Geosynthetic clay liner with modified edges for improved sealing

摘要

A clay liner is provided for use in constructing low permeability barriers in the bottom of landfills and man-made bodies of water. The liner is provided in the form of a layer of bentonite preferably disposed between a primary carrier sheet and a cover sheet. At least one outer edge of either the cover sheet or the primary carrier sheet is made from a material that allows substantial bentonite migration through or includes a slit that enables bentonite to migrate through while the remaining areas of the cover sheet or primary carrier sheet are fabricated from a fabric that does not permit substantial bentonite migration. When two liners are disposed adjacent to each other in the bottom of the landfill or pond, the two liners are overlapped so that the more open portion of one liner engages the adjacent liner. Upon activation, the bentonite migrates through the more open fabric to create a seal between the two adjacent liners. The result is a self-sealing geosynthetic clay liner system.