Lifetime Prediction of Modified Pvc-P Geomembranes Agedin Air

Abstract

This paper aims to predict the lifetime and assess the durability of three plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-P) geomembranes (GMBs) in hydraulic projects. Three different PVC-P GMBs were previously subjected to accelerated aging tests, and then the specimens were periodically tested for physical properties, mechanical properties, and plasticizer content. The lifetime prediction model was constructed based on the Arrhenius equation and the experimental data, and the relationship between the loss rate of break elongation and plasticizer loss rate was established. The results suggest that the service life of PVC-P GMBs is associated with the operating temperature and plasticizer content. A significant decrease in the loss rate of plasticizers of modified PVC-P GMBs results in a longer service life. The service lives of Material A, B, and C predicted at 20°C were approximately 19.75, 114.92 and 149.27 years, respectively, and the loss rates of plasticizers at failure were 59.21%, 44.10%, and 41.60%, respectively. The modified PVC-P GMBs satisfy the durability requirements in small and medium-sized water conservancy projects. The results provide valuable reference for the application and evaluation of the durability of modified PVC-P GMBs in water conservancy and hydropower engineering in China.

Keywords: Geosynthetics, PVC-P GMBs, Accelerated aging test, Arrhenius equation, Lifetime prediction