5 Things to Know Before Buying Geosynthetics Clay Liner

14 Apr.,2025

 

Ultimate Guide To Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price

Ultimate Guide To Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price

Geosynthetic clay Liner is a geosynthetic material specially used for anti-seepage in artificial lake waterscapes, landfills, underground garages, rooftop gardens, pools, oil depots and chemical storage yards. It is composed of highly eSeveral factors can influence the performance and price of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) in various applications.Let’s explore BPM Geosynthetics’ product GCL.

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1. What is Geosynthetic clay Liner

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are factory-made hydraulic barriers consisting of a layer of bentonite or other very low permeability material supported by geotextiles and/or geomembranes, mechanically held together by needling, stitching, or chemical adhesives. Bentonite, composed primarily (>70%) of montmorillonite or other swelling clays, is the preferred and most commonly used GCL. Typical GCLs use woven and non-woven textile geosynthetics stitched together to enclose a layer of natural or processed sodium bentonite.

Mechanism And Effect

The main mechanism is to use the impermeability of plastic film to block the leakage channel of earth dam, and to withstand water pressure and adapt to the deformation of dam body with its large tensile strength and elongation; non-woven fabric is also a kind of polymer short fiber chemical material, which has high tensile strength and elongation through needle punching or hot bonding. After it is combined with plastic film, it not only increases the tensile strength and puncture resistance of plastic film, but also increases the friction coefficient of contact surface due to the rough surface of non-woven fabric, which is beneficial to the stability of composite geomembrane and protective layer. At the same time, they have good corrosion resistance to bacteria and chemical action, are not afraid of corrosion by acid, alkali and salt, and have a long service life when used away from light.

2. What Is The Advantage Of Geosynthetic Clay Liner?

2.1 Compactness

Sodium bentonite forms a high-density diaphragm under water pressure. When the thickness is about 3mm, its water permeability is less than &×10ˉ11m/sec, which is equivalent to 100 times the density of 30cm thick clay, and has strong self-water retention performance.

2.2 Permanent waterproof performance

Because sodium bentonite is a natural inorganic material, it will not age or corrode even after a long time or when the surrounding environment changes, so the waterproof performance is long-lasting.

2.3 Easy construction and short construction period

Compared with other waterproof materials, the construction is relatively simple and does not require heating and pasting. Only bentonite powder, nails, washers, etc. are needed for connection and fixing. No special inspection is required after construction, and if waterproof defects are found, they are easy to repair. GCL has the shortest construction period among existing waterproof materials.

2.4 Not affected by temperature

It will not break brittlely even in cold climates.

2.5 Integration

Integration of waterproof materials and objects: Sodium bentonite has an expansion capacity of 20-28 times when it comes into contact with water. Even if the concrete structure vibrates and settles, the bentonite in the GCL can repair cracks on the concrete surface within 2mm.

2.6 Green and environmentally friendly

Bentonite is a natural inorganic material, harmless and non-toxic to the human body, has no special impact on the environment, and has good environmental performance.

3. What Is The Application Of Geosynthetic Clay Liner?

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are widely used in civil engineering and environmental applications due to their beneficial properties. Some common applications of geosynthetic clay liners include:

  • Landfills: GCLs are used as a part of the liner system in landfills to prevent the leachate (contaminated liquid) from seeping into the surrounding soil and groundwater.
  • Mining: GCLs are used in mining operations to line tailings ponds and prevent the contamination of groundwater and soil with toxic materials.
  • Pond Liners: GCLs are used in the construction of ponds and reservoirs to prevent seepage and retain water.
  • Canal Liners: GCLs can be used to line canals, ditches, and channels to prevent water seepage and erosion.
  • Road Construction: GCLs can be used in road construction as a part of the road base or subgrade to improve stability and reduce water infiltration.
  • Secondary Containment: GCLs are used in secondary containment systems to prevent leaks and spills from hazardous materials storage facilities.
  • Erosion Control: GCLs can be used in erosion control applications such as slope stabilization and embankment protection.

Overall, the application of geosynthetic clay liners helps in environmental protection, waste containment, and water conservation in various civil engineering projects.

4. What Factors Influence Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price?

The price of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) can be influenced by several factors. Here are some key elements that can affect the cost:

4.1 Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price – Material Quality

The quality and type of clay used in the GCL can significantly impact the price. Higher-quality, more durable clays will generally be more expensive.

