GCL
High-Performance Geo-Clay Liners for Low Permeability Barriers
Geo-Clay-Liners (GCL) are composite barriers created by encapsulating a bentonite layer between two geotextiles, typically through a needle-punching process. When hydrated, the bentonite expands to form a highly effective low-permeability lining system, ideal for creating geological barriers and waterproofing systems. These liners provide reliable protection in a variety of environmental and construction projects, where controlling water movement and contamination is critical.
Backed by Maccaferri’s decades of experience in geotechnical solutions, GCL can also be laminated with polymeric films or thin membranes to further reduce permeability and enhance durability for demanding applications. Whether it’s used in landfills, mining operations, or environmental containment, Maccaferri’s expertise ensures that GCL systems deliver long-term performance and reliability, offering the best in barrier technology for challenging conditions.
Success Stories
Built, not just drawn
Discover more
LOW PERMEABILITY LINING AT KUNINGAN DAM
Indonesia
A section of the access road at Kuningan Dam Project (Kuningan - Jawa Barat) needed to be protected from water intrusion. The access road which is located at Sesar Area has location very close to the water dam. Because of the lack of low permeable soil on the site, a low permeability geosynthetic was proposed as an alternative solution. Geosynthetic Clay Liner called MacLine GCL W10 by Maccaferri was selected considering its easy installation method and endurance to be installed directly on the existing coarse-grained soil.
Discover more
MICOROSA ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION PROJECT
The Micorosa area, designated as a National Interest Site (SIN), posed significant environmental challenges due to the presence of an industrial waste landfill. The critical environmental levels in this SIN area necessitated a permanent security intervention. The project, authorized by the Italian Ministry of the Environment, aimed to address the persistent issues through capping and physical girdling using a plastic diaphragm.
Discover more
TANA TORAJA AIRPORT PARAMESH
Indonesia
The new airport runway is 2 km long and approximately 210 m wide, suitable for ATR type aircrafts. Since a plane surface is required for the construction of the runway, and due to the presence of hills and spurs clashing with the runway area, massive cut and fill heart works have to be undertaken in order to get the required level of runway. Thus, the filling soil has to be retained with technically suitable and economically feasible structures. It is worth to note that the maximum embankment height to be retained is almost 40 m. The main technical constraints have been: the high seismicity of the area, the heavy rainfall encountered every year and the presence of clay shale foundation soils. Clay shales are originally dry and hard with high shear strength, but when they absorb water during the unloading process, they can rapidly turn to stiff or even to soft clay with extremely low shear strength. For this reason, excavation and construction operations require noteworthy care and adequate planning in order to minimize the exposure of the foundation soils to weathering agents.
Discover more
Deep dive into
GCL
What we can do with
GCL
Get in touch with us
[contactForm_txtSuccessSubmit]