A REPORT ON NATIONAL

CONFERENCE

Jute Geotextile as Sustainable Solution for Civil Engineering

Applications, including Rural Infrastructure Development

18th May 2023

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE,
BANGALORE
Under
National Jute Development
Program (NJDP)
Ministry of Textiles,
Government of India
 INTRODUCTION
This report provides an overview of the National conference on "Jute Geotextile as a Sustainable
Solution for Civil Engineering Applications, including Rural Infrastructure Development." The
conference was held on 18th May at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore,
India. The event was jointly organized by the National Jute Board, National Institute of Technology
Karnataka (NITK), and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in association with Indian Geotechnical
Society Bangalore & Surathkal Chapters. The conference aimed to highlight the potential of jute
geotextiles as an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for various civil engineering applications,
particularly in the context of rural infrastructure development. Jute, a natural fiber derived from the
plant Corchorus, has gained significant attention due to its sustainability, biodegradability, and
abundance in regions like India.

The event brought together experts, researchers,

academicians, industry professionals, and
policymakers in the field of civil engineering and
sustainable development. Through insightful
presentations, interactive discussions, and
knowledge-sharing sessions, the conference
served as a platform for exchanging ideas,
experiences, and advancements related to the use
of jute geotextiles. The conference aimed to
bridge the gap between academia, industry, and
government agencies, fostering collaborations
and partnerships to drive further research,
innovation, and policy initiatives in the field. By
promoting the sustainable utilization of jute
geotextiles, the conference aimed to contribute to
the development of resilient, cost-effective, and
environmentally friendly civil engineering
practices, particularly in rural and
underprivileged areas.
This report provides a summary of the conference
proceedings, highlighting key insights, research
findings, case studies, and recommendations
shared by the esteemed speakers and participants.
It aims to capture the essence of the event and
serve as a valuable resource for those interested in
exploring the potential of jute geotextiles as a
sustainable solution in civil engineering
applications and rural infrastructure development.

CONFERENCE REPORT 2
Programme Schedule
Time Event
9:00 – 10:00 Registration
10:00 – 10:45 Inaugural Session
Chief Guest: Prof. Vinod Chandra Menon
10:45-11:15 Tea break
11:15-11:45 Plenary session by the Conference Chairman Prof GL Sivakumar Babu, IISc, on
Efficacy of Jute Geotextiles in Infrastructure Development and its Evolution
Technical Session – I Chair: Prof GL Sivakumar Babu, IISc

11:45-12:05 Rural Road Infrastructure Development in Karnataka with special emphasis on Jute
Geotextiles
Shri Mahesh Hiremat, Ex COO KRRDA & Ex-Director, NRIDA
12:05-12:45 Case Studies on JGTs by NJB
Dr. Mahadeb Datta, Shri. M. Das, Shri P.K. Choudhury
12:45-13:05 Jute Geotextiles - A sustainable material in civil engineering applications Prof. G
Madhavi Latha, IISc & Chairperson IGS Bangalore Chapter

13:05-13:20 Jute Industry and Jute Geotextiles

Shri Abu Riyaz Zaffar, Secretary, Indian Jute Mills Association
13:20-14:15
Lunch break
Technical Session – II
Chair: Shri Mahesh Hiremat, Ex COO-KRRDA Ex Director NRIDA Co-Chair: Shri
P.K. Choudhury Ex Tech Advisor NJB
14:15-14:30 Application of Jute Geotextiles in Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization Dr. S.
Manivanan, Pr. Scientist Land & Water Management Engineering, ICAR
14:30-14:45 Potential of Jute Geotextiles in sustainable construction, a green demand Dr. Malay
Kumar Deb, Director, Civil Engineering Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd
14:45- 15:00 Jute Geotextiles – Successful use in Mine Dump Stabilization
Dr. Minimol Korulla Vice President & Head, Strategic Project, Maccaferri India
15:00-15:15 Development of guidelines to adopt the process of height increment of overburden
dumps at open-cast coal mines in India using Jute Geotextile Dr. Supriya Pal (NITD)

