1Business Unit Manager,
Geosynthetics are the materials made by combination of polymers each used for specific purposes to enhance the functionality of the structure. The major types of geosynthetic that are widely used are geomembrane, geotextiles, geogrids, etc., which has distinct functionalities like barriers, protective materials, drainage enhancer, soil stabilizer and so on. The geosynthetic which are used as water barrier is called geomembrane which come in various material source like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), and others. In this paper we are to discuss about flexible thermoplastic geomembrane made of plasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC) and its applications in enhancing sustainability in construction and why it is better than other sources. They are mostly used for hydraulic applications like dams, reservoirs, canals, tunnels since they have a considerable impact on the environment, safety and are strategic due to the increasing demand in water supply, either for power generation or irrigation and human consumption. The performance criteria are crucial for a durable and effective working. PVC geomembrane provides high flexibility, elongation capacity, low co-efficient of thermal expansion, high puncture resistance and can accommodate differential settlements of the subgrade. While other membranes (HDPE, LLDPE, TPO, etc.), while having a good chemical resistance, show large thermal expansion and contraction when exposed to heat, chemical and solar radiation, often resulting in detrimental wrinkles, which over the time can lead to crack and allow leakage which cannot provide sustainable solution. The case studies for proving the effectiveness of PVC geomembrane in addressing issue and providing durable and sustainable solution is discussed in detail in this paper. Be it the rehabilitation of old dam/old canal/pressure tunnel or new on-going Pumped Storage Scheme, the assurance of the geomembrane technology is explained in this paper.
