Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL) are innovative materials used primarily in environmental applications for containment and barrier systems. Composed of a layer of bentonite clay sandwiched between two geotextiles or geomembranes, GCLs provide an effective solution for preventing the migration of liquids and gases. Their unique composition allows them to swell upon hydration, creating a self-sealing barrier that is both impermeable and durable. This property makes GCLs particularly suitable for use in landfills, waste containment, and environmental remediation projects, where they serve to protect groundwater and soil from contamination.
GCLs are lightweight and easy to install, which significantly reduces labor and transportation costs compared to traditional clay liners. They can be deployed in various applications, including pond liners, landfill caps, and as part of composite liner systems in waste management. Moreover, their flexibility allows them to conform to irregular surfaces, ensuring a tight seal even in challenging terrains. With their excellent hydraulic performance, resistance to puncture, and compatibility with a wide range of environmental conditions, Geosynthetic Clay Liners are an optimal choice for engineers and environmental professionals seeking reliable and sustainable containment solutions.
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL) are advanced composite materials designed primarily for use in environmental protection applications, particularly in landfill and containment systems. These liners consist of a layer of sodium bentonite clay sandwiched between two geosynthetic layers, typically a geotextile and a geomembrane. The unique properties of sodium bentonite, which can swell and create a low permeability barrier when hydrated, make GCLs highly effective at preventing the migration of liquids and contaminants.
GCLs are lightweight and easy to install, which significantly reduces construction time and costs compared to traditional compacted clay liners. Their flexibility allows them to conform to various substrate conditions, ensuring a secure fit and enhanced performance. Additionally, GCLs are resistant to UV radiation and chemical degradation, which extends their lifespan and reliability in diverse environmental conditions.
These liners are widely used in a variety of applications, including landfill caps, lagoons, and mining operations, where they serve to protect groundwater and soil from contamination. The efficiency of GCLs in managing leachate and preventing seepage contributes to sustainable waste management practices and environmental conservation efforts. By incorporating GCLs into containment systems, engineers can achieve effective and reliable solutions that comply with regulatory standards while minimizing environmental impact.
Parameter
Properties | Unit | Test Method | Frequency | Value |
GCL Property | ||||
Bentonite mass per unit area | g/m2 | ASTM D 5993 | 4000m2 | 3600g/m2 MARV |
Tensile Strength | kN/m | ASTM D 6768 | 4000m2 | 6kN/m MARV |
Peel Strength | N | ASTM D 4632 | 4000m2 | 65N MARV |
Hydraulic conductivity | cm/s | ASTM D 5887 | periodically | 5x10-2cm/sec MARV |
Shear Strength | kPa | ASTM D 6243 | periodically | 24 kPa Typical |
Geotextitle Property | ||||
g/m2 | ASTM D 5261 | 20,000m2 | 200 g/m2 MARV | |
Cap woven geotextile | g/m2 | ASTM D 5261 | 20,000m2 | 200 g/m2 MARV |
Bentonite property | ||||
Swell index | Kg | ASTM D 5890 | 50,000Kg | 24mI/2g MARV |
Moisture content | % | ASTM D 4643 | 50,000Kg | 12% max |
Fluid loss | ml | ASTM D 5891 | 50,000Kg | 18ml max |
Roll Dimensions | ||||
Width*Length | m | Typical | each roll | 5.8×30 |
Area Per Roll | m2 | Typical | each roll | 174 |
Packaged Weight | kg | Typical | each roll | 935 |
20GP loading | roll | Typical | each roll | 20 |
20GP loading Note: 1. Variation allowed 2%. 2.GCL Unit weight can be 5000g/m2.5500g/m2 .6000g/m2 3.Nonwoven Geotextile can be PP or PET material. |
Geosynthetic Clay Liners Features
- Low Permeability: GCL are designed with a sodium bentonite core that exhibits extremely low permeability, effectively preventing the movement of liquids and contaminants.
- Lightweight and Easy to Install: The composite structure of GCL makes them significantly lighter than traditional clay liners, facilitating easier handling and installation, which reduces labor costs and construction time.
