Project Details
The Snowmaking Lake project, located in Brzeće, Serbia, is a unique engineering solution developed for recreational and environmental enhancement in the mountainous region of Kopaonik. The project was designed to create an artificial lake capable of supporting snowmaking operations, while also providing a reliable water storage and environmental management system.
The project involved the construction of an artificial lake (balsa) with the following specifications:
- Surface Area: Approximately 24,067 m², divided into:
- Bottom area: 8,012.47 m²
- Anchor area: 2,171.12 m² (calculated as 627.49 m² x 3.46)
- Slope Development: Slopes with a 2.5:1 ratio, spanning 25.1 m of development.
The design required a robust composite lining system for effective water containment and environmental protection. The liner system was composed of:
- On the Entire Pond:
- A geotextile (GTX) with a mass of 1,000 g/m²
- A high-density (HD) geomembrane with a thickness of 2.00 mm
- On the Slopes and a 1 m Strip at the Bottom:
- GTX 1,000 g/m²
- Geogrid with a specified load capacity of 35 kN
- Geocells to provide additional structural support
Project Timeline
Construction Duration:
- Production phase: 26 days
- Transportation: 4 days
- Weather-related delays (rain/snow): 8 days
Technical and Construction Considerations
- Design and Performance:
The composite liner system was engineered to ensure long-term durability and effective water containment under the challenging conditions of a snowmaking facility. The combination of a high-strength geomembrane with robust geotextile and supporting layers ensures that the system withstands thermal stresses, potential chemical exposures, and mechanical loads from both the static water and dynamic environmental conditions.
- Rapid Construction:
With a tight production schedule of 26 days and additional logistics and weather-related delays, the project was executed efficiently. This rapid construction timeline was critical in meeting seasonal requirements and ensuring that the snowmaking operations could commence as planned.
- Quality Assurance:
Throughout the installation process, quality control measures—including on-site inspections and photographic documentation—were rigorously followed to verify material integrity, proper overlaps, and the overall performance of the liner system.
Conclusion
The Snowmaking Lake project in Kopaonik, Serbia, demonstrates an exemplary application of advanced lining technology in a challenging environment. By using a well-integrated composite liner system—combining GTX, HD geomembrane, geogrid, and geocells—DELTACOM DOO BELGRADE-CUKARICA successfully ensured safe water containment and environmental protection.
The efficient construction timeline, combined with robust quality assurance practices, has resulted in a durable solution tailored for the rigorous demands of a snowmaking facility. This project not only enhances the recreational value of the region but also sets a high standard for similar water containment and environmental management projects in harsh climatic conditions.
Materials
| Quantity | Instalation | Material | Year |
| 26,400 m2 (284,167 ft2) | Pond | Atarfil HD 2.00 mm (80 mils) | 2024 |
| 44,800 m2 (482,223 ft2) | Pond / Slopes / Bottom | GTX 1.000 g/m2 | 2024 |
| 18,000 m2 (193,750 ft2) | Slopes / Bottom | Geocells | 2024 |
| 18,000 m2 (193,750 ft2) | Slopes / Bottom | Geogrid | 2024 |
