An evaluation of HDPE geomembrane exposed under extreme weather condition in Mongolia

Abstract

Geomembrane liner has been widely accepted as standard components of geosynthetic lining systems in many containment facilities. Among the plastic materials utilized for geomembranes, high density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes are the most widely used geosynthetic lining materials adopted for various containments applications include waste landfill, liquid containment and mining pond, etc. This is mainly attributed to its superior hydraulic and mechanical properties in combination with its very low permeable characteristics, greater chemical resistance and ultra violet light (UV) degradation resistance. It is always engineers' major concern regarding the lifetime of geomembranes. The paper presents an evaluation of HDPE geomembrane liner that was left exposed to the extreme continental climate with long, cold winters and short summers in Northern Mongolia. After more than 16 years of service and exposure, geomembrane samples were evaluated for physical property integrity and engineering performance. The laboratory test results presented in this paper demonstrate that after 16 years in active service, HDPE geomembrane liners are working in their desired function and performance under exposed condition.