Ponds, Permanent Pools & Geosynthetic Clay Liners

[mbherlihy]

Pond design, I need to sustain a permanent pool of water...

Does anyone use, or recently spec'ed a popular manufactured clay liner?

I would like to suggest a popular brand to our client, if possible.

My calcs show that I need an impenetrable ground surface. I am reading as much as I can on liners, I've seen the Benomatic liners,.. clay is embedded in the fabric (called a clay liner). But not comfortable on this topic.

 

[jgailla]

We would typically use a 30-mil PVC liner to maintain a permanent pool under low head conditions. We are usually using them in the opposite way, to avoid wetland drawdown when a wet detention pond is near the wetland. These are cheaper and easier to install than the clay liners, but I wouldn't use the PVC liner in a critical situation without extensive construction supervision.

 

[civilperson]

Bentonite placed from a rowboat at 1/4 to 1/2 pound per sq ft is cost effective.

 

[mbherlihy]

jgailla,
do you have a specific manufacture in mind.

civilperson,
we will be constructing the pond, there is not a standing body of water....i think you're scenario assumes a standing body of water, correct?

 

[jgailla]

mbherlily,
I do not have a specific manufacturer in mind. If you google "PVC liner", you will get many manufacturers, ASTM references, and model specifications. A contractor friend of mine recently put in a liner to maintain permanent pool in a very sandy environment with a low groundwater table. I'll see if I can get some more information.
What is your specific situation, soil type, groundwater depth, etc?