International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) - Bulletin 135 - Geomembrane sealing systems for Dams

Prepared by the European working group , 2010, p.468 This new edition in 2010 cites 280 dams and updates the data and recommendations of the first two 38 and 78 Bulletins. It reviews the new information and practices that have appeared in the meantime, which include application of geomembrane as the only watertight element in fill dams, in Roller Compacted Concrete dams, as external joints on Roller Compacted Concrete dams, as underwater repair of dams on gravity dams and on Roller Compacted Concrete dams. Table of contents: Introduction Materials, testing, ageing Loads applied to geomembrane sealing systems (GSS) Introduction Mechanical loads Physical, chemical and biological attack Geomembranes for new constructon and rehabilitation of fill dams General Loading The upstream system The internal system Placement Typical examples Geomembrane on concrete and masonry dams Range of apllications Design principles Loads Geomembrane sealing system - general concepts Installation techniques Typical examples Geomembranes for roller compacted concrete dams: new construction, rehabilitation and induced joints Range of apllications Design principles Loads Geomembrane sealing system - general concepts Installation techniques Typical examples Special cases General Systems as repair of joints and cracks System on induced contraction joints Type of geomembrane Underwater applications Typical Examples Control of quality of geomembrane sealing system Foreward Quality control and quality assurance MQC items Procedures to assure survival CQC items Guidance on technical content of contracts General considerations Technical specifications Installation plan and schedule QC plan Acceptance criteria of performed works Warranty Bill of quantities and conditions Concluding remarks Annexes Appendix 1 - data base for the 290 dams in which geomembranes have been used Appendix 2 - list of geomembrane technology terms and definitions Appendix 3 - the leading references on testing standards and on the use of geomembranes and their application on various dams.