Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 23

The use of bituminous
geomembranes in
reservoir applications
By Natalie Daly, Emilio Escobar and Ted Aguirre
T
he relentless growth of the global population over successive
decades has placed a significant strain on the demand for
food and potable water resources, necessitating a more efficient
approach to water storage reservoirs. As the prevalence of drought
intensifies, it becomes imperative to address the inherent challenges
associated with traditional reservoir construction, which
often includes soil with inadequate waterproofing capabilities
and concrete sections susceptible to seepage through cracking
within a relatively short span. This article explores the viability
of geosynthetic lining as a sustainable solution for reservoirs. The
selection of a suitable material is crucial, requiring characteristics
that facilitate efficient installation across diverse weather conditions,
cost competitiveness, and resilience to weathering when left
exposed, all while allowing for easy maintenance. The bituminous
geomembrane (BGM) emerges as a noteworthy option, boasting
a low thermal expansion coefficient, a density greater than 1 kg/
m3, and a proven track record of longevity when exposed. Its
flexibility and bituminous properties enable smooth connections
to various surfaces.
This article provides a concise overview of the advantageous
features of BGMs and discusses their application in two reservoir
case studies. In the United States, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
(USBR) partnered with the Roza Irrigation District to line an
entire irrigation scheme reservoir and associated canals within
the Columbia River Basin. Meanwhile, in Chile, raw water storage
reservoirs were lined to support the water treatment plant of the
Santiago potable water system. Notably, the methodology in Chile
Natalie Daly, P.Eng, PMP, is a
professional civil engineer and
project manager with over 10 years
of experience in geosynthetics. She
works as the managing director
for Eastern North Americas at
Axter Coletanche, a bituminous
geomembrane manufacturer.
Emilio Escobar is with Iko Coletanche
Sudamérica in Santiago, Chile.
Ted Aguirre is with Axter Coletanche
Inc, in Vancouver, Canada.
All photos courtesy of Axter Coletanche except
where noted.
GeosyntheticsMagazine.com
23

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Geosynthetics April/May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics April/May 2024

Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - Cover1
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - Cover2
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 1
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 2
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 3
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 4
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 5
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 6
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 7
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 8
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 9
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Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - 12
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Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - Cover3
Geosynthetics April/May 2024 - Cover4
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