Long-term behaviour of geotextiles and geomembranes

Abstract

Geotextiles installed in many geotechnical and environmental works must have a short term performance in retaining sol particles, filtering liquids, be a separator between sols, protect geomembrane against puncture and accomplish many other functions. Geomembranes are specified as impermeable liners to install in landfill cells to retain leachates and in lagoons to store industrial liquids. Their short-term performance, survivability, is related to the engineering design of the work and to the CQA manufacture and installation. It is also expected that they will have a service life, a durability, exceeding the waste degradation period. How long will a geotextile or a geomembrane last, expected service life, when installed in an earth structure and in contact with climatic conditions and chemical products?