What Is Difference Between Composite and Textured Geomembrane

Composite and textured geomembrane are both types of geosynthetic materials used in various civil and environmental engineering applications, particularly in geotechnical and containment projects. Composite geomembrane is made with layers of geotextile and geomembrane, while textured geomembrane features with one or two sided textured surface to enhance friction. How to select the right geomembrane for your specific projects between the composite and textured geomembrane? Which one provides better anti seepage performance for slope projects? In this artice, let’s explore the similarities and the difference between composite and textured Geomembrane.

1 Brief Introduction

1.1 What is A Composite Geomembrane

A composite geomembrane refers to a type of geosynthetic material used in civil engineering and environmental applications. It is a combination of two or more different types of geosynthetic materials, typically consisting of a geomembrane and a geotextile. Geomembranes are impermeable sheets used for containment and barrier applications, while geotextiles are permeable fabrics used for filtration, drainage, and separation.

1.2 What is A Textured Geomembrane

Textured Geomembrane is produced by the spray texture technology. It is designed with one or two side textured surface. The textured surface is designed to enhance frictional characteristics and increase the interface friction between the geomembrane and the adjacent soil or other materials.

2 What is the Similarity of Composite And Textured Geomembrane

2.1 Material Composition

The base layer of composite geomembrane is made by HDPE Geomembrane, this is similar with textured geomembrane. The out layer is made with geotextile (Based fabric can be filament or short fiber needle punched geotextile). The specific materials and their thicknesses can vary based on project requirements and environmental conditions.

Textured Geomembrane is a kind of geomembrane with texture structure on one or both sides. It is produced through a special production process of HDPE geomembrane. The texturing features are improving the interface shear strength and preventing slippage. This makes textured geomembranes particularly useful in applications where slope stability and resistance to sliding are essential

2.2 Seepage Prevention

Composite geomembrane and textured geomembrane both have good seepage prevention performance. The geotextile in the composite geomembrane can protect the geomembrane very well, prevent it from being punctured by sharp objects, and has a good filtering effect. On the basis of anti-seepage, textured geomembrane also has better interface friction coefficient and UV Resistance.

2.3 Geomembrane Installation Flexibility

Both composite and textured geomembrane products are relatively convenient to install and have strong ability to adapt to the environment. According to our construction experience, a skilled worker can weld 2000-3000 square meters a day. The most important thing is to keep the construction site flat and prevent sharp objects from puncturing the product.

2.4 Customization Options

Geomembrane Manufacturers often offer customization options for both textured and composite geomembrane. This includes variations in thickness, width, and length to meet specific project demands.

BPM Geomembrane can provide products in various specifications according to your requirements. Composite and textured geomembrane products can also be customized according to different projects. The custom specifications are listed below.

3 What is the Difference Between Composite And Textured Geomembrane

3.1 Material Composition and Structure

The main difference is the material composition and structure. According to different needs, composite geomembranes are mainly divided into three types:

• One geotextile two geo Base geotextile fabric is 100~1000g/m², geomembrane thickness generally is 0.5~1.5mm;
• One geotextile one geo Base geotextile is 100~1000g/m², geomembrane thickness generally is 0.5~1.5mm;
• Two geotextiles one geo Base geotextile is 80~600g/m², geomembrane thickness generally is 0.5~1.5mm;

Textured Geomembrane are mainly divided into two types.

• One side textured geomembrane. Asperity Height from 0.25mm to 0.4mm
• Two side textured geomembrane. Asperity Height from 0.25mm to 0.4mm

3.2 Surface Texture Between Composite And Textured Geomembrane

The most apparent difference is the surface texture.

Composite geomembrane is composed of one or two layers of geotextile, which are combined with the geomembrane through hot melting. It remains the mechanical properties of base fabric and uniformity of film which improve the impermeability

The surface texture of textured geomembrane is rough and uneven, with a certain roughness. This texture is mainly achieved through the special process technology during the production process of the geomembrane. The surface texture of the textured geomembrane can effectively increase the contact area between the geomembrane and the soil, improve the anti-seepage performance and load-bearing capacity of the geomembrane, and enhance its anti-aging and wear resistance.

3.3 Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for textured geomembranes involves creating a surface with irregularities or patterns. Common methods of texturing include spray, Co-extruded, Embossing. The textured surface increases the friction between the geomembrane and the soil and enhances its stability.

The manufacturing process of composite geomembranes involves combining different layers of geosynthetic materials to create a product with specific engineering properties. Common bonding methods include Heat Welding, Adhesive Bonding, Calendering. The composite geomembrane has high physical and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear resistance, and burst resistance.

3.4 Anti-Slip Properties

Textured geomembranes are designed with an uneven surface that provides excellent anti-slip properties. This unique feature makes them highly suitable for applications in sloped terrains or areas where traction is of utmost importance. IThe geotextile layer(s) in a composite geomembrane can contribute to anti-slip properties indirectly. By providing additional strength and reinforcement to the geomembrane, the geotextile layer enhances the overall stability of the liner system.

3.5 Applications

Composite geomembranes and Textured geomembranes are widely used in many fields, The choice between composite and textured geomembranes depends on specific project requirements, such as impermeability, slope stability, and anti-slip properties.

Textured geomembrane is widely used for the following industries.

• Oil and gas. Chemical plant, Refinery, Oil storage tank, etc.
• Solid or Liquid waste treatment. Landfill, Waste water plant. Industrial or hospital waste treatment site anti-seepage
• Water conservancy project. River embankment, Lake dam. Tailing dam. Sewage dam and reservoir. Channel. Vertical wall. Slope protection seepage control.

Composite geomembrane applied to waterproofing lining of dam or canal and anti-pollution of waste plant, like landfill, mining and tailings, and more.

3.6 Price

The prices of composite geomembranes and textured geomembranes vary depending on factors such as brand, specification, material, etc. The specific price depends on different products, specifications and uses. And the volume of composite geomembrane is larger, so the total cost and transportation cost will be higher than that of textured geomembrane.

4 Conclusion

Composite geomembrane refers to a type of geomembrane liner that combines different materials to leverage their unique properties. These materials often include layers of geotextile and geomembrane, creating a composite structure with enhanced mechanical and hydraulic characteristics. The combination of materials provides improved puncture resistance, tear strength, and overall durability.

On the other hand, textured geomembrane refers to a geomembrane liner with a surface that is deliberately textured or patterned. This texturing is designed to enhance friction and increase the liner’s resistance to slippage on slopes or inclines. The textured surface provides additional stability, making it suitable for applications where slip resistance is crucial.

In summary, composite geomembranes involve the integration of different materials for enhanced performance, while textured geomembranes focus on the surface characteristics, specifically aiming to improve friction and stability. Both types find applications in various environmental and civil engineering projects for containment, seepage control, and slope reinforcement.

Composite geomembrane and textured geomembrane have different characteristics, applications, and costs. The selection of the appropriate geomembrane type depends on the specific requirements of the project, including the level of stability, anti-seepage protection needed, and the budget constraints. BPM Geosynthetics is leading geomembrane manufacturer with 13+ years of industrial experiences. If you have any questions or inquiries, please contact us at any time.

Thanks for reading.