SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1990
STP23495S

Microscopic Evaluation of High-Density Polyethylene Geomembrane Field-Welding Techniques

Source

An investigation on seam quality of high-density polyethylene geomembrane has been conducted to demonstrate the importance of microscopic analyses for seam quality evaluation. Shear and peel tests were conducted to assess the quality of polyethylene geomembrane seams produced by known welding techniques, while sample cross sections of welds were analyzed using microscopic techniques. The shear and peel tests are usually performed to obtain quantitative measurements of seam strength. These test results are used as acceptance criteria to evaluate the bond strength. However, they do not adequately characterize molecular structure changes nor identify microstress cracks within the bonded sheets. Microscopic phenomena that may not be observed by these tests include contact areas where the depth of the melted polymer is very thin, displacement of a mass of polymer towards the edge of the seam, and formation of longitudinal channels across the seam. Microscopic photographs of seam cross sections are presented and discussed to evaluate seam quality.

Author Information

Rollin, AL
Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
Vidovic, A
Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
Denis, R
Solmers Internationale, Montreal, Canada
Marcotte, M
Solmers Internationale, Montreal, Canada
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Details
Developed by Committee: D35
Pages: 34–47
DOI: 10.1520/STP23495S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5135-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1298-8