GCLs provide an effective hydraulic seal

Geobarriers or Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are geosynthetic barriers widely used for sealing and containment applications. They are made of one needle-punched geotextile layer and one woven textile layer with a layer of highly waterproof sodium bentonite in between. They are known for their low permeability, high performance, and the ability to self-heal.

Extremely low permeability

GCLs are an effective barrier against liquids, vapours, and gases. GCL permeability is significantly lower than that of a typical compacted clay liner. In combination with geomembranes, it makes a practically impervious solution.

Self-restoration

Sodium bentonite is a natural clay that easily binds with water. It can swell up to 10 times its original volume. This enables it to self-heal any damages and punctures, and self-seam at the overlaps.

Easy to install

Installation is done using a spreader bar, which saves labour costs. No specialized crew is needed to handle the product. Your regular contractor can install GCL with conventional instruments following the installation guide.

Consistent performance

As opposed to compacted clay liners, GCL’s performance does not decrease because of cold, humidity or varying temperatures. There will be no cracks or leakage, and any damage will always be self-healed by swelling sodium bentonite.

Minimal maintenance

CLs do not require maintenance in normal conditions and have a service life of over 100 years. If you are expecting them to come in contact with contaminated soils or water, you should consider strengthening the solution with geomembranes.

Economical and eco-friendly

GCL’s carbon footprint is much lower than that of massive clay liners. You will require 150 times more compacted clay than GCLs for the same job. Transportation and installation are less resource-consuming and more cost-effective.

Applications:


  • Canals, stormwater impoundments and wetlands

  • Ground water protection

  • Structural waterproofing

  • Secondary containment

  • Landfill liners and cappings

  • Mining

  • Ponds

  • Structural waterproofing

Steel: The smarter choice

The strength and sustainability of steel provides durability and lifespan advantages for construction projects.
Find out more

Value engineering

With consultative problem solving and the versatility of steel, value engineering ensures adaptable, cost-effective solutions.
Find out more

Case studies

Discover the full range of real-world implementations and sustainability benefits of ViaCon solutions and expertise.
Find out more

Welcome to the ViaCon design toolkit

We have put together a selection of useful tools, calculators, information and downloadable resources to help you find what you need quickly and get the most out of your ViaCon system.
Design toolkit Contact us
* Contact us if you don’t have an account.