Tunnels
Geomembranes for tunnel
The construction of tunnels and galleries requires major upfront investment in geological and geophysical studies. Once the excavation, support and waterproofing is complete, a final, permanent covering is applied to hide all previous work for the remaining useful life of the structure.Tunnel waterproofing types
From the support viewpoint and construction methods, tunnel and underground gallery waterproofing are classified as follows:
Tunnel construction with shortcrete support.
Most geotextile and geomembrane applications in tunnel construction are included here. Waterproofing is with a geotextile and a geomembrane installed in the final work stage. i.e. when the support has been fitted, drainage waters collected an regularisation carried out. After placing the waterproofing, the definitive structural covering id laid.
Tunnel construction with voussoir or segment support
An important field is that of tunnels built without shotcrete support, but which incorporate voussoir or segments (prefabricated reinforced concrete or steel elements). Waterproofing with geomembrane is merely circumstantial depending on each case.
Opencut tunnels and galleries
This is an important geomembrane and geotextile application where waterproofing is done outside the covering. The geotextile is laid over this to mechanically protect the geomembrane of the land filling and evacuate filtration water on its plane, even under strong compression pressures.
Another type of open cut underground construction
In each specific case, these waterproofing require specific treatment depending on construction technique and design details.
Tunnel repairs
In tunnels where the dimensions allow it or the road surface can be lowered, existing tunnels may be waterproofed analogously to those newly built.
Special Applications
Pressure or drainage galleries, footplates against vault or ventilation shafts.
Geomembranes and geotextiles for waterproofing tunnels
The waterproofing is achieved using geomembranes, protective geotextiles and sometimes geocomposites for drainage. This means it is extremely important, both technically and economically, to consider durability and the capacity to adapt to the internal stabilisation and consolidation of the bored soil and covering.Why choose our solutions for waterproofing tunnels?
Choosing the right materials is an essential part of tunnel projects and this is reflected in tunnel regulations that now require the use of polyolefin geomembranes for waterproofing tunnels, since these are the only materials that can ensure extreme durability without altering their properties, maintaining high and stable deformation parameters.
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