Polymeric geomembranes for bridging discontinuities in dams' faces

Discontinuities in dams' faces, e.g. joints and cracks, can be critical sources of leakage and require sealing. Polymeric geomembrane systems, in use since the 1950s in new construction and rehabilitation of dams of any type, can be conceived to line the whole dam face, or only critical sections. These systems, properly designed and installed, can be a safe, cost-effective and long-standing waterproofing solution. The paper describes the design of geomembrane systems for bridging discontinuities, and several application projects. …