Geomembranes are modern rolled polymeric materials, the thickness of which can vary from 1 to 4 mm. They are made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and other materials with a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm. As for its width, it can reach 7 m, and the main working characteristic is that the geomembrane is completely waterproof. This expands the scope of its use, which, in particular, will be discussed below.
The properties
Today, the HDPE geomembrane is very common, what it is, will be described in the article. Modern polyethylene-based geomembranes can have a textured or smooth surface. This will allow you to take the opportunity to choose when performing a particular kind of work. Among the main characteristics of such a material, high waterproofing qualities can be distinguished. Such materials have high physical and mechanical properties, which makes them universal. When they come into contact with liquids, the diffusion process can occur only at the molecular level. By the way, it can be noted that the material can be operated in direct interaction with drinking water. Geomembranes are resistant to chemical reagents, they are non-shrinking, flexible, and also do not crack and perfectly undergo various kinds of impact without being damaged. The material lengthens under the influence of the load up to 850%, and its tensile strength can be equal to 26.2 MPa.
Wear resistance
If you are interested in the HDPE geomembrane, what it is, you should certainly find out. This material is resistant to sunlight, temperature extremes, and can also be used in seismically hazardous areas. It is puncture resistant and can be used to perform a wide range of tasks. Geomembranes can be used in all climatic zones. If the rules of professional installation are observed, then the life of a geomembrane can reach 90 years.
Area of use
Recently, the HDPE geomembrane is increasingly used. What is it, before purchasing it, you should definitely ask. This material has excellent physico-chemical characteristics, this makes it possible to use accumulative liquid and solid waste in the arrangement of anti-filter screens, and toxic substances can also be attributed to this. The geomembrane is successfully used in the construction of reservoirs, landfills, manure depots, as well as for anti-corrosion waterproofing coatings of metal, concrete and other structures, and during operation it can interact with drinking water. On sale you can find several varieties of HDPE geomembrane: Solmax 840, 860 and 880. Each of these materials has its own characteristics of certain indicators. For example, the minimum average thickness in the first case is 1 mm, while in the second and third it is 1.5 and 2 mm, respectively. The size of the roll is 6.8x238; 6.8x159; 6.8x122 mm respectively for each of the above varieties.
Density
The density of the material in all three cases is the same and can start at 0.926 g / cm². As for the density of the membrane, it can be equal to 0.939 g / cm², sometimes this value is greater. The content of soot in it can vary from 2 to 3%. The stress of the material at elongation may be 14.7; 22 or 29%, respectively.
Additional properties
Professional builders and home craftsmen use the HDPE geomembrane - what it is, you should ask before you visit the store. This material has many advantages, among them - versatility, efficiency, high adaptability of installation, efficiency, as well as environmental friendliness. The functional qualities of the geomembrane provide relevance in the construction of structures for the storage of waste of various hazard classes. Such geomembranes are successfully used in landscape and hydraulic engineering construction. The material is economical, its use reduces the cost of operation and construction. No matter what the area of use, the use of geomembrane reduces the amount of work, the amount of materials and allows you to complete the project in the shortest possible time. HDPE geomembrane is also famous for its high technological laying. It lies in the fact that with a width of 7 m, the need for seams that are performed by welding equipment is reduced. Thus, the masters do not need to perform manual seams at the joints of the panels.
Geomembranes are very durable and reliable in operation. The methods have been worked out, and the quality is up to par. Among other things, the material is completely environmentally friendly. It is used in the arrangement of environmental facilities. Based on the technical characteristics, reliable insulation of structures can be guaranteed, which eliminates the diffusion of pollution sources.
Application features: preparatory phase
HDPE (polyethylene) should be laid on a pre-prepared base, which is pre-cleaned of stones, debris, organics and other materials that would be able to damage the canvas. It also happens that the surface does not meet the above requirements, in these cases it is recommended to use the underlying protective layer, which consists of needle-punched textiles. It is important to take measures that would exclude the possibility of the formation of areas of fluid accumulation on the surface of the underlying layer.
Material laying
Geotextiles are based on HDPE. HDPE should be laid according to certain rules that would not contradict the nature of this material. It is necessary to start work after drawing up an installation plan. At the same time, the dimensions and relative position of the canvases, as well as the welds, are indicated in detail. Installation work must provide for compliance with certain points, among them - the direction and sequence of installation, designation of canvases and welds, the location of structures according to the type of pipe outlets and connection to existing buildings. The sheets should be arranged so that the seams do not appear to be crossed at one point. The minimum step between the intersection points should be 0.5 m. HDPE (high density polyethylene - the basis of the material) should be laid with an overlap width ranging from 100 to 150 mm. Adhere to this rule in the transverse and longitudinal directions. The master must take care of the minimum number of welds made by extrusion.
On slopes, the material should be laid in a downward direction, and special devices called traverses should be used. To fix the geomembrane on the upper edge of the slope, the presence of anchor trenches should be provided. If there is a need to strengthen the geomembrane to the concrete surface, then special fasteners should be prepared, these can be pressure plates and dowels, geomembrane strips. The latter should be fixed in advance to the concrete surface with dowels. As fasteners, embedded parts can also act .
Welding Recommendations
Whatever geomembrane you use - HDPE 1.5 mm or any other thickness, welding of seams should be carried out using special equipment that gives out hot air. An alternative option may be a hot wedge or a combined method. The last option allows you to make two seams that will have a test channel. Subsequently, it will be possible to control the quality of the welded joint. If you have to work in hard-to-reach places or areas of engineering communications, it is best to use extrusion welding technology.
Instead of a conclusion
The density of HDPE, which was mentioned above, may interest not only professionals in their field, but also experienced home craftsmen who plan to use this material in their work. Among other things, you may be interested in some more unique properties of geomembranes. Among them, it is also worth highlighting the inertness with respect to alkalis and acids, which have a pH in the range of 1.5 to 14. As practice shows, aging does not occur when exposed to heat, but the standard guarantee for the material for self-laying is 75 years.