Topic:

Geosynthetics Performance Under Loads in Subgrade Stabilisation

Course Overview:

Subgrade stabilisation is a critical component of pavement and infrastructure performance. Many conventional approaches, such as lime or cement stabilisation, are increasingly challenged by rising costs, environmental impacts, and long-term durability concerns. This webinar explores how geosynthetic solutions provide a modern, sustainable and proven alternative when properly designed and validated.

Yasas Kolonnage will discuss the behaviour of geosynthetics under various loading conditions, the factors that influence their performance, and the design approaches and testing methods that support their effective use in subgrade stabilisation.

Speaker:

Dr Yasas Kolonnage is a PhD-qualified Geotechnical Engineer with over a decade of experience across civil and geotechnical engineering, laboratory testing, and academic mentorship. He is the GRID R&D Laboratory Supervisor for Geofabrics, where he focuses on combining advanced research with practical field applications to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions, particularly in subgrade improvement using geosynthetics.

He has led industry-supported research in collaboration with government agencies and leading geosynthetics organisations, translating research into measurable field performance. His expertise includes finite element modelling (SEEP/W and SLOPE/W), large-scale pavement testing, triaxial and shear testing, and field methods such as LWFD and DCP. Alongside his technical work, he has mentored hundreds of students and remains committed to advancing geotechnical engineering through innovation, collaboration, and education.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into current subgrade stabilisation practices in Australia and around the world, and understand their limitation
• Review testing systems and methods used in geosynthetic performance testing under different loading conditions
• Identify the various factors that affect the performance of geosynthetics in subgrade stabilisation
• Recognise the need to continue validating and developing design guidelines that incorporate geosynthetics in the subgrade stabilisation