Types

There are several types of geosynthetic available in the market depending on the material and manufacturing process used:

- HDPE geosynthetic are the most commonly used type due to their chemical resistance, flexibility, and stability. The HDPE sheet is either extruded or laminated.

- LLDPE geosynthetic have increased resistance to puncture, tear, and fatigue cracking compared to HDPE. They are often used in liner and cover applications in disposal facilities.

- PVC geosynthetic are more rigid with higher tensile strength and puncture resistance. However, they have limited temperature range and are susceptible to environmental stress cracking.

- Bentonite-amended geosynthetic consist of sodium bentonite clay sandwiched and encapsulated between HDPE or LLDPE sheets. They have extremely low permeability required for critical applications.

- EPDM geosynthetic offer high chemical resistance and temperature stability but have limited durability under UV exposure. They are used in specific industrial containment/tank applications.

Uses

Geomembranes are highly effective barriers due to their impermeability and are used for lining in various industrial and infrastructure projects:

1. Landfill Liners: Geosynthetic are used for lining the bottom and sides of municipal solid waste and hazardous waste landfills to prevent leachate seepage into soil and groundwater.

2. Water Containment Structures: These include lining of water reservoir, pond, and canal banks Geomembranes. Geosynthetic help retain water and prevent seepage losses in water storage and irrigation infrastructure projects.

3. Industrial Waste Impoundments: Geosynthetic are used for lining evaporation ponds and piles in mining and other industrial facilities to isolate and contain process waste and sedimentation basins.

4. Tunneling Projects: They are used for tunnel face support and leakage control during drilling in water-bearing grounds or under river/reservoir beds to prevent soil ingress or water seepage.

5. Agricultural Applications: Geosynthetic help create an impermeable barrier for irrigation channels, reservoirs, and silage/manure pits and reduce water losses in agriculture and dairy farms.

6. Oil & Gas Industry: They are used for lining storage tank bases, secondary containment areas, and pits/ponds used in chemical, petroleum product storage, transportation and refining.

7. Construction Waterproofing: Geosynthetic provide waterproofing and damp proof membranes under tiles, flooring sheets in tunnels, foundations, and basement rooms.

Advantages

There are several advantages that make geomembranes an attractive choice for hydraulic barrier applications:

- High impermeability - Very low permeability rating ranging from 1x10-12 cm/sec to 1x10-9 cm/sec makes them effective hydraulic barriers.

- Chemical resistance - Most geosynthetic have good resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic chemicals encountered in various industrial projects.

- Flexibility - Geosynthetic can be molded and formed to the contours of earthwork and are durable under settlement movement.

- Longevity - Properly installed and maintained geosynthetic barriers can last over 50-100 years with minimum degradation if protected.

- Cost effectiveness - Thin membrane lining significantly reduces the quantity of imported impervious fill/soil required and proves economical in the long run.

- Speed of installation - Prefabricated sheets can be rapidly deployed in the field and provide early load bearing support and leachate/seepage control.

- Standardization - Manufactured with consistent properties and established standards lead to quality assurance & performance predictability.


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