Introduction to Geomembrane: Types, Uses, Application

The word “geomembrane” is considered a very low permeability liner made out of synthetic material.

A geomembrane is regularly used for the containment of hazardous liquids that can contaminate the ground or surrounding structures if not correctly contained.

Geomembrane can often mean that the chemical resistant properties of the liner will be heavily focused on.

In engineering, the phrase “geomembrane liner” is used for larger size liners where a specific type of liner is specified.

Types of Geomembrance

Depending on the parent resin used, several types of geomembranes are available. The most commonly used geomembranes are listed below.

1. PVC Geomembrane

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) geomembranes is a thermoplastic waterproofing material made with vinyl, plasticizers, and stabilizers.

When ethylene dichloride is cracked into a dichloride, the result is then polymerized to make the polyvinyl chloride resin used for PVC geomembranes.

PVC geomembrane is tear, abrasion, and puncture-resistant, making them suitable for constructing canals, landfills, soil remediation, wastewater lagoon liners, and tank linings.

The material is also perfect for maintaining potable drinking water and preventing contaminants from entering water sources.

2. TRP Geomembrane

A TRP (Reinforced Polyethylene) geomembrane uses polyethylene fabric for long-term water containment and industrial waste applications.

TRP geomembranes are an ideal choice for soil remediation, landfills, canals, lining temporary retaining ponds, agricultural & municipal applications due to their low-temperature range, chemical resistance, and ultraviolet stability.

3. HDPE Geomembrane

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is characterized by strong UV/temperature resistance, inexpensive material cost, durability, and high resistance to chemicals.

It is the most commonly used geomembrane because it offers higher thickness which other geomembranes don’t. HDPE is the preferred choice for pond and canal lining projects, landfill, and reservoir covers.

Thanks to its chemical resistance, HDPE can be used in storing potable water.

4. LLDPE Geomembrane

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) geomembrane is made with virgin polyethylene resins which make it strong, durable, and resistant to UV & low temperature.

Engineers and installers who require an impermeable geomembrane usually opt for LLDPE as it offers more flexibility compared to HDPE.

They are used in industrial applications, such as animal & environmental waste containments as well as liquid storage tanks.

5. RPP Geomembrane

RPP (Reinforced Polypropylene) geomembranes are polyester-reinforced liners made from a UV-stabilized polypropylene copolymer that gives the material stability, chemical resistance, and flexibility.

Its strength and durability can be traced to the support it gets with nylon scrim. RPP geomembranes are ideal for long-term water containment and industrial waste applications.

RPP is perfect for municipal applications, evaporation pond liners, aqua & horticulture, and mine tailings.

6. EPDM Geomembrane

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) geomembrane has a rubber-like texture that makes for its durability, UV-stability, strength, and flexibility.

They are ideal for extreme weather conditions and for resisting punctures. EPDM geomembranes are easy to install, typically used as surface barriers for dams, liners, covers, backyard landscape, and other irrigation sites.

Uses of Geomembrance

Frozen, pooling, flowing, wastewater, and standing liquids can be hazardous if not properly managed. Hence, geomembranes are used to prevent the loss of material.

The following are uses of geomembranes:

As liners for various waste conveyance canals
As waterproofing liners within tunnels and pipelines
As liners for the agriculture industry
As liners for potable or reserve water (for example, safe shutdown of nuclear facilities)
To contain and transport potable water and other liquids in the ocean
As liners for the agriculture industry
As fish pond liners
Beneath highways to prevent pollution from deicing salts
As liners for primary, secondary, or/and tertiary waste piles and solid-waste landfills
Adjacent and beneath highways to capture hazardous liquid spills
As liners for sewage sludge, radioactive or hazardous waste liquid
As linings for emergency spillways
To contain and transport liquids in trucks

Geomembrance Application

The rapid adoption of geotextile is evident in different industries due to the versatility of the product. Geomembranes have a wide range of applications, some of which are:

Agriculture and Nurseries
Water industry
Marine (Pontoon construction)
Manufacturing process
Mining industry

Benefit of Geomembrance

Provide positive water containment
Help sustain water quality
Establish erosion control
Reduce maintenance cost
Lower disease risk
Manage waste removal
Prevent the loss of dissolved oxygen
Increase the turn-around time between corps
Improve work environment

All In All

The goal of installing geotextiles is to protect our environment and contain liquids and gases.

This liner system is more permeable, hence it plays a crucial role in both building and civil engineering.

For more information, please feel free to get in touch with our consultants.