4.2 Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price – Geotextile Layers

GCLs typically consist of a layer of clay sandwiched between two geotextile layers. The quality and thickness of these geotextile layers can affect the overall cost.

4.3 Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price – Size and Thickness

Larger and thicker GCLs will generally be more expensive due to the increased material costs.

4.4 Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price – Manufacturing Process

The method used to manufacture the GCL can influence its price. For example, needle-punched GCLs may have different costs compared to those made using other techniques.

4.5 Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price – Supply and Demand

Market conditions, including supply chain disruptions, demand fluctuations, and availability of raw materials, can all impact the price of GCLs.

4.6 Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price – Certifications and Standards

GCLs that meet specific industry standards or certifications may be more expensive due to the additional testing and compliance requirements.

4.7 Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price – Brand and Manufacturer

Different manufacturers may offer GCLs at varying prices based on their brand reputation, warranty, and customer service.

4.8 Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price – Customization:

Customized GCLs designed for specific applications or with special features (such as reinforcement or antimicrobial properties) may come at a higher cost.

4.9 Shipping and Handling:

The cost of transporting and handling large rolls of GCLs can add to the overall price, especially if they need to be shipped over long distances or require special handling.

4.10 Quantity Ordered:

Bulk orders often receive discounts, so the quantity of GCLs ordered can affect the unit price.

4.11 Location:

Regional variations in labor costs, transportation expenses, and local market conditions can also influence the price of GCLs.

Understanding these factors can help buyers make informed decisions when purchasing geosynthetic clay liners for their projects.

5. What Are Installation Steps For Geosynthetic Clay Liner?

Installing a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) requires careful planning and execution to ensure proper performance and longevity. Here are the general steps involved in the installation process:

5.1 Pre-Installation Preparation

  1. Site Inspection: Conduct a thorough site inspection to identify any potential issues such as sharp objects, uneven surfaces, or areas prone to erosion.
  2. Subgrade Preparation: The subgrade should be smooth, compacted, and free of debris. Remove any rocks, roots, or other sharp objects that could puncture the GCL.
  3. Base Course Installation: If required, install a base course of sand or gravel to provide a stable foundation for the GCL. This layer should be well-graded and compacted.

5.2 Unrolling and Laying the GCL

  1. Unrolling: Carefully unroll the GCL onto the prepared subgrade. Avoid dragging the material to prevent damage.
  2. Overlap Joints: Ensure that the seams between sheets of GCL overlap by at least 6 inches (15 cm). This can be done by staggering the joints in a brickwork pattern for additional security.
  3. Alignment: Align the edges of the GCL sheets to minimize gaps and ensure a snug fit. Use a roller to help press the seams together if necessary.

5.3 Sealing and Securing

  1. Seam Treatment: Apply a compatible sealant tape along the overlapped seams to create a watertight seal. Some projects may require adhesive bonding instead of just mechanical overlap.
  2. Anchoring: Secure the edges of the GCL to prevent movement. This can be done using anchor trenches filled with soil, landscaping staples, or other appropriate methods.

5.4 Final Adjustments and Inspection

  1. Smoothing: Use a soft roller or hand tools to gently smooth out any wrinkles or air pockets in the GCL. Avoid over-compacting as this can damage the material.
  2. Final Inspection: Conduct a final inspection to ensure there are no tears, punctures, or gaps. Repair any damaged areas immediately using patches of GCL and sealant.

5.5 Covering and Backfilling

  1. Covering Layer: Depending on the application, cover the GCL with a protective layer such as a geotextile fabric, drainage layer, or another type of liner as specified in the project design.
  2. Backfilling: If applicable, backfill around the edges of the GCL carefully to avoid dislodging or moving the material. Use granular materials to minimize hydrostatic uplift pressure.

5.6 Post-Installation Considerations

  1. Monitoring: Regularly monitor the GCL for signs of damage or leakage, especially during the initial phases after installation.
  2. Maintenance: Follow any maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the GCL.

By following these steps meticulously, you can ensure that your geosynthetic clay liner performs optimally, providing effective containment and protection for your project.

