The session will feature a Featured Lecture by Yoshihisa Miyata on "Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Solutions for Sustainable Infrastructure," followed by presentations from leading researchers and practitioners, including:

• Richard Bathurst: Influence of uncertainty in geosynthetic stiffness on deterministic and probabilistic analyses using analytical solutions for three reinforced soil problems
• Margarida Pinho-Lopes: Soil Reinforced with Geosynthetics – Prototyping Reinforcements Using 3D Printing
• Stanislav Lenart: Novel use of geosynthetics to increase the confinement of railway track ballast layer
• Sam Allen: Revealing the Mysteries of Installation Damage Testing
• Mateus Fleury: Pullout Behavior of HDPE Geogrid Embedded in Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Backfill

Building on the momentum of the Professional Development Course and Workshop, the TC-R Special Session offers an excellent opportunity to discover the latest research, innovative applications, and emerging developments in reinforced soil technologies. If you're attending 13ICG, be sure to add this session to your schedule. View more information about the 13ICG here. 

Don't forget to browse photos from the workshop below.