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The PVC geomembrane, made from polyvinyl chloride, is a versatile and cost-effective solution known for its flexibility and ease of installation. This dynamic containment option of these geomembranes offers reliable performance and excellent tensile strength. It is particularly effective in applications such as ponds, landfills, and mining, often surpassing HDPE in terms of cost and user-friendliness.
At BPM Geosynthetics, with over 15 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying best quality geomembranes to more than 60 countries at competitive factory prices, we’ve observed the remarkable versatility and effectiveness of PVC geomembranes. Their applications range from waste management to environmental protection, making them a preferred choice globally.
A PVC geomembrane is a synthetic, flexible membrane crafted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, designed to act as an impermeable barrier against fluid and gas migration in geotechnical and environmental applications. Produced by geomembrane manufacturers through calendaring or extrusion, it’s widely used in landfills, ponds, mining, and water management systems. Its plasticized composition ensures adaptability, distinguishing it from rigid alternatives like HDPE.
Standard PVC geomembranes are flexible and easy to install, while reinforced versions offer additional strength and durability for more demanding applications.
PVC geomembranes are available in various thicknesses (0.5 mm to 2.0 mm) and textures to suit specific project requirements.
| Test Properties | Unit | Standard | Test frequency | GSO10 | GSO15 | GSO20 | GSO25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | mm | D5994 | per roll | 1.00 | 1.50 | 2.00 | 2.50 |
| Asperity Height | mm | D7446 | Every 2nd roll (2) | 0.25 | |||
| Density | g/cc | D1505/D792 | 90,000kg | 0.94 | |||
| Tensile Properties | |||||||
| Yield Strength | KN/m | D6693
Type IV | 9,000 kg | 15 | 22 | 29 | 37 |
| Break Strength | KN/m | 10 | 16 | 21 | 26 | ||
| Yield Elongation | % | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | ||
| Break Elongation | % | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | ||
| Tear Resistance | N | D1004 | 20,000kg | 125 | 187 | 249 | 311 |
| Puncture Resistance | N | D4883 | 20,000kg | 267 | 400 | 534 | 667 |
| Stress Crack Resistance | hr | D5397(App) | per GRI GM-10 | 300 hr | |||
| Carbon black content | % | D4218 | 9,000kg | 2.0-3.0% | |||
| Carbon black dispersion | D5596 | 20,000kg | For 10 different views: 9 in Categories 1 or 2 and 1 in Category 3 | ||||
| Oxidative Induction Time | |||||||
| Standard OIT | min | D3895 | 90,000kg | 100 min | |||
| High pressure OIT | D5885 | 90,000kg | 400 min | ||||
| Oven Aging at 85°C retained after 90 days | % | D5721 | per each formulation | 55% | |||
| Standard OIT | D3895 | 80% | |||||
| High pressure OIT | D5885 | 80% | |||||
| UV Resistance | |||||||
| High Pressure OIT – % retained after 1600 hrs | % | D5885 | per each formulation | 50% | |||
| Roll Width | m | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | ||
| Roll Length | m | 210 | 140 | 105 | 70 | ||
| Size stability | % | 2% | |||||
Textured geomembranes are engineered synthetic liners featuring a textured surface, typically manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These geomembranes are designed to enhance performance in various geotechnical and environmental applications. Below are the key features that distinguish textured geomembranes:
The textured surface significantly increases the friction between the geomembrane and adjacent materials, such as soil or other geosynthetics. This improved frictional resistance is crucial for applications involving steep slopes or areas where slippage prevention is essential.
Textured geomembranes offer superior interface shear strength compared to smooth geomembranes. This characteristic enhances the stability of layered systems, particularly in landfill liners and covers, where maintaining the integrity of the liner system is vital.
The combination of enhanced frictional resistance and interface shear strength contributes to greater overall stability on inclined surfaces. This makes textured geomembranes particularly suitable for applications like mining operations and landfill side slopes.
HDPE textured geomembranes are designed to withstand various environmental stressors, including chemical exposure, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations. This resilience ensures long-term performance and durability in challenging conditions.
Despite their textured surface, these geomembranes maintain excellent impermeability, effectively preventing fluid migration. This property is essential for applications requiring reliable containment, such as wastewater treatment facilities and containment ponds.
The unique features of textured geomembranes make them versatile for a wide range of applications, including:
Textured geomembranes offer enhanced frictional properties, improved stability, and robust resistance to environmental factors, making them a reliable choice for various containment and environmental protection applications.
Textured geomembranes offer a range of benefits that make them indispensable for modern engineering projects. Here’s a closer look at why they are a preferred choice:
The primary advantage of textured geomembranes is their ability to prevent slippage on steep slopes. The rough surface increases friction with adjacent materials, ensuring stability in applications like landfill liners, tailings dams, and reservoir embankments. This reduces the risk of structural failure and enhances safety.
