What are geomembranes and how are they used?

Geomembranes are synthetic membrane liners or barriers used to control fluid migration in man-made projects, structures or systems. They are made from relatively thin continuous polymer sheets, sometimes consisting of geotextiles infused with asphalt, elastomers or polymer sprays. This means that their applications in geotechnical engineering and other industrial customers are endless.

What are geomembranes?

Geomembranes are used in environmental, hydraulics, transportation, oil and gas applications and in the waste treatment industry. The most common type is a continuous polymer sheet. When larger geomembranes are required, they are thermally or chemically fused together at the seams for increased strength and durability. Geomembranes are completely customizable in size, so they can be as small as a backyard fish pond or as large as a soccer field.

To better understand the uses of geomembranes, here are some of the most common uses.

▴As a liner for potable or reserve water (e.g., safety shutdown of a nuclear facility)

▴As a fish pond liner

▴As a liner for waste liquids (e.g. sewage sludge), radioactive or hazardous waste liquids

▴As a liner for the agricultural industry

▴As liners for various waste transport channels

▴To contain and transport drinking water and other liquids in the ocean

▴Preventing de-icing salt contamination underneath highways

▴Capturing dangerous liquid spills under and near highways

▴As a waterproof liner in tunnels and pipelines

▴As liners for primary, secondary and/or tertiary solid waste landfills and waste piles

Basically, geomembranes are used where material loss is not allowed, whether it is clean water, wastewater, steam, soil, hazardous materials, or any other material that does not need to escape its designated space.