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GCL4500 - Delivery, Storage & Handling

Delivery & Storage

GCL4500 is usually provided in rolls with a width of 5.1m and a length of 40m. Rolls can be also offered in other dimensions, depending on customer needs. The range of possible widths is 1 m to 5.1m, and they can have the length specified by the customer. Average roll diameter is approximately 60 cm, and the weight is approximately 1000 kg. Wrekin GCL4500 rolls are wound on tubes with an inner diameter of 10 cm. Every roll is packed in a plastic, UV resistant sleeve. All rolls are marked with a label containing the information about dimensions, lot and a unique, traceable roll number.

We supply a 20 kg bag of bentonite powder for each roll of Wrekin GCL4500. For rolls with prefabricated overlaps we supply one bag to every 3 rolls. The bag is meant for application in the overlapping areas. Each roll is equipped with a set of two lifting straps. It is recommended to put a steel core inside the roll while unloading material from the truck to prevent bending of the roll.

While storing Wrekin rolls do not place them directly on the ground but on pallets or similar constructions underneath. Rolls should not be stacked in more than 4 rolls high. Wrekin rolls should not be directly exposed to the bad weather conditions during the storage. All rolls shall be covered with a plastic sheet or a tarpaulin. Do not remove the plastic sleeves prior to installation.

Handling

The CQA inspector shall verify whether handling equipment does not pose any danger to installation personnel or risk of damage/deformation to the liner material itself. Suitable handling equipment is described below:

  1. Spreader Bar Assembly - A spreader bar assembly shall include both a core pipe or bar and a spreader bar beam. The core pipe shall be used to uniformly support the roll when inserted through the GCL core while the spreader bar beam will prevent chains or straps from chafing the roll edges.
  2. Stinger - A stinger is a rigid pipe or rod with one end directly connected to a forklift or other handling equipment. If a stinger is used, it should be fully inserted into the roll to prevent  excessive bending of the roll when lifted.
  3. Straps – A properly structured and supported pole or “carpet puller” can be used to unload GCL rolls on site. As an alternative, straps that are appropriately rated and located across the roll can be used as an approved lifting method to unload GCL rolls.

Product & Quality

Our products are developed according to customer requirements and design specifications, while complying with EN 13361:2004/A1:2006, EN 13362:2005, EN 13491:2004/A1:2006, EN  13492:2004/A1:2006, EN  13493:2005, EN ISO 13967:2012, EN 15382:2013.

For customers who work in markets that require special regulations, Wrekin offer products certified by their regional chambers. In case of not having such certificates, Wrekin proceeds to obtain them. In this way, our products are approved for sale and use throughout the world, and guarantee the highest quality in accordance with the requirements of individual markets.

Wrekin only works with the best and proven raw material suppliers. Vendors are certified and are leading manufacturers in their industry. The delivery control system in accordance with the Quality Book and ISO requirements ensures that our products are manufactured from the best components available on the market.

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) from Wrekin guarantee the highest quality and specification compliance through the manufacturing process and selection of the highest quality components.
GCL is a layer of self-sealing and self-healing bentonite encapsulated between a minimum of two layers of geotextiles.

The primary product consists of a carrier layer on which a layer of bentonite is applied and then covered with an upper layer. The product is finished by a needling process that makes our GCL resistant to peeling, so that layers cannot separate from each other and blocks the bentonite displacement inside the mat. This guarantees an even distribution of bentonite on the entire surface of the GCL, so its waterproofing properties are the same on the entire protected surface.

Depending on project requirements and specifications, Wrekin use different combinations of geotextiles in production. From the simplest GCL consisting of a woven in the carrier layer and a non-woven in the cover layer, to products based on non-woven in both layers, to the most durable products based on multi-layer composites in the carrier layer.

The amount of bentonite used in the production of our GCLs is selected for the required waterproofing properties, or customized to meet customer needs. For projects demanding complete waterproofing, our GCLs are offered with an additional geomembrane layer.

Overlap Markings – a minimum overlap guideline and a construction match-line delineating the overlap zone shall be imprinted on both edges of the GCL panel to ensure the accuracy of the seam. These lines shall be used during CQA to ensure the minimum overlap is achieved. The minimum overlap guideline shall indicate where the edge of the panel must be placed in order to achieve the correct overlap for each panel.

