The use of geomembrane is not limited to underground, it can also be used as the last layer in roofs, ponds, pools, and similar applications depending on its properties. Geomembranes are materials made from synthetic raw materials to provide insulation and surface protection. It has high resistance to chemicals therefore many people might think that the geomembrane prices are not affordable. This product has high tensile strength, low permeability, extremely resistant to punctures and cracks. Geomembranes are used to provide impermeability. These innovative materials are highly resistant to chemicals, punctures, and cracks, long-lasting, easy to repair. They can be produced between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm. Geomembrane rolls should be properly packaged and loaded to avoid damage. Bad weather conditions cause temporary roads to deteriorate and work to stop, especially at construction sites. Extra expenses are incurred by laying gravel again on these roads, which have deteriorated with the loss of workforce. In addition, this situation poses problems in terms of safety, which may even cause the vehicles to topple over.
How Is the Process of Geomembrane Application?
Before the geomembrane application, at least 15 cm deep of the exposed ground should be compressed by 95%. The parts that cannot be compressed enough, weak, or collapsing are removed and filled properly. All surfaces to be coated must be flat, free from foreign and organic materials, cutting materials, and debris. Puddles of water and excessive moisture should not be allowed.
Anchor trenches should be excavated as shown in the application projects before the geomembrane is laid. The corners of the trench should be slightly rounded to avoid sharp bends where the geomembrane meets the trench. No equipment or tool should damage the geomembrane during transportation, use, or for any other reason. Moreover, no personnel should smoke, wear shoes or engage in other activities that may damage the geomembrane while working on the geomembrane. The method used to open the panels should not cause scratches or folds in the geomembrane, nor should it damage the underlying ground or the geotextile laid underneath.
Direct contact with the geomembrane should be minimized. For instance, areas that must be walked around on the geomembrane should be protected with geotextile, additional membrane, or other suitable materials. Geomembrane placement should be done under conditions where the ambient temperature is between 0°C and 40°C. Welding should not be done during precipitation and dew in the early morning hours.
What Are the Significant Features of the Welding Method in Geomembrane Application?
The use of geotextile provides significant economy by preventing the cost of stone chips and work delays even in the short term. With the use of geosynthetics, you get rid of crushing stone chips over and over.
Geotextile separates the clayey soil and the granular soil from each other and prevents the gravel from getting dirty. Thus, the structure can continue to function safely for a long time, even in bad weather conditions. Geotextile increases the bearing capacity of the ground significantly by distributing the vehicle loads on the ground with its tensile strength. Welds should be arranged as parallel to the slope as possible. T welds at the base must not be closer than 1.5 meters to the heel of the slope. The welds should be arranged in such a way that the least wrinkles and “fishmouth” are formed. Geomembrane panels should be placed with a minimum overlap of 10 cm for fusion welding and a minimum of 7.5 cm for extrusion welding. Equipment approved for field welding are fusion (hot shoe) and extrusion welding machines and many other necessary pieces of equipment should be available.
All test welds must be in the area to be welded. Weld slip test specimens shall be 1-inch-wide with grip spacing 4 inches plus weld width. The weld should be located just between the clutches; the clutch release rate should be 2 inches per minute. Both weld slip test and peel test should be performed on 5 similar samples. At least four out of five specimens must pass the test. For both welds, the break in the weld is characterized as Non-FTB. Welding rods used for extrusion welding must be HDPE and their physical properties must be the same as those of the resin used in the production of HDPE geomembranes.
All test tools and equipment should always be in the field and ready for the test at any time. A vacuum test or spark test is applied for testing single seam fusion welds and extrusion weldsThe excess portions of the overlay will be cut off. The vacuum box monitoring window will be clean; leaks will be checked. The top of the geomembrane is wetted with a foamy solution in the form of a strip of approximately 30 cm x 120 cm. The vacuum motor is started and the vacuum box is allowed to absorb the geomembrane. The geomembrane is examined by investigating the presence of bubbles in the soapy solution from the viewing window for approximately 15 seconds. If no bubbles are seen within 15 seconds, the vacuum motor is turned off and the membrane is released. The box is brought to the adjacent part by moving 15 cm to the tested part and the process is repeated. All areas with bubbles should be marked, repaired, and retested.
Is Geomembrane Application Affordable in Turkey?
The primary function of the geotextile material is to prevent the intermingling/mixing of the two soil types throughout the life of the structure. Geotextiles are often used for separation under road embankment sections for separation. They are also extensively used under hardwood floors and on temporary roads where access is difficult.
Geotextiles significantly increase the life and bearing capacity of the structure by preventing the passage of the clayey material under the foundation to the foundation part. When we think about the importance of this innovative application, we should not priory the geomembrane costs. Among geomembrane manufacturers in the international field, Geobera company offers a top-quality service choosing the right product and its application as well.
Our company has a very experienced team that can help you out in any phase of their services. This team is going to do all necessary tests in order to offer the safest and healthiest experience for the clients. Due to their expert approach, they have been gaining a significant international position in this industry. This company has strong exportation networks with Malta, Cameroon, Bosna Hersek, the Philippines, Russia, Egypt, France, and so on.
