Geomembranes are essential materials in modern construction and civil engineering, primarily used for waterproofing. They serve to prevent water infiltration, protect soils, and ensure the safety and stability of engineering structures. With advancements in production technology, geomembranes now exhibit enhanced performance and expanded applications, becoming a critical component in construction projects.

 

1. Construction Techniques and Protection Layer Requirements

During excavation and installation of waterproof geomembranes, longitudinal excavation, longitudinal laying, longitudinal grinding, and longitudinal safety protection processes are employed to maximize the waterproofing effect. Key procedures include:

 

Longitudinal Laying: Ensure that the geomembrane is laid uniformly, avoiding overlapping or misalignment. During installation, the membrane should fit snugly against the soil to eliminate voids and enhance waterproofing.

 

Thickness Control: The thickness of the protective layer for the geomembrane should be approximately 12 cm. It must not exceed this to avoid penetration risks. Particularly, if particles larger than 6 mm are present, they may compromise the geomembrane’s integrity.

 

Soil Layer Protection: The soil layer must be tightly sealed, maintaining a dry density of around 1.6, with prior sampling and testing to confirm its suitability.

 

Backfill Protection: Lightweight materials should be used during backfilling to prevent excessive pressure and potential damage to the geomembrane.

 

2. Market Evolution and Advantages of Geomembranes

The geomembrane market is evolving rapidly, with innovative products and designs emerging to meet modern engineering demands. These materials are highly valued for their effective waterproofing, lightweight nature, and cost efficiency, making them indispensable in construction. Notable advantages include:

 

Space-Saving and Cost-Efficiency: Geomembranes require minimal space and have relatively low material costs, making them ideal for projects needing economical solutions.

 

Rental Services: Many companies now offer geomembrane rental services, enabling small-scale or temporary projects to access high-quality waterproof materials affordably. This boosts their market competitiveness.

 

Variety and Customization: Geomembranes are available in diverse specifications and types, catering to unique project requirements. This versatility enhances their utility across a wide range of applications.

 

3. Special Applications of Waterproof Films

Waterproof films, a specialized type of geomembrane, are essential in projects requiring heightened moisture and water resistance. For instance, in wetland projects like Dianchi Lake, specially designed waterproof geomembranes are employed to significantly extend the material’s lifespan and improve project stability.

 

Specialized Design: Geomembranes for wetlands, such as those used in Dianchi Lake, are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offering excellent water resistance and durability. Their lifespan approaches that of cement pools, providing long-term reliability in high-moisture environments.

4. Key Construction Details

Proper installation of geomembranes requires not only selecting suitable materials but also meticulous execution. Key construction details include:

 

Top-to-Bottom Installation: Geomembranes should be laid from the base upward, leaving approximately 1.6% slack to accommodate potential shifts due to terrain changes.

 

Seam Arrangement: Adjacent seams should not align horizontally and should maintain a separation of at least 1 meter to prevent water infiltration through poorly aligned joints.

 

Foot and Bend Design: At the foot and bends of slopes, spacing of approximately 1.6 meters should be maintained. The membrane should also remain flush with the plane to minimize structural stress.

 

Slope Alignment: On sloped or uneven terrains, the geomembrane should be laid parallel to the slope line, ensuring stability and a secure fit within the soil structure.

 

5. Conclusion

As geomembrane technology continues to advance, its application in construction and civil engineering is becoming increasingly prevalent. Geomembranes offer superior waterproofing performance, simple installation, and cost-effective solutions, making them indispensable in modern engineering. With ongoing innovations and expanding market demand, geomembranes are set to play an even more significant role in construction, driving greater efficiency and reliability in the industry.