Determination of Geomembrane Shattering Cracks Available to Purchase

Some high-density polyethylene geomembranes are more susceptible to stress cracking than others. When they are exposed to very low temperatures, these geomembranes may be shattered, i.e. they exhibit cracks (called shattering cracks) in many directions. This paper is devoted to a special case of shattering where the shattering cracks are associated with a straight crack located along a seam. The paper consists essentially of a theoretical analysis that provides a determination of the pattern of shattering cracks as a function of the geomembrane liner geometry and the geomembrane contraction (mostly thermal contraction) that initiated the cracking. The analysis establishes that the pattern of shattering cracks is a consequence of the development of the crack located along a seam. The analysis also explains the development of wrinkles that are observed in conjunction with the cracks and gives their orientation. Numerical applications show that the results of the study are in good agreement with field observations.