The influencing factors of Geomembrane Price

Geomembranes are synthetic liner materials used for various containment and fluid barrier applications. This guide provides a detailed overview of geomembrane prices, composition, properties, applications, suppliers, and other technical specifications.

Geomembrane Composition

Geomembranes are made from different polymers that determine their chemical resistance, strength, flexibility, and other properties. The main resins used are:

Polymer	Description
Polyethylene (PE)	Most common geomembrane material, available as high density (HDPE) and linear low density (LLDPE). HDPE is harder and stronger. LLDPE is more flexible.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)	Used for high chemical resistance but less flexible than PE. Comes in reinforced and non-reinforced grades.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)	Has high elasticity and weathering resistance but lower strength than PE and PVC.
Polypropylene (PP)	Has high strength and puncture resistance but limited flexibility.
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSPE)	Known by the trade name Hypalon®. Has good weatherability.

The resin choice depends on the chemical exposure, temperature, stress, and elongation needs of the application. Polyethylene is suitable for most uses but PVC, EPDM, PP, or CSPE may be required for specific chemical or environmental conditions.

Geomembrane Properties

Key properties that determine geomembrane suitability for different uses include:

Property	Typical Values	Significance
Density	0.93-0.96 g/cm<sup>3</sup>	Affects strength, chemical resistance, puncture resistance. HDPE has higher density than LLDPE.
Tensile Strength	700-2800 psi	Measure of resistance to pulling and tearing forces. HDPE has higher tensile strength.
Elongation at Break	10-700%	Ability to stretch without breaking. LLDPE has higher elongation.
Tear Resistance	100-500 lb/in	Resistance to growth of cuts and punctures. HDPE has higher tear strength.
Puncture Resistance	50-120 lb	Ability to withstand objects pressing against the geomembrane. HDPE offers better puncture resistance.
Carbon Black Content	2-3%	Improves UV resistance and weatherability. HDPE typically has higher carbon black content.
Chemical Resistance	Excellent to poor	Depends on polymer. PP and PVC offer best chemical resistance. LDPE and LLDPE have moderate resistance.
Temperature Range	-50°C to 80°C	Maximum service temperature range. Polyethylene offers widest temperature range.

Polyethylene geomembranes provide a good balance of strength, chemical resistance, and durability for most containment applications. PVC, PP, or other materials may be required for high chemical exposure such as landfill leachate collection.

Geomembrane Applications

Geomembranes are used for the following applications which have different property requirements:

Application	Typical Polymer	Key Properties Needed
Landfill Liners and Covers	HDPE, LLDPE	Chemical resistance, tear strength, flexibility at low temperature
Mining Heap Leach Pads	HDPE, LLDPE	UV resistance, tear strength, elongation
Oil & Gas Containment	HDPE, LLDPE	Chemical resistance, high temperature performance
Canals and Reservoirs	HDPE, PVC	UV resistance, elasticity, strength
Water Treatment Lagoons	HDPE, PVC	Chemical resistance, weathering resistance
Secondary Containment	PP, HDPE	High strength, tear and puncture resistance

Polyethylene geomembranes are suitable for most containment needs. PVC may be required for high chemical exposure applications like wastewater treatment. Polypropylene offers very high puncture resistance for demanding applications.

Geomembrane Standards and Specifications

Geomembranes are produced in sheet or roll form in various thicknesses. They must meet standardized test methods and specifications designated by organizations such as ASTM International.

Parameter	Standards	Typical Values
Thickness	ASTM D5199	0.5mm to 3mm
Sheet Width	GRI GM9	Up to 22m
Sheet Length	GRI GM13	Up to 250m
Density	ASTM D792	0.93-0.96 g/cm3
Tensile Properties	ASTM D638	10-28 MPa
Tear Resistance	ASTM D1004	36-200 N/mm
Puncture Resistance	ASTM D4833	100-600 N
Stress Crack Resistance	ASTM D5397	>300 hr
Carbon Black Content	ASTM D1603	2-3%
Carbon Black Dispersion	ASTM D5596	Grade 1-3

Manufacturers provide datasheets listing geomembrane properties that comply with specifications. Testing must be done using standardized lab procedures.

