The characterization of geosynthetic/geosynthetic interfaces can now be performed faster than ever, thanks to the development of an innovative testing concept at SAGEOS.

Did you know that SAGEOS develops advanced measurement solutions tailored to market needs? As part of a research project, an experimental device was designed and manufactured to evaluate the resistance and friction properties of textured geomembrane interfaces using an inclined plane mounted on a dynamometer.

Addressing the challenges of Containment structures
This device is specifically designed to characterize the friction properties of geosynthetic interfaces in critical applications such as engineered landfills, mining ponds, and leaching platforms, where significant mechanical stress may be applied. The setup replicates real-world installation conditions, where a pre-inclined plane is subjected to increasing normal stress until the carrier plate moves.

A step forward from standard methods
Our apparatus uses an inclined plane under compression. Installed on a dynamometer, it allows testing of interfaces under high normal stresses—up to 5000 kPa—while providing better representation of real conditions.

During the test, two scenarios may occur:

  • If the friction angle is greater than the test angle, the system remains stable.
  • If the friction angle is lower, displacement occurs, initiating sliding.

Given its simplicity and accessibility, this test can be used for rapid quality control on-site during geomembrane installation. It determines the maximum confinement stress applicable for a known slope configuration. Additionally, it serves as a complementary verification tool alongside standard shear testing method.

Advantages from existing methods
This method offers several advantages over standard approaches:

  • Ease of installation: Enables quick assessment of the friction properties of geosynthetic interfaces;
  • Higher normal stress testing: Depending on the dynamometer used, it can assess stresses beyond those achievable with direct shear boxes.
  • Possibility to perform temperature conditioned tests: The equipment can be used in climatic chambers to evaluate shear behavior under various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures (cold or hot) and freeze-thaw cycles.

Scientific recognition
The results of this work, conducted by SAGEOS and Solmax International, funded by the Programme Innovation Québec, have been presented at major conferences:

13e colloque français sur les géotextiles, les géomembranes et les produits apparentés : Blond, E; Beaumier D (2022): Caractérisation des propriétés de frottement des géomembranes texturées (Characterization of Shear Properties of Textured Geomembranes), Proceedings of Rencontres géosynthétiques 2022, Saint-Malo, France.

12thInternational Conference on Geosynthetics – 12 ICG Roma : E. Blond, Blond Consultant Inc, Montreal, Canada; D. Beaumier, SAGEOS CTT Group, St-Hyacinthe, Canada; C. Tarnowski, Solmax, Hamburg, Germany: The Inclined Plane Compression Test: a New Technique to Assess the Interface Shear-Strength Properties of Polyethylene Geomembranes.

SAGEOS – At the heart of the matter