A Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) is a manufactured alternative to compacted clay or plastic liners for a variety of liquid containment and separation applications.

(link directly to GCL Case Studies - Here) (Link directly to GCL Download - Here)

1. A GCL consists of a layer of high swelling sodium bentonite encapsulated between two geotextiles.

2. The bentonite can may swell as much as 250 times its volume.

3. The GCL is placed on a prepared subgrade and covered with 12” of soil.

4. As the sodium bentonite hydrates in the GCL, an extremely low permeability hydraulic barrier results

5. GCLs only require a 6” minimum overlap for side to side seams and some loose Bentonite for end-to-end seams.

6. Sodium Bentonite GCLs swell to seal around penetrations and will self heal up to 1" holes.

7. GCLs can replace clay cores or ,

8. full basin linings for a more cost effective and environmentally friendly application.

9. GCLs are rolled goods that only require small equipment a minimum amount of labor for installation,

10. and can facilitate installation on steep slopes and other difficult placement areas.

11. One truckload of GCL can replace up to 200 truckloads of compacted clay

12. The 200 trucks of hauled clay can represent significant noise, dust, sediment and non-point source pollution.

13. Typical GCL basin application during construction.

14. Typical GCL basin application completed.

15. Typical GCL basin berm applications.

16. Typical GCL basin berm applications.