Thirty‐year durability of a 20‐mil PVC geomembrane

Abstract

In 1971, twenty circular aquaculture ponds were constructed for the W. K. Kellogg Biological Research Station in Hickory Corners, Michigan. The 30.5‐m‐diameter research ponds were lined using a 0.51‐mm‐thick fish‐grade PVC geomembrane. Over the years the ponds became congested with dense, persistent stands of cattails, trees, and other vegetation, which required the ponds to be cleared and relined in September 2000 in order to allow the initiation of new experiments. The lack of holes in the exhumed geomembrane suggests that it resisted biological attack from microorganisms and also root penetration. Laboratory testing shows that the tensile behavior of the nearly 30‐year‐old PVC geomembrane is within current specifications for new 0.51‐mm‐thick PVC geomembranes. Test results also indicate that performing laboratory tests at in‐situ moisture conditions provides a better estimate of the field properties of PVC geomembranes than desiccating the material prior to testing, as is required by ASTM Standard Test Methods. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:168–173, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.

Ten-year PVC geomembrane durability

“…Thus it is important to evaluate the field performance of factory seams. Recent research shows that factory seams also perform well in thinner PVC geomembranes (0.51 mm) over even longer periods of exposure (,30 years) than studied in this project (Newman et al 2004).…”

Consideration of liners and covers in performance assessments

“…However a GCL and/or a CCL overlain by an intact HDPE geomembrane are protected from root penetration. Intact HDPE geomembranes are impervious to roots and cause roots to follow laterally atop the geomembrane surface (Landreth 1991;Carson 2001;Serrato 2004;Newman et al 2004).…”

Portsmouth on-Site Disposal Cell High Density Polyethylene Geomembrane Longevity

“…An investigation conducted by Serrato (2004) at SRS showed that roots from overlying pine trees turned horizontally and followed along the top of the geomembrane upon reaching a HDPE geomembrane without damaging or penetrating it. Newman et al (2004) describe the thirty-year durability of a 20-mil thick polyvinylchloride (PVC) geomembrane used as an aquaculture pond liner. They interpreted the lack of holes to indicate resistance to both microorganisms and root penetration from the dense stand of cattails, trees, and other vegetation.…”