Composite geomembrane vs smooth geomembrane, what is the similarities and differences? How to choose the right geomembrane for your specific projects? There are many questions you will ask when selelcting geomembrane. Composite geomembrane vs smooth geomembrane are widely utilized in environmental and civil engineering applications. Composite geomembrane typically consist of multiple layers including geomembrane and geotextile layers to offer improved performance in terms of impermeability, filtration, and drainage capabilities. Conversely, smooth geomembrane is a single-layer membranes with a smooth surface primarily designed for impermeability.
Composite geomembranes offer a complete solution for projects that require both anti-seepage and drainage capabilities, while smooth geomembranes are generally used for applications that focus primarily on anti-seepage. The installation methods of these geomembranes highlight the significance of proper adhesion and orientation for composite geomembranes, as well as the ease of installation for smooth geomembranes. BPM Geomembrane is the leading geomembrane manufacturers and supplier, we wholesale wide range of geomembrane products to global customers. We will explore the definition, features, applications and installation steps in this article. We hope it can be helpful when you choosing the right geomembrane for your projects.
1.Brief Introduction to BPM Geomembranes
1.1 Definition of geomembrane
BPM brand geomembrane is the kind geosynthetic membrane that is made of top quality high grade polyethylene raw material, adding carbon black, antioxidant, anti-aging and UV-resistance component by the state of the art automatic production lines and advanced pressing technology.
1.2 Geomembrane types
The types of geomembranes can be roughly divided into t3 categories: smooth geomembrane, composite geomembrane and textured geomembrane.
HDPE smooth geomembrane is a geotechnical material produced from a high molecular polymer (that is, polyethylene particles) as the basic raw material. It has good and excellent waterproofing, anti-seepage, barrier, partition and other advantages and characteristics. Therefore, the use of smooth geomembrane is the most widely used and used category among geotechnical materials. The full name of HDPE smooth geomembrane is high-density polyethylene geomembrane. The specifications are generally divided according to thickness. The thickness ranges from 0.2mm to 3.0mm. The most commonly geomembrane thickness used is 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm. The price varies depending on the geomembrane thickness, and the general width ranges from 4-10 meters.They are widely used for solid waste containment, mining and water containment applications.
Composite geomembrane is a geotechnical material produced by combining one layer or one upper and lower layer of geotextile (short fiber non woven needle punched geotextile or filament geotextile) during the production of HDPE geomembrane. The weight ranges from 400g to 1500g. The intermediate film The thickness ranges from 0.2mm to 1.0mm. The color of the intermediate film is generally white or black. The (green, blue) film adopts laminating and film blowing processes. Film blowing can definitely guarantee the anti-seepage quality and welding quality. In addition to the advantages and characteristics of smooth geomembrane, it also has the characteristics of protection, aging resistance and corrosion resistance.They are widely used for landfills, waste water treatment, roads construction, aquaculture, landscape and agriculture, etc al.
In this article, we focus on composite geomembrane vs smooth geomembrane, their definition, features and applications.
2. Overview of Smooth Geomembrane
2.1 Definition
Smooth geomembrane is a geosynthetic material typically made of materials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). It has a smooth and smooth surface without any texture or uneven features.
2.2 Characteristics and properties of Smoothgeomembrane
Smooth geomembrane has the following characteristics and properties:
2.2.1 Anti seepage performance
The smooth geomembrane has excellent anti permeability performance, which can effectively prevent the infiltration of water, gas, or chemical substances. It can be used as a waterproof layer, anti-seepage layer, or separation layer to prevent the leakage of water, soil, or waste.
2.2.2 Smooth surface
The surface of a smooth geomembrane is smooth, without any texture or uneven features. This makes it easy to clean and maintain, and can provide good frictional resistance.
2.2.3 Chemical resistance
Smooth geomembrane has good corrosion resistance to many chemical substances. It can resist the erosion of corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, salts, and some organic solvents, thereby protecting the infrastructure and environment.
2.2.4 Mechanical Strength
Smooth geomembrane has certain mechanical strength and tensile properties, and can withstand certain external loads and stresses. This enables it to resist damage and rupture during the construction process, while maintaining its anti-seepage performance.
2.2.5 Aging resistance
The smooth geomembrane has good aging resistance and can maintain the stability of its physical and chemical properties during long-term use. It can resist the influence of ultraviolet radiation, oxidation, and other environmental factors.
2.2.6 Environmental friendliness
Smooth geomembranes are usually made of recyclable materials and can be recycled and reused after their service life, reducing negative impacts on the environment
2.3 Smooth Geomembrane Applications
Smooth geomembrane is a common geosynthetic material made of materials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), with a smooth surface. It is widely used in various industries, and the following are some common application areas:
Hydraulic engineering. Smooth geomembrane is widely used in reservoirs, rivers, channels, and ponds in hydraulic engineering to prevent water leakage and control water flow.
