Solmax
How to properly prepare a trench for installing PROPEX Scourlok
updated
This landfill capping system is a critical component for environmental protection and landfill management. This video shows the process for a successful installation, including the proper storage of geosynthetics on-site according to Solmax installation and quality management guidelines. This step is crucial to protect these materials from moisture and damage, ensuring their integrity and functionality in the landfill capping system.
This is followed by the preparation of the subsoil, to level the ground to provide a stable base for the liner.
We then show the installation of various geosynthetic materials, including a BENTOLINER® geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), a GSE® geomembrane and a FABRINET® drainage composite layer. Each of these layers form integral components of the landfill capping system.
The installation process is shown in detail, from laying down the GCL with precision to the installation of the geomembrane, ensuring a leak-proof multi barrier System. Edge impregnation of transversal overlaps for the BENTOLINER or quality control checks, such as and test weld execution, are highlighted to emphasize their importance in achieving a secure and effective landfill cap.
This video is designed to equip engineers in the environmental and waste management sectors with an overview of how to implement a landfill capping system effectively.
It emphasizes the importance of each step in the installation process, from the initial preparation of materials to the final quality control checks, to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the landfill cap.
Discover more about GSE here: solmax.com/en/emea/products/gse
Discover more about BENTOLINER here: solmax.com/en/emea/products/bentoliner
Discover more about FABRINET here: solmax.com/en/emea/products/fabrinet
GSE® geomembranes are highly effective at ensuring the containment of leachate and landfill gases, thereby minimizing the potential for groundwater contamination and uncontrolled gas emissions.
They provide long-term durability and resistance to chemical. The use of GSE geomembranes not only enhances the environmental safety measures of landfill operations but also contributes to the operational efficiency by reducing the need for leachate treatment and gas control systems.
Discover more about this product range here: solmax.com/en/emea/products/gse
FABRINET® drainage geocomposites consist of a geonet core with geotextiles on one or both sides. They are designed to channel leachate and rainwater away from the landfill cap, significantly reducing the hydrostatic pressure that can accumulate on the geomembrane or other barrier layers.
This prevents water from pooling and potentially seeping through the cap into the waste material and minimizes the risk of gas buildup and erosion under the cap.
By efficiently managing water flow on the landfill surface, FABRINET® enhances the cap's stability and integrity, contributing to the overall environmental safety of the landfill by preventing contamination of surrounding soil and groundwater. The FABRINET layer is essential in maintaining the effectiveness of the landfill capping system, ensuring that it meets regulatory standards and serves its purpose for the long term.
Discover more about this product range here: solmax.com/en/emea/products/fabrinet
GCLs serve as an essential barrier or as part of a multi-barrier system in landfill capping systems, thereby preventing the infiltration of water into the waste body of the landfill and therefore reducing the need for leachate treatment and gas control systems.
BENTOLINER® GCLs are composed of a layer of bentonite clay sandwiched between a woven carrier laver and the non-woven cover layer that can additionally be bonded to a geomembrane. They leverage the natural sealing properties of bentonite to swell upon contact with water, creating a self-healing, low-permeability barrier. This characteristic is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the landfill cap over time, with natural settlement or minor substrate movements.
For more information visit: solmax.com/en/emea/products/bentoliner
To prevent excessive sediment buildup in the river and delta downstream, accumulated sediments need to be extracted from the hydro reservoir. The removal is best carried out using an environmental dredge. The application of GEOTUBE® units ensure effective separation of liquids and solids, reducing the volume and keeping road transport to a minimum.
For the Selune River restoration project, multiple dewatering fields were constructed, continuously filled, emptied, and refilled. The GEOTUBE® units smoothly followed the river's path, causing minimal disruption in both time and space before nature naturally reclaimed the area.
A substantial amount of sediment—over 140,000 cubic meters—was extracted from the reservoir, allowing the delta to maintain its natural beauty.
This environmentally conscious effort involved silent, odorless transportation of over 100,000 cubic meters of solid-liquid mixture through 2.5 km of pipelines. Specialists ensured efficient dewatering by minimizing the use of flocking agent and using a bio-flocking agent. The swift separation of water from solids, allowed the GEOTUBE® units to be stacked on a small footprint and offsite disposal within weeks.