 

After delivery inspection

  1. Each roll shall be visually inspected when unloaded to determine if any packaging or material has been damaged during transit.
  2. Repairs to damaged GCL shall be performed in accordance with installation manual:
    1. Minor rips or tears in the plastic packaging shall be repaired with moisture resistant gluing tape prior to being placed in storage to prevent moisture damage.
    2. Rolls with visible damage shall be marked and set aside for closer examination during deployment
    3. GCL rolls delivered to the project site shall be only those indicated on GCL manufacturing Internal Test Reports (ITR).
    4. In case of GCL, the presence of water in the package requires the removal of water from the roll package and closer examination before the deployment.
  3. Preserve integrity and readability of roll labels.

Unloading

The party directly responsible for unloading the rolls should refer to this manual prior to arrival of the material in order to make sure they have proper unloading equipment and know the procedure. The unloading and on-site handling should be appropriately supervised. During the unloading procedure all material lot and roll numbers should be recorded and compared to the packing list. In addition, each roll of GCL should also be visually inspected to determine if there is no perforation in the packaging or other visual material damage.

Accumulation of some moisture within roll packaging is normal and does not affect the product quality.

The exact nature and extent of the damage should also be indicated on the CMR / Bill of Lading along with the specific lot and roll numbers of the damaged materials. Photos of the damaged goods on the truck are required.

Unloading the truck at the construction site is carried out either by forklifts, wheel loaders, excavators or by means of built-in truck cranes.

Unloading the truck at the construction site is carried out either by forklifts, wheel loaders, excavators or by means of built-in truck cranes.

A suitable crossbeam can be used also for the unloading.  The crossbeam pipe (with a maximum diameter of 8 cm) is thrust through the core of the rolls and attached at the ends with chains, belts or ropes to the crossbeam. The unloading is carried out upwards.

GCL Roll

If there is no crossbeam available, at least 2 belts are wound around the rolls. The unloading is carried out smoothly upwards or laterally via e.g. crane.
Another unloading option is a forklift, to which a stable mandrel is attached. The truck is unloaded from the back in this manner. Under no circumstances should the rolls be dragged from the truck since the geosynthetic clay liner  may be damaged significantly.

The GCL may also be delivered in shipping containers. In these cases, different unloading equipment and techniques must be employed. Because of limited access to the GCL rolls, it is usually necessary to utilize an extendable-boom forklift with a pole carpet (stinger) attachment.
The rolls are removed by inserting the stinger through the roll cores and lifting/pulling the rolls from the container. To each container we add several loading straps - thanks to that rolls can be tied up - it makes it easier to remove the rolls from the container.

GCL Hanger

Storage

The GCL may be stored at a project site indefinitely, provided that proper storage procedures are followed.

GCL roll stack

Firstly, a dedicated storage area should be identified. This area should be leveled, dry, well drained, and located away from high-traffic areas of the job site. In the warehouse and on site, bentonite mats should be placed on underlying material (wooden beams, pallets, plastic profiles etc.) to avoid unnecessary material wetting by rain during storage. Rolls should not be stacked in more than 4 rolls high.

GCL roll stack 2

Long-term storage of material in a warehouse or on a construction site requires periodic inspection of the condition of the packaging. The polyethylene sleeves of the GCL rolls should be examined for any obvious rips or tears. Sleeve damage should be repaired immediately with adhesive tape or additional plastic sheeting. At this point it is also recommended to examine the labels - if they were displaced in transit, they should be taped to the roll.

GCL roll stack 3

Wrekin GCL should not be directly exposed to the elements during the storage. Cover all rolls with a plastic sheet or a tarpaulin. Do not remove the plastic sleeves prior to installation.

NOTE:
The temperature of the surrounding environment has no degrading effect on the quality of Wrekin membranes even when stored for long periods.

Related pages

Knowledge base article

Geosynthetic clay liner installation guide

Installation guide for geosynthetic clay liners.

Product range

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL)

Geosynthetic Clay Liners are mechanically bonded, comprising of pulverised bentonite embedded between two layers of geotextile. Additional bentonite is added to the overlap edges for ease of sealing.
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