IGS Launches 'JP Giroud Legacy' Resource

The key works and achievements of geosynthetics' most pioneering practitioner are now easily accessible to all with the launch of the IGS's Giroud Legacy Project.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Giroud is widely regarded as the grandfather of the industry, first coining the terms 'geotextile' and 'geomembrane' in 1977, and later initiating the formation of the IGS in 1983.

His vision and enduring legacy are being recognized with the creation of a special section on the IGS website honoring his work. It launches today, April 22, in recognition of what is regarded as the anniversary of the first International Conference on Geosynthetics (1 ICG) in Paris, which took place on April 20-22, 1977. This is where Dr. Giroud originated the geo-language we use today.

A Past President of the IGS, Dr. Giroud has authored more than 400 publications, and has received many industry accolades, as well as one of France's highest honors – Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur in 2010.

Following his permanent return to Paris in 2016 after many years in the United States, Dr. Giroud donated several volumes from his personal engineering library to the IGS office in Jupiter, Florida. Now, he has granted IGS permission to incorporate digital assets from his website – www.jpgiroud.com – into the IGS's Giroud Legacy Project.

The rich resources now available on the IGS website include:

• Dr. Giroud's history in engineering and its importance to the IGS.
• Video lectures, including Dr. Giroud's headline lecture for the IGS's 40th Anniversary series.
• Images from Dr. Giroud's career and website, many of which document significant projects in the history of geosynthetics.
• Bibliography of contributions to the field.
• Recommended Giroud papers from IGS Journals, proceedings, and other sources. Most will be open source for all to view, with some exclusively available for IGS members.

IGS President Samuel Allen said: "The work of Dr. Giroud is fundamental to the mission of the IGS, that is, the appropriate use of geosynthetics. His design procedures and guidance have opened the door for numerous geosynthetic applications and provided the needed education to understand the utility and benefits of geosynthetics use. He has represented the absolute best in our industry, and we are forever grateful for his legendary career." 

Visit the IGS Giroud Legacy Project page here.