Firestone - - Geomembrane Brochure

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, located in Portland, OR, has long been a favorite area attraction. In 1989, to enhance the garden’s natural beauty, Portland Parks and Recreation contracted Eamonn Hughes, owner of Hughes Water Gardens, to build a waterfall that would blend effortlessly into the surroundings. The project was so successful that two additional waterfalls were constructed in 1992 and 1993. Since their addition, the waterfalls have become a major attraction and popular setting for weddings and portrait photography.In order to design waterfalls that would blend with the environment, which included rugged terrain and steep slopes, Hughes needed a highly flexible, durable membrane. “I specified 1.14 mm (45 mil) Firestone EPDM Geomembrane for this project for its outstanding physical properties and proven performance.” EPDM GEOMEMBRANE WITHSTANDS THE TESTS OF T IMEPROJECT SCOPE: • Design three waterfalls to blend into existing surroundings and recirculate water from spring • Create water features to flow with indigenous and foreign rocks • Build waterfalls that require minimal maintenance for park staff and volunteersCHALLENGES FACED:• Location–garden is located between a busy street, a golf course and a college• Steep terrain could not accommodate typical excavation equipment• Needed designs that would allow the on-site mending of membraneSOLUTIONS: • Specified 1.14 mm (45 mil) Firestone EPDM Geomembrane for its flexibility and ease of installation• Performed excavation manually, carving out steep hillside to form waterfall spillway • 15.24 m x 60.96 m (50' x 200') panels used to simplify installation on 4:1 slope Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden - Portland, ORFor more information (800) 428-4442 www.firestonesp.com info@firestonesp.comleaders in geomembrane and liningFirestone EPDM Geomembrane remains flexible in ambient temperatures ranging from -40°C to 79.44°C (-40°F to 175°F). “Liner flexibility is critical because differential settling of the soil can cause roots and rocks to come into contact with the liner. The excellent expansion and contraction characteristics of EPDM Geomembrane enable it to stretch and conform to objects in the subgrade,” said Hughes.The first waterfall installed was the tallest of the three, measuring 24.38 m tall by 12.19 m wide (40' tall by 20' wide). “It was also the steepest and most challenging due to the severe incline of the surrounding terrain. In spite of the conditions, installing the liner was a simple process. The material is lightweight and easy to position,” said Hughes.In creating the structure of the waterfalls, Hughes used 40 boulders—ranging from 227 to 3,629 kg (500 to 8,000 lbs). “Because the liner is so durable, we were able to position most of the boulders and stones directly over the EPDM Geomembrane without risk of damaging the liner. For the larger boulders, we placed a geotextile mat between the liner and the rocks for an added layer of protection,” said Hughes.After nearly 20 years of running 24/7, the liners are in great shape and they show no signs of deterioration whatsoever. According to Hughes, the ability of the waterfalls to withstand the tests of time is due, in large part, to the durability of the liner. “I’m not surprised that the Firestone EPDM Geomembrane has a zero repair history or that it is showing no signs of weathering or deterioration,” Hughes stated. “I’ve used the product in hundreds of projects and the performance is very consistent. Using Firestone EPDM Geomembrane allowed me the design flexibility to build three dynamic water features under extremely challenging site conditions.”Canada(888) 292-6265www.firestonesp.cainfo@firestonesp.caEurope, Middle East & Asia+32 2 711 44 50www.firestonebpe.cominfo@fbpe.beLatin America & Caribbean(305) 471-0117www.firestonebplac.cominfo@firestonebplatincaribe.comCrystal Springs Rhododendron Garden - Portland, OR©2010 Firestone Special ty Products Company LLC. Al l r ights reser ved. Printed in U.S.A. ITEM# EPDM-1002 07/10