A Comparison of Puncture Behavior of Smooth and Textured HDPE Geomembranes Available to Purchase

In the past it has often been assumed that the puncture behavior of smooth and textured high density polyethylene geomembranes is approximately the same. Therefore, the same protection materials are used for both types of geomembranes. This study provides a comparative evaluation of the puncture behavior of smooth and textured high density polyethylene geomembranes using a quasi-performance and a performance puncture test. The performance of the two types of geomembranes is compared both with and without protection materials. The design implications of the difference in the puncture behavior of the two types of geomembranes are discussed.