BENTONITE

GEOCOMPOSITE
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EBOOK BENTONITE
GEOCOMPOSITE FOR CONSTRUCTION
A practical guide to learn everything you need regarding
this innovative waterproofing system based upon the
combination of geotextile membranes and bentonite to
produce a unique bentonite geocomposite fabric that
guarantees high performance and durability. Thanks to
the bentonite's great capacity for swelling, in addition to
the high resistance of the geotextile fabric, bentonite
geocomposites are capable of covering concrete cracks,
ground settlements, shrinkage or seismic action.

+info en >>> www.texdelta.com

GEOMESH • GEOTEXTILES • GEOCOMPOSITES • GEOSYNTHETICS• NON WOVEN MATERIALS

EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

What are geocomposite fabrics?

1 Page 1

How does bentonite work?

2 Page 1

3 main advantages of using

3 bentonite geocomposite Page 2

DLT Bentonite Max the Texdelta

4 bentonite geocomposite Page 3

5 Application areas of the

bentonite geocomposite Page 4

Installation of the bentonite

6 geocomposite Page 5

Application in unique areas of the

7 bentonite geocomposite Page 6

Typology of bentonite
8 geocomposites Page 8

This work is subject to the Creative Commons Attribution-

Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Spain License.
EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

What are geocomposite fabrics?

Geocomposite fabrics are a group of materials
manufactured through the industrial transformation
of chemical substances known as polymers, also
known as "plastics “, originally found as dust or
granules. These are subsequently transformed
through one or more processes into sheets, fibres,
profiles, films, fabrics, mesh, etc., or into composite
materials combining two or more types as well as
natural materials sourced from plants or minerals.
Geocomposites are materials used to improve the

land's characteristics thanks to their mechanical and hydraulic features.

For that reason, they improve and facilitate the execution of civil engineering works and
geotechnical projects under difficult circumstances.
,
How does bentonite work?
Bentonite is a very fine clay formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash. Among the
most particular features of natural sodium bentonite is its capacity for swelling, allowing it
to increase its dry volume up to 16 times when absorbing water.
Under confinement pressure and surrounded by geotextiles, the uniform bentonite layer
becomes a dense, impenetrable gel. In this manner, the bentonite geocomposite acts as
an efficient waterproof membrane throughout the structure's useful life. By covering the
DLT BENTONITE MAX with a 15cm thick concrete layer or a 50cm flattened soil layer it
shall be possible to achieve the required confinement pressure.

Thanks to the bentonite's swelling action, it can be used to

seal any concrete cracks resulting from shrinkage, ground
settlement, seismic actions, etc.
In this manner, the bentonite geocomposite stays securely in
place even in the event of ground settlement.
Bentonite geocomposites are tested for both new builds as
well as for refurbishment works globally and have proven to
provide an excellent performance under extreme temperature
variations. This material results in a strong mechanical
bondage with concrete as soon as the geotextile fibres
encapsulate on its surface when poured on top of the
bentonite itself.

2 grams of sodium
bentonite are swollen to
at least 30 ml in pure
water.
EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

3 main advantages of using bentonite

geocomposite
Self repair capacity
1 One of the key features of bentonite geocomposites is its capacity for self
repair, making it stand out from other waterproofing systems involving
bituminous materials, and plastic paints or sheets. These products are not
effective in case of damages caused to the building. However, the bentonite
geocomposite is able to expand and seal any cracks while maintaining a
perfect bond between the waterproof layer and the structure.

A. Bentonite granules create a uniform, waterproof overlap.

B. Thanks to its high capacity for swelling and expansion, bentonite is an ideal self sealing product.
Any concrete cracks caused during hardening or arising from ground settlements, seismic actions,
etc., are sealed preventing water ingress.

Easy and cost effective installation

2
Bentonite geocomposites are easy to
apply by simply unrolling the product in
a fast, simple manner.
Therefore, they do not require any
specially skilled labourers during
installation. This product can adapt to
complex geometric shapes by cutting it
to size.
It does not require the application of primer or any welding. It can be placed
directly on top of any adequately prepared ground surface. Therefore, it does
not require pouring a lean concrete layer. Installation can be carried out even in
temperatures of up to minus 40°C.
EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

Long lasting throughout the structure's useful life

3
Sodium bentonite is a unique natural
mineral formed during millions of
years. In this manner, thanks to its
natural structure, its useful life can be
considered as infinite.

Bentonite offers excellent resistance

to freezing and thawing cycles as well
as ground settlement.
Its high durability guarantees the long
life of any constructions works where
it is used.