6. Summarize

Choosing the right bentonite liner is very important to the project effect. When making the selection, it is important to consider both price and quality. BPM Geosynthetics had been specialized in delivering one stop Geosynthetics Clay liner and other geosythetics to worldwide customers for over 14 years. In recent years, we had been keeping on investing in technological innovation, manufacturing facilities improvement and turnkey engineering abilities. We had invested 10 million dollars into our manufacturing factory with advanced production lines and optimized manufacturing processes. BPM Geosynthetics clay liner, geomembrane geosythetics and solutions can meet your requirements by our solid technologies and professional staffs.

By |January 11th, |Geosynthetics News|

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What is Geosynthetic Clay Liner(GCL)?

Geosynthetic Clay Liner Definition

What is Geosynthetic Clay Liner(GCL)? Geosynthetic Clay Liner is an anti-leakage geosynthetic material. Geosynthetic Clay Liner is referred to as GCL.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner is used for artificial lake water features, landfills, ponds, underground garages, roof gardens, pools, oil depots chemical storage yards, etc. The high-expansion sodium-based bentonite is filled between the special composite geotextile and the non-woven fabric. The bentonite impermeable pad made by the needle punching method can form many small fiber spaces so that the bentonite particles cannot flow in one direction. When the water is in, a uniform and high-density colloidal waterproof layer are formed in the pad, which can prevent the leakage of water.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner is a kind of geosynthetic material used for anti-seepage of artificial lake waterscape, landfill, underground garage, roof garden, pool, oil depot, and chemical storage yard. The sodium-based bentonite is filled between the special composite geotextile and non-woven fabric. The bentonite impermeable pad made by the acupuncture method can form many small fiber spaces. The bentonite particles cannot flow in one direction and will be in the pad when it encounters water. Form a uniform high-density colloidal waterproof layer to prevent water leakage.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner Principle

The mineralogical name of bentonite is montmorillonite, and natural bentonite is divided into two categories: sodium-based and calcium-based according to its chemical composition. Bentonite has the property of swelling in contact with water. Generally, when calcium-based bentonite expands, its expansion is only about 3 times its own volume, while sodium-based bentonite absorbs five times its own weight of water when it encounters water, and its volume expands to 15-17 times its original volume. Above, the sodium bentonite is locked in the middle of two layers of geosynthetics, which plays the role of protection and reinforcement, so that Geosynthetic Clay Liner has a certain shear strength.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner Thickness

Geosynthetic Clay Liner is generally around 5MM-8MM, but the largest 7MM is generally used. The largest is generally 7MM. In fact, the models are generally 4KG, 4.5KG, and 5kg by weight. Among them, 5kg is the best water absorption. The strongest Geosynthetic Clay Liner is used in waste landfills, underground reservoirs, underground infrastructure construction, and other projects in environmental engineering to solve the problems of sealing, isolation, and leakage prevention, with good effect and strong resistance to damage.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner Price

How much does Geosynthetic Clay Liner cost? Since sodium Geosynthetic Clay Liner is a pure natural inorganic raw material, even after a long time or changes in the surrounding environment, it is not easy to produce embrittlement or corrosion, so the waterproof performance is long. It is suitable for municipal engineering (landfill), water conservancy engineering, environmental protection, fish ponds, artificial lakes and underground waterproofing, and anti-seepage engineering projects of engineering buildings.

The price of Geosynthetic Clay Liner, taking the common g as an example, price per square meter is about US$1. The price of Geosynthetic Clay Liner is affected by various aspects, such as brand, type, specification and model, sales market, etc. Before choosing and purchasing, it is necessary to carry out control and comparison in all aspects. Geosynthetic Clay Liner is a professional anti-seepage geotechnical material used to serve lake garden waterscapes, garbage disposal sites, underground parking lots, roof gardens, reservoirs, petrochemical plants, and chemical storage yards. The swellable sodium Geosynthetic Clay Liner is filled between the made composite geomembrane and the non-proof cloth. The Geosynthetic Clay Liner anti-seepage mat formed by the needle stick method can generate a lot of small chemical fiber indoor space, and the Geosynthetic Clay Liner particles cannot flow in one direction. When it comes into contact with water, a colloidal waterproof layer with uniform density and high density is produced in the pad, which can avoid water leakage.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner Applications

①. Applicable to the new construction of the roof planting garden, basement, roof, and other waterproof projects

②. Various waterproof projects in the subway, railway, municipal highway and civil, light industry, petroleum, and metallurgy industries

③. Anti-seepage works for earthwork maintenance and reinforcement

④. Large-scale waterproof covering of soil layers such as desert control, environmental transformation, geosynthetic clay liners in landfills, landfill cover, artificial lake, artificial landscape, etc.