15:15–15:30 Performance evaluation of soil bed reinforced with Jute Geocells Dr. Sreevalsa
Kolathayar (NITK), Secretary IGS Surathkal Chapter
15:30-15:45
Tea break
15:45-16:15
Panel Discussion Chaired by Prof GL Sivakumar Babu
16:15 – 16:30
Feedback & Vote of thanks

CONFERENCE REPORT 3
Inaugural session
Prof Vinod Chandra Menon International Coordinator G20 C20 Working Group on Sustainable and Resilient
Communities: Climate Environment and Net Zero Targets, inaugurated the conference. Prof Menon talked about
the need to promote Jute to achieve net zero targets. Prof G L Sivakumar Babu Chairman of the conference,
welcomed the guests. Cmde A K Jolly highlighted the country's Jute farming and manufacturing scenarios. Jute
Commissioner Shri Moloy Chandan Chakraborty presided over the function and highlighted the importance of
jute in carbon neutrality. Dr. Sreevalsa Kolathayar, Convenor, gave a gist of the conference and advocated the
delegates to promote Jute for Sustainable Infrastructures. Dr. Mahadeb Datta HoD Tech National Jute Board
proposed vote of thanks.

Over 200 delegates, including officials/engineers from Govt departments like PWD, KRRDA, KHRI, CWRDM
etc., and also from industry, Jute mills, and researchers from academic institutions from different parts of the
country participated in the conference.

India leads in Jute production globally. Jute has the potential to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development
Goals. The conference is one step toward creating awareness and promoting the wider application of Jute
Geotextiles for Sustainable Infrastructure development.

CONFERENCE REPORT 4
Plenary session
Efficacy of Jute Geotextiles in Infrastructure Development and
its Evolution
Speaker:
Prof GL Sivakumar Babu
Professor, Geotechnical Engineering Division
Department of Civil Engineering
Indian Institute of Science Bangalore

Prof. G L Sivakumar Babu is a Professor, Geotechnical

Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering,
Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, India. He served as the
President, Indian Geotechnical Society for four years during
2017-2020 and as Governor, ASCE Board of Governors,
Region 10 during 2014 to 2020. He is an awardee of John
Booker Medal, International Association for Computer
Methods and Advances in Geomechanics (IACMAG), USA,
for the year 2017. His areas of research include risk and
reliability applications in geotechnical engineering,
geosynthetics and reinforced soil structures, environmental
geotechnology, fibers in geotechnical engineering,
earthquake geotechnical engineering and geotechnics for
disaster mitigation. He has published more than150 papers in
journals and 100 in conferences. He is the editorial board
member and reviewer of several reputed journals.

Geotextiles play a vital role in civil engineering, offering diverse functions such as separation, filtration,
drainage, and reinforcement. Among these, jute geotextiles are particularly suitable for short-term
requirements. They find numerous standard applications in civil engineering projects. The Indian Institute of
Science Bangalore (IISc) has conducted extensive research on jute geotextiles, focusing on enhancing their
properties and exploring new applications. Comparative studies on jute geotextiles with bamboo alternatives
have also been carried out. Additionally, several case studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of
geotextiles, including jute geotextiles, in various civil engineering projects. These studies have highlighted
the importance of geotextiles in erosion control measures. Given the significant benefits offered by
geotextiles, it is imperative for government bodies and organizations involved in infrastructure development
to embrace and utilize these technologies in their projects. By incorporating geotextiles, they can enhance
project efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability.