DLT Bentonite Max, Texdelta's bentonite

geocomposite
DLT BENTONITE MAX waterproofing system
and its related products are specifically
designed to solve any issues arising from
traditional methods. DLT BENTONITE MAX
guarantees a 100% long lasting, self repairing
solution throughout the structure's useful life.

By punching through the fibres, we can

limit the sodium bentonite granules'
lateral movement between the geotextile
membranes.
DLT BENTONITE MAX sealing technology
combines the sodium bentonite's extraordinary
and unique capacity for swelling with the high
performance features of polypropylene geotextile
membranes.

In this innovative manufacturing process, millions

On the other hand, the million fibres
extending over the woven geotextile
membrane create a strong mechanical
bond between the concrete layer and
DLT BENTONITE MAX.
of non woven geotextile fibres are punched
through the bentonite's layer and the woven
geotextile membrane to perfectly bond all layers
obtaining a single material with a uniform,
waterproof bentonite layer.
EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

Where to apply bentonite

geocomposite

Tunnels, underground paths and Reservoirs, lakes and

other underground structures landscaping applications

Vegetation covers Boundary walls

Concrete slabs and other types of

foundations, pile caps and bulk heads Retaining wall liningss

Valid for installation underneath concrete, under asphalt, pile caps and foundation
beams, bulk heads, lift shafts, concrete slab edges, vertical spike walls and cladding,
metallic sheet piles, sprayed concrete walls, secant pile walls and solid rock digging are
some of the multiple applications for bentonite geocomposites.
EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

Installation of bentonite
geocomposite
Following is a detailed description of the DLT BENTONITE MAX bentonite
geocomposite installation process

Surface preparation:
Concrete or directly over the surface, provided that it is
adequately flat to ensure a correct installation. In
horizontal applications, please ensure that all
irregularities are removed and the soil has been
flattened to at least 85% of the Proctor Modified test. In
vertical applications, any cavities, large voids, anchoring
holes, etc., must be filled with cement slurry or DLT
BENTONITE PASTE.

Installation:
During installation, DLT BENTONITE MAX must be
placed with the white, non woven geotextile membrane
or polyethylene sheet if included, on top the surface and
the black woven geotextile fabric facing up. If using for
waterproofing purposes, the woven geotextile
membrane must always be in contact with the concrete.
In vertical applications, please ensure that the top
section overlaps the bottom section. DLT BENTONITE
MAX can be easily installed by simply unrolling the
product.

All adjacent edges must have at least a 10cm overlap

and the different rolls must be staggered by at least
30cm. DLT BENTONITE MAX edges can be joined
together in a simple manner using nails or staples.
Please check that all overlapping areas are perfectly flat
with no wrinkles or leftover materials such as stones, etc.
We recommend pouring DLT BENTONITE GRANULES
on all overlapping or awkward areas such as corners,
etc. in order to provide additional sealing.

Fresh concrete or infill material must be poured in the

same direction as the overlaps in order to prevent them
getting caught in between. Infill materials must be free
from sharp and/or large objects . They must be
flattened to at least 85% of the Proctor Modified test. By
covering the DLT BENTONITE MAX with at least 15cm
thick concrete layer or a 50cm flattened soil layer it shall
be possible to achieve the required confinement
pressure.
EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

How to apply bentonite

geocomposite in awkward areas
Thanks to its flexible structure, and since it can be easily cut to size means that DLT
BENTONITE MAX can adapt to complex geometric shapes, in addition to enveloping all
foundation elements such as foundation beams, pile caps and bulk heads.

DLT BENTONITE PASTE and/ or DLT BENTONITE GRANULES can also be used to
strengthen the sealing in areas such as pile caps, anchoring points, and bulk heads etc.
This will allow you to continue installing DLT BENTONITE MAX without any delays.

Boundary walls:
En técnicas de construcción tales como estacas
verticales y muros de revestimiento, tablestacas
metálicas, hormigón proyectado, pilotes
secantes y contiguos, etc., DLT BENTONITA MAX
se debe colocar con la superficie de geotextil
tejido hacia el instalador. Los huecos existentes
se deberán cubrir con lechada de cemento o DLT
BENTONITA PASTA para proporcionar una
superficie adecuada para la instalación de DLT
BENTONITA MAX. Se debe verter DLT
BENTONITA GRANULOS en todas las esquinas
antes de colocar DLT BENTONITA MAX.

