EVALUATION OF MESL MEMBRANE - PUNCTURE, STIFFNESS, TEMPERATURE, SOLVENTS

Several membrane materials used or considered for MESL (membrane-enveloped soil layer) utilization of poor soils in road construction have been tested for cold effect on puncture and stiffness. PE (polyethylene) film was also tested for solvent soak effects. A simple blunt needle apparatus was devised for puncture testing. For plastic films (mainly PE), both puncture resistance and stiffness increase at low temperature (0 degrees F, -18 degrees C). For non-woven, spunbonded fabrics these properties are little affected by cold. For both non-wovens and PE film, puncture and bending strengths increase linearly with weight or thickness. The slope is steeper for the non-wovens, which generally are stronger on a per unit weight basis. PE film soaked in a hydrocarbon solvent swelled approximately 17% and lost about 30-40% of its puncture strength. These effects are apparently reversible upon drying. Consideration has been given to sealing and patching requirements and to the drying of sealant liquids when adhering film to film. Also considered have been possible slippage related to the reported low angle of friction of plastic films in soil and the possibility of lamination for improved membrane properties.

• Corporate Authors:

  U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

  72 Lyme Road
  Hanover, NH  United States  03755-1290
• Authors:
  • Sayward, J M
• Publication Date: 1976-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 60 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Flexural strength; Membrane encapsulated soil layers; Nonwoven textiles; Plastics; Solvents; Stiffness; Temperature
• Subject Areas: Construction; Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00142207
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: CRREL-76-22 Res. Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1977 12:00AM