GEOTUBE® units filled with dredged sediments are used for berm restoration. These tubes are placed along berms and shorelines coastlines to restore an eroded berm or create a new strong berm. Dredged materials can be used because of the filtration capacity and strength of the fabric. Transport of wet sludge offsite and construction material to the site is avoided. GEOTUBE® makes the process and the result more sustainable.
GEOTUBE® offers solutions to create erosion proof and safe working platforms in open waters, allowing construction to proceed even during high tides and in any weather.
GEOTUBE® systems act as breakwaters, limiting wave damage and enabling beach nourishment. During hurricanes and storms, these systems secure coastlines by holding sand and soil, preventing erosion and property loss.
For inland water protection, GEOTUBE® offers erosion control systems. The GEOTUBE® sand-filled mattresses are easy to set up, prevent erosion, and allow vegetation growth. Concrete-filled mattresses fortify erosion control and manage water flow, while Geobags are used for dams, levees, and filling erosion holes, offering contained non-erodable sand.
The removal and containment of sediments and contaminated sediments are becoming increasingly problematic and expensive. GEOTUBE® technology offers a fast and secure dewatering solution, combining excellent solid/liquid separation properties with geotechnical stability. This makes it possible to reuse sediments in an entirely new way. What can be done on a large scale is also valid for smaller applications, like city ponds with a short project runtime. Even beneficial local reuse can be considered.
GEOTUBE® technology is used at wastewater treatment plants to dewater secondary and overflow sludge, resulting in high dry solids contents and reduced labor costs. Separation and containment of mineral solids like slag and fly ash is another typical application for this robust technology; infrastructure and industrial works can be executed in a safer, cleaner, and faster manner. GEOTUBE® will help engineers design each site to measure to obtain optimal results and the best value for money.
Our quality and flexibility are helping environmental managers solve problems in industries as varied as mining, hydropower, and palm oil production. Discover how the knowledge and experience of our GEOTUBE® engineers can help you make our world a more sustainable and safer place.
Products used in this installation include Solmax HDPE with BAM-certification, 2,5 mm and Solmax FabriNet® with BAM-certification, which provides increased durability for filtration and drainage and is suitable for a variety of field conditions and thickness requirements.
Covering an area of 7.5 hectares with a gradient of up to 1:3, this geosynthetic layer helps to protect the surrounding environment.
A hydraulic separation system was installed to avoid water seepage in between the extension and the existing heap.
The mountainous terrain is steep. Reinforcement was necessary before the hydraulic separation system could be installed.
The terrain also made the logistics difficult. Solmax solved this problem by providing off-road vehicles for the team. The material was transported up the slope in rolls with the help of an excavator.
The heaps were sealed with 140,000 square meters of Solmax HD 2.50 mm FrictionFlex®.
The mine holds major benefit for economic development in the region. It is a key project for Ministry of Natural resources in China, and People’s Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region
The mine is also in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. The Qinghai Tibet Plateau has an average altitude of 4 700 m. This high elevation is prone to extreme weather conditions from rain and snow to high UV radiation and low oxygen. These difficult conditions make construction in the remote area difficult.
Solmax participated in the construction of the mine’s waste containment project. Solmax selected for the proven durability of its products and its ability to be safely applied in tough conditions.
Solmax supplied impervious geomembrane for the waste dump, intercepting reservoir, retaining dam and reservoir area anti-seepage system. This consisted of:
1.5mm smooth HDPE geomembrane
1.5mm single-side FrictionFlex® HDPE
Su Jong Hao, Technical Sales Manager at Solmax, shares some insight into the day-to-day life of an engineer working in the field of geosynthetics. With over a decade experience, Su often consults with other engineers on designing and using geosynthetic materials. He also regularly attends conferences and events to stay abreast of the latest research in the field.
–
Solmax Sessions is a platform for our experts all over the globe to share their in-depth knowledge of the world of geosynthetics. The field of geosynthetics is an exciting and fast-growing space. Our experts share their insights and detailed product knowledge on optimising projects for maximum impact. Look out for new episodes every Wednesday.
In this episode, Mark Lally, Value Engineer at Solmax shows how to prevent leaks in geomembranes using Solmax’s Leak Location® conductive liner. Leak detection and prevention in geomembranes is important to prevent breaches in the system, and potentially contaminating the environment. The conductive layer in the geomembrane allows you to determine if the geomembrane has any damage before it goes into service.