- Flexibility: GCL can easily conform to irregular surfaces and varying substrate conditions, ensuring effective sealing and enhancing their performance in diverse environments.
- Chemical Resistance: The materials used in GCL are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for various applications, including industrial waste containment.
- Durability and UV Stability: GCL are designed to withstand environmental stresses, including UV radiation, which prolongs their lifespan and maintains performance over time.
- Environmental Protection: By effectively managing leachate and preventing groundwater contamination, GCL play a crucial role in environmental protection and sustainability efforts.
- Cost-Effective Solution: The combination of quick installation, reduced material requirements, and long-term effectiveness makes GCL a cost-effective alternative to traditional liner systems.
- Versatile Applications: GCL can be used in a variety of settings, including landfills, ponds, lagoons, and mining operations, demonstrating their adaptability to different containment needs.
- High Swell Capacity: The sodium bentonite used in GCL can swell significantly when hydrated, creating a tight seal that enhances the barrier properties of the liner.
- Seamless Installation: GCL can be installed in large sheets, minimizing the number of seams and potential points of failure, which contributes to their overall effectiveness.
Applications of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
- Landfill Caps: GCL are commonly used as a barrier layer in landfill caps to prevent water infiltration and manage leachate, thereby protecting groundwater resources.
- Waste Containment: In various waste management facilities, GCL provide an effective sealing solution for hazardous waste containment, ensuring that contaminants do not migrate into the surrounding environment.
- Mining Operations: GCL are employed in mining sites to line tailings ponds and prevent the leakage of harmful substances into soil and groundwater, contributing to responsible mining practices.
- Pond Liners: GCL can be used as liners for agricultural and industrial ponds, helping to retain water while preventing contamination from surrounding soil.
- Sludge and Wastewater Management: In treatment facilities, GCL are applied to contain sludge and wastewater, minimizing the risk of leaks and environmental contamination.
- Hydraulic Barriers: GCL serve as hydraulic barriers in various construction projects, such as cut-off walls, to control groundwater flow and manage water levels.
- Green Roofs: In green roofing applications, GCL can act as a moisture retention layer, promoting plant growth while preventing water loss and protecting underlying structures.
- Dams and Embankments: GCL are utilized in dam construction and embankment projects to enhance stability and reduce seepage, improving the overall integrity of the structure.
- Flood Control: GCL can be incorporated into flood control measures, providing effective barriers against rising water levels and protecting vulnerable areas.
- Agricultural Applications: GCL are used in agriculture to line irrigation ditches and manage water resources effectively, preventing soil erosion and contamination.
Company Profile
Shandong GEOSINO New Material Co.,Ltd (Brand:Geosincere) is the professional geomembrane and geosynthetics manufacturer and wholesaler located in Taian City, Shandong Province, PRChina. We are not a local overseas distributer, we are an professional manufacturer, exporter and wholesaler for such geosynthetic products as geomembanes, geotextiles, geogrids, geocells, geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs), drainage boards, etc. GEOSINCERE is always committed to geomembrane research and development, manufacturing and installation services. We can provide our customers with most extensive lines of geomembranes and geotextiles for civil, mining, environmental and aquaculture engineering applications.
GEOSINCERE has been keeping on investing in technological innovation, manufacturing facilities improvement and turnkey engineering abilities. We have invested 10 million dollars into our manufacturing factory which is equipped with state-of-the-art automatic production lines to manufacture high quality geomembranes and other geosynthetics with optimized processes. GEOSINCERE has over 160 employees and its own 24,000 square meters state-of-art manufacturing factory with many automatic geosynthetic production lines, professional machines and testing equipment.Our extensive lines of geosynthetics products are well known for their ensured quality, high performance, excellent durability and best cost effectiveness. GEOSINCERE brand geomembranes and other geosynthetics products and solutions can meet your requirements by our solid technologies, innovative engineering solutions and excellent customer services. GEOSINCERE always tries our best to solve the most complex civil, mining and environmental challenges with our innovative and high performance geosynthetic products. Quality assurance, factory price and fast delivery time are our competitive advantages.
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