CONFERENCE REPORT 5
1. Rural road infrastructure development in Karnataka with
special emphasis on Jute Geotextiles
Speaker:
Shri Mahesh Hiremat
Ex COO KRRDA & Ex-Director, NRIDA

Shri. Mahesh Hiremath served the Govt of Karnataka for 37

long years as AE, AEE, EE, SE, CE and Engineer in Chief in
Public Works Department, Rural Development Department,
Major Irrigation Department, Urban Development
Department. As Chief Engineer he has to his credit in
approving/implementing major projects like North Karnataka
Urban Sector Improvement Project for Rs 1800 crores,
Construction of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, High
Court Buildings in Dharwad & Kalaburgi, Medical &
Engineering colleges in district headquarters etc. Out of total
9 years as CE his tenure as COO KRRDA was for nearly 5
years and during this period he was responsible for
implementation of nearly 15000 kms of Rural Roads under
Central Government flagship program PMGSY and State
Govt's NGNRY with special concerns for Three tier Quality
Monitoring and inclusive of Five years post maintenance by
the same tendered agency. He was deputed to MoRD, Govt
of India as Director (Projects) NRRDA, Delhi which is the
Technical Body for PMGSY, before his retirement and was
continued post-retirement working for nearly two years.

Jute geotextiles have found extensive usage in 23 roads across 8 districts, making a significant impact
in civil engineering projects. These projects are part of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
(PMGSY), which emphasizes sustainable solutions for rural road development. Jute geotextiles have
proven effective in various applications, including erosion control, pavement reinforcement, and
drainage. Notable work has been carried out in districts such as Belagaum, Bidar, Chikkaballapur,
Haveri, and others. In pavement applications, the utilization of jute geotextiles has shown remarkable
results, with the potential to improve load carrying capacity and reduce deformation by up to 40%.
This highlights the immense benefits and potential of jute geotextiles in enhancing road infrastructure
and promoting sustainable development.

CONFERENCE REPORT 6
2. Jute geotextiles and Case studies on JGTs by NJB
Speaker 1:
Dr. Mahadeb Datta
Deputy Director (Technical) and Head of the Technical Division
National Jute Board
He has a cumulative working experience of nearly 30
years in the industry and in the Govt,
sector as well.
He has conducted various training programs for MSME
units on product diversification. He is implementing the
modernization program of the jute industry and
supervising many sponsored research and development
projects being executed by various Textile research
Associations, NIT, IIT and Institutes under ICAR, CSIR
etc.
He is a visiting faculty of Dept. of Jute and Fiber
Technology (Calcutta University), member of the Board
of Studies of the Calcutta University and primary
member of BIS in its different committees.

Speaker 2:
Shri. Monimoy Das
Technical Officer Gr. I
Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association, Kolkata,
Posted at National Jute Board

Shri. Monimoy Das, a graduate in Civil Engineering

from Jadavpur University has been working as a
Technical Officer at IJIRA since 2014. He has acquired
vast experience in soil testing as well as expertise in
geotechnical engineering. Shri Das has been deputed at
National Jute Board in August 2021. Since then, he has
been handling all the activities related to promotion of
Jute Geotextiles along with the members of technical
team of NJB. Conducting awareness programme on JGT,
inspection of problematic sites & and to suggest its
remedial measures with the use of JGT and also to
provide installation guidance at site are few of his
activities. He has good number of research papers
publications in reputed journals, Geotechnical
conference and delivered lectures on application of JGT
organised by different Govt. department.

CONFERENCE REPORT 7
2. Jute geotextiles and Case studies on JGTs by NJB
Speaker 3:
Shri P.K.Choudhury

During his 46 yrs. dedicated service in Jute Industry, IJIRA & NJB, Shri P K
Choudhury developed varieties of jute products including geotextile which
were standardized by BIS and included in SoR. Railway & IRC Code were
also published. Under his technical guidance about 1000 field applications of
JGT has taken place successfully. He has 150 publications and 5 patents in his
credit. He has delivered more than 2000 lectures on JGT in India and abroad
including special lectures at CRRI, IRICEN, RCTRC, IAHE and many
Engineering Colleges. He has been honored with “Dr. Triguna Sen Award” in
2007 and was also felicitated as an “Eminent Engineering Personality” in 2015
for his outstanding contribution in the field of Geotextile Engineering by the
Institution of Engineers (India). Sri Choudhury was honored with the “best
paper presentation award” during the 5th International Symposium on Earth
Reinforcement held in November 2007 in Japan. Sri Choudhury is acclaimed
as most potent personality in the field of jute geotextile.

