Reclamation Information Sharing Environment (RISE)

Geomembrane liners lack a standardized durability framework despite their critical role in Reclamation canals, ponds, and reservoirs. This study establishes a rigorous testing methodology using tensile, tear, puncture, abrasion, and visual evaluation before and after freeze–thaw, UV, and thermal weathering. The results show a wide variability in material durability. Only one material demonstrates consistently strong performance across all metrics, and is suitable for immediate field use in canals, ponds and reservoirs. One material failed under UV and was deemed unsuitable for exposed use. These findings support developing a geomembrane tabulation system and conducting extended weathering to refine long term material selection.