Federal regulations requiring safeguards against spills of bulk liquid storage (most commonly petroleum) have been in effect since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972. Geomembranes are used to line bermed areas that have been created to provide sufficient storage volume for spill containment and associated rainfall. There are important properties that determine which geomembranes are most suited to these critical applications:
The discussion in the geomembrane industry regarding how to overcome the effects of thermally induced wrinkling has become more active recently. Some geomembranes exhibit high levels of Thermal Expansion Contraction (CTE). As far back as 2007, recommendations were that geomembranes must be flat when backfilled (Koerner, Daniel, ASCE 2007), a recommendation that most agree is difficult to meet with many geomembranes.
Three-Part Series: Understanding and Assuring Proper Geomembrane Chemical Resistance
Part 1: Top Reasons Chemical Resistance Is a Very Important Geomembrane Property
In this series, we’ll take a look at why chemical resistance decisions are important, what industry data means and the best ways to properly evaluate geomembrane chemical resistance performance.
Effective planning and management of bulk petroleum storage tanks are critical to environmental protection. To contain potential spills and leaks, these tanks must be surrounded by berms—usually earthen, if configuration allows. Some engineers may not be aware of the compelling reasons geomembranes can be the best and most cost-effective choice for secondary containment. Other options occasionally considered are:
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) first adopted a Code of Ethics in 1914 for the purpose of creating a model for professional conduct for its members. The last major revision was in 1974, with Canon 8 added in 2017. After a multiyear team effort, a new version was released in October 2020. The theme of the Code is revised to 21st century standards and is worthy of review by all Civil Engineers.
Potable Water Series: How Geomembranes Help to Improve Quality, Lower Costs and Increase Efficiencies in Water and Wastewater Treatment
Municipal water and wastewater systems are considered to be one of the costliest assets for municipalities to maintain. Potable water safety and quality is not only a priority, but it is also a highly regulated necessity. In this four-part series, we’ll cover drinking water treatment processes, water sourcing, water distribution and how geomembranes can help improve quality, lower costs and increase efficiencies.
Potable Water Series: How Geomembranes Help to Improve Quality, Lower Costs and Increase Efficiencies in Water and Wastewater Treatment
Municipal water and wastewater systems are considered to be one of the costliest assets for municipalities to maintain. Potable water safety and quality is not only a priority, but it is also a highly regulated necessity. In this four-part series, we’ll cover drinking water treatment processes, water sourcing, water distribution and how geomembranes can help improve quality, lower costs and increase efficiencies.
“UV Resistance” is a term that applies to the effects of ultraviolet light and is often implied when claiming resistance to the effects of UV-induced thermal resistance. In fact, there are three areas that are influenced by ultraviolet light and/or heat induced from sunlight that often seem to be described in that manner.
Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) releases a report on the state of infrastructure in the U.S. The report is in the form of a report card with an A to F grade and includes details on the overall grade in the 17 supporting categories. The 2021 report card has been released and for the first time in 20 years the new grade is a C-. The previous overall grade was a D.
While investment has increased in the last 10 years, ASCE estimates that from 2020 to 2029, only just over one-half of the $1.04 trillion needed for the water sector (Drinking Water/Wastewater/Stormwater) has been allocated.
Of the 17 categories that make up the report card, several of them have extensive uses for geomembranes. To follow are the five critical areas where geomembranes can be cost-effective alternatives to other solutions.
