Sodium Bentonite

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Sodium bentonite is a clay mineral from the montmorillonite group. It is a natural ingredient found in clay deposits, lake and river bottoms. Sodium bentonite becomes a waterproofing material by acting as a geosynthetic clay cover bentonite membrane, which is interlocked in the middle of two geosynthetic layers that play the role of protection and reinforcement.

Sodium Bentonite Membrane Price

Since the prices of geosynthetic clay cover determined according to the weight per square meter are affected by various aspects such as the price of clay with high water retention capacity, transportation cost, geotextile weight and price, machine depreciation, electricity energy expenses, labor costs, insurance and subsistence expenses, it is priced at the Euro exchange rate and calculated and sold by converting into Turkish Lira. It is a geosynthetic clay cover with waterproof and airtight properties obtained by compositing Sodium Bentonite granules placed between woven geotextiles on one surface and non-woven geotextiles on the other surface. GCL, which is a sodium bentonite membranethat provides waterproofing thanks to its high swelling capacity when in contact with water, is a good insulation material. The non-woven geotextile structure penetrates into the fresh concrete, providing strength and preventing the passage of water through the concrete it enters. Sodium bentonite clays cure with water and swell to about 20 times its own volume. It provides waterproofing by gaining impermeability with an infinite working principle. Since bentonite structures are in continuous operation, they are also resistant to water leakage through fractures and cracks. This is the reason why it is preferred especially in foundation and curtain isolations where water is intense and in elevator wells where the pressure is the most intense. When environmental and seasonal water is taken into consideration, it is foreseen that a loss of cross-section and strength will occur in reinforcement and concrete with capillary effect.), difficulties in application and post-application protection of membranes (labor, failure to protect insulation, concrete weaknesses), self-repair, active operation as a foundation insulation material throughout the life of the structure; sodium bentonite-based geosynthetic clay cover will be appropriate for your foundations.

Benefits of Sodium Bentonite Clay Cover

There are no risks such as clumping or uneven distribution like dust insulation. The material works in settlement cracks or cracks that may occur in the grobet with the effect of foundation concrete pressure. It is a self-repairing material rather than the complete system being wasted in minor punctures such as membrane.
No need for protection concrete,
Saving time and cost compared to bituminous membranes made in double and triple layers
Bituminous membranes do not have a principle such as not working in the cold, that is, working in four seasons
It provides foundation production without grouting with the correct compression ratio. For the insulation to be made in the foundation, underground water level was not found in some of the drilling results and in some of them it was found. For this reason, we recommend a sodium bentonite clay membrane weighing 7000 g/m2 where water is visible and 5500 g/m2 where it is not. Sodium bentonite clay membrane acts as a hydraulic barrier – Excellent self-healing capacity – Low permeability – High flexibility and deformability – Chemical resistance

How is the Geosynthetic Clay Barrier Activated?

The basis of activated bentonites is naturally occurring calcium bentonites. Through alkaline (wet) activation, the original cation coating of calcium magnesium ions (Ca2+ or Mg2+ ions) of the interlayers is replaced by (Na+) sodium ions. In this way calcium bentonite is activated by conversion to sodium bentonite.

Functions of Sodium Bentonite Membrane

The engineering function of GCL is to provide containment as a hydraulic barrier against water, leachate or other liquids and sometimes gases. When hydrated under a confining load, bentonite swells to form a low permeable clay layer. ① Compactness: Sodium bentonite forms a high-density diaphragm at underwater pressure. When the thickness is about 3 mm, the water permeability is equal to 100 times the compactness of 30 cm thick clay. ② Permanent Waterproof Performance: Since sodium bentonite is a natural inorganic material, its waterproof performance is quite good as it does not age even after a long time or after the surrounding environment changes. Practical and Short Construction Period: Compared to other waterproofing membranes, installation is simple. It does not require heating, welding (thermal welding robot) and bonding. Bentonite membrane can be fixed with nail terminations and pressure lath if needed. No further processing is required after installation. GCL (geosynthetic clay cover membrane) has the shortest construction labor time among the existing waterproof materials. ④ Not Affected by Seasonal Conditions: It can be easily processed in cold climates as it is not brittle. There is no obstacle to the operation and application of the material in hot weather. Sodium bentonite membrane, which is a product that can be applied in all seasons, should not be applied only in rainy weather. ⑤ Waterproof Insulation: Bentonite in GCL can repair capillary cracks that may occur on concrete building surfaces. ⑥ Environmentally Friendly: Bentonite is a natural inorganic material that is harmless and non-toxic to the human body and has no special impact on the environment. ⑦ Low Cost High Performance: Improving construction efficiency, sodium bentonite membrane is suitable for anti-seepage projects in municipal (solid waste landfill), water and environmental protection, artificial lakes and foundation curtain waterproofing in constructions thanks to its application scope and conditions. It is more economical than geomembrane material and labor prices. ⑧ While traditional waterproofing membranes are difficult to apply at low temperatures, sodium bentonite membrane can be applied quite easily. Its application in rainy weather is not recommended. Since bentonite is an inorganic material, its durability is better than organic waterproofing materials.