Textured geomembranes, particularly those made from HDPE, can last 50 to 100 years when buried, and 20 to 30 years when exposed to sunlight, depending on UV stabilization and thickness. This longevity reduces maintenance costs and ensures reliable performance over decades.
Despite their advanced features, textured geomembranes are cost-effective compared to traditional materials like concrete or clay liners. Their efficient manufacturing process and ease of installation translate to lower project costs without compromising quality.
By preventing the leakage of hazardous substances, textured geomembranes play a critical role in protecting ecosystems. They are used in landfills to contain leachate, in mining to manage tailings, and in agriculture to conserve water, contributing to sustainable development.
Textured geomembranes are highly adaptable, suitable for a wide range of industries, including environmental, hydraulic, agricultural, and civil engineering. Their ability to conform to irregular surfaces and resist environmental stressors makes them a versatile solution for diverse projects.
While both textured and smooth geomembranes are used for containment, the key difference lies in their surface characteristics. Smooth geomembranes have a flat, polished surface, which is suitable for flat or gently sloping applications. In contrast, textured geomembranes feature a rough, tactile surface that provides greater friction against adjacent materials like soil, geotextiles, or clay liners. This makes textured geomembranes the preferred choice for projects involving steep slopes or high shear stress, where slippage could compromise structural integrity.
The thickness of textured geomembranes varies depending on the application and load-bearing requirements. Thickness is typically measured in millimeters (mm), mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch), and microns (1 micron = 0.001 mm). Below is a breakdown of common thicknesses for textured geomembranes:
The choice of thickness depends on factors like site conditions, expected loads, and regulatory requirements. For example, landfill projects often require thicker textured geomembranes (e.g., 1.5 mm or 2.0 mm) to ensure impermeability and durability, while aquaculture might use thinner options (e.g., 0.75 mm) for cost efficiency.
In addition to overall thickness, the texture height (asperity height) of textured geomembranes is a critical parameter. Measured using standards like ASTM D7466, texture height typically ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, ensuring adequate friction for stability. Manufacturers can customize texture patterns to meet specific project needs.
Yes, textured geomembranes are highly waterproof, thanks to their dense polymeric structure and low permeability. Made from materials like HDPE or LLDPE, textured geomembranes are designed to act as impermeable barriers, preventing the passage of liquids, gases, and contaminants. Their waterproofing capability is unmatched by traditional materials like concrete or asphalt, which can crack or degrade over time.
However, no material is entirely immune to extreme conditions. Factors like improper installation, mechanical damage, or prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals can compromise the waterproof integrity of textured geomembranes. To ensure optimal performance, professional installation by certified technicians is essential, along with regular maintenance to address any potential issues like punctures or seam failures.
The waterproofing effectiveness of textured geomembranes relies heavily on proper installation techniques, such as thermal welding or extrusion welding, to create seamless joints. These welds are tested for strength and integrity to ensure no leaks occur. Additionally, combining textured geomembranes with geotextiles or geosynthetic clay liners can further enhance waterproofing in multilayer systems.
Textured geomembranes are employed across a wide range of industries due to their durability, impermeability, and anti-slip properties. Below are some of the most common applications:
Textured geomembranes are extensively used in landfills to prevent leachate from contaminating soil and groundwater. Their textured surface ensures stability on slopes, while their impermeability contains toxic liquids. For example, the Fresh Kills Landfill in New York utilized a 60-mil HDPE textured geomembrane as part of its capping system.
In the mining industry, textured geomembranes line tailings dams, heap leach pads, and containment ponds to manage hazardous byproducts. Their chemical resistance and anti-slip properties make them ideal for steep terrains and aggressive environments.
Textured geomembranes are used in reservoirs, canals, and irrigation systems to prevent water loss through seepage. They are also employed in wastewater treatment plants to line settling ponds and contain sludge, ensuring efficient water management.
In fish and shrimp farming, textured geomembranes serve as pond liners to maintain water quality and prevent leakage. Their non-toxic composition ensures safety for aquatic life, while their texture enhances stability on pond slopes.
Textured geomembranes are used in road construction, tunnel lining, and dam building to provide waterproofing and reinforcement. Their flexibility allows them to conform to irregular surfaces, making them suitable for complex infrastructure projects.
For contaminated sites, textured geomembranes contain pollutants to prevent their spread into surrounding ecosystems. They are also used in hazardous waste containment to isolate harmful substances.
BPM Geosynthetics is a global leader and manufacturer of geomembranes engineered specifically for your containment systems. We offer complete range of best quality geomembranes at competitive factory price on fast delivery.
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