Reasons to Specify a Geomembrane Liner Instead of Natural Clay
Contents |
[edit] Introducing liners
When designing a pond or lagoon, preventing leaks is a major concern. However, determining the best geomembrane liner for your project can be an extremely daunting task. You have to decide between reinforced and unreinforced geomembranes, which material and thickness is best, and between a myriad of other physical properties that could play a part in the success of your project. As a result, people often times choose a natural clay liner because it is the less complicated choice.
That being said, natural clay can be a detriment to your pond or lagoon. In some instances, geomembrane liners are installed over the original natural clay after the clay has failed.
[edit] Reasons why geomembranes are the superior liners
[edit] 1. Geomembrane Liners Are More Affordable
When it comes to affordability, there are many factors beside product costs that need to be taken into consideration. Installing natural clay is a difficult and time-consuming process that can cost you much more in labor fees than if you were to install a geomembrane. Natural clay can also be rather expensive to transport to the installation site.
The real cost of a liner system has several components other than material cost. These include costs related to installation, maintenance, repair, longevity of product, terms of warranty, and liability exposure.
[edit] 2. Geomembrane Liners Are More Impermeable
When a pond or lagoon is lined, the goal is to achieve an impermeable containment system. This liner system will prevent hazardous liquid from contaminating and coming in contact with the soil’s water table. Leaks can occur with any material, however, they are much less likely to happen when a geomembrane is specified.
Pond liner is an impermeable geomembrane used for the retention of liquids. Most geomembrane liners are engineered to have an impermeability range of at least 1 x 10-10 to as low as 1 x 10-14, while natural clay can have an impermeability of less than 1 x 10-7. Natural clay is also more susceptible to leaks due to the installation process. Natural clay installations must take into account the following considerations to minimise leakages:
- The slope of the pond or lagoon
- How evenly the natural clay must be spread
- What type of soil the natural clay is being spread on
- The exact chemical makeup of the natural clay
Regardless, the natural clay may have to be reinstalled several times over the years to prevent leaks from occurring or continuing to get worse.
[edit] 3. Geomembrane Liners Have a Proven Track Record
Many geomembrane manufacturers have been in business for at least 30 years and as a result, have proven results for their products. These geomembrane manufacturers will be able to provide you with in-depth knowledge and guidance on pond/lagoon liner applications that you will not necessarily receive from a natural clay provider. The different expert levels comes from the fact that natural clay is not specified as often for lagoons and ponds, so the natural clay providers have less real-life experience. This can be hazardous to your project and budget down the line if a failure occurs with the natural clay.
Overall, geomembrane liners are superior to natural clay when it comes to pond and lagoon liner applications. If you have any specific questions about geomembrane cost, strength, durability, or durability, or would like to discuss your geomembrane project, feel free to contact one of our geomembrane experts.
--Ecogeox
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.