Elevated Temperature Effects on Geotextile-Geomembrane Interface Strength

Abstract

The interaction between geotextiles and geomembranes in landfill applications is subject to temperature change due to seasonal variations as well as exothermic reactions occurring in the waste body and is a critical factor governing the stability of modern lining systems. An experimental research study was undertaken to investigate temperature effects on interface shear behavior between geotextiles and smooth/textured geomembranes. The physical laboratory testing program consisted of a series of direct interface shear tests under different normal stress levels at a range of test temperatures. A temperature controlled chamber (TCC) was designed and utilized to evaluate shear displacement-failure mechanisms at higher temperatures. This paper describes the development of the test system. The results of initial experimental investigations are presented to show how interface shear behavior of geotextile-geomembrane interfaces changes with temperature.