Functional Structure of Geonet Composite
✅ Excellent Hydraulic Barrier
Low permeability ensures superior seepage control, making it ideal for landfill liners, ponds, and environmental containment projects.
🧱 High Internal Shear Strength
Designed to perform on steep slopes and critical structures, maintaining stability under challenging conditions.
🧪 Self-Sealing Property
Natural sodium bentonite swells upon hydration, effectively sealing minor punctures and overlaps.
🌍 Environmentally Friendly
Features a natural clay core with minimal environmental impact, aligning with modern sustainability standards.
🛠 Easy Installation
Faster and cleaner to install than traditional compacted clay liners, reducing labor requirements on-site.
💰 Cost-Effective
Lower transport and installation costs compared to conventional lining systems, while maintaining high performance.
Applications
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL) are high-performance geosynthetic materials that combine a layer of natural sodium bentonite clay with geotextiles or geomembranes through needle punching or adhesive bonding techniques. This composite structure provides an excellent hydraulic barrier with extremely low permeability, making GCL an essential component in modern civil and environmental engineering projects. Their proven performance in seepage control, groundwater protection, and long-term containment has made them a preferred choice for engineers, contractors, and environmental authorities worldwide.
Unlike traditional compacted clay liners, GCL offer several advantages: they are thinner and lighter, require less installation time, and provide consistent hydraulic properties. Their ability to self-heal when punctured or overlapped makes them reliable and cost-effective for a wide range of applications. GCL can be used alone or in combination with geomembranes to form a composite liner system with superior performance in even the most challenging environments.
🏞️ Landfill Liners & Covers
One of the most common applications of GCL is in landfill construction. They are installed both beneath and above waste cells to act as hydraulic barriers. When used as a bottom liner, GCL prevent the downward migration of leachate—a contaminated liquid generated from decomposing waste—into surrounding soil and groundwater systems. When applied as a cover, they minimize water infiltration into the landfill, thereby reducing leachate generation and extending the operational life of the site. GCL are often integrated with geomembranes to form double-liner systems that meet strict regulatory requirements for environmental protection.
⛏️ Mining Tailings Ponds
In mining operations, tailings ponds are used to store large volumes of slurry and waste materials that may contain chemicals or heavy metals. These ponds require durable, low-permeability liners to prevent leakage into surrounding ecosystems. GCL are particularly well-suited to these harsh conditions because bentonite maintains its swelling and sealing properties even when exposed to aggressive chemical solutions. Their installation is faster and easier compared to thick compacted clay liners, which is a significant advantage in remote or rugged mining environments. Additionally, GCL provide long-term stability under heavy loads and fluctuating hydraulic pressures typical of tailings storage facilities.
🌊 Artificial Lakes & Canals
GCL are also widely used in water containment structures such as decorative lakes, irrigation canals, reservoirs, and aquaculture ponds. In these applications, GCL ensure watertight lining, effectively reducing seepage losses and helping maintain desired water levels. They are flexible and can adapt to irregular subgrade surfaces, making them suitable for both new construction and retrofitting of existing structures. Compared to concrete or compacted clay, GCL offer faster installation, lower costs, and excellent long-term hydraulic performance.
🚇 Tunnels & Underground Structures
In tunnel construction and other underground works, seepage control is a critical factor for structural durability and operational safety. GCL are often used as a secondary waterproofing layer behind primary linings or shotcrete. Their low permeability provides an extra layer of protection against groundwater ingress, which helps prevent structural damage, corrosion, and maintenance issues over time. Because GCL are thin and flexible, they can be installed in confined spaces and complex geometries, making them particularly effective for urban infrastructure projects.
🏭 Industrial Wastewater Containment
Industrial facilities often generate large volumes of wastewater that may contain hazardous chemicals. GCL are used to line wastewater ponds, evaporation basins, and chemical storage areas to prevent the release of contaminants into the surrounding environment. Their chemical resistance, coupled with self-sealing properties, ensures reliable containment even under extreme operational conditions. GCL help industries comply with environmental regulations and avoid costly remediation work caused by leaks or seepage failures.
Why Choose GCL for Seepage Control Projects
GCL provide a combination of performance, cost-efficiency, and ease of installation that is unmatched by traditional clay liners. Their thin profile means less excavation and backfilling, reducing transportation and installation costs. Their consistent quality and predictable performance minimize construction risks, while their self-healing ability ensures long-term reliability. Whether used in landfills, mining, water management, tunneling, or industrial containment, GCL deliver sustainable, high-performance solutions for modern engineering challenges.
Tynod GCL sTOCK
Technical Data Table of gcl
| Property | Standard GCL | Reinforced GCL | Polymer GCL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 6–10 mm | 6–10 mm | 6–10 mm |
| Permeability | ≤ 1×10⁻¹¹ m/s | ≤ 1×10⁻¹¹ m/s | ≤ 1×10⁻¹¹ m/s |
| Swell Index | ≥ 24 mL/2g | ≥ 24 mL/2g | ≥ 24 mL/2g |
| Internal Shear Strength | Medium | High | High |
| Chemical Resistance | Standard | Standard | Enhanced |
TYNOD provides comprehensive technical support and reliable global delivery services. All GCL products comply with international standards and come with third-party testing certifications such as ISO 9001, CE, and SGS. Testing reports and samples are available upon request to ensure product performance meets the requirements of various engineering applications.
FAQ
What is the permeability of GCL compared to compacted clay liners?
GCL typically has a much lower permeability than compacted clay liners, offering superior hydraulic performance. Its permeability is generally in the range of 1×10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻¹¹ m/s, ensuring excellent seepage control in various applications.
Can GCL be used in chemically aggressive environments?
Yes. With proper design and, if necessary, additional protective layers or polymer-enhanced bentonite, GCL can perform effectively in chemically aggressive conditions such as industrial waste facilities or mining applications.
How is GCL installed on steep slopes?
GCL can be installed on steep slopes by anchoring it securely at the crest, overlapping panels correctly, and using appropriate cover materials to prevent slippage. Proper installation ensures long-term stability and performance.
Does GCL require a protective layer?
GCL typically has a much lower permeability than compacted clay liners, offering superior hydraulic performance. Its permeability is generally in the range of 1×10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻¹¹ m/s, ensuring excellent seepage control in various applications.
What is the permeability of GCL compared to compacted clay liners?
Yes, a protective layer is usually recommended. This layer, such as geotextile or soil cover, helps shield the GCL from mechanical damage during installation and operation, ensuring the integrity of the barrier system.
What are the storage and handling requirements for GCL?
GCL rolls should be stored on a flat surface, off the ground, and covered to protect them from moisture and UV exposure. During handling, care should be taken to avoid tearing the geotextile layers or contaminating the bentonite core.
Is GCL suitable for use in cold or freezing climates?
Yes. GCLs perform well in cold regions. The bentonite remains dormant during freezing periods and reactivates when temperatures rise, maintaining low permeability. Proper installation and covering are crucial to protect against freeze–thaw cycles.
