What are Composite Geomembranes?
Composite Geomembranes are synthetic membranes that consist of two or more layers of elements such as geotextile and geomembrane. Generally, they aid in improving functionality and performance since they integrate the benefits and properties of different materials to achieve optimum performance. Due to this reason, they have a wide range of applications such as drainage, containment, filtration, separation as well as reinforcement.
Features
They constitute a variety of features thus making them to be applied in various areas. Some of the common features of composite geomembrane are as follows;
- Resistant to UV
- High tensile strength
- Good puncture and tear resistance.
- Resistant to chemical compounds.
- Easy to install.
PVC Composite Geomembranes
They are made from polyvinyl chloride. They have a wide range of applications such as in the containment of harmful substances. It is because they are resistant to Ural-Violet radiation as well as chemical substances.
HDPE Composite Geomembranes
As opposed to PVC, HDPE composite Geomembranes are made from polyethylene materials of high density. They exhibit a high puncture and tensile strength thus making them to be suitable for projects that require high puncture resistance and tensile strength.
PE Composite Geomembranes
They are widely spread due to their durability nature and resistance to chemicals. They are also impermeable to gases and liquid penetration since they provide a significant barrier.
PP Composite Geomembrane
They are relatively similar to PE composite Geomembranes in terms of their properties and features. However, PP composite Geomembranes are widely applied in cases that require high-temperature resistance.
Geotextiles
They are significant since they improve the mechanical properties of composite Geomembranes. For example, they enhance protection from punctures, reinforcements as well as cushioning.
Advantages of Composite Geomembrane
Geomembrane liners have various advantages in both environmental and engineering aspects. Some of these benefits are as follows;
Cost-effective:
They are considered to be cost-effective in the sense that they can incorporate a variety of functions into one product. In the same way, they are easily installed thus saving on time, material, and labor costs since they do not involve separate installation where materials are different. Furthermore, maintenance costs and requirements involved in composite geomembrane liners are relatively low as opposed to other membranes as a result of their long lifespan.
Improved Functionality:
They integrate various types of materials thereby providing various types of functions in a single entity (product). Likewise, they incorporate several properties such as separation, drainage as well as reinforcement to achieve desirable results.
Good Tear and Puncture Resistance:
They are designed with layers of components which in turn aid at improving tear and puncture resistance. For instance, they can consist of a single layer or layers of geotextiles that makes them to be significantly resilient thus avoiding possible breakage and damage during installation.
Eco-friendly:
They have significant environmental benefits since they effectively restrict harmful and hazardous substances from accessing water bodies and soil. They are also poised to be environmentally friendly since some of the composite Geomembranes are deemed recyclable.
Number of Layers in Composite Geomembranes
The number of layers in composite Geomembranes may vary depending on various factors. For instance, the desired property of a particular composite geomembrane to serve a suitable purpose may result in a difference in the number of layers. Below are some of the common layers in composite Geomembranes.
One-layer Composite Geomembranes
They entail a one-layer material as opposed to other types of Geomembranes. They operate in a single-layer principle to achieve optimum results. In addition, they possess a variety of advantages such as ease of installation, time efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. However, as compared to other types of composite Geomembranes, they offer relatively low performance.
Two-layers Composite Geomembrane
They are designed by combining two distinct layers usually made up of different types of materials. The geomembrane layer is primarily responsible for inhibiting gas and liquid penetration as well as enhancing chemical resistance.
Multiple Layers Composite Geomembrane
As opposed to two layers composite Geomembranes, multiple-layer Geomembranes are designed with more than two layers made of various materials. Examples of these layers include; barrier, geotextile, geomembrane, and reinforcement layers.
Uses
The uses and application of composite Geomembranes vary from those that are applied for isolation purposes, and landfill purposes as well as those that are commonly applied.
Vapor Barrier Membranes:
Are typically designed to provide a barrier for gaseous components such as water vapor from penetrating through.
Chemical Barrier:
They offer protection from hazardous chemicals by providing a barrier through which chemical components cannot pass through.
Random Barrier Membranes:
Are normally installed in the foundation of buildings to prevent harmful gases such as radioactive and radon gases from penetrating buildings through the floor or ground.
Composite Geomembrane Liners:
They are designed to reduce leakage in solid waste systems through minor holes that form in the liner. They have a variety of applications such as in aquaculture, agriculture, and water treatment.
Geosynthetic Clay Liners:
They are designed to prevent gases and liquid migration through them.
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