Physical Properties

The main physical properties of geomembranes in the as-manufactured state are:

• Thickness (smooth sheet, textured, asperity height)
• Density
• Melt flow index
• Mass per unit area (weight)
• Vapor transmission (water and solvent).

Mechanical properties

There are a number of mechanical tests that have been developed to determine the strength of polymeric sheet materials. Many have been adopted for use in evaluating geomembranes. They represent both quality control and design, i.e., index versus performance tests.

• tensile strength and elongation (index, wide width, axisymmetric, and seams)
• tear resistance
• impact resistance
• puncture resistance
• interface shear strength
• anchorage strength
• stress cracking (constant load and single point).