Retaining wall linings:

When applying on retaining wall linings, DLT
BENTONITE MAX can be attached to the
formwork
before laying the concrete. A further most
commonly used alternative is to place DLT
BENTONITE MAX directly on top of the concrete,
just after removing the formwork and before
pouring the infill material on top of the retaining
wall lining. Pour DLT BENTONITE GRANULES in
all transition areas between vertical and
horizontal sections before installing DLT
BENTONITE MAX. All holes must be filled with
shrink proof mortar and/or DLT BENTONITA
PASTE. On the top edge, install the DLT
BENTONITE END STRIP and cover with DLT
BENTONITA PASTE. Infill materials must be free
from sharp and/or large objects and must be
flattened to at least 85% of the Proctor Modified
test.
EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

Types of bentonite geocomposite

Product Contents Composition Description

> 6,000g/ sq. mt. 200g/sq. mt. non woven Standard product to be used in
DLT BENTONITA MAX
of bentonite geotextile bentonite geocomposite
110g/sq. mt. woven geotextile waterproofing systems..

200g/sq. mt. non woven Features a polyethylene sheet adhered

> 5,000g/sq. mt.
DLT BENTONITA MAX LM geotextile to the non woven geotextile. This
of bentonite
110g/sq. mt. woven geotextile product is recommended for projects
0.2mm polyethylene sheet with high hydrostatic pressure.

> 5,000g/sq. 200g/sq. mt. non woven This geocomposite includes improved
DLT BENTONITA MAX PE
mt. of geotextile bentonite to resist high salinity and/ or
bentonite 110g/sq. mt. woven geotextile highly contaminated underground
water conditions.

200g/sq. mt. non woven Features a polyethylene sheet

> 5,000g/sq. mt.
DLT BENTONITA MAX PROTEX geotextile adhered to the non woven geotextile.
of bentonite
110g/sq. mt. woven geotextile This product is recommended for
0.2mm polyethylene sheet projects with high hydrostatic
pressure. In addition, it features
improved bentonite in order to resist
high salinity and/ or highly
contaminated underground water
conditions.

> 5,000g/sq. mt. 200g/sq. mt. non woven A cost effective product for use in
DLT BENTONITA MAX5
of bentonite geotextile bentonite geocomposite
110g/sq. mt. woven geotextile waterproofing systems.

Our DLT BENTONITE Max range comprises products that were especially developed for use in building
projects to withstand high pH conditions due to their proximity to concrete.

CE marking
TEXDELTA's bentonite geocomposite building range is compliant with the
Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Construction Products
passed on 9th March laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products
and therefore, it bears the compulsory CE marking.

Building Technical Code

Section HS1 of the Building Technical Code's Basic Health and Safety Document on Protection against
humidity, considers the "sodium bentonite layer over a lean concrete layer installed underneath the soil"
as a Subbase. In addition, a different document version including comments by the Ministry of Public
Works and Transport was issued on 23rd December 2016 stating that "Among the solutions that may be
used as waterproofing are the expanding geosynthetic barriers such as sodium bentonite". Therefore, this
document recognises these expanding geosynthetic barriers such as the sodium bentonite geocomposite
as one of the recommended waterproofing systems to be used in underground concrete structures.
EBOOK BENTONITE GEOCOMPOSITE FOR
CONSTRUCTION

Supplementary bentonite
geocomposite products
LT BENTONITE GRANULES
Chemically treated sodium bentonite granules suitable for pouring on overlaps
between different DLT BENTONITE MAX rolls. We also recommend pouring these in
awkward areas such as corners, foundation slab wall bases etc. in order to provide
additional sealing. Available in bags.

DLT BENTONITE SEAL

Flexible and hydroexpansive seal. It must be placed in all vertical or horizontal
concrete joints, as well as in awkward areas before pouring the concrete. To install,
simply nail to the concrete surface.
Instead of blocking the passage of water as is the case with traditional waterproofing
joints, DLT BENTONITE SEAL becomes a colloidal solution that effectively blocks the
passage of water by swelling to form a strongly compressed sealant. Available in
rolls with different seal widths.

DLT BENTONITE PASTE

Sodium bentonite paste to use especially in bulk heads and awkward
areas. May be applied with a blade or spatula. After applying DLT BENTONITE PASTE,
you may continue installing DLT BENTONITE MAX without any delays. Available in pots.

DLT BENTONITE TAPE

High performance seal with improved adhesive features on both sides in order to
provide additional bonding in demanding applications that require high levels of
adhesion. It must be used when overlapping DLT BENTONITE MAX LM and DLT
BENTONITE MAX PROTEX by placing it on top of the polyethylene sheet. Available in
rolls.

DLT BENTONITE FINISHING STRIP

Metallic strip to place on top of the DLT BENTONITE MAX on the upper wall areas.
Available in rolls.
For more information and prices
info@texdelta.com
www.texdelta.com

GEOMESH • GEOTEXTILES • GEOCOMPOSITES • GEOSYNTHETICS• NON WOVEN MATERIALS•