A Discrete Element Method Investigation of the Mechanical Response at The HDPE Geomembrane-Sand Interface

Year 2025, Volume: 17 Issue: 3, 158 - 170, 30.11.2025

Mohammad Bairoti , Hasan Fırat Pulat , Muath S. Talafha

Abstract

Geosynthetics made from synthetic polymers are widely used in geotechnical engineering for soil reinforcement, separation, erosion prevention, and drainage. These materials have applications in landfills, foundations, retaining walls, and dams. The interaction between geosynthetics and the surfaces they meet needs to be investigated to ensure that geosynthetics are efficient in their function. The present study examined the interface shear behaviour between granular soil and a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane. A cylindrical direct shear test based on the discrete element method (DEM) was conducted on HDPE geomembranes with thicknesses of 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm. Preliminary experiments were performed solely on granular soil, after which a concrete block was placed in the lower jaw of the shear box with the geomembrane positioned on top, while the soil in the upper jaw formed the soil–geomembrane interface. Various normal stresses and shear rates were applied to analyse geomembrane behaviour. According to the DEM results, the interface friction angle for the 1.5 mm HDPE–soil configuration was reduced by approximately 51–59% compared to granular soil. For the 3.0 mm HDPE–soil interface, the reduction ranged from 42% to 48%, depending on the shear rate. These reductions, representing decreases in internal friction angle from roughly one-third to two-thirds, were found to be consistent with ASTM standards.

Keywords

Discrete Element Method (DEM) , geomembrane , geosynthetic , high-density polyethene (HDPE) , shear behaviour

References

• Wu, H., Zhang, Z., Li, C., Zhao, T., Wang, Y., Review of application and innovation of geotextiles in geotechnical engineering. Materials, 13(7), 1774, 2020. 
• Whittle, A.J., Ling, H.I., Geosynthetics in construction. Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology, K.H.J. Buschow et al., Eds., Elsevier, 1–13, 2002.
• Okeke, O., Ukor, K.P., Geotextiles and geomembranes: Properties, production and engineering applications. International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 4(11), 2018.
• Beneš, V., Tesař, M., Boukalova, Z., Repeated geophysical measurement: The basic principle of the GMS methodology used to inspect the condition of flood control dikes. WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, 146, 105–115, 2011.
• Stark, T.D., Choi, H., Diebel, P.W., Influence of plasticizer molecular weight on plasticizer retention in PVC geomembranes. Geosynthetics International, 12(2), 99–110, 2005.
• Tuna, S.C., Altun, S., Mechanical behaviour of sand–geotextile interface. Scientia Iranica, 19(4), 1044–1051, 2012.
• Chen, W.B., Xu, T., Zhou, W.H., Microanalysis of smooth geomembrane–sand interface using FDM–DEM coupling simulation. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 49(1), 276–288, 2021.
• Fishman, K.L., Pal, S., Further study of geomembrane/cohesive soil interface shear behavior. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 13(9), 571–590, 1994. 
• Dove, J.E., Frost, J.D., Peak friction behavior of smooth geomembrane–particle interfaces. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 125(7), 544–555, 1999.
• Lai, H.J., Zheng, J.J., Zhang, J., Zhang, R.J., and Cui, L., DEM analysis of ‘soil’–arching within geogrid-reinforced and unreinforced pile-supported embankments. Computers and Geotechnics, 61, 13–23, 2014. 
• Wang, Y., Alonso-Marroquín, F., A finite deformation method for discrete modeling: Particle rotation and parameter calibration. Granular Matter, 11(5), 331–343, 2009.
• Kostkanová, V., Herle, I., Measurement of wall friction in direct shear tests on soft soil. Acta Geotechnica, 7(4), 333–342, 2012.
• Cheng, H., Yamamoto, H., Thoeni, K., Numerical study on stress states and fabric anisotropies in soilbags using the DEM. Computers and Geotechnics, 76, 170–183, 2016.
• Altair Engineering Inc., Altair EDEM® Software, Version 2022.1. 2022. Available online: https://www.altair.com/
• Cundall, P.A., Strack, O.D.L., A discrete numerical model for granular assemblies. Geotechnique, 29(1), 47–65, 1979. 
• Talafha, M.S., Oldal, I., The effect of triple particle sizes on the mechanical behaviour of granular materials using discrete element method (DEM). FME Transactions, 50(1), 139–148, 2022.
• Oldal, I., Safranyik, F., Extension of silo discharge model based on discrete element method. Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 29(9), 3789–3796, 2015.
• Keppler, I., Kocsis, L., Oldal, I., Farkas, I., Csