BALEAN, NORMAN B.

MARCH 03, 2016

20111106195

ENGR. BAYLON

A Reaction Paper on Seminar: Geosynthetic v2.0 innovate artificial, elevate conventional

The seminar which was held this February 15, 2016 at University of the East Caloocan
multi-purpose hall, made possible by Engr. Michael Baylon, is entitled Geosynthetic v2.0
Innovate Artificial, Elevate Conventional. This activity gave us the chance to experience being a
part of such event as an organizer rather than a spectator. Being behind the scenes is so much
different than what a person sitting and attending a certain seminar could expect. We should be
well coordinated and focused on the task we were given. The seminar is well planned by our
adviser. The groups are given their own task to fulfil in order for the seminar to be successful.
Three speakers became a part of the seminar. They are Engr. Dindo M. Macabante, Engr. Djon
Mar Ellyz M. Santiago and Engr. Joven Ganancial. The last speaker is our very own, Engr.
Michael B. Baylon who discussed a video presentation about installation in foundation
engineering sent by Geoconsult.
The first two speakers are from Department of Public Works and Highways. They talked
about geotechnical investigations and jet grouting. Jet grouting caught my attention because I am
not familiar with the term. The mechanism is so fascinating. Ive never thought that there is such
a machine that could optimize the use of water and incorporate it with water dynamics to create
such method in strengthening the soil and can be used even if there is already an infrastructure.
The other Department of Public Works and Highway representative talked about subsurface
exploration. He started from the history of the topic. He then stated some earthquake events
which are familiar because it was already discussed in our earthquake and foundation
engineering subject which is facilitated by Engr Michael B. Baylon. The new thing in his

presentation is the in-depth explanations of the process in subsurface explorations, requirements

for bridge projects, retaining walls, roads/highways, vertical structures and culverts. The first two
topics are very informative and it gave a glimpse for lower year civil engineering students on
what they can expect in Earthquake and Foundation engineering subjects.
The third speaker is from Infratex who focused on the topic about engineered
environmental containment solutions. I am amazed when I saw their facilities for production of
geosynthetic materials. They have gigantic machineries. The speaker also explained how their
machineries work and the processes involved in manufacturing. Modern sanitary waste
containment is also one of his topics. He explained how it was done and what geosynthetic
materials are used. Closing his presentation, he presented some of their successful projects. I am
surprised of the number and how massive the projects were.
The last Speaker is our professor, Engr. Michael B. Baylon. He discussed about the
installation of a boring machine. The presentation is informative. In some part of the video we
can notice the lack of control in terms of safety. The workers improvised by using ropes as steps
above the equipment and the use of cut tires to tighten the hoses. All in all this topic is another
element of geosynthetics. We may know what certain geosynthetic equipment can offer but we
do not know how these things are assembled.
The seminar tackled geosynthetics in different dimensions. This kind of activity has so
much impact in preparing us for our future.
experience of a lifetime.

Being in another point of perspective is an