The Jute ICARE (Jute Cultivation, Application, Reinforcement, and Empowerment) program, initiated
in 2015, has played a significant role in the socioeconomic development of jute farmers. This program
has been instrumental in doubling the income of jute farmers by promoting jute cultivation and
providing them with necessary support and training. The success of the program has led to the
introduction of various jute-based products in the market. One notable application is the use of jute
composites in the construction of porta cabins, which offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative
to traditional materials. Building on this success, the program's next target is the development of
geomembranes using a combination of jute and rubber. This innovative approach has the potential to
revolutionize the field of geosynthetics by offering a biodegradable and environmentally friendly
solution for various applications such as waste management, agriculture, and water conservation. The
Jute ICARE program continues to drive innovation, empower farmers, and contribute to the growth of
the jute industry, ensuring a sustainable future for both farmers and the environment.

Jute geotextiles (JGT) are composed of various chemical constituents that contribute to their unique
properties. Being a natural fiber, jute possesses inherent characteristics such as high tensile strength,
good moisture absorption, and biodegradability. These properties make jute geotextiles an ideal
choice for civil engineering applications. Open weave jute geotextiles are manufactured to meet
specific specifications, ensuring their effectiveness in various projects. Numerous case studies
conducted in different locations have demonstrated the efficacy of jute geotextiles. One notable
outcome is the absence of potholes in roads where jute geotextiles have been implemented.
Additionally, jute geotextiles have proven successful in applications such as riverbank protection,
railway track subsidence prevention, slope stabilization, and sand dune management. The versatility
and performance of jute geotextiles make them a valuable solution for mitigating various challenges
in civil engineering and environmental projects.

CONFERENCE REPORT 8
3.3. Jute Geotextiles - A sustainable material in civil
engineering applications
Speaker:
Prof. G Madhavi Latha
Chair, CST, IISc & Chairperson IGS Bangalore Chapter

Dr. G. Madhavi Latha is a Professor and Chair at the Centre

for Sustainable Technologies of IISc. Bangalore . She
pioneered the research area of micro to macro of soil-
geosynthetic interactions. Prof. Madhavi Latha is the primary
geotechnical consultant to the world’s highest railway bridge
on river Chenab in Jammu. She is a member of the TC on
“Soil Reinforcement” of International Geosynthetics Society.
She is the first recipient of the Best Woman Researcher in
Geotechnical Engineering award from IGS in 2020. She is a
SERB POWER Fellow and listed among the top 75 women
in STEAM of India.

Jute can be used to produce eco-friendly and biodegradable materials for packaging, reducing the use of
harmful plastics that contribute to health issues. Jute bags can also be used for the transportation of medicines
and medical supplies. Jute bags can be used to promote education by providing school bags and educational
materials made from jute to students, particularly in rural areas. Jute production and trade can empower women
by providing employment opportunities and promoting their participation in the jute value chain. Jute can be
used in water purification systems as a natural and biodegradable filtering medium. Jute-based sanitary napkins
can also provide a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional disposable sanitary products. Jute
can be utilized in the production of biofuels, such as jute biomass pellets, which can contribute to clean and
renewable energy sources. Jute cultivation, processing, and trade can create job opportunities and foster
economic growth, particularly in rural areas. The circular economy approach can also be applied to the jute
industry, promoting sustainable practices and maximizing resource efficiency. Jute-based products, such as
non-woven geotextiles, can be used for slope stabilization, road stabilization, and soil conservation. This
contributes to the development of resilient infrastructure and innovation in the construction sector. Jute bags
can be used as a sustainable alternative to plastic bags, reducing plastic usage and waste in cities. Jute-based
materials can also be used for building sustainable housing and infrastructure. Jute products, such as jute bags,
promote responsible consumption by providing a reusable and environmentally friendly alternative to single-
use plastics. Jute cultivation and processing can also strive for net zero waste by utilizing byproducts for various
purposes, such as making paper, compost, or animal feed. Jute cultivation is a sustainable agricultural practice
that contributes to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Jute fibers
can be used in the production of sustainable textiles and apparel, promoting a shift towards eco-friendly and
climate-resilient fashion. In summary, jute has various applications and contributions across the Sustainable
Development Goals, ranging from poverty alleviation and sustainable agriculture to clean water, circular
economy, and responsible consumption and production.

