Abstract:
In landfills, the geomembrane is essential to minimize the migration of pollutants into the surrounding environment. However, the performance of the geomembrane in the long-term may be compromised by weather exposure. To address this issue, a study is underway involving geomembranes exposed to weather conditions for 10 years. Samples of HDPE geomembrane and seams are cut periodically over a 10-year period and tested to evaluate the physical, the mechanical, the endurance and the seam properties. This paper is focused on the long-term durability of geomembrane seams. The 10-year peel and shear test results are compared with the currently recommended GRI-GM 19 Seam Specification, as well as with the unexposed seam properties and with the results obtained after 2, 3, or 5 years of exposure. Results have shown that the aged seams met the recommended specification and that they were not significantly affected by 10 years of weather exposure.
