Long-term durability of polymeric waterproofing systems for tunneling applications (FGU2004/002)
Overview
Background & policy context:
Currently there is neither experience nor the validated test methods for the determination of long-term behavior of tunnel sealing systems.
Objectives:
The main aim of the project is to define an experimental evaluation procedure for the determination of the long-term ageing behavior of polymeric waterproofing systems for tunneling applications and the performance of this evaluation on selected, improved materials for waterproofing systems. A comprehensive analysis of the existing data and experience from the NEAT tunnels evaluation procedure for polymeric waterproofing systems shall yield an improved evaluation procedure that then will be applied to selected, commercially available waterproofing systems to determine their long-term ageing behavior.
Methodology:
The analyzed materials were stored for 3 to 5 years in water at 55 or 70 ° C with or without bubbling air. Furthermore, ageing for one year in acid and alkaline media were carried out. After ageing, samples were taken at defined time intervals and their visual appearance and the mass changes in the wet and dry state were investigated. For geomembranes mechanical properties were determined from tensile and tensile impact tests and compared with results from the extended 10-year storage of the evaluation procedure. Additional tests such as determination of oxygen induction time OIT were performed on selected materials.
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