8. Durability

In terms of durability, the main points of comparison between geomembranes are as follows.

• The durability of geomembranes has been extensively studied over the last three decades. We can therefore make a fairly good estimate.

• HDPE geomembranes have excellent durability, whether buried (durability of several centuries when buried in the ground at normal temperature) or exposed (lifespan of over 50 years or even 100 years). It should be noted, however, that the durability of HDPE geomembranes decreases significantly as temperature rises, which can pose a problem in some waste storage sites if temperatures exceed 40°C. One weakness of HDPE geomembranes in terms of durability is the risk of stress cracking. However, this risk is greatly reduced in the case of HDPE geomembranes produced...