CONFERENCE REPORT 9
4. Jute industry and jute geotextiles
Speaker:
Shri Abu Riyaz Zaffar
Secretary, Indian Jute Mills Association

Mr. Abu Riyaz Zaffar is the General Secretary of the

Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA). He has been
associated with IJMA and the Jute Industry since the last
7 years. He is intrinsically involved in various activities
which amongst others include liaison with Central and
State Governments, provide service to members,
promote trade and public relation, promote research,
product development and foster goodwill and better
understanding among all members engaged in the
business and trade of jute and discourage and avoid
unhealthy competition, restrictive trade practice in all
matters relating to the business and trade of jute.

The Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) was established in 1884 as a representative body for the jute industry
in India. Over the years, the government has introduced numerous schemes to support and promote the growth
of the jute industry. One such initiative is the Jute Geo-Textiles (JGT) standards and guidelines, which aim to
enhance the quality and durability of jute-based products. Additionally, quality control orders have been
implemented to ensure that jute goods meet the specified standards and adhere to strict quality control
measures. Another significant development in the jute industry is the integration of packtech, which involves
the utilization of modern packaging technologies to enhance the appeal and functionality of jute products.
These initiatives collectively contribute to the advancement of the jute industry in India, fostering its
sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.

CONFERENCE REPORT 10
5. Application of Jute Geotextiles in Erosion Control and
Slope Stabilization
Speaker:
Dr. S. Manivanan
Pr. Scientist Land & Water Management Engineering, ICAR

Dr. S.MANIVANNAN Principal Scientist ICAR – Indian Agricultural

Research Institute, Assam Brief Profile Dr S Manivannan presently working
as Principal Scientist (Land and Water Management Engineering) at IARI,
Assam has 25 years of experience in research and development activities in
the field of soil and water conservation engineering. He was holding Joint
Secretary, General Secretary and vice president of All India Agricultural
Research Service Scientists Forum (ARSSF) and presently he is President
of ARSSF. He is life member in ten scientific societies and office bearer in
some of them. He is active Vice President (South Zone) of Soil
Conservation Society of India, New Delhi and Secretary (Southern
Regional Chapter) of Indian Association of Soil and Water
Conservationists, Dehradun. In addition to Vasantrao Naik Award, he also
received Distinguished Service Certificate Award – 2015 by Indian Society
of Agricultural Engineers, SCSI Leadership Award - 2017 and National
Fellow of SCSI – 2018 for his dedicated efforts in the field of soil and water
conservation. He also honored with IASWC Fellow 2019 from Indian
Association of Soil and Water Conservationists, Dehradun and
Commendation Medal Award from Indian Society of Agricultural
Engineers for the year 2020.