–
Solmax Sessions is a platform for our experts all over the globe to share their in-depth knowledge of the world of geosynthetics. The field of geosynthetics is an exciting and fast-growing space. Our experts share their insights and detailed product knowledge on optimising projects for maximum impact. Look out for new episodes every Wednesday.
Douglas Sutherland, Value Engineer at Solmax talks about the vital role that geosynthetics play in protecting fresh water used in irrigation. It is estimated that up to a third of the water in unlined canals is lost to seepage.
_
Solmax Sessions is a platform for our experts all over the globe to share their in-depth knowledge of the world of geosynthetics. The field of geosynthetics is an exciting and fast-growing space. Our experts share their insights and detailed product knowledge on optimising projects for maximum impact.
Look out for new episodes every Wednesday.
Discover the benefits of Solmax's Gundseal®, the all-in-one product composite liner system
In this episode, Mark Lally, Value Engineer at Solmax demonstrates another innovative product from Solmax. A composite system, Gundseal® geocomposite is used to line landfills, agricultural ponds, and wastewater ponds and many more applications. Using a composite system like Gundseal® provides the advantage of having two systems in one. It consists of a geomembrane with a GCL attached to it. Gundseal® is easy to install, requires no specialised labour and has reduced installation time as opposed to a geomembrane and a GCL installed separately.
Discover how to optimize geomembrane design specifications with performance testing
Douglas Sutherland, Value Engineer at Solmax talks about the benefits of engineers working closely with suppliers like Solmax when designing containment facilities to improve confidence in the strength and durability of the geomembranes being used. One of the ways Solmax does this is with their Complimentary Performance Testing, which tests the performance of geomembranes against the project’s specific conditions.
The different types of geosynthetics
Su Jong Hao, Technical Manager at Solmax, continues his introduction of the different types of geosynthetics. Geosynthetics cover a wide range of functions such as separation, filtration, containment, reinforcement, drainage, and protection. There are different geosynthetics including geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, geosynthetic clay liners, geonets and geocomposites has at least one function.
Low maintenance landfill capping with LiteEarth™
Mark Lally, Value Engineer at Solmax demonstrates how LiteEarth™, a composite geomembrane system that incorporates a geomembrane and synthetic grass, can be used in landfills and in mining applications. Problems such a lack of maintenance, soil erosion and drainage pose a threat to the surrounding environment. LiteEarth™ can help solve these problems.
Discover how one simple change can have great benefits in the world of Geosynthetics
Traditionally, geomembranes are black. Douglas Sutherland, Value Engineer at Solmax shows how a simple change in the colour of the finish is an effective way to improve your containment solution’s ability to deflect UV rays and decrease wrinkles in the geomembrane and increase its durability.
How geosynthetics are used
Geosynthetics are always around us, often without us even realising. Su Jong Hao, Technical Sales Manager at Solmax, explains what geosynthetics are and how they are made. Geosynthetics are used in many civil engineering projects – such as roads, retaining walls, and ponds – as a vital, but often hidden construction material.
Mark Lally, based in Seattle, introduces himself and his role at Solmax. Mark has over 20 years of experience in the geotechnical and geosynthetic industry. Mark is passionate about helping the engineering community to solve complex engineering problems using geosynthetics.
_
Solmax Sessions is a platform for our experts all over the globe to share their in-depth knowledge of the world of geosynthetics. The field of geosynthetics is an exciting and fast-growing space. Our experts share their insights and detailed product knowledge on optimising projects for maximum impact.
Look out for new episodes every Wednesday.
Douglas Sutherland, Value Engineer at Solmax introduces himself and his role. Douglas uses his vast experience working with geomembranes all over the world to finding ways to optimize projects for maximum impact. He advocates for simple changes with great benefits.
_
Solmax Sessions is a platform for our experts all over the globe to share their in-depth knowledge of the world of geosynthetics. The field of geosynthetics is an exciting and fast-growing space. Our experts share their insights and detailed product knowledge on optimising projects for maximum impact.
Look out for new episodes every Wednesday.
Su Jong Hao, Technical Sales Manager at Solmax for Australia and Asia, shares his experience and enthusiasm for geosynthetics. A civil engineer with over a decade’s experience, Su enjoys sharing his experience on the exciting and rapidly growing field of geosynthetics with graduates and new civil engineers.
