Top 6 Geomembrane Accessories for a Successful Installation

Geomembranes usually require attachments and other terminations that must be sealed properly. Also, there are areas that typically require special attention to ensure leakproof work. In these situations, there are accessories that help the installer complete the geomembrane barrier. In this blog, we will review the accessories that are offered with the XR-5® Ethylene Copolymer Geomembrane. There are six principal items that are available to support the completion of the XR-5 Geomembrane installation. 

1. Embedment Strips: When terminating a geomembrane at a concrete wall or horizontal surface, there are two methods of attachment. The conventional method is a mechanical batten that relies on the sinking of bolts into the concrete, followed by a metal strip that presses the geomembrane against the concrete. This is the only option with existing concrete. With new construction however, a “beam”, typically 10 ft x 3.75 in x 1 in (3 m x 9.5 cm x 2.5 cm), made of the same polymer as the geomembrane can be embedded into the concrete as it is poured. This results in a continuous strip of geomembrane polymer, allowing welding of the parent liner to the strip with no mechanical connection. This connection is typically more secure, faster, and less expensive than mechanical attachments. More information, including cross sections can be found here.
   
   
   
   

   Welding XR-5 Geomembrane to encased XR-5 Embedment Strips.
   Geofoam Protection Application. Virginia, USA

2. Extrusion Rod: Handheld extrusion equipment is commercially available that can melt 5 mm (0.19 in) diameter polymer rod and extrude it as a molten bead. The rod is provided on a spool 15 lb (6.8 kg) spool and is the same polymer as the XR-5 Geomembrane sheet. While industry standards do not accept this extrudate as sufficient to create a structural geomembrane seam, it does allow the installer to seal and or reinforce connections, as necessary.
3. Touchup Compound: By mixing an Ethylene Copolymer compound in dry form with a carrier liquid, a liquid version of the compound can be made. This provides a brushable compound that can be applied much like paint. Proper application relies upon the right type and amount of liquid carrier to create a bond between the compound in suspension and the parent material. While the handling and use of solvents is normally minimized in a field project, the touchup compound is used in isolated applications to repair abrasions or minor sealing, for instance.
4. Prefabricated Pipe Boots: Penetrations through a geomembrane require sealing, and a boot is the most common method. These are usually round but can be square or in other configurations. Factory molded boots made of unreinforced XR-5 compound are available in two sizes. The sizes allow field fitting to pipes of 1–3 in (2.5 cm – 7.6 cm) dia and 4–8 in (10.2 cm – 20.3 cm) dia. These boots are also termed “witches’ hats” due to their similar appearance. The base of the premade boot is thermally welded to the parent liner, and the boot is mechanically adhered to the penetrating pipe, conduit, or other penetration with clamps.
5. Unreinforced Film: Unreinforced Geomembranes have low strength. As an accessory, however, the material is useful for repairs where it is not relied upon to be a structural component of the geomembrane system. For example, in No. 4 above, pipe boots are routinely constructed from unreinforced XR-5 compound to make small radius turns more feasible for small diameter penetration sealings. Similarly, unreinforced film aids the installer by allowing the addition of polymer in certain areas. It is applied by melting the film using a commercial hot air geomembrane tool over the area to be sealed.
   
6. Gritted Walkmat: Geomembranes are slick. Not only do they do a lot of things, they are slippery. In areas where foot traffic is expected routinely, it is common practice to provide an abrasive surface for fall protection. By applying a grit surface to one side of the XR-5 Geomembrane, it produces a membrane that provides: 
   

• • Slip Protection
    
  • Ability to weld the underside to the parent XR-5 liner
  • Yellow, easily detectable surface
  • Rolls which can be easily handled - rolls are 37 in (0.9 m) wide and 40 ft (12 m) in length

XR Walkmat/XR-5 Geomembrane
Exposed Landfill Cover
West Valley, New York USA

This product is labeled “XR Walkmat” and is widely used in exposed covers and secondary containment applications, and more.

Consider how the XR-5 accessories can add reliability to your installation. More information on our XR-5 Geomembrane accessories can be found here.