GCL & HDPE Geocell Lining of Stormwater Attenuation Pond

Total Fuel Depot Expansion - South Africa

Project Overview

As part of the Total Fuel Depot Expansion in South Africa, a new stormwater attenuation pond was required to manage runoff and ensure environmentally compliant containment within a sensitive fuel storage and handling facility. The project demanded a high-integrity containment solution capable of accommodating steep side slopes, strict environmental controls, and long-term performance requirements.

Geosynthetics Africa was appointed to supply, deliver, and install the complete lining system, including a reinforced geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) and HDPE geocell slope stabilisation, executed by a qualified installation crew under IAGI-aligned installation procedures.

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Engineering & Environmental Challenges

The attenuation pond design presented several technical challenges:

• Steep embankment slopes, requiring slope stabilisation and erosion control

• Requirement for perfect containment, with zero tolerance for leakage due to proximity to fuel infrastructure

• Stormwater management compliance, aligned with civil drainage and environmental specifications

• Need for rapid mobilisation, supported by immediate material availability

• Installation to be completed by a competent, experienced geosynthetics contractor

Traditional unreinforced clay lining systems were unsuitable due to slope geometry and constructability risks. A composite geosynthetic solution was therefore adopted.

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Geosynthetics Africa Solution

High-Performance GCL Containment

The primary containment layer comprised Eurobent® EB4000, a reinforced geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) incorporating sodium bentonite encapsulated between geotextiles and mechanically reinforced to enhance internal shear strength.

This provided:

• Low hydraulic conductivity for stormwater containment

• Excellent self-sealing performance around penetrations and minor damage

• Compatibility with steep slope applications

• Rapid installation compared to compacted clay alternatives

HDPE Geocell Slope Stabilisation

To address slope stability and long-term erosion control, HDPE geocell was installed over the GCL on the embankments. The geocell system allowed:

• Load confinement and slope stabilisation

• Placement of topsoil infill to support vegetation

• Long-term erosion resistance under stormwater flow conditions

• Protection of the underlying GCL from UV exposure and mechanical damage

This combined system delivered both structural stability and environmental integration, essential for fuel depot infrastructure.

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Installation & Quality Assurance

The project required qualified installers and strict adherence to best-practice installation standards.

Geosynthetics Africa provided:

• Immediate stock availability of Eurobent® EB4000 GCL and HDPE geocell from regional inventory

• A trained and experienced installation crew

• Installation procedures aligned with IAGI (International Association of Geosynthetic Installers) guidelines

• Controlled placement, seaming, and anchorage of the GCL

• Careful coordination between GCL installation and geocell deployment on steep slopes

This ensured the attenuation pond was constructed to meet engineering design intent, environmental compliance requirements, and long-term durability expectations.

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Project Outcomes

• ✔ Fully lined stormwater attenuation pond with high-integrity containment

• ✔ Stable, vegetated slopes achieved using HDPE geocell

• ✔ Compliance with civil, environmental, and fuel depot infrastructure standards

• ✔ Rapid execution supported by immediate material availability

• ✔ Installation delivered by a qualified, IAGI-aligned contractor

The project demonstrates Geosynthetics Africa’s capability to deliver complex containment systems for fuel, energy, and industrial infrastructure projects across Southern Africa.

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Products Used on This Project

 

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Group expertise through Geosynthetics South Africa

Geosynthetics Africa supplies and installs high-performance geosynthetic solutions for fuel, mining, water, waste, and infrastructure projects across Africa. With regional stockholding, technically qualified installation teams, and IAGI-aligned installation processes, the company supports both planned works and time-critical projects requiring assured quality and compliance.