Foreword

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are now used routinely as barrier systems for liquid and gas containment in many geotechnical and geoenvironmental applications. Nevertheless, the technology is relatively recent and the last decade has seen extensive research activity to enable a better understanding of the performance of GCLs and to develop design guidance. It is timely then that the Journal be able to present these Special Issues on Geosynthetic Clay Liners which contain a collection of 12 papers on a wide range of topics related to GCLs written by many of the foremost international experts.

We are delighted to have Dr. Patrick J. Fox as the Guest Editor of these Special Issues and to have the opportunity to thank him for his many efforts in assembling this valuable collection of papers.

Dr. Fox first approached us with the idea of these Special Issues in 2002 and we immediately accepted his offer, particularly as he is a well-known expert in the area of GCLs. Dr. Fox organized the solicitation of papers and edited the manuscripts to a common format. Under his supervision all of the papers were subjected to a rigorous peer-review by other experts. We congratulate all of the authors who contributed to these Special Issues and the many reviewers who critically assessed the original manuscripts.

We anticipate that this sixth in a series of Special Issues of Geosynthetics International, published since 1995^†, will become an important reference for engineers and researchers interested in GCL manufacturing, testing, design, and construction.