First of all, we will give some case history of different applications all over the world for storage solid wastes: Heap Leach pad in Chile, copper mine (Codelco, Barahona mine) and in Mexico, bottom of landfill of solid wastes in Brazil, capping solid wastes: in Chilean Patagonia and in Australia with possible re-use of the geomembrane for other works and for storage of liquid wastes: tailings dams in Siberia, Kupol, in Quebec, Lake Bloom in Quebec, Timmins, tailings reservoirs: Diavik (North West Territories, Canada), Guatemala, Toromocho (Peru).
In a second step, we will present the different components of a bituminous geomembrane: mainly a polyester geotextile giving the resistance impregnated of elastomeric bitumen which gives the watertightness.
In a third step, we will give for each of the examples mentioned here above, the reasons of the consultant’s choice among advantages of BGM: high puncture resistance and UV resistance may eliminate the need for cushion geotextiles, very low thermal expansion coefficient permitting welding and covering at any hour of the day, at any kind of temperature, the ability to be installed in very harsh climatic conditions with wind speeds more than 100 km/h, even under light rain. BGM does not require a specialty installer and equipment, it can be installed by the mine’s own work forces or by the general contractor allowing better control of the schedule. Like this, we reduce delays and we allow a quicker use of the facility. The ability to connect to other materials such as rock, concrete, steel.
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