March 2, 2023
A geomembrane is a chemically resistant impervious synthetic liner made of polymeric
materials that are commonly used as a containment, to prevent contamination of the soil by
infiltration, and to serve as a waterproofing barrier. There are many types of geomembranes as
defined by the nature of the resin used for manufacturing. These resins could be high-density
polyethylene (HDPE), very low-density polyethylene geomembrane (VLDPE), polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP) which when combined with additives like plasticizers,
carbon black, processing aids, anti-oxidants, become geomembranes.
The polyvinyl chloride (pvc) geomembrane is thermoplastic with high resistance to puncture,
tear, and abrasion, thereby making it suitable for the construction of canals, landfills, tank
linings, and soil remediation. Other geomembranes that may serve the same purposes include
the reinforced polyethylene (TRP) geomembrane, Reinforced Polypropylene (RPP)
geomembranes, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes, Ethylene Propylene Diene
Monomer (EPDM) geomembrane, and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
geomembrane.
The HDPE geomembrane is the choice of most contractors because of its characteristic high
UV, chemical, and temperature resistance, durability, thickness, and the comparatively low cost
of the material. The LLDPE or EPDM geomembranes may be used, instead of the HDPE,
where high flexibility during installation is of the essence.
The quality of geomembranes may be judged on basis of their physical such as thickness,
density, weight, and mechanical characteristics like tensile strength, tear, impact, and
puncture resistance. The tensile strength is the maximum stress that a geomembrane can
withstand without breaking or cracking when subjected to a force that pulls it apart. The tear
strength is the ability of the material to withstand the effects of tearing and it is tested just after
a crack is introduced by the tensile stress.
The impact is the measure of the ability of the geomembrane to absorb shock and
remain undeformed when impacted by a force or load, while puncture resistance measures
the maximum force that can be resisted by the geomembrane to prevent it from being penetrated
by an object. Other factors that may be considered for the appropriate selection of
geomembranes include the nature of the waste or chemical to be contained, the desired
durability, resistance to fire, heat, sunlight, and the anticipated live and dead imposed loads.
Geomembranes can be used to manage contaminations, preservation, or prevention of loss of
liquid materials, waterproof, and erosion control. Typical use is the lining of ponds. The
weldable pond liners, made of polyethylene, are particularly noted for toughness, flexibility,
comparatively low costs, and non-toxicity which makes them suitable for fish and plants.
Geomembranes may be used as canal liners, hazardous waste containments, water reservoirs,
landfill containments, emergency spillways liners, and tunnel liners.
As professional engineers, we import high-quality geomembranes and other geosynthetics
such as woven and non-woven geotextiles, geo bags, drains, and geometry to serve the
construction industries in Nigeria.
We remain available to offer free technical advice to our
customers. Contact us at Geomembrane Gabions & Geotextile Ltd in Kaduna – Nigeria.
+234 703 784 5174 (Mobile and WhatsApp). [email protected]