Environmental engineering. In landfills and waste disposal sites, smooth geomembranes are used as impermeable layers and bottom membranes to prevent waste leakage and soil pollution.
Agriculture and horticulture. In the field of agriculture and horticulture, smooth geomembranes can be used as impermeable and protective layers for irrigation systems, greenhouse covers, ponds, and ponds.
Construction engineering. In construction engineering, smooth geomembrane can be used as a waterproof layer for structures such as basements, underground parking lots, and tunnels.
Mining and Energy Engineering. In the fields of mining and energy, smooth geomembranes can be used for applications such as tailings dams, coal mine yards, and oil field anti-seepage layers.
Road and railway engineering. Smooth geomembrane can be used as a waterproof layer in road and railway engineering to reduce water erosion on the roadbed and track.
Land consolidation and landscape engineering. In land consolidation and landscape engineering, smooth geomembranes can be used for land consolidation, soil protection, and pollutant isolation.
3. Composite Geomembrane Overview
3.1 Definition
Composite geomembrane is a geosynthetic material composed of multiple layers of synthetic materials. It usually consists of two or more layers of thin film materials and one or more layers of non-woven geotettile fabric (also known as non-woven fabric). These layers are compounded by hot melting, bonding, or other means to form a complete structure.
3.2 Composite Geomembrane Features
3.2.1 Anti seepage performance
Composite geomembrane has excellent anti permeability performance, which can effectively prevent the infiltration of water, gas, or chemical substances. It can be used as a waterproof layer, anti-seepage layer, or isolation layer, effectively preventing the leakage of groundwater or harmful substances.
3.2.2 Tensile strength
Composite geomembranes are usually composed of high-strength film layers and reinforcement layers, thus possessing good tensile strength and fracture resistance. It can withstand certain external loads and stresses, providing stable engineering performance.
3.2.3 Weathering resistance
Composite geomembranes have good weather resistance and can resist environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, high temperature, low temperature, and chemical corrosion. It can function stably in different climatic conditions for a long time.
3.2.4 Adaptability
Composite geomembranes have a wide range of adaptability and can adapt to different geological conditions and engineering requirements. It can be applied to various soil types and terrain forms, and can adapt to surface or underground construction environments.
3.2.5 Flexibility
Composite geomembranes have a certain degree of flexibility and plasticity, making them easy to cut, fold, and install. It can adapt to various complex construction sites and shape requirements, making construction operations convenient.
3.2.6 Environmental friendliness
Composite geomembranes are usually made of environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, with low environmental impact. After its service life, it can be recycled and reused, reducing resource waste and environmental pollution.
3.3 Composite Geomembrane Applications
Composite geomembrane is a structurally composite geosynthetic material, usually made of materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and one or two geotextile layers. The following are common applications of composite geomembranes in various industries:
3.3.1 Landfill
Composite geomembranes are widely used as impermeable layers and bottom membranes in landfills to prevent waste leakage and soil pollution.
3.3.2 Sewage treatment
In environments such as sewage treatment plants and sewage infiltration tanks, composite geomembranes can be used as impermeable and isolation layers to ensure that sewage does not leak into the surrounding soil and groundwater.
3.3.3 Hydraulic engineering
Composite geomembranes can be used as impermeable and waterproof layers in hydraulic engineering such as dams, waterways, channels, and pools to control water flow and prevent water leakage.
3.3.4 Mining and energy engineering
In places such as mine tailings ponds, oil fields, and natural gas storage tanks, composite geomembranes are used as impermeable and isolation layers to prevent pollutant leakage and protect the environment.
3.3.5 Agriculture and horticulture
In applications such as agricultural irrigation systems, greenhouse covers, and water tanks, composite geomembranes can be used as impermeable and protective layers to improve water resource utilization efficiency and soil protection.
3.3.6 Road and railway engineering
Composite geomembrane can be used as a waterproof layer in road and railway engineering to reduce the erosion of moisture on the roadbed and track.
3.3.7 Land consolidation and environmental engineering
In land consolidation, landscaping, and environmental restoration projects, composite geomembranes can be used for land consolidation, soil protection, and pollutant isolation.
4. Comparison of Composite Geomembrane vs Smooth Geomembrane
4.1 Structure and features
Composite geomembrane is composed of multiple layers of synthetic materials, typically consisting of two or more layers of thin HDPE smooth geomembrane material and one or more layers of non-woven geotextitle fabric. These layers are compounded by hot melting, bonding, or other means.