The performance evaluation of a soil bed reinforced with jute geocells involves assessing the
effectiveness and benefits of using jute geocells as a reinforcement technique. Jute geocells are three-
dimensional structures made from interconnected jute strips that are placed in the soil to enhance its stability
and load-bearing capacity. The evaluation process typically includes several parameters, such as load-carrying
capacity, soil settlement, and slope stability. By subjecting the soil bed to various load conditions, the load-
carrying capacity of the reinforced soil can be determined. This evaluation helps ascertain the ability of the jute
geocells to distribute the applied load efficiently and prevent excessive deformation or settlement. Furthermore,
the evaluation involves monitoring the settlement of the reinforced soil bed over time. By comparing the
settlement characteristics of the reinforced soil with that of unreinforced soil, the effectiveness of jute geocells
in mitigating settlement and improving long-term stability can be evaluated. Slope stability analysis is another
crucial aspect of the evaluation process. Jute geocells provide reinforcement to slopes, reducing the risk of
slope failure and erosion. By assessing the stability of the reinforced slopes under different conditions,
including rainfall or seismic events, the effectiveness of jute geocells in preventing slope failure can be
determined. The performance evaluation of a soil bed reinforced with jute geocells provides valuable insights
into the effectiveness and suitability of this reinforcement technique. It helps validate the benefits of using jute
geocells, such as improved load-bearing capacity, reduced settlement, and enhanced slope stability. The
findings from these evaluations contribute to the advancement of geotechnical engineering practices and guide
the selection of appropriate reinforcement methods for various soil stabilization projects.

CONFERENCE REPORT 11
6. Potential of Jute Geotextiles in sustainable construction, a
green demand
Speaker:
Dr. Malay Kumar Deb
Director, Civil Engineering Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd

Dr. Malay Kumar Deb has been a promising and renowned

consultant in civil engineering from Tripura, Northeast India.
He gained expertise in Geotechnical Engineering achieving
Master in Civil Engineering from Jadavpur University. Later
he achieved his Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur in the domain of
Structural Engineering under Civil Engineering Department.
As an entrepreneur, through his own 3 Companies he
accomplished diversified Infrastructural Projects worth more
than Rs. 4300.00 Crores as a consultant in last 24 years. He
has been immensely contributing by advocating uses of Jute
Geotextiles, and natural materials in civil engineering field as
a sustainable practice.

The use of jute geotextiles extends beyond their traditional applications, and there are several unexplored
avenues for their utilization. One such potential area is the development of jute geocells, which are three-
dimensional structures made from interconnected jute strips. These geocells can be employed in various
geotechnical engineering projects, such as soil stabilization, slope protection, and erosion control. Additionally,
jute-based bricks have shown promise as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional building materials. These
bricks, made from jute fibers and a binding agent, offer advantages such as thermal insulation, acoustic
properties, and reduced carbon footprint. Furthermore, Jute-based Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD) can be
used for ground improvement in areas with weak and compressible soils. These drains enhance the soil's
drainage capacity and increase its load-bearing capacity. Jute geotextiles also find applications in road
construction. They can be utilized as separation layers between different soil layers, preventing intermixing
and maintaining the integrity of the road structure. Jute geotextiles aid in soil stabilization and reinforcement,
improving the overall strength and durability of the road surface. Their high tensile strength and resistance to
degradation make them an attractive option for sustainable road infrastructure development. Exploring these
unexplored uses of jute geotextiles opens new possibilities for eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions in
various industries, including civil engineering and construction. By harnessing the versatility and inherent
properties of jute fibers, innovative applications can be developed to promote sustainable practices and reduce
environmental impact.

CONFERENCE REPORT 12
7. Jute Geotextiles – Successful use in Mine Dump
Stabilization
Speaker:
Dr. Minimol Korulla
Vice President & Head, Strategic Project, Maccaferri India

Ms. Minimol Korulla is having more than 25 years of

Industry experience in Landslide Mitigation, Ground
Improvement and Flood control . She is a part of code
formulation committees of National and International
forums like ISO, IS and IRC and committed to bring
sustainable and innovative technologies to practice.
Presently Ms. Minimol Korulla is working in
Maccaferri as Head - Strategic Projects and Initiatives
for India and Southeast Asian (ISEAP) countries.

