About Us

IGS North America (IGS-NA) is a registered 501(c)6, not-for-profit chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS). Formed in 1988 under the name North American Geosynthetics Society, IGS-NA provides support and voice for diverse infrastructure and sustainability stakeholders in Canada and the United States. 

The IGS North America Board of Directors reflects influential roles in the field, such as private practice engineering, academia, and industry.

All civil, geotechnical, and environmental engineering stakeholders in the North American region, whether in Canada/US or elsewhere, are invited to join IGS North America.

How We Succeed .

IGS-NA’s individual, benefactor, and student members provide leadership in understanding geosynthetics in infrastructure. Geosynthetics are the only major class of construction material invented in the 20th Century and are used in, and at times essential to, all major sectors of civil engineering. Yet, geosynthetics are not often incorporated into civil engineering curriculum. IGS North America members provide professional development and networking opportunities and develop resources to support educational initiatives related to geosynthetics to benefit infrastructure performance, sustainability, and economics.

Opportunities Are Everywhere

Connect with industry professionals, expand your revenue-generating skills, share experience, and forge partnerships. 

12th International Conference on Geosynthetics

(12 ICG), 17 – 22 September 2023, Rome (Hosted by IGS Italy)

GeoSaskatoon 2023

 – 4 October 2023, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Hosted by Canadian Geotechnical Society)

GeoAmericas 2024

the 5th Pan-American Conference on Geosynthetics, 28 April – 1 May 2024, Toronto (Hosted by IGS North America)

Who We Work With .

The International Geosynthetics Society is a member of the Federation of International Geo-Engineering Societies (FedIGS), along with the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM), and the International Association of Engineering Geology (IAEG).

Additionally, IGS North America works with key industry organizations, such as ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics, the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers, the Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS), the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI), and various sister chapters in the Americas of the IGS to organize conferences, support diversity programs, disburse research grants, offer in-person and online lectures, and more.