Sümeni Irrigation Pond, located in Antalya Gündogmus region, was completed in 2014 and provides water to an agricultural area of 980 decares and is used as a water reserve in case of forest fires in the region. The irrigation pond which is of critical importance for the continuity and efficiency of agricultural activities in the region was drained because the underground gases coming from the floor of the pond, swelled the membrane at the bottom of the pond and created tears in the membrane. Since this situation has a negative impact on agricultural irrigation activities and the fight against forest fires, an urgent and permanent solution has been needed.
Challenges Encountered:
The main cause of membrane damage is the pressure created by gases coming from the ground. Over time, these gases caused the membrane to rupture, thus causing the pond to lose its function. Due to the geological characteristics of the region, gas release in the ground will continue to occur constantly. Therefore, the solution must be fast, effective, and permanent.
Solution
To permanently solve this problem, a two-stage solution, under-membrane, and over-membrane, has been developed.
In the first stage, to prevent ground gases from damaging the pond insulation, our special gas drainage board product covered with bi-directional geotextile is laid under the existing membrane to ensure that the gas coming from the ground is discharged safely. In this way, the membrane swells with the pressure exerted by underground gases, preventing punctures and ruptures and long-term use of the pond is guaranteed. In the second stage, Forcell geocell application will be carried out to stabilize the pond ground and further strengthen the durability of the membrane. Thus, the gas output acting on the membrane with pressure will be easily discharged through gas drainage channels in every area of the pond, and at the same time, the membrane surface structure will be preserved for many years.
This combination solution we implemented in Antalya Gündogmus Sümeni Irrigation Pond ensures the sustainability of agricultural activities and the fight against forest fires in the region and eliminates the negative effects caused by ground gases. This innovative approach sets an example for other regions facing similar ground problems.