⑤ In mining projects

⑥. The performance in water conservancy projects is even better. In canals, rainwater reservoirs and wetlands, water storage buildings, small reservoir areas, reservoir dams, irrigation channels, geosynthetic clay liner for ponds, fish ponds, and other large-scale seepage prevention construction can have a wide range of applications.

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Geosynthetic Clay Liner Features & Function

①. Compactness: Na-based bentonite forms a high-density diaphragm underwater pressure. When the thickness is about 3mm, its water permeability is below &×10ˉ11m/sec, which is equal to 100 times the compactness of 30cm thick clay. self-retaining performance

②. Permanent waterproof performance: Because sodium bentonite is a natural inorganic material, even after a long time or the surrounding environment changes, it will not age or corrode, so the waterproof performance is durable

③. Simple construction and short construction period: Compared with other waterproof materials, the construction is simple and does not need heating and pasting. attach and fix with bentonite powder and nails, washers, etc. No special inspection is required after construction, and it is easy to repair if waterproof defects are found. GCL has the shortest construction period among existing waterproof materials

④. Not affected by temperature: will not be brittle in cold climates

⑤. Integration of waterproof materials and objects: When sodium bentonite encounters water, it has 20-28 times the expansion capacity. Even if the concrete structure vibrates and settles, the bentonite in GCL can repair the cracks on the concrete surface within 2mm

⑥. Green and environmental protection: Bentonite is a natural inorganic material, which is harmless and non-toxic to the human body, has no special impact on the environment, and has good environmental performance

⑦. High-cost performance and wide range of uses. The product range can reach 6 meters, which improves the construction efficiency. Scope of application and application conditions Suitable for municipal (landfill), water conservancy, environmental protection, artificial lakes and underground waterproofing and anti-seepage projects

⑧. It can still be constructed under negative temperature (-20℃) where traditional waterproof materials cannot be constructed; it can also be constructed on wet base layers (but no clear water); it cannot be constructed in rainy and snowy weather; it is not suitable for strong acid and alkali. Anti-seepage of natural solution; because bentonite is an inorganic material, its durability is better than that of organic waterproof material

Geosynthetic Clay Liner Technical Parameter

Bentonite expansion coefficient (ml/2g) ≥ 24;

Geosynthetic Clay Liner mass per unit area (g/m2) ≥ ;

Geosynthetic Clay Liner longitudinal breaking strength (KN/m) ≥ 10;

Geosynthetic Clay Liner transverse rupture strength (KN/m) ≥ 10;

Geosynthetic Clay Liner longitudinal elongation at break (%)≤10;

Geosynthetic Clay Liner transverse elongation at break (%)≤6;

Geosynthetic Clay Liner vertical permeability coefficient (cm/s)≤5×10-9;

Geosynthetic Clay Liner peel strength (N) ≥ 65; GCL anti-hydrostatic pressure test (0.5Mp) 24 hours without leakage.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner Installation

①. The Geosynthetic Clay Liner material has a large self-weight and should be transported and laid by a scraper

②. The connection of Geosynthetic Clay Liner material adopts the method of lap joint

③. When the Geosynthetic Clay Liner is laid on a slope of more than 10%, the number of overlaps along the length of the slope should be minimized. The bentonite pad on the slope must exceed the toe line by more than mm. D. We will lay the Geosynthetic Clay Liner in strict accordance with the laying design drawings submitted to the supervision engineer unless required by the owner or the supervisor

④. Any equipment used for laying Geosynthetic Clay Liner cannot run on top of the already laid geosynthetics. When installing the Geosynthetic Clay Liner, the outdoor air temperature cannot be lower than 0°C or higher than 40°C

⑤. The edges of all exposed Geosynthetic Clay Liner must be pressed with sandbags or other heavy objects immediately to prevent the Geosynthetic Clay Liner from being blown by the wind or pulled out of the surrounding anchoring ditch. Geosynthetic Clay Liner cannot be deployed in windy weather conditions to prevent being picked up by the wind

