2010 ICOLD Bulletin on geomembrane sealing systems for dams: Fid-Bau Portal

2010 ICOLD Bulletin on geomembrane sealing systems for dams

Koerner, Robert M. / Wilkes, John A.

For nearly five decades geomembranes have been used to provide water-proofing on various types of large dams including new and rehabilitated earth and earth/rock fill dams, concrete and masonry dams, and roller-compacted concrete dams. Most of the geomembranes have been installed in the dry, but some were also used for underwater sealing. In 2010, the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) published its Bulletin No. 135 on "Geomembrane Sealing Systems for Dams". The Bulletin supersedes and greatly expands upon two earlier versions published in 1981 (Bulletin 38) and 1991 (Bulletin 78). This new Bulletin cites 265 dams incorporating geomembranes. Of the total, 118 are in Europe, 48 in the United States, and 47 are in China. Since most of the experience gained to date is in Europe, the European Working Group on Geomembranes prepared the Bulletin (with the assistance of R. M. Koerner). The Bulletin describes geomembrane materials, testing and durability and illustrated various dam configurations. Various mechanical, physical, chemical and biological loads or agents can affect geomembranes. Each of these topics is discussed briefly. Then, the characteristics of geomembrane sealing systems (GSS) on different types of dams are presented. The Bulletin concludes with a brief section on quality control and another on guidance for technical content of contracts. It is published in English and French.