GCL4500 - Delivery, Storage & Handling

GCL4500 is usually provided in rolls with a width of 5.1m and a length of 40m. Rolls can be also offered in other dimensions, depending on customer needs. The range of possible widths is 1 m to 5.1m, and they can have the length specified by the customer. Average roll diameter is approximately 60 cm, and the weight is approximately 1000 kg. Our GCL4500 rolls are wound on tubes with an inner diameter of 10 cm. Every roll is packed in a plastic, UV resistant sleeve. All rolls are marked with a label containing the information about dimensions, lot and a unique, traceable roll number.

We supply a 20 kg bag of bentonite powder for each roll of GCL4500. For rolls with prefabricated overlaps, we supply one bag to every 3 rolls. The bag is meant for application in the overlapping areas. Each roll is equipped with a set of two lifting straps. It is recommended to put a steel core inside the roll while unloading material from the truck to prevent bending of the roll.

While storing the rolls do not place them directly on the ground but on pallets or similar constructions underneath. Rolls should not be stacked in more than 4 rolls high. The rolls should not be directly exposed to the bad weather conditions during the storage. All rolls shall be covered with a plastic sheet or a tarpaulin. Do not remove the plastic sleeves prior to installation.

The party directly responsible for unloading the rolls should refer to this manual prior to arrival of the material in order to make sure they have proper unloading equipment and know the procedure. The unloading and on-site handling should be appropriately supervised. During the unloading procedure, all material lot and roll numbers should be recorded and compared to the packing list. In addition, each roll of GCL should also be visually inspected to determine if there is no perforation in the packaging or other visual material damage.

Accumulation of some moisture within roll packaging is normal and does not affect the product quality.

The exact nature and extent of the damage should also be indicated on the CMR / Bill of Lading along with the specific lot and roll numbers of the damaged materials. Photos of the damaged goods on the truck are required.

Unloading the truck at the construction site is carried out either by forklifts, wheel loaders, excavators or by means of built-in truck cranes.

Unloading the truck at the construction site is carried out either by forklifts, wheel loaders, excavators or by means of built-in truck cranes.

A suitable crossbeam can be used also for the unloading.  The crossbeam pipe (with a maximum diameter of 8 cm) is thrust through the core of the rolls and attached at the ends with chains, belts or ropes to the crossbeam. The unloading is carried out upwards.

If there is no crossbeam available, at least 2 belts are wound around the rolls. The unloading is carried out smoothly upwards or laterally via e.g. crane.
Another unloading option is a forklift, to which a stable mandrel is attached. The truck is unloaded from the back in this manner. Under no circumstances should the rolls be dragged from the truck since the geosynthetic clay liner may be damaged significantly.

The GCL may also be delivered in shipping containers. In these cases, different unloading equipment and techniques must be employed. Because of limited access to the GCL rolls, it is usually necessary to utilize an extendable boom forklift with a pole carpet (stinger) attachment.
The rolls are removed by inserting the stinger through the roll cores and lifting/pulling the rolls from the container. To each container we add several loading straps - thanks to that rolls can be tied up - it makes it easier to remove the rolls from the container.

The GCL may be stored at a project site indefinitely, provided that proper storage procedures are followed.

Firstly, a dedicated storage area should be identified. This area should be levelled, dry, well-drained, and located away from high-traffic areas of the job site. In the warehouse and on site, bentonite mats should be placed on underlying material (wooden beams, pallets, plastic profiles etc.) to avoid unnecessary material wetting by rain during storage. Rolls should not be stacked in more than 4 rolls high.

Long-term storage of material in a warehouse or on a construction site requires periodic inspection of the condition of the packaging. The polyethylene sleeves of the GCL rolls should be examined for any obvious rips or tears. Sleeve damage should be repaired immediately with adhesive tape or additional plastic sheeting. At this point it is also recommended to examine the labels - if they were displaced in transit, they should be taped to the roll.

 GCL should not be directly exposed to the elements during the storage. Cover all rolls with a plastic sheet or a tarpaulin. Do not remove the plastic sleeves prior to installation.

NOTE:
The temperature of the surrounding environment has no degrading effect on the quality of our membranes even when stored for long periods.