Stress Relaxation Behavior of HOPE Geomembranes

In order o evaluate the time ependent behavior of a commercially available 1.5 mm HOPE geomembrane, a systemattc set of stress relaxauon laboratory tests was performed. After initial stress and strain contr lled attempts at reachmg _a targeted value to begin the tests were concluded, an optimum test protocol was established. ubsequent tests were performed at -10, 10, 30,50 and 70°C. Results indicate a high sensitivity to both test procedure and test ten:perarure. Results also show that _ tune-temperature shifting is possible and that viscoelastic co cepts should apply. ‘flri;s should enable the results to be compared and contrasted to sustained load creep test results