Gcl

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL’s) are composites that combine geotextile outer layers with a core of low-permeability sodium bentonite clay. Bentonite is a natural sealant, which actuates (hydrates) on contact with water. Geosynthetic Clay Liners are used as a replacement for compacted clay liners. Upon hydration, the bentonite in the GCL swells to form a low permeability clay liner with a hydraulic conductiivity of less than 5 x 10-9 cm/sec. As a result, GCL’s can provide approximately the same hydraulic protection as one metre of compacted clay.

A Geosynthetic Clay Liner is a good choice as one of the components of a composite liner system in landfills or other critical containment systems. Geosynthetic Clay Liners are also good for seepage control in water containment, or in lightly contaminated water containment applications. GCL’s must be backfilled to provide confinement pressure in order to develop their full potential for impermeability.

Common Applications of Geosynthetic Clay Liners

waste and contaminated soil caps
landfill base liners
gas and vapour seals
surface impoundment liners
secondary containment
dams, canals, and water courses
tailings containment
groundwater protection
vertical barriers
waterproofing

Product Features

Polyethylene has a remarkable and proven history of high resistance to chemical attack from many leachates found in landfill applications. Additional product features include a range of applied coating thicknesses ensuring extremely low hydraulic conductivities. A unique optional texturing pattern ensures high interface friction values that assist in overcoming potential instability issues of the GCL on steep slopes.

Additional benefits include the ability to reduce cover to landfill caps by overcoming desiccation issues, provide a positive gas barrier layer and extend the range of sealing applications in a wide range of soil types. Additional supporting information is available from Global Synthetics.