Durability of HDPE Geomembrane Seams Immersed in Brine for Three Years
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 144, Issue 2
Abstract
This paper examines the long-term durability of two dual wedge welded 1.5-mm-thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes (GMBs). The two GMBs, which had different resins, and the welds initially met relevant standards. The welded GMBs were immersed in a brine solution with total dissolved solids and pH 8.7 at four different temperatures (40, 65, 75, and 85°C) for 3 years. Changes in standard oxidative induction time (Std-OIT) and high-pressure oxidative induction time (HP-OIT) were monitored at (1) the GMB well away from the weld, (2) the heat-affected zone beside the weld, and (3) the welded zone. The Std-OIT and HP-OIT depletion were fastest in the heat-affected zone adjacent to the weld and slowest in the weld itself. Both the Std-OIT and HP-OIT were still depleting, without having reached a residual value, when degradation in physical properties was observed. Brine has a greater effect on time to nominal failure for the peel break strength than for the shear break strength and elongation. Aging of the GMB in the heat-affected zone beside the weld controls the time to nominal failure. The importance of the welds in the consideration of GMB service-life is highlighted.
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Acknowledgments
Funding for the development of the research infrastructure was provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund, and Queen’s University. The research was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The support of the Killam Trust in the form of a Killam Fellowship to Dr. Rowe is gratefully acknowledged. This investigation is part of a broader study being conducted in partnership with Terrafix Geosynthetics, Terrafix Environmental Technologies, TAG Environmental, Solmax International, Naue, GSE Environmental, Ontario Ministry of Environment, AMEC Earth and Environmental, Golder Associates, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, CTT Group, Knight Piésold, and Thiel Engineering. The authors appreciate the thoughtful and constructive comments of the three anonymous reviewers as well as those of Boyd Ramsay and Richard Thiel. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the people who have assisted with the research or reviewed of the manuscript.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 144 • Issue 2 • February 2018
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 6, 2017
Accepted: Jul 10, 2017
Published online: Dec 15, 2017
Published in print: Feb 1, 2018
Discussion open until: May 15, 2018
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