How Stratec's Sustainable GCL Bentonite Liners help enhance SuDs on-site
Embracing Sustainable Construction with Bentonite Liners for SuDS
As the construction industry increasingly prioritises sustainability, the use of naturally-derived products is easing the challenge of creating environmentally-friendly projects. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are an important focus in this drive towards greener construction, offering a way to manage surface water more efficiently while delivering substantial environmental benefits. Among the solutions available, bentonite liners are emerging as a leading choice due to their natural composition and impressive performance.
SuDS liners play a crucial role in various development projects, forming essential components in ponds, detention basins, and swales, as well as providing ground protection under roads and railways. Bentonite liners, a type of geosynthetic clay liner, are growing in popularity as a sustainable solution with strong environmental credentials. These liners are made by sandwiching bentonite clay between woven and non-woven geotextile layers. When hydrated and covered with a layer of soil, the bentonite clay particles expand, creating an impermeable barrier that effectively manages surface water.
One of the most significant advantages of bentonite liners is their robustness. These liners are highly resistant to punctures and offer long-term protection against groundwater seepage, making them ideal for various applications. In the rare event that a bentonite liner is torn or damaged by sharp rocks or debris, its natural composition enables it to "self-heal." This is due to its high swelling capacity, which allows the clay particles to expand and seal any punctures. This unique self-healing property greatly reduces the risk of leaks and further enhances the durability of the liner.
The durability of bentonite liners makes them particularly attractive for public sector projects, where environmental sustainability is a key procurement value. These liners are now widely used in infrastructure projects, such as roads and railways, to seal the subsoil and protect groundwater. They are also employed in SuDS components like ponds, detention basins, and swales, where their impermeability is crucial for effective surface water management.
In addition to their strength, bentonite liners offer significant advantages in terms of installation. Unlike synthetic liners, which often require specialised labour, welding, and specific weather conditions for fitting, bentonite liners are far more versatile. They do not need welding or taping and can be installed without any power source, making them particularly suitable for projects with tight schedules or those located in remote areas. This flexibility helps developers avoid delays and reduces labour costs.
Bentonite liners also provide slope stability and can accommodate undulating ground, ensuring that upper layers of subsoil remain stable. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of construction applications. By comparison, polymer or rubber liners can be challenging to install during wet or windy weather and often require on-site welding, which can lead to additional costs and complications. Moreover, synthetic liners lack the environmental benefits that bentonite liners naturally provide.
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While the initial cost of bentonite liners may be higher than traditional synthetic options, the ease of installation and reduced risk of weather-related delays make them more cost-effective in the long run. The savings in time and labour, along with reduced downtime, mean that the overall cost of using bentonite liners can be comparable to or even lower than that of standard SuDS liners.
One of the few criticisms of bentonite liners is their weight. The material is relatively heavy, which can impact delivery and installation methods. Proper planning is required to accommodate the use of heavy machinery during installation. However, the ability to install bentonite liners in any weather conditions can offset this issue, allowing teams to coordinate their efforts more efficiently with other on-site activities.
In conclusion, bentonite liners are becoming the preferred choice for contractors and housebuilders who aim to reduce costs, avoid delays, and meet critical sustainability objectives. By partnering with trusted suppliers and leveraging the expertise available, developers can capitalise on the numerous benefits of bentonite liners, making them a key component of modern, sustainable construction projects.
I have been with Stratec Geosynthetics since the late 1980's and the company has been involved in the world of geosynthetics since they first started in the UK in the 1970's and can provide reliable trustworthy advice for any contractor, client, engineer in an unbiased opinion.