Bentonite particles swell upon contact with water, forming a uniform colloidal system. Under the constraint of two layers of geotextile, the bentonite expands from a disordered state to an ordered one, and the continuous water absorption and expansion results in the compaction of the bentonite layer, thus providing waterproofing.
Seepage Prevention Principle: The mineralogical name for bentonite is montmorillonite. Natural bentonite is mainly divided into two categories based on its chemical composition: sodium-based and calcium-based. Bentonite has the characteristic of swelling upon contact with water. When calcium-based bentonite swells, it expands to only about three times its original volume, while sodium-based bentonite absorbs five times its own weight in water, expanding to 15-17 times its original size or more. This sodium-based bentonite is locked between two layers of geosynthetic material, providing protection and reinforcement, giving the GCL a certain overall shear strength.
Features
1.Denseness: Sodium bentonite forms a high-density diaphragm under water pressure. At a thickness of approximately 3mm, its permeability is below 5×10⁻¹¹ m/s, equivalent to 100 times the density of 30cm thick clay, exhibiting strong self-water-retaining properties.
2. Permanent Waterproofing:As sodium bentonite is a natural inorganic material, it will not age or corrode even after long periods or changes in the surrounding environment, thus ensuring long-lasting waterproofing.
3. Easy Construction:Compared to other waterproofing materials, construction is relatively simple, requiring no heating or adhesives. It only requires bentonite powder, nails, washers, etc., for connection and fixation. No special inspection is needed after construction, and any waterproofing defects are easy to repair. GCL has the shortest construction period among existing waterproofing materials.
4. Unaffected by Temperature:It will not become brittle in cold climates.
5. Integration of Waterproofing Material and Surface: Sodium-based bentonite expands 20-28 times its original size when exposed to water. Even if the concrete structure experiences vibration and settlement, the bentonite within the GCL can repair cracks up to 2mm in the concrete surface.
6. Green and Environmentally Friendly: Bentonite is a natural inorganic material with no significant environmental impact and excellent environmental performance.
Product Features: High performance-to-price ratio, extremely wide range of applications. Product width up to 6 meters, greatly improving construction efficiency.
Application Scope and Conditions: Suitable for municipal (landfill), water conservancy, environmental protection, artificial lakes, and underground waterproofing and seepage prevention projects in buildings.