_
Solmax Sessions is a platform for our experts all over the globe to share their in-depth knowledge of the world of geosynthetics. The field of geosynthetics is an exciting and fast-growing space. Our experts share their insights and detailed product knowledge on optimising projects for maximum impact.
Look out for new episodes every Wednesday.
For applications needing different interface friction on either side of the geomembrane, FrictionFlex allows you to adjust the quantity of texturing on either side.
The texturing of FrictionFlex means the product can be laid flat over large surfaces, a common consideration in the installation sector.
Case studies will be discussed, which illustrate:
· The importance of survey area isolation
· How multiple, large and an excessive number of leaks can affect survey results
· The importance of site materials and material condition at time of survey
· The importance of proper method selection
–
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Carl Charpentier – Alphard
Carl Charpentier has been working in Electrical Leak Location Surveys since 2001. With his background in electronics, he first started by making new equipment and has been improving methods and electronics ever since. He is part of the ASTM committee and has published a multitude of documents pertaining to ELL.
Jeff Blum – Weaver Consultants Group
Jeff serves as a Senior Project Manager in the Solid Waste Practice Group for Weaver Consultants. He has over 30 years of CQA experience in soil and geosynthetic lined containment facilities throughout the US. His experience includes performing leak location/liner integrity surveys since 2004. He participates as a co-instructor at TRI Environmental during educational seminars and training for practitioners of leak location/liner integrity surveys and provides training and educational seminars related to CQA. His other contributions to the field of CQA have included participation within ASTM and on committees which developed the Geosynthetic Certification Institute - Inspector Certification Program, its predecessor the NICET Geosynthetic Inspector Certification Program, and the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) Certified Welding Technician program.
Abigail Gilson, M.S., P.E. – TRI Environmental, Inc
Ms. Gilson spent the first part of her career as a containment facility design engineer and joined TRI in 2012 to focus solely on the implementation and innovation of electrical leak location technologies. She has over sixteen years and 170 million square feet of electrical leak location experience as well as contribution with numerous published papers, seminars, presentations world-wide, and leading ASTM task groups on matter at hand.
Shawn Calendine – HGI hydroGEOPHYSICS, Inc
Shawn Calendine is a geoscientist and the Development Manager at hydroGEOPHYSICS Inc with more than 15 years of experience in geophysical and electrical leak location technologies, his expertise encompasses leak location projects at the Hanford nuclear site, in the mining industry, and many other industrial complexes world-wide and contributes to many presentations and published papers on geophysics and leak location technologies and has published numerous technical papers on the topics.
Jimmy Youngblood – Solmax
Jimmy Youngblood is the Global Geosynthetics Manager for Solmax. He has been involved in the geosynthetics industry for 28 years. He began with quality control and performance testing of geosynthetics in the 1990’s. He moved into the technical arena providing technical support and product management for geosynthetic products where his focus was on geomembranes and geosynthetic clay liners in the North American market.
The Solmax HDPE Liner series is an optimal choice for applications that demand excellent chemical and UV resistance and overall endurance properties at an affordable cost.
linkedin.com/company/wil-keyinternationalsdnbhd
The PTES, once constructed, needed to be fully lined with appropriate geosynthetic system to prevent leaks and to help retain heat. Solmax delivered the full lining system in just seven months.
To optimize the use of the heat in the network, all the system components had to fit together perfectly. Solmax’s 2.5 mm High Temperature Liner, which offers resistance to weather extremes and meets the demands of high-temperature operating conditions, was used to seal the reservoir. Solmax’s 1.5mm High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) Color Geomembrane, with its excellent stress crack and UV resistant properties, was selected to cover the PTES reservoir. Special protection and drainage layers, with a pressure-resistant geocore and appropriately dimensioned geotextiles, were a key part of the design.
GundSeal® is a fast, effective one-product sealing solution for containment that cuts installation time as well as improves composite liner hydraulic performance. This liner system combines the low permeability of a 15 mil to 80 mil (0.4 mm to 2.0 mm) smooth or textured HDPE or LLDPE geomembrane with the self-seaming characteristics of bentonite clay. It provides an effective alternative to conventional geomembrane and compacted clay (CCL) or fabric geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) liner installations.
