The development of anti-seepage technology with geomembrane on reservoirs and dams in China

A series of representative projects of reservoirs and dams with impermeable barrier of geomembrane have been built through the continuing practice for more than 30 years since the 1980s in China. Up to now, the main physical and mechanical characteristics of PE and PVC geomembranes have been known well. The basic achievements have been gained on characters of structure with impermeable barrier of geomembrane. The design approaches based on the basic mechanics have been applied. The analysis ability of digital simulation have been strengthened, and the construction technology has been improved on structure with impermeable barrier of geomembrane. The limitation of height of dams constructed by impermeable barrier of geomembrane has been basically relieved the latest codes and specifications.