13ICG · On-site Coverage

13th International Conference on Geosynthetics Concludes in Montreal: Chinese Delegation Highlights Industry Strength

From September 13 to 17, 2026, the 13th International Conference on Geosynthetics (13ICG) — the premier global event in the field — was held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, Canada. Under the theme "Legacy, Evolution & Revolution in Geosynthetics," the conference brought together more than 1,000 experts, scholars, and industry representatives. The Chinese Technical Association of Geosynthetics (CTAG) organized a delegation of over 40 participants and 14 exhibiting companies, with Chinese scholars delivering multiple technical presentations and receiving international awards.

• 1000+Global delegates
• 40+Chinese delegates
• 14Chinese exhibitors
• 5Conference days

Conference Overview: Legacy, Evolution & Revolution

13ICG is the flagship academic and industry event of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), held every four years. This edition marked the first time the conference was held in Canada, organized by the IGS North America Chapter (IGS-NA) at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

The theme — "Legacy, Evolution & Revolution in Geosynthetics" — was designed to reflect on the industry's heritage, drive technological evolution, and lead industrial innovation. Sessions focused on sustainable development, transportation infrastructure, climate response, mining, energy, and ecological/environmental protection, with technical discussions, project experience sharing, and industry cooperation across the full breadth of geosynthetics R&D and engineering applications.

The Chinese Voice: Scholars Deliver Technical Presentations

During the academic program, several Chinese experts delivered keynote and specialist presentations covering new geosynthetic R&D, geotechnical innovation, ecological remediation, long-term service performance, and the implementation of international engineering standards. Topics spanned reinforced soil, ecological slopes, carbon footprint assessment, durability testing, and freeze–thaw cycling.

• Prof. Chen Jianfeng (Tongji University) — Centrifuge modeling of geosynthetic-encased stone column reinforced foundation under freeze–thaw cycles
• Assoc. Prof. Yang Yang (Tongji University) — Lifecycle carbon footprint comparison of two abutment construction approaches: a case study
• Dr. Jia Yafei (Shanxi Transportation Technology R&D) — DEM investigation of geosynthetic nonlinear tensile behavior on bearing capacity and deformation in GRS abutments
• Dr. Liu Jiaojun (Tongji University) — Rethinking geogrid testing through bio-inspired design: the importance of in-plane anisotropy for multidirectional loading
• Dr. Zhuang Yafang (National Center for Quality Supervision and Test of Chemical Building Materials) — Effects of sheath-core microstructure on the mechanical and chemical durability of geotextiles
• Dr. Zuo Binli (Tongji University) — Thermomechanical behavior of geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge systems: field monitoring and numerical modeling

• Dr. Liu Yuqi (Tongji University) — Experimental evaluation of ecological performance on geosynthetic-reinforced loess slopes

• Mr. Wang Wenxuan (Qinghai University) — Experimental study on small-strain dynamic characteristics of geosynthetics-reinforced loess

• Mr. Yu Zhengxi (Qinghai University) — Moisture–temperature–deformation interaction in geogrid-reinforced loess under cyclic freezing and thawing

These presentations closely aligned with the conference theme and reflected China's latest breakthroughs in both fundamental research and industrial application. Through high-level international academic exchange, Chinese scholars engaged in deep dialogue with global leaders in the field, further strengthening the country's academic voice in geosynthetics.

International Recognition: Chinese Scholars Win Two IGS Awards

Going Global: 14 Chinese Companies on Display

The exhibition featured 14 Chinese companies showcasing the latest R&D outcomes and engineering applications from China, including: Hubei Lite, Qingdao Xuyu, Hoke Technology, Tai'an Modern Plastics, Weifang Tuowang, Shandong Jingchuang, Anhui Huifeng, Tai'an Jialutong, Feicheng Lianyi, Shandong Ruichen, Shandong Yangguang, Hangzhou Shenlianbaoshu, Haining Gerun, and HUITEX.

Association leaders visited each exhibitor booth, offering targeted guidance on product upgrading, international standard benchmarking, overseas market risk control, and brand internationalization — encouraging companies to persist in technological innovation, actively participate in international standards development, and continuously enhance the global recognition of Chinese geosynthetics and the international competitiveness of the Chinese industry.

Outlook: A High-Level Bridge Between China and the World

The 13ICG conference established a high-level platform connecting China's geosynthetics industry with global peers: on one hand, helping domestic enterprises access cutting-edge international technology and learn from advanced overseas experience; on the other, driving Chinese innovation outward and elevating the international influence of Chinese brands.

CTAG stated it will continue to serve as a bridge, actively organizing industry companies to participate in international academic conferences, exhibitions, and technical exchanges — promoting mutual recognition of technology and standards, and project cooperation — to lead the high-quality, international development of China's geosynthetics industry and help more Chinese enterprises enter global markets.