LONG-TERM DURABILITY OF GEOMEMBRANES

Geomembranes in common use are grouped in 3 categories (semicrystalline; flexible, and reinforced) and their several degradation processes are described. This includes ultraviolet degradation, radiation degradation, chemical degradation, physical mechanical changes resulting in swelling, extraction of polymeric components, degradation in materials made by calendering or spread coating, and degradation by oxidation. Biological degradation may result from attack of plasticizers by bacteria, fungi, or algae. Several phenomena may accelerate the individual degradation mechanisms. Elevated temperatures, applied stresses and long exposure can accelerate degradation. A number of predictive methods for anticipating degradation are noted. The test most applicable to geomembranes is temperature-accelerated Aarhenius modeling, in which representative samples are immersed at constant temperature to obtain a reaction rate of property degradation. The importance is pointed out of exhuming test strips annually and comparing them to the original material, and of analyzing field failures.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Corporate Authors:

  Morgan-Grampian Limited

  30 Calderwood Street
  London SE18 6QH,   England 
• Authors:
  • Koerner, R M
  • Halse-Hsuan, Y
  • Lord Jr, A E
• Publication Date: 1991-4

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 56-58
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 61
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Durability; Forecasting; Geomembranes
• Uncontrolled Terms: Degradation
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I35: Miscellaneous Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00607458
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1991 12:00AM