Environmental Solutions
Protection of membranes in Landfill (bottom and capping)
Protecting membranes in landfill bottom lining and capping systems from puncture, abrasion and mechanical stress.
Geotextiles in Landfill Liner Systems
Landfills use membrane barrier systems both beneath the waste body and within the final cover. The geotextile prevents the roughness of the substrate or sharp edges of the aggregates from puncturing the waterproof membrane, both during installation (construction phase) and under hydrostatic load (operational phase).
During the design and subsequent construction of large waste storage tanks, geotextiles with very high puncture resistance are used, as the weight and compaction of the waste place greater stress on the entire waterproofing system.
In addition to mass per unit area, the priority performance criteria for characterising the geotextile are tensile strength and resistance to static (CBR) and dynamic puncture.
Key Benefits
- Protects geomembranes and landfill liners from puncture and abrasion
- Acts as a cushioning layer against sharp aggregate, rough subgrades and waste loads
- Helps reduce localised stress on sensitive barrier systems
- Supports long-term containment performance in landfill applications
- Separates soil, drainage aggregate and membrane layers where required
- Supports filtration by retaining fine particles while allowing controlled liquid flow
- Contributes to effective drainage and reduced pressure build-up above the liner
Example of a Layer Structure
In landfill capping systems, nonwoven geotextiles can be installed directly above or below the geomembrane to provide mechanical protection. Their position depends on the cap design, the adjoining layers, expected loads and settlement, and the level of protection required.
- Waste or cover layer
The upper landfill material or protective cover placed above the containment system. - Drainage or leachate collection layer
A granular or geosynthetic drainage layer designed to collect and guide liquids away from the liner system. - Upper nonwoven geotextile protection layer
Installed above the geomembrane to protect it from drainage aggregates, waste loads and installation-related damage. - Geomembrane or barrier layer
The primary containment membrane designed to prevent unwanted liquid migration into the surrounding environment. - Lower nonwoven geotextile protection layer
Installed beneath the geomembrane to protect it from puncture, abrasion and stress caused by the prepared subgrade. - Prepared subgrade or foundation soil
The compacted and shaped base that supports the landfill liner system.
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