Q: What is GSE UltraFlex?

A: GSE UltraFlex is a premium grade, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) geomembrane liner produced from specially formulated linear low density polyethylene resins. This product is also available in GSE UltraFlex White, GSE UltraFlex Textured, and GSE UltraFlex White Textured. All GSE UltraFlex geomembranes meet or exceed the material property requirements in GRI GM17 for LLDPE geomembranes.

Q: What are the benefits of using GSE UltraFlex?

A: GSE UltraFlex has an extensive proven record as the premier LLDPE material available with thousands of successful installations. GSE UltraFlex is produced with resins designed to provide outstanding elongation properties both uniaxial and multiaxial. Because of this, an LLDPE liner can more easily accommodate differential settlement and localized strain while maintaining liner integrity. Applications for GSE UltraFlex are caps and closures of landfills, leach pads and other installations that require excellent multiaxial performance to accommodate differential settlement.

Q: What is GSE UltraFlex Textured?

A: GSE UltraFlex Textured is the textured version of GSE UltraFlex. The textured surface(s) is produced using GSE's co-extrusion processing equipment. The texture is applied to one or two sides and is an integral component of a three layer co-extruded geomembrane. GSE UltraFlex Textured has very good frictional characteristics against a variety of soils and geosynthetic surfaces.

Q: Why use a textured liner?

A: Textured liners provide increased friction between the liner and soil interface as well as between the liner and other geosynthetics. This increase in friction helps keep cover soil in place and improves the overall liner stability on slopes.

Q: How much will GSE UltraFlex Textured improve frictional resistance?

A: Frictional resistance is extremely site specific and depends largely on the soil type and soil conditions of the particular installation. Friction and shear angle test results are affected by variables such as soil type, soil moisture content, applied loads, rate of shear stress and other factors. GSE strongly recommends site-soil specific testing to achieve the best site design. Contact your authorized GSE representative for general recommendations and a licensed professional engineer for specific site information.

Q: If I order 60 mil UltraFlex Textured, how will the thickness be measured?

A: During the manufacturing process the thickness of the textured sheet is continuously monitored to ensure that the core layer is 60 mil. Thickness is tested with a point micrometer probe for "valley to valley" thickness measurements per ASTM D 5994.

Q: What are GSE UltraFlex White and GSE UltraFlex White Textured?

A: They are high quality GSE UltraFlex and GSE UltraFlex Textured geomembranes that have an upper white, light reflective surface. The white surface is approximately 5 mils thick and part of the overall geomembrane thickness.

Q: What are the benefits of using a white surfaced geomembrane vs. a black geomembrane?

A: The white surface reflects radiant heat thereby reducing liner temperature and reducing the amount of wrinkling caused by thermal expansion. Mechanical damage that exposes the underlying black layer makes such damage much easier to identify.

Q: How much less will the white wrinkle compared to the black liner?

A: The amount of wrinkling is a function of the change (increase) of temperature. In many instances, reflection of radiant energy reduces wrinkles in GSE White by 50% or more.