Jute, with its inherent advantages, emerges as one of the most drapable fibers and an eco-concordant material.
Its unique properties make it suitable for blending with various other materials, opening up opportunities for
innovative applications. One notable example of jute's effectiveness is its utilization in stabilizing the dumps
at the Sigrauli mines. These dumps, with heights ranging from 30 to 120 meters, were successfully stabilized
using jute-based solutions. The drapability of jute fibers allows for easy adaptation to different surfaces and
contours, making it an ideal choice for stabilizing uneven and complex terrains. By blending jute with other
materials, its overall strength and performance can be enhanced, enabling it to withstand the challenging
conditions of mining sites effectively. In the case of Sigrauli mines, the use of jute-based stabilization
techniques has proven successful in controlling erosion, preventing further degradation of the dumps, and
promoting ecological restoration. Moreover, the eco-concordant nature of jute aligns with the objective of
sustainable mining practices. Jute is a natural, biodegradable fiber that does not contribute to environmental
pollution or pose long-term threats to ecosystems. By leveraging jute's eco-friendly characteristics, mining
operations can minimize their environmental footprint and contribute to the preservation of the surrounding
habitats. The successful stabilization of Sigrauli mine dumps using jute-based solutions serves as an exemplar
of how this versatile fiber can be effectively employed in challenging environments. This not only highlights
the technical advantages of jute but also showcases its potential in promoting environmentally responsible
practices across diverse industries.

CONFERENCE REPORT 13
8. Development of guidelines to adopt the process of height
increment of overburden dumps at open-cast coal mines in
India using Jute Geotextile
Speaker:
Dr. Supriya Pal
Associate Professor
National Institute of Technology Durgapur

Dr. Supriya Pal, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering.

His research interests are on Geotechnical and Geo-environmental
Engineering, Design of tailing ponds, Ash ponds, Scientific studies on
open cast and underground mining, Novel design of flexible and rigid
pavement using alternate materials, wastewater treatment using
constructed wetlands, foundation design, ground improvement etc. He
has more than 80 research papers publications in peer reviewed journals,
book chapters and national and international conference proceedings.. He
is BRICS coordinator from India in the thematic area “Water Resources
and Pollution Treatment”. He is also STA coordinator of NIT Durgapur
for PMGSY works under Ministry of Rural Roads for four districts
namely Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Bankura and Purulia.
He has successfully completed numerous research and consultancy
projects funded by ECL, L&T Ltd., Essar Oil Pvt. Ltd., WBMDCL,
NMDC, NHAI, PWD, CPWD, Ministry of Textiles, Central Pollution
Control Board, National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency,
BRICS, Ministry of Education etc.
Enhancing durability of JGT and development of guidelines to adopt the process of height increment of
overburden dumps at open cast coal mines in India using Jute geotextile.The failure of the OB (Overburden)
dump slope at Rajmahal mines in Jharkhand highlights the stability issues that can arise in dump sites. Such
incidents underscore the importance of implementing effective measures to ensure the structural integrity and
stability of these sites. One commonly used solution is the application of synthetic geotextiles. However, it is
worth noting that synthetic geotextiles may inadvertently contribute to increased insect growth due to the rise
in temperature they can cause. This highlights the need for careful consideration and monitoring of the
environmental impact when utilizing synthetic materials for geotechnical purposes. To address these
challenges, researchers and scientists have been exploring innovative approaches, such as the development of
nanocomposite coatings for Jute Geo-Textiles (JGT). These nanocomposite coatings aim to enhance the
performance and durability of JGT while addressing specific concerns such as insect growth. By incorporating
nanomaterials into the coating formulation, the properties of JGT can be further enhanced, leading to improved
resistance to environmental factors, increased lifespan, and reduced susceptibility to insect infestation. The
development of nanocomposite coatings for JGT demonstrates the ongoing efforts to innovate and improve the
effectiveness of geotextile solutions. By combining the inherent advantages of jute with cutting-edge coating
technologies, researchers aim to create sustainable and reliable alternatives that address the stability issues
encountered in dump sites while minimizing potential environmental risks. Continued research and
development in this field have the potential to revolutionize the geotextile industry and pave the way for safer
and more environmentally friendly solutions in the future.
CONFERENCE REPORT 14
9. Performance evaluation of soil bed reinforced with Jute
Geocells
Speaker:
Dr. Sreevalsa Kolathayar
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal
Secretary IGS Surathkal Chapter

