Theoretical Analysis of Geomembrane Puncture

A theoretical analysis of the mechanism of geomembrane puncture based on a simple model is presented. The analysis shows that the geomembrane puncture resistance depends on the diameter of the contact area between the geomembrane and the puncturing object, the thickness of the geomembrane, and the tensile characteristics of the geomembrane. An equation is established that makes it possible to express the geomembrane puncture resistance measured in a probe test as a function of the geomembrane characteristics and the diameter of the probe. Predictions made with this equation are found to be consistent with the limited laboratory test data which were reviewed. The analysis is then used to establish a relationship between a geomembrane resistance to puncture measured in a laboratory probe test and the resistance to puncture of a geomembrane subjected to pressure applied by a liquid while resting on a layer of stones of approximately uniform size and shape. A special relationship is presented for the case of rounded stones. The paper also presents relationships between geomembrane resistances to puncture by stones under different sets of conditions characterized by the stone size and shape, and the geomembrane thickness and tensile characteristics. The use of these relationships is illustrated by design examples.