Geomembranes are a type of impermeable material made from high molecular weight polymers and are widely used in water conservancy projects, landfills, road construction, and environmental remediation. Their core functions are isolation, anti-seepage, and protection. They effectively prevent the penetration of liquids and gases through a physical barrier, thereby enhancing the stability and durability of engineering structures.
Based on their material composition, geomembranes are primarily categorized into polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and composite geomembranes. Polyethylene geomembranes are the mainstream choice due to their excellent chemical stability, UV resistance, and high tensile strength. Composite geomembranes, by combining geomembranes with geotextiles, further enhance the material's puncture resistance and overall mechanical properties.
In engineering applications, the anti-seepage performance of geomembranes is particularly critical. For example, in landfills, geomembranes serve as an impermeable layer, effectively preventing leachate from contaminating groundwater. In reservoirs and dams, they significantly reduce water loss and improve water storage efficiency. Geomembranes are also commonly used for anti-seepage treatment in mine tailings ponds, artificial lakes, and tunnel projects. Their flexibility and adaptability enable them to cope with complex terrain and harsh environments.
During the construction process, geomembrane installation must strictly adhere to technical specifications, including site leveling, welding quality control, and joint inspection. The reliability of welding technology directly impacts the long-term performance of the anti-seepage system. Therefore, hot melt welding or extrusion welding processes are typically used, and air pressure or electric spark testing is used to ensure that the joints are leak-free.
With increasing environmental protection requirements, the development of geomembrane materials is moving towards more durable and biodegradable materials. In the future, through nanotechnology modification or the addition of antioxidants, the performance of geomembranes will be further enhanced, and their role in sustainable infrastructure construction will become even more prominent.
