Material Specifications

HDPE Geomembrane Specifications

Q: What thickness HDPE geomembrane do I need?

HDPE geomembrane thickness selection depends on application, regulatory requirements, and site conditions. Agricultural lagoons typically use 40-60 mil. Landfill primary liners require 60-80 mil per RCRA Subtitle D. Mining heap leach pads use 60-80 mil. Hazardous waste containment requires 80-100 mil per RCRA Subtitle C. Thicker membranes provide greater puncture resistance, chemical resistance, and service life, but cost more and are harder to install on complex geometries.

Q: What ASTM standards apply to HDPE geomembranes?

Key ASTM standards for HDPE geomembranes include: D6693 (tensile properties), D1004 (tear resistance), D4833 (puncture resistance), D5397 (stress crack resistance by NCTL), D5596 (oven aging for thermal stability), D792 (density), D1238 (melt index), and D4218 (carbon black content). GRI-GM13 is the industry specification that consolidates minimum property values for smooth and textured HDPE geomembranes.

Q: What is the chemical resistance of HDPE geomembranes?

HDPE geomembranes have excellent resistance to inorganic acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric), bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide), and most salts. They provide good resistance to alcohols and aliphatic hydrocarbons. HDPE has limited resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene), chlorinated solvents, and oxidizing acids at elevated concentrations. For specific chemical compatibility, consult the manufacturer's chemical resistance chart with concentration and temperature data.

Q: How is HDPE geomembrane welded in the field?

HDPE geomembranes are welded using two primary methods: dual-track hot wedge welding and extrusion welding. Dual-track wedge welding uses heated wedges to fuse overlapping sheets, creating a dual seam with an air channel for non-destructive testing. Extrusion welding uses a molten bead of HDPE extrudate for detail work, patches, and penetrations. Welding requires ambient temperatures above 40 degrees F, dry surfaces, and qualified welders. All seams are tested via air pressure testing (dual-track) or vacuum box testing (extrusion welds).

Q: What is the expected service life of an HDPE geomembrane?

HDPE geomembranes have a projected service life of 50+ years when buried and protected from UV exposure, based on Arrhenius modeling and field performance data. Exposed HDPE with 2% minimum carbon black content and UV stabilizers typically provides 20-30+ years depending on climate and chemical exposure. Factors affecting service life include UV exposure, chemical contact, installation quality, operating temperature, and mechanical stress. Proper installation and adequate protective cover soil significantly extend service life.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane material properties, ASTM test methods, chemical resistance data, and thickness selection guidelines. Conforming to GRI-GM13 industry specification.

Material Properties

Minimum average roll values (MARV) per GRI-GM13 for smooth HDPE geomembrane.

Property	Unit	30 mil	40 mil	60 mil	80 mil	100 mil	Test Method
Thickness	mil (mm)	30 (0.75)	40 (1.00)	60 (1.50)	80 (2.00)	100 (2.50)	ASTM D5199
Density	g/cm³	≥0.940	≥0.940	≥0.940	≥0.940	≥0.940	ASTM D792
Tensile Strength at Break	lb/in (kN/m)	63 (11.0)	84 (14.7)	126 (22.1)	168 (29.4)	210 (36.8)	ASTM D6693
Tensile Strength at Yield	lb/in (kN/m)	39 (6.8)	52 (9.1)	78 (13.7)	104 (18.2)	130 (22.8)	ASTM D6693
Elongation at Break	%	≥700	≥700	≥700	≥700	≥700	ASTM D6693
Elongation at Yield	%	≥12	≥12	≥12	≥12	≥12	ASTM D6693
Tear Resistance	lb (N)	25 (111)	33 (147)	50 (222)	67 (298)	84 (374)	ASTM D1004
Puncture Resistance	lb (N)	44 (196)	60 (267)	90 (400)	120 (534)	150 (667)	ASTM D4833
Carbon Black Content	%	2.0–3.0	2.0–3.0	2.0–3.0	2.0–3.0	2.0–3.0	ASTM D4218
Carbon Black Dispersion	rating	≤1 or 2	≤1 or 2	≤1 or 2	≤1 or 2	≤1 or 2	ASTM D5596
Stress Crack Resistance (NCTL)	hours	≥500	≥500	≥500	≥500	≥500	ASTM D5397
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT)	minutes	≥100	≥100	≥100	≥100	≥100	ASTM D3895
Oven Aging (% OIT retained after 90 days)	%	≥55	≥55	≥55	≥55	≥55	ASTM D5721

Values shown are minimum average roll values (MARV) per GRI-GM13. Textured HDPE values differ; contact EFI for textured geomembrane specifications.

Referenced ASTM Test Methods

ASTM D6693

Tensile Properties of Geomembranes (Type IV specimen, 2 in/min)

ASTM D1004

Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Sheeting (Die C)

ASTM D4833

Index Puncture Resistance of Geomembranes (CBR probe, 12 in/min)

ASTM D5397

Stress Crack Resistance by Notched Constant Tensile Load (NCTL) Test

ASTM D5596

Microscopic Evaluation of Carbon Black Dispersion in Polyolefin Geosynthetics

ASTM D792

Density and Specific Gravity of Plastics by Displacement

ASTM D4218

Carbon Black Content in Polyethylene by Muffle Furnace

ASTM D1238

Melt Flow Rate of Thermoplastics (190°C / 21.6 kg)

ASTM D3895

Oxidative Induction Time by DSC (Standard OIT)

ASTM D5721

Oven Aging of Polyolefin Geomembranes (85°C for 90 days)

ASTM D5199

Thickness Measurement of Geosynthetics

GRI-GM13

Standard Specification for Test Properties, Testing Frequency, and Recommended Warranty for HDPE Smooth and Textured Geomembranes

Applications

Lagoon & Pond Liners

Agricultural waste lagoons, municipal wastewater ponds, industrial process water containment, and aquaculture systems.