Surface Preparation

Bentonite can be applied to damp concrete, but the concrete must be at least 48 hours old and free of puddles.
The subgrade surface on which the GCL will be laid must be free of sharp objects, organic matter and rocks larger than 50 mm in diameter. The subgrade should be compacted with the help of a dozer or grouted.

Sodium Bentonite Membrane Thickness

Bentonite clay membrane is usually around 4 mm – 8 mm. The weights per square meter are 3.5 kg, 4 kg, 4.5 kg, 5 kg, 5.5 kg, 6 kg, 6.5 kg and 7 kg. The most preferred among these is 5000 g/m2.
The sealing effect corresponds to the effect of a clay layer at least 40 cm thick. 3500 g bentonite membrane thickness 4 mm per m2,
4000 g bentonite membrane thickness 4.5 mm per m2,
4500 g bentonite membrane thickness 5 mm per m2,
5000 g bentonite membrane thickness 5.5 mm per m2,
5500 g bentonite membrane thickness per m2 is 6 mm,
6000 g bentonite membrane thickness per m2 is 6.5 mm,
6500 g bentonite membrane thickness per m2 is 7 mm,
7000 g bentonite membrane thickness per m2 is 8 mm.

Sodium Bentonite Membrane Repair

A patch can be made to cover the damaged membranes that are torn, cut or punctured. The patch can be cut with a utility knife. It is recommended to apply 1 patch on the bottom and 1 patch on top after applying a paste with bentonite powder into and around the patch.

What Should Be Considered When Transporting Sodium Bentonite Clay Membrane?

Delivery is made in rolls with a core winding core (inner diameter of the core cardboard is 7.5 cm). The rolls are wrapped in foil and prepared for shipment. The rolls weigh between 262 kg and 367 kg and have a diameter of approximately 45 cm. The granules required for flooring are supplied in 20 kg/bag sacks. It is recommended that vertical and horizontal transportation in construction sites is carried out with the help of forklifts or small construction machinery.

How to Store Sodium Bentonite Clay Cover?

Rolls should be stored on pallets and protected against moisture in a covered warehouse. Stacking can be pyramid-shaped in maximum 5 layers.

Sodium Bentonite Usage Areas

It is used in underground and dam construction structures, tunnel and subway insulation, accumulation of industrial wastes, Golf course construction and pools, Decorative ornamental pools,
Water retention of rivers, lakes and artificial agricultural irrigation ponds,
Prevention of leaks in petrochemical and other engineering fields,
Solid waste storage facilities, hazardous waste storage and mining storage areas,
Controlling weed growth.

Infrastructure Construction

Geosynthetic clay sealing membranes are applied in road and asphalt construction. It is aimed to protect groundwater and prevent the harmful effects caused by the release of water pollutants into traffic areas. It is used to delay the flow of surface water and protect groundwater. Here bentonite clay sealing membranes can replace mineral seals.

Sets and Hydraulic Structures

A classic application of geosynthetic clay sealing membranes is in trench and hydraulic engineering. Bentonite clay membranes are used to prevent water loss, to separate groundwater and surface water, to stabilize structures and to resist erosion. Examples of sealing in hydraulic engineering include reservoirs, ponds, dams, tunnels and water channels. The choice of geosynthetic clay sealing membrane as a sealing element in hydraulic engineering can vary depending on the project-specific conditions (4500 gm2 in a less waterlogged region versus 7000 gm2 in more waterlogged regions).

Rainwater Accumulation Ponds

Rainwater harvesting has become an increasingly important issue day by day. Open pools, artificial ponds and irrigation canals are provided to retain water by coating sodium bentonite membrane.

Solid Waste Facilities

Municipalities are required to permanently and safely store waste in landfills and disposal facilities to avoid environmental risks. Sodium bentonite membranes are suitable systems for sealing the bottom and surfaces of the landfill. Geosynthetic clay waterproofing membranes are used in surface waterproofing systems, waterproofing as a technical impermeability barrier.

Slope Protection

The use of sodium bentonite membrane in slope stabilization works as an alternative to non-structural shotcrete to protect from surface erosion caused by weathering, runoff and environmental degradation is increasing day by day.

Erosion Control

The construction and maintenance of a levee may require precautions, especially in soft soils, as it can be eroded by sliding and collapse or washed away by heavy rainfall. The flow, volume and velocity of water and the type of soil are factors that can lead to the erosion of embankments and even the collapse of a structure. While concrete can start to break and crack in the long term, the sodium bentonite membrane adapts perfectly to the rugged condition of the terrain, ensuring long-term use.

Construction Foundation and Curtain Waterproofing Applications

It is a functional product that can be successfully used in construction projects that require floor insulation. It is used in road asphalt works, railways, parking lots, airports construction bundling. Our product is robust and provides a solution that extends the solid quality of the surface and the life of the structure by reducing water permeability and acting as a barrier.

Durability of Sodium Bentonite Membrane

It is a waterproofing material that protects structures for many years as it is an extremely robust and durable composite material that does not deteriorate over time. It is resistant to drying and freeze-thaw cycles and maintains its hydraulic performance over multiple cycles.
Since this self-repairing system is between two concretes, it works in an infinite cycle throughout the life of the concrete. For detailed communication about geosynthetic sodium bentonite clay membrane and geosynthetic clay membrane application prices, fill out our form and we will call you!