The composite geomembrane adds a non-woven geotextitle layer on top of the smooth geomembrane, providing good tensile strength and rupture resistance. It has strong impermeability and durability, and can adapt to various complex geological conditions and environmental requirements.
Smooth geomembrane is usually composed of a single layer of smooth film material without additional reinforcement or composite layers. Smooth geomembrane has good impermeability and can effectively prevent the infiltration of water, gas, or chemical substances. It usually has high flexibility and plasticity, making it easy to cut and install. However, the tensile strength and fracture resistance of smooth geomembranes are relatively weak.
4.2 Selection Considerations
When selecting smooth and composite geomembranes, the following factors can be considered: C ost, Quality, Properties.
Cost is an important consideration factor. In general, the cost of smooth geomembranes is lower compared to composite geomembranes because the manufacturing process of smooth geomembranes is relatively simple and the material cost is also lower. If the project budget is limited or the performance requirements for geomembranes are not high, smooth geomembranes can be chosen.
4.3 Application requirements and site conditions
The specific project requirements and application nature are also one of the considerations for selecting geomembranes. If it is a relatively simple engineering project, such as shallow foundation anti-seepage, temporary coverage, etc., the smooth geomembrane may already meet the requirements. For complex engineering projects, such as hydraulic engineering, environmental engineering, landfill sites, etc., Composite geomembranes are usually more suitable because they have better adaptability and engineering performance.
For scenes with slopes, sharp stones or other objects on the bottom, composite geoemembrane is the first choice.
The comparison between smooth geomembrane and composite geomembrane under on-site conditions is as follows:
Construction difficulty. The construction difficulty of smooth geomembrane is relatively low compared to composite geomembrane. Due to the lack of additional reinforcement or composite layers, the smooth geomembrane has high flexibility and plasticity, making it easy to cut and install. During on-site construction, the laying and connection of smooth geomembrane is relatively simple, making it suitable for some relatively simple engineering projects.
Tensile strength. Composite geomembranes have better tensile strength compared to smooth geomembranes. The reinforcing layer and composite layer of composite geomembrane can provide additional strength and rupture resistance, making it more resistant to external forces under on-site conditions. This makes composite geomembranes suitable for some engineering projects that require high strength of geomembranes.
Anti permeability performance. Composite geomembranes have better anti permeability performance compared to smooth geomembranes. Composite geomembranes typically adopt a multi-layer structure, which can more effectively prevent the infiltration of water, gas, or chemical substances. In engineering projects with significant changes in soil moisture or requiring higher anti permeability performance, composite geomembranes are a better choice.
Adaptability. Composite geomembranes have better adaptability compared to smooth geomembranes under on-site conditions. The composite layer and reinforcement layer of composite geomembrane can provide better durability and adaptability, enabling it to adapt to complex geological conditions and environmental requirements. In engineering projects that require long-term use and face complex on-site conditions, composite geomembranes are more capable of meeting the requirements.
Quality and performance are one of the key factors in selecting geomembranes. Composite geomembrane has better tensile strength and rupture resistance compared to smooth geomembrane due to the presence of reinforcement layer and composite layer. In addition, composite geomembranes typically have better impermeability and durability, which can adapt to more complex engineering requirements. If the project requires high performance of geomembranes, or requires longer service life and better anti permeability effect, composite geomembranes can be chosen.
5 Conclusion
The main difference between composite geomembranes and smooth geomembranes lies in their material composition, features, and appliaction. Generally, composite geomembrane is msde with smooth geomembrane and geotetxtile. So it can provides better anti-seepage performance, higher fracture strength, and longer service life than smooth geomembrane.
They are commonly used in industrial and civil engineering projects. For scenes with slopes, sharp stones or other objects on the bottom, composite geoemembrane is the first choice.
Smooth geomembranes, on the other hand, are made up of a single layer of material and are more suitable for water and waste containment, temporary waterproofing, and green coverage applications.
As the waterproofing materials, Smooth geomembrane is most common used than composite geomembrane for its lower cost, easy installation and maintenance.
The Best Project Material Co., Ltd (BPM) is a prominent manufacturer, wholesaler, supplier, and exporter specializing in geomembrane products. Since its establishment in 2007, BPM has been committed to offering comprehensive geomembrane solutions to customers worldwide. With a team of more than 120 skilled professionals and a manufacturing factory spanning over 16,000 square meters, equipped with cutting-edge production lines and advanced testing equipment, BPM ensures high-quality products and efficient manufacturing processes.
If you have any questions or requirements, pelase contact us.
Thaks for reading.