Geomembrane Sizes and Forms

Geomembranes are produced in a range of sheet widths and lengths, and in roll form for ease of transportation and installation:

Form	Size Range	Description
Sheets	1-22m wide <br> 1-250m long	Factory-fabricated sheets for small applications.
Standard Rolls	1-10m wide <br> 50-250m long	Field deployed from rolls. Common sizes based on application.
Jumbo Rolls	15-22m wide <br> 250-1000m long	Minimizes factory seams. Used for large continuous liners.
Fabricated Panels	Site-specific	Factory assembled panels with seams for easy installation.

Narrower rolls are used for applications like gas pipelines or water channels. Wider jumbo rolls minimize field seaming for reservoirs and landfills. Factory panels further simplify installation.

Geomembrane Grades

Geomembranes are produced in different grades based on manufacturing process, quality controls, and certification:

Grade	Description	Applications
Grade GRI GM13	Basic geomembrane quality control	Temporary liners, dewatering
Grade GRI GM17	Moderate manufacturing QC	Secondary containment
Grade GRI GM19	Standard engineered liner	Landfills, mining, reservoirs
Grade GRI GM21	High specification membrane	Hazardous waste, full NQA-1 compliance

Higher grade geomembranes undergo more rigorous testing and inspection during production. Critical applications like hazardous waste containment may require Grade GRI GM21 material. Lower grades can be used for temporary containment needs.

Geomembrane price

Geomembrane prices depend on the material grade, thickness, size specifications, manufacturer, and order quantity. Typical pricing ranges are:

Geomembrane	Thickness Range	Price Range
HDPE	1.0 – 2.0 mm	$1.50 – $3.00 per m2
LLDPE	1.0 – 2.0 mm	$1.80 – $3.50 per m2
PVC	1.0 – 1.5 mm	$3.50 – $7.00 per m2
PP	1.0 – 1.5 mm	$6.00 – $12.0 per m2
EPDM	1.1 – 1.5 mm	$4.50 – $9.00 per m2

In general, polyethylene geomembranes are the most economical. PVC, PP, and EPDM cost considerably more due to more expensive resins. Thicker geomembranes also command higher pricing.

Jumbo roll prices may be 30-50% lower on a per area basis compared to standard rolls. Factory fabricated panels are more expensive due to value-added processing steps.

Leading Geomembrane Manufacturers

Some of the major global suppliers of geomembranes include:

Company	Brands	Geomembranes	Locations
GSE Environmental	GSE, Roofarm	HDPE, LLDPE, PP	USA, Mexico, Europe, Middle East
Solmax	Solmax, SunTech	HDPE, LLDPE, PVC	Canada, USA, Europe
Carlisle Construction Materials	CCM, Bento, Sure-Flex	HDPE, PVC	USA, Europe, Asia
Agru America	Agru	HDPE, LLDPE, PVC	USA, Middle East, Asia
Firestone	Firestone	EPDM, PVC	USA, Latin America

These established manufacturers have a global presence and can supply geomembranes worldwide. They offer technical support for material selection and design.

Local and regional suppliers are also available in many countries and can offer more competitive pricing. Imported materials from Asia are lower cost but have higher risk.

Cost Saving Tips

Here are some recommendations to reduce overall geomembrane costs for liners and containment projects:

• Use lower grade material if performance requirements allow
• Select lowest suitable thickness to reduce quantity needs
• Order jumbo rolls or fabricated panels where possible
• Take advantage of surplus inventory or off-spec materials if properties permit
• Obtain quotes from multiple regional suppliers
• For small needs, check distributors for roll stock availability
• Consider reused or recycled materials if physical properties are adequate
• Ensure competitive bidding process for large projects
• Enter into long term supply agreements for multi-year projects

Working closely with an experienced geomembrane manufacturer is important to ensure proper material selection and most cost effective solution.