Landfill Liners & Caps

RCRA Subtitle C and D primary liners, composite barrier systems, final cover systems, and leachate collection layers.

Mining Containment

Heap leach pads, tailings storage facilities, process solution ponds, and stormwater management systems.

Water Containment

Potable water reservoirs, irrigation storage, canal linings, and decorative water features.

Thickness Selection Guide

Recommended thickness ranges by application type. Always verify with project-specific engineering analysis and applicable regulations.

Thickness	Typical Applications	Design Considerations
30 mil (0.75 mm)	Temporary containment, light-duty agricultural ponds, secondary liners beneath thicker primary liners	Lowest cost; limited puncture resistance; requires well-prepared, smooth subgrade
40 mil (1.00 mm)	Agricultural lagoons, aquaculture ponds, irrigation reservoirs, decorative water features	Good balance of cost and performance; adequate for most agricultural applications with proper subgrade
60 mil (1.50 mm)	Municipal wastewater lagoons, landfill cells (Subtitle D), mining process water, industrial containment	Most commonly specified thickness; meets most regulatory requirements; good weldability
80 mil (2.00 mm)	Landfill primary liners (Subtitle C/D), heap leach pads, secondary containment for chemicals, high-load applications	Superior puncture and chemical resistance; heavier panels require larger equipment
100 mil (2.50 mm)	Hazardous waste containment (Subtitle C), aggressive chemical storage, critical infrastructure, high-traffic areas	Maximum protection; most expensive; requires experienced crew and heavy welding equipment

Chemical Resistance

General chemical compatibility at ambient temperature (23°C / 73°F). For elevated temperatures or extended immersion, consult EFI engineering.

Chemical	Rating	Notes
Sulfuric Acid (0–98%)	Excellent	Suitable for all concentrations at ambient temperature
Hydrochloric Acid (0–37%)	Excellent	No measurable degradation at ambient
Nitric Acid (0–70%)	Good	Acceptable up to 70%; oxidizing above 70% may affect long-term performance
Sodium Hydroxide (0–50%)	Excellent	Resistant across full concentration range
Potassium Hydroxide (0–50%)	Excellent	Resistant across full concentration range
Ethanol / Methanol	Excellent	No swelling or degradation
Diesel Fuel / Motor Oil	Good	Minor swelling possible with prolonged contact
Gasoline	Fair	Moderate swelling; not recommended for long-term immersion
Benzene / Toluene / Xylene	Not Recommended	Significant swelling and potential stress cracking
Chlorinated Solvents	Not Recommended	Rapid degradation; use FPP or other barrier material
Animal Waste Leachate	Excellent	Standard application for agricultural containment
Municipal Wastewater	Excellent	Standard application for lagoons and treatment ponds
Landfill Leachate	Excellent	RCRA-approved primary liner material

Installation Requirements

Temperature & Conditions

• Welding ambient temperature: ≥40°F (4°C)
• No welding during precipitation or on wet surfaces
• Wind speed limit: ≤25 mph for panel deployment
• Subgrade: smooth, free of rocks >0.5″, compacted to 95% Proctor
• Panel overlap: minimum 4″ for wedge welds, 3″ for extrusion welds

Welding & QA/QC

• Dual-track hot wedge: 600-850°F wedge temp, 6-12 ft/min travel speed
• Extrusion: 425-500°F extrudate temp, preheat substrate
• Trial welds required at start of each shift and every 4 hours
• Destructive peel & shear testing per ASTM D6392
• Air channel test: 25-30 psi for 5 minutes minimum

Frequently Asked Questions

What thickness HDPE geomembrane do I need?

Thickness selection depends on application, regulatory requirements, and site conditions. Agricultural lagoons typically use 40-60 mil. Landfill primary liners require 60-80 mil per RCRA Subtitle D. Mining heap leach pads use 60-80 mil. Hazardous waste containment requires 80-100 mil per RCRA Subtitle C.

What ASTM standards apply to HDPE geomembranes?

Key standards include ASTM D6693 (tensile), D1004 (tear), D4833 (puncture), D5397 (stress crack), D5596 (carbon black dispersion), D792 (density), and D4218 (carbon black content). GRI-GM13 is the consolidated industry specification for smooth and textured HDPE.

What is the chemical resistance of HDPE geomembranes?

HDPE provides excellent resistance to inorganic acids, bases, and most salts. It has good resistance to alcohols and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Limited resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons (BTX), chlorinated solvents, and strong oxidizing acids. Always verify with manufacturer chemical resistance charts for specific chemicals, concentrations, and temperatures.

How is HDPE geomembrane welded in the field?

Two primary methods: dual-track hot wedge welding (for long seams, creates testable air channel) and extrusion welding (for details, patches, penetrations). Welding requires ambient temps above 40°F, dry surfaces, and qualified welders. All seams are tested via air pressure testing or vacuum box testing.

What is the expected service life of an HDPE geomembrane?

Buried HDPE liners project 50+ years based on Arrhenius modeling. Exposed HDPE with 2%+ carbon black and UV stabilizers typically provides 20-30+ years depending on climate. Key factors: UV exposure, chemical contact, installation quality, operating temperature, and mechanical stress.

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