Soil Burial Tests: Effect of Soil Burial Exposure on the Properties of Adhesives and Pressure-Sensitive Tapes

Abstract

The effects of long-term soil burial on some physical properties of adhesive bonded test specimens and pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are presented. Changes in these measured properties are discussed and interpreted in terms of typical material characteristics. Additionally, the engineering implications of these changes are explored. Such implications include: (i) Adhesive bonding appears to be a satisfactory means of fastening structures together for direct soil burial; however, care must be exercised to insure proper joint design and bonding procedures. (ii) Both rubber and vinyl pressure-sensitive tapes provide sufficient retention of properties for prolonged underground service, but glass cloth and aluminum backed tape should be used only for temporary service.