Geomembranes are often used in civil engineering applications to create a hydraulic barrier. With nearly all protection-layer systems, deformations occur in the geomembrane which need to be quantitatively assessed by reference to the indentations. The geomembranes basic function is to remain impervious over the entire design life of the project. However, mechanical stresses induced by confined materials could produce a deformation of the membrane and in critical situations, could ultimately puncture it. A protection geosynthetic needs to be designed in consideration of the specified geomembrane and its thickness as well as in consideration of the soil material (typically mineral drainage layer) and the surcharge placed above. Inappropriate selection of the protection geotextile can result in a failure, e.g. puncture of the lining material. Several methods of determining puncture protection are described in different standards. This paper will describe the design-related approach for protection layers and explain the concept of one specific test. Overall this paper will give a closer insight of this design-oriented test method.
Menu