Geomembrane Handling and Installation

Proper transportation, storage, deployment, seaming and testing is critical to avoid geomembrane damage and maximize performance. Key guidelines include:

• Use padded cradles and nylon slings to lift and move rolled materials
• Store away from direct sunlight and inspect prior to installation
• Unroll following site layout plan, allowing slack for contraction
• Ballast material immediately or use loading berms to prevent wind uplift
• Clean and prime sheet surfaces prior to seaming
• Conduct trial welds initially and test seam strength
• Repair seams with extrusion welds for polyethylene materials
• Inspect installed liner and perform electrical leak detection checks for defects

It is advisable to have an experienced installation supervisor onsite for quality assurance during critical steps like seaming.

Geomembrane Inspection and Testing

Geomembranes must be tested during manufacturing and installation for compliance to project specifications:

When	Tests Conducted	Standards
Incoming Material	Thickness, density, tensile properties, tear strength	ASTM D5994, D5199, D638, D1004
During Production	Sheet size, hospitality, visual defects	EN 13416
Trial Welds	Shear and peel testing on seams	ASTM D6392, D4437
Installed Liner	Air pressure testing of seams and electrical leak detection	ASTM D5820, D7240

Records must be maintained for all geomembrane testing. Defect areas should be marked and repaired as needed before covering.

Geomembrane Selection Guide

This comparison table summarizes the key factors to consider when selecting a geomembrane material:

Parameter	Polyethylene	PVC	EPDM	PP	CSPE
Price	Low	Moderate	High	Very High	High
Strength	Moderate	Low	Low	Very High	Moderate
Elongation	High	Low	Very High	Low	Moderate
Tear Resistance	Moderate	Low	Low	High	Moderate
Puncture Resistance	Moderate	Low	Low	Very High	Moderate
UV Resistance	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate	Excellent
Chemical Resistance	Moderate	Excellent	Poor	Excellent	Excellent
Temperature Range	Wide	-10°C to 60°C	-40°C to 70°C	0°C to 80°C	-20°C to 70°C
Popular Applications	Landfills, mining, reservoirs	Chemical containment	Roofing, ponds	Hazardous waste, pipes	Landfills, tanks

Polyethylene offers the best overall value for most containment needs. PVC and other materials provide higher performance for specific requirements.

FAQs

Q: What is the typical lifetime of a geomembrane?

A: Properly installed geomembranes can be very long lasting. HDPE liners can last 50+ years. PVC can last 40+ years. Lifespan depends on polymer, thickness, installation quality, and exposure conditions.

Q: Can a geomembrane have holes or defects?

A: Minor defects may occur during manufacturing or installation. Electrical leak detection surveys can identify breaches. These can be repaired by patching or extrusion welding.

Q: Can geomembranes withstand freezing temperatures?

A: Flexible materials like polyethylene retain ductility at low temperatures. They can withstand freeze-thaw cycles. Rigid PVC becomes brittle below -10°C.

Q: What are factory seams versus field seams?

A: Factory seams are made by hot wedge or extrusion welding under controlled conditions. Field seams are made on site after deployment. Seam quality is generally better in factories.

Q: How long does it take to install a geomembrane liner?

A: For a given area, single layer installation rate is approximately 300-500 m2/man-hour. Large projects may take several weeks or months depending on liner acreage and site access.

Q: Can a geomembrane have color other than black?

A: Yes, geomembranes can be produced in other colors like green or tan. However, black is standard because carbon black provides UV resistance.

Q: Are there recycled geomembrane products?

A: Yes, reprocessed materials containing recycled resin are available. Physical properties vary based on recycling method and content. Performance testing is recommended.

Q: What are GRI GM standards for geomembranes?

A: GRI GM standards are manufacturing specifications set by the Geosynthetic Institute. GM13 is the lowest grade, GM21 is highest. Each has defined test methods and acceptance criteria.

Q: How is open textured geomembrane different?

A: It has a textured surface that contacts the soil. This interlocks with the substrate providing very high friction and stability on slopes.

In summary, geomembranes are versatile synthetic materials used for containment applications across industries. Selecting the right product involves considering performance needs, site conditions, project costs, and installation requirements. With proper material choice and construction quality assurance, geomembranes provide long lasting, reliable fluid barrier systems.

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