The long-time behavior in service of geomembranes in dams

Geomembranes are crucial for seepage control in dams. Their long-term performance heavily relies on their durability, which enables them to resist environmental factors such as temperature extremes, UV radiation, and mechanical damage. Research focusing on geomembranes used in dams across the Italian territory, leveraging extensive analysis of exhumed samples, illustrates their real-world performance. This research is specifically related to the geomembrane behavior on a rockfill dam in Southern Italy and on several concrete and masonry dams on the Italian Alps. The research here presented could determine a predefined critical end-of-service-life value of the geomembranes, providing a practical tool for dam engineers and managers.