⑥. The laying method of the Geosynthetic Clay Liner must ensure that the Geosynthetic Clay Liner is in direct contact with the underlying foundation to eliminate wrinkles. Any folds, folds, or arches may cause the same situation with other geotechnical materials in the soil layer. To avoid folds, folds, and arches, we will re-lay or cut the bentonite waterproofing blanket according to the requirements of the technical description. and patching to eliminate these problems

⑦. The equipment of the Geosynthetic Clay Liner must be approved by the supervising engineer, and the use of unprotected razors or “quick knives” is not allowed. I. Construction equipment that may damage the bentonite blanket cannot directly act on the bentonite blanket. A workable laying method is to drive the bulldozer backward and spread the bentonite blanket at the front end of the bulldozer before lifting. If the earth machine has left a car park on the foundation soil, it should be restored to its original state before the laying work can continue

⑧. Minimize the drag of the bentonite blanket on the foundation when laying the bentonite blanket, so as to avoid damage to the contact surface between the bentonite blanket and the ground. If necessary, a layer of temporary geotextile can be placed on the ground to reduce damage caused by friction during the laying of the bentonite blanket

⑨. The laying and overlapping of bentonite blankets should be parallel to the direction of slope inclination. If the slope is greater than 4:1, the bentonite blankets cannot have lateral overlapping within 1m from the top of the slope or the slope. 5. Lap a. The lapping method of the bentonite blanket is to overlap the ends of the two bentonite blankets. Prevent loose soil or gravel from entering the lap area.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner Construction Requirements

①. The base layer should be checked before the construction of the Geosynthetic Clay Liner

②. Omit handling and construction, the Geosynthetic Clay Liner should try to avoid vibration and impact, and it is best to put it in place at one time

③. After the installation and acceptance of GCL, the HDPE geomembrane should be installed as soon as possible to prevent it from being wetly broken, or dirty by rain.

Finished Protection of Geosynthetic Clay Liner

①. After the Geosynthetic Clay Liner is laid, the geomembrane should be laid in time to avoid the erosion of wind and rain

②. After the Geosynthetic Clay Liner is laid, if the geomembrane cannot be laid in time, it should be covered with color strip cloth or film to avoid the erosion of wind and rain

③. After the Geosynthetic Clay Liner is laid, avoid vehicle rolling and other foreign body damage

④. There should be no mud, dirt, sundries, and other foreign objects that may damage the anti-seepage layer on the Geosynthetic Clay Liner after construction Storage, Transportation a. Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) rolls should be protected from damage before installation and deployment. Rolls of Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) should be stacked in a place that is leveled and free from water accumulation, no more than four rolls high, and the roll identification plate can be seen

⑤. The damage of Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) caused by improper storage and operation is not allowed to be used in this project

⑥. During transportation (including on-site transportation from material storage to work), the Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) roll should be protected from damage

⑦. The Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) roll that has been damaged must be repaired. The damaged Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) cannot be used. We will remove it from the site and replace it

⑧. Any Geosynthetic Clay Liner(GCL) material that comes into contact with leaking chemical solvents is not allowed to be used in this project according to the judgment of the supervision engineer

⑨. If the Geosynthetic Clay Liner is damaged during installation (tears, punctures, etc.), it can be repaired by cutting a “patch” from a new roll of Geosynthetic Clay Liner to cover the damaged area. The length of the four sides of the patch from the damaged place should not be less than 300mm. Before laying the “patch”, some granular bentonite or bentonite slurry should be sprinkled around the damage. You can also use some adhesive if necessary to keep the “patch” from shifting or put a small Geosynthetic Clay Liner under the broken area.

Geosynthetic Clay Liner VS Geomembrane

Geomembrane is a polymer material made of PE material, with good impermeability and easy laying. It is used in landfill and tailings landfill projects. Geosynthetic Clay Liner is an impermeable material made of bentonite and non-woven fabric, which can be used in landfills, ponds, and artificial lake projects.

Geomembranes can have a smooth surface geomembrane or textured surface geomembrane. The textured surface geomembrane provides enhanced friction characteristics which can be important in certain applications. Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are made of a thin layer of Geosynthetic Clay Liner between two layers of nonwoven geotextiles.

The above are two basic differences between geomembrane and Geosynthetic Clay Liner. If you want to know more about geomembrane or Geosynthetic Clay Liner, you can trust us, a geomembrane and Geosynthetic Clay Liner manufacturer, suppliers, and wholesaler from China for more than 20 years.

Are you interested in learning more about Geosynthetics Clay Liner? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!