CE 133

Geosynthetics in
Geotechnical
Engineering
 Chapter 04

Geomembrane
DEFINITION
According to ASTM D4439:

“Geomembrane:
A very low permeability synthetic
membrane liner or barrier used with
any geotechnical engineering related
material so as to control fluid (gas)
migration in a human – made project,
structure, or system.”
ORIGIN
• Geomembranes are made from relatively thin
continuous polymeric sheets, but they can also
be made from the impregnation of geotextiles
with asphalt or elastomer sprays or as
multilayered bitumen geocomposites

• Polymeric geomembranes are not absolutely

impermeable but they are relatively
impermeable compared to geotextiles or soils,
even to clay soils. Typical values of
geomembrane permeability as measured by
water – vapor transmission tests are in the
range 1x10^-12 to 1x10^-15 m/s.
COMMON TYPES OF
GEOMEMBRANES
• Covered Geomembranes – are protected from
the numerous elements tht may dmage
exposed liners such as oxidation, abrasion, UV
degradation, freeze/thaw, animal intrision, wind
uplift and vandalism.

• Exposed Geomembranes – have a typical

service life of about 30 years.
COMMON TYPES OF
GEOMEMBRANES
• Covered Geomembranes – are protected from
the numerous elements tht may dmage
exposed liners such as oxidation, abrasion, UV
degradation, freeze/thaw, animal intrision, wind
uplift and vandalism.

• Exposed Geomembranes – have a typical

service life of about 30 years.