Geotextile Anti-Seepage Construction Technology

1. Introduction

Geotextile anti-seepage construction is a widely used technique in civil engineering, water conservancy, environmental protection, and other fields to prevent water leakage and soil erosion. Geotextiles, as a permeable material, are often combined with impermeable membranes (such as HDPE geomembranes) to form composite anti-seepage systems, offering advantages such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.

2. Material Selection

• Geotextile: Typically made of polyester or polypropylene, it functions as a protective and drainage layer.

• Impermeable Membrane: Commonly used materials include HDPE (high-density polyethylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

• Ancillary Materials: Includes adhesives, welding rods, and anchoring fixtures to ensure system integrity.

3. Construction Process

(1) Base Preparation

• Clear debris, rocks, and sharp objects from the construction area.

• Level and compact the foundation to ensure a smooth surface without significant unevenness.

• For slopes, maintain a stable gradient (typically ≤ 1:2.5).

(2) Geotextile Laying

• Roll out the geotextile along the slope or base direction, avoiding excessive tension to prevent deformation.

• Overlap adjacent geotextile sheets by 10–15 cm, securing them with stitching or hot-air welding.

(3) Impermeable Membrane Installation

• Lay the impermeable membrane over the geotextile, ensuring tight contact without wrinkles.

• Overlap membrane edges by ≥10 cm and use dual-track hot wedge welding for sealing.

• Conduct leak detection (e.g., vacuum or spark testing) post-welding.

(4) Protective Layer Construction

• Cover the impermeable layer with a secondary geotextile or soil layer (≥30 cm thick) to prevent mechanical damage.

• For slopes, use gabions or concrete blocks for additional reinforcement.

4. Quality Control

• Material Inspection: Verify product certifications and conduct on-site sampling tests.

• Welding Quality: Check seam strength and airtightness regularly.

• Post-Construction Monitoring: Regularly inspect for leaks or damage.

5. Applications

• Landfills: Prevents leachate contamination.

• Water Reservoirs & Canals: Enhances water retention.

• Mining & Industrial Sites: Controls seepage of harmful liquids.

6. Conclusion

Geotextile anti-seepage systems provide reliable, cost-effective solutions for seepage control. Proper material selection, meticulous construction, and strict quality control are essential for long-term performance.

This article outlines key steps and considerations in geotextile anti-seepage construction. Adjustments may be needed based on specific project requirements.