composite / Clay-Polymer / Membrane

Bentonite waterproofing sheet (4mm, 5mm)

Geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) with sodium bentonite between geotextiles. Typical properties include bentonite mass >4.2 kg/m2, swell index >=24 mL/2g, and hydraulic conductivity <=5 x 10^-10 m/s (ASTM D5887).

Atlas code
COM-CLY-MEM-001
compositeclay-polymerbentoniteGCLwaterproofingself-healingsustainable
Bentonite waterproofing sheet (4mm, 5mm)
At-a-glance signals

Geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) with sodium bentonite between geotextiles. Typical properties include bentonite mass >4.2 kg/m2, swell index >=24 mL/2g, and hydraulic conductivity <=5 x 10^-10 m/s (ASTM D5887).

Overview
Executive summary

Bentonite waterproofing sheets (GCLs) are geosynthetic clay liners consisting of sodium bentonite between geotextiles, mechanically bonded by needle-punching. Australian GCL data report total mass >4.5 kg/m2 with bentonite mass >4.2 kg/m2 (ASTM D5993) and swell index >=24 mL/2g (ASTM D5890). Hydraulic conductivity is typically <=5 x 10^-10 m/s (ASTM D5887), providing a low-permeability barrier for below-ground waterproofing and containment.

Best when…
  • Low hydraulic conductivity (<=5 x 10^-10 m/s) under ASTM D5887 index conditions
  • High swell index (>=24 mL/2g) and controlled bentonite mass per unit area (ASTM D5890/D5993)
  • Verified tensile/rupture and peel strengths via ASTM D6768/D6496
Top advantages
  1. 01 Low hydraulic conductivity (<=5 x 10^-10 m/s) under ASTM D5887 index conditions
  2. 02 High swell index (>=24 mL/2g) and controlled bentonite mass per unit area (ASTM D5890/D5993)
  3. 03 Verified tensile/rupture and peel strengths via ASTM D6768/D6496
Top limitations
  1. 01 Performance is product-specific and requires manufacturer data for design
  2. 02 Compatibility testing required for aggressive chemical environments
  3. 03 Heavy rolls require mechanical handling and installation planning
Technical
Physical ·5
Density
>=4500 g/m2 Total GCL mass per unit area (ASTM D5993) from Australian supplier data.
Water absorption
>600 % Coefficient of water absorption reported with ASTM D4643 for GCL bentonite.
UV resistance
72 hours Maximum exposure before cover required. Significant degradation after 6 months if unprotected
Chemical resistance
Good pH stability range 2-14
pH tolerance
12 pH range 2-14 Operational pH range
Mechanical ·3
Tensile strength
>10.4 kN/m Rupture/tensile strength (ASTM D6768) from Australian supplier data. Grab strength >600/800 N (ASTM D4632) and peel strength >120 N (ASTM D6496) are also reported for GCLs.
Shear strength
24 kPa Typical hydrated internal shear strength per ASTM D6243 (manufacturer data).
Creep resistance
Good
Sustainability & Health
No sustainability data recorded for this material.
Compliance & Fire
No compliance data recorded for this material.
Cost & Lifecycle
No cost or lifecycle data recorded for this material.
Layer D

Where it's used

Below-ground waterproofing for basements and foundations
Tunnel and underground structure waterproofing
Retaining wall waterproofing
Landfill base and cap lining systems
Mining heap leach pads and tailings dams
Agricultural and aquaculture pond lining
Contaminated land remediation barriers
Secondary containment for chemical storage
Green roof waterproofing systems
Marine and coastal structure protection
Cut-off walls and vertical barriers
Temporary dewatering applications
COM-CLY-MEM-001 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.