Dr. Sreevalsa Kolathayar pursued M.Tech from IIT Kanpur,

Ph.D. from IISc and served as International Research Staff at
UPC BarcelonaTech Spain. He is presently Faculty in the
Dept of Civil Engg, National Institute of Technology
Karnataka, Surathkal. He has authored five books, edited
twelve books and published over 100 research articles and
two patents. In 2017, The New Indian Express honoured Dr
Sreevalsa with South India's Most Inspiring Young Teachers
Award. He is the recipient of ISET DK Paul Research Award
from Indian Society of Earthquake Technology and "IEI
Young Engineers Award" by The Institution of Engineers
(India). He is in the roster of two technical committees of
ASCE Geo-Institute and acts as a Member of BIS CED 39 for
three IS codes

The performance evaluation of a soil bed reinforced with jute geocells involves assessing the effectiveness and
benefits of using jute geocells as a reinforcement technique. Jute geocells are three-dimensional structures
made from interconnected jute strips that are placed in the soil to enhance its stability and load-bearing capacity.
The evaluation process typically includes several parameters, such as load-carrying capacity, soil settlement,
and slope stability. By subjecting the soil bed to various load conditions, the load-carrying capacity of the
reinforced soil can be determined. This evaluation helps ascertain the ability of the jute geocells to distribute
the applied load efficiently and prevent excessive deformation or settlement. Furthermore, the evaluation
involves monitoring the settlement of the reinforced soil bed over time. By comparing the settlement
characteristics of the reinforced soil with that of unreinforced soil, the effectiveness of jute geocells in
mitigating settlement and improving long-term stability can be evaluated. Slope stability analysis is another
crucial aspect of the evaluation process. Jute geocells provide reinforcement to slopes, reducing the risk of
slope failure and erosion. By assessing the stability of the reinforced slopes under different conditions,
including rainfall or seismic events, the effectiveness of jute geocells in preventing slope failure can be
determined. The performance evaluation of a soil bed reinforced with jute geocells provides valuable insights
into the effectiveness and suitability of this reinforcement technique. It helps validate the benefits of using jute
geocells, such as improved load-bearing capacity, reduced settlement, and enhanced slope stability. The
findings from these evaluations contribute to the advancement of geotechnical engineering practices and guide
the selection of appropriate reinforcement methods for various soil stabilization projects.

CONFERENCE REPORT 15
Panel Discussion Chaired by Prof GL Sivakumar Babu
Speakers:
Prof GL Sivakumar Babu Deepak Kumar Gupta
Professor, Geotechnical Engineering Division BIRLA JUTE MILLS
Department of Civil Engineering Dy.General Manager (Sales & Marketing)
Indian Institute of Science Bangalore
Debashis Nandi Anand Saraff
Gloster Limited Ludlow Jute & Specialities Limited
Manager (Project) General Manager marketing
Dr K Manjunatha Raghuveer Rao P
University BDT College of Engineering, Principal Research Scientist
Davanagere, Karnataka Ph.D, Indian Institute of Science
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering

Discussion Outcome
The panel discussion on jute geotextile provided valuable insights into the potential and challenges associated
with its adoption in civil engineering and environmental projects. The panelists agreed that jute geotextile offers
a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional geotextiles, with numerous environmental and
socio-economic benefits. Continued research, standardization, and awareness-building efforts were identified as
key factors in unlocking the full potential of jute geotextile. The panel discussion served as a platform for fruitful
discussions and collaborations among stakeholders to further explore and promote the use of jute geotextile. The
panelists highlighted the need for supportive policies encouraging research and development, providing financial
incentives, and prioritizing sustainable materials in public procurement projects. They stressed the importance of
creating awareness among policymakers about the benefits of jute geotextile to drive policy changes.

CONFERENCE REPORT 16
CONFERENCE REPORT 17
CONFERENCE REPORT 18
CONFERENCE REPORT 19