Cinquante ans de différentes applications des géomembranes dans les barrages Fifty years of different applications of geomembranes in dams

Les géomembranes, généralement associées à d’autres géosynthétiques, constituent l’étanchéité principale de presque trois cents barrages à travers le monde. Illustré par des exemples d'utilisation dans les différents types de barrages, en construction et en cours de réhabilitation, cet article nous renseigne sur les performances d'étanchéité et la durabilité des géomembranes dans les conditions d’utilisation sévères propres aux barrages. In almost 300 dams worldwide, geomembranes are the main waterproofing component. The geomembrane is generally associated with other geosynthetics performing various functions. In this paper, uses of geomembranes in the various types of dams are reviewed. The types of dams reviewed include: embankment dams (earth and rockfill dams), concrete and masonry dams, and roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dams. Design and construction aspects are considered, as well as selection of geomembranes and performance (including seepage control and durability). The paper is illustrated using examples of new dams and rehabilitation of existing dams.