Flexible Membrane Liner Testing in Waste Management

Abstract

Flexible membrane liners (FMLs) have grown, and must continue to grow, in importance across the solid and hazardous waste management industry. Their study has increased in importance as their applications have increased. This paper develops new criteria for testing, as well as discussing the implications. Current test procedures are based upon standard materials tests that do not combine the many stress factors acting on a liner under a landfill. There are no field data against which to calibrate tests that must predict service lives far longer than experience. The anticipated service life of these materials as liners makes it critical to enhance the representation of field conditions in laboratory testing.