Abstract: A geosynthetic clay liner is disclosed for providing barriers in landfills that substantially preclude the migration of liquids. The geosynthetic clay liner includes a layer of bentonite disposed between a primary carrier sheet and a cover sheet. The primary carrier sheet and the cover sheet are linked via plurality of tufting threads. A bight or loop portion of the tufting thread extends through to the undersurface of the lower or primary carrier sheet and is partially melted to prevent the bight portion from slipping back through the primary carrier sheet. The partially melted bight portions create an under surface with a high coefficient of friction thereby enabling the geosynthetic clay liner to be installed on steep slopes or banks of landfills or ponds.

Abstract: A friction enhancing material is applied to at least one surface of the geosynthetic clay liner. The placement of friction enhancing material on the surface of the liner that engages a slope or embankment of a landfill helps the liner maintain its position during and after installation. The improved frictional contact between the liner and the slope or embankment permits use of bentonite liners on steeper slopes or embankments and therefore enables more efficient construction of landfills. The friction enhancement material may also be applied to the surface to improve contact between the upper surface of the geosynthetic clay liner and the cover soil. The friction enhancement material may be high density polyethylene, EVA, rubbers and other polymeric materials.

Abstract: A geosynthetic clay liner is provided for installation in landfill sites equipped with lower drainage systems. The self-sealing bentonite mat precludes substantial migration of bentonite downward during activation thereby avoiding clogging of the drainage systems with activated bentonite. Overlap extensions disposed on outer edges of the liners effectively contain the activated bentonite. The bentonite mat, or geosynthetic clay liner, does not require a first protective layer of geotextile material disposed below the bentonite clay liners to protect the drainage system.

Abstract: 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 with the fabric that is allows substantial bentonite migration 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.