In 2015 Signaterre received authorization to increase the capacity of the landfill to 929,500 cubic meters, the fourth phase of an ongoing project.
Solmax provided a multilayer solution: comprised of HDPE liner, Fabrinet, Draintube, and GCL. The solution was specified by engineering firm Aecom, installed by FC Geosynthétiques, and integrity tested by Alphard.
Homer’s sub-arctic coastal climate can be unpredictable, leaving tight windows for deployment. The landfill closure involved extremely steep gradients and poor sub-surface conditions. Differential settlement was also a concern.
Qayaq Construction selected Solmax to supply its geosynthetics solutions due to its ability to meet the highly challenging conditions at the site.
With geosynthetic designs, including GCLs and drainage nets, proving successful for previous phases of the Homer landfill closure, the Solmax solutions selected by Qayaq were 21,450 square meters of Solmax’s BentoLiner NWL-35; a similar amount of Fabrinet geocomposite, and 4,400 square meters of double-textured LLDPE geomembrane.
To ensure full conformity and add further security, Solmax provided additional third-party testing of its shear and permeability results. The result is a landfill-capping system that meets the needs of this unique location and environment, as well as those of the client.
Attendees will learn to:
· Select the most appropriate method(s) for various liner configurations
· Specify methods for meeting design goals (allowable leakage rates)
· Calculate the risk of exceeding a specified leakage rate
. Properly specify ELL methods in project specifications
• Our Leak Location Conductive liner has a conductive bottom layer that makes repeated electrical leak testing possible on exposed and covered applications – without the need for a conductive soil or water layer.
• Our patented Iso-wedge tool allows for testing of the Leak Location Conductive geomembrane, by isolating the upper seam flap and eliminating false positives during the ELI surveys.
• Our S-100 Spark Tester enables fast, reliable electrical leak location. Three electrodes – a cart, brush, and seam electrode – allow the technician flexibility to test any part of the leak survey surface, even wrinkles, slopes, and underneath exposed seam flaps.
As we stand on the verge of new and exciting possibilities, as we prepare to take the next steps together, we’d like to reflect on the stories that helped get us here.
These are your stories. Crafted from conversations with you, our customers, and partners.
Solmax was approached to explore an alternative solution to using crushed stone as a drainage layer and textured RD SolDrain geocomposite was recommended.
The use of RD SolDrain proved highly cost effective and is kinder to the environment. The contractor was impressed speed and ease of placement, and the effectiveness of the solution.
Geomembranes have been used successfully to contain fresh water, preventing loss through evaporation and leakage, as well as to securely contain wastewater from various agricultural applications, protecting groundwater from contamination. In addition, geosynthetics can be used to improve slope and foundation stability in agriculture related structures such as dams; and waterproof and prolong the serviceability of containment structures, such as reservoirs and ponds.
“With this planting, we are saying thank you for your 40 years of dedicated service to the industry” says Jean-Louis Vangeluwe, CEO of Solmax. “The trees will provide a luscious background for the heritage house, the Hébert-Jodoin house, which will be rebuilt at the park in 2022 by the City of Varennes on the occasion of its 350th anniversary, thus benefitting the entire community for years to come.”
Solmax’s geosynthetic liners are used in critical mining, waste management, water, and other environmental applications. They contain and drain, creating a layer of protection between the earth and the waste and contaminants that result from human activity, industry, mining, and the use of fossil fuels.
“Our mission is to enable progress with minimal damage to the environment,” explains Côté. “With the recent acquisition of two major players in this arena, we have become the largest manufacturer of geosynthetics in the world. That presents us with a huge responsibility and opportunity. Our goal is to be innovation-led, helping to reshape the geosynthetics industry and raise standards, delivering advanced solutions that are even more reliable, stronger, resistant to contaminants, and affordable.”
“We look forward to watching our trees grow from our Varennes site in years to come, and hope that this site will enrich the lives of the city’s citizens, contribute to their health, and help beautify and green the environment.”
Watch the full LiteEarth™ film here:
youtube.com/watch?v=4KiURqGUykM&list=PLK5ZHMz9-7tf-4xlnjnebjvPnsl6No6VB&index=2
Watch the full LiteEarth™ film here: youtube.com/watch?v=4KiURqGUykM&list=PLK5ZHMz9-7tf-4xlnjnebjvPnsl6No6VB&index=2


