Alternative Anchorage Methodology for Exposed Geomembrane Installations with Flexible Solar Photovoltaic Panels

Abstract

This paper provides an alternative design and construction methodology for an exposed geomembrane cover at risk of uplift by wind. The alternative anchorage can be used with both exposed geomembrane covers and exposed geomembrane covers hosting flexible laminated photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. The exposed geomembrane cover can be designed using earth anchors consisting of corrosion resistant materials in lieu of the traditional soil-filled anchor trenches and/or anchor benches (trench/bench) to secure the exposed geomembrane against wind action. Penetrations made by the earth anchor alternative can be covered by flexible solar panels adhered onto a carrier geomembrane. The earth anchor penetrations are covered by the carrier geomembrane and solar panels, thereby creating a uniform hydraulic barrier and sustainable cover system. It is anticipated that this alternative anchorage method may reduce many of the issues that arise from constructing on-slope anchor trenches (e.g., constructability, drainage from benches, and exposure and handling of the existing buried waste).