Waterproofing of hydraulic structures with geomembranes
Hydraulic infrastructures need waterproofing barriers that are deformable, able to withstand displacements, and durable. Equally important are construction, freedom from routine maintenance and durability.
Geomembranes offer a number of advantages.
Geomembranes protect structures from water infiltration, which is detrimental to their life and safety, and prevent water leakage into slopes from affecting their stability and, ultimately, the integrity of structures.
They resist ground settlement, differential movements between adjacent blocks of the structure, or between deformable parts and rigid appurtenances, which exert very high stresses.
The installation of geomembranes involves lighter logistics and shorter construction times than conventional waterproofing solutions, such as concrete/asphalt facings or clay/asphalt concrete cores.
Geomembranes allow the use of local materials, avoid treatment and reduce the volume of fill. The environmental impact is considerably reduced.
Geomembranes do not require routine maintenance. Accidental damage can be repaired underwater, with no downtime costs.
Carpi, our geomembrane specialist subsidiary
Within the Freyssinet Group, the major specialist in waterproofing geomembranes is Carpi, which is a Swiss-based subsidiary with extremely international activities.
Carpi geomembrane waterproofing solutions differ depending on the type of structure, the loads involved and the specific requirements of each project. The geomembrane installed over the entire surface of the structure in contact with water can be fully exposed, partially or fully covered, or installed as an external water stop at the joints.
For fully exposed geomembranes, we offer a range of face anchorage systems, some of which are patented, placed along parallel lines or at specific points. Ballast layers can be made of concrete, reinforced concrete, shotcrete or granular materials.
- 48New dams
- 13New reservoirs
- 40New traffic tunnels
Why choose Carpi geomembranes for your project
01. Expertise of a specialist since 1963
02. Durable watertightness
03. High resistance to loads
04. Quick installation
From project analysis to... implementation
Project analysis, testing and solution design
The technical teams at Carpi are made up of civil, hydraulic and geotechnical engineers with the expertise to analyse problems and develop the best design for each specific project. They can provide multiaxial testing on scale models, full-scale testing, even underwater, and digital modeling.
Their involvement upstream of the projects, whenever possible, helps to optimize the waterproofing solution on the technical, economic and planning aspects.
Manufacturing and supply
All components of our waterproofing solutions are produced by ISO-certified manufacturers, according to our specifications and under CE marking. They are selected, checked, packed, shipped and delivered to site according to strict quality control procedures.
Installation of the waterproofing solution
Installation procedures depend on the type of structure, the substructure, the composition of the waterproofing system and its anchoring. The steps critical to the long-term effectiveness of the waterproofing system are performed by Carpi’s highly specialized technicians, or by local technicians approved by Carpi after appropriate training and supervised by Carpi.
The same quality assurance standards are applied to all projects, regardless of their size and location.
Carpi, the Freyssinet's waterproofing specialist
Visit their websiteCarpi, the Freyssinet's waterproofing specialist
Visit their websiteExposed drained geomembranes
Exposed geomembrane with tensioning profiles
- High durability
- Excellent resistance to
high water pressure
and high water speed - Effective drainage system
Exposed geomembrane with anchor trenches
- Resists settlements
and differential movements - Quick construction,
early commissioning - Low environmental footprint
Exposed geomembrane with anchor wings
- Resists settlements
and differential movements - Quick construction,
early commissioning - Cost-effective solution
Exposed geomembranes with deep point anchors
- Ensure stability on subgrades
with low pull-out strength - Resists settlements
and differential movements - Low environmental footprint
Exposed geomembrane with tensioning profiles
- High durability
- Excellent resistance to
high water pressure
and high water speed - Effective drainage system
Exposed geomembrane with anchor trenches
- Resists settlements
and differential movements - Quick construction,
early commissioning - Low environmental footprint
Exposed geomembrane with anchor wings
- Resists settlements
and differential movements - Quick construction,
early commissioning - Cost-effective solution
Exposed geomembranes with deep point anchors
- Ensure stability on subgrades
with low pull-out strength - Resists settlements
and differential movements - Low environmental footprint
Covered geomembranes
The following options are available:
- concrete panels in which the geomembrane is embedded – for RCC dam facings
- reinforced concrete for hydrotunnels, transport tunnels and shafts
- granular materials for embankments.
In some cases, the cover layer is applied partially to sections that require it, or to fit a part of a structure of different design.
The design of the perimeter seals is site specific, the installation closely follows the construction schedule.
Covered geomembranes - Heavy and rigid covers
- Total protection
- Proven technique
- Can be used for partial covers
Covered geomembranes - Granular covers
- Total protection
- Environmentally friendly
- Resist settlements
and differential movements
Covered geomembranes - Heavy and rigid covers
- Total protection
- Proven technique
- Can be used for partial covers
Covered geomembranes - Granular covers
- Total protection
- Environmentally friendly
- Resist settlements
and differential movements
External water stops
External water stops
- Resist differential movements
- No interference with
the construction of the structure - Can be inspected at all times
External water stops
- Resist differential movements
- No interference with
the construction of the structure - Can be inspected at all times
Carpi, the Freyssinet's waterproofing specialist
Visit their websiteCarpi, the Freyssinet's waterproofing specialist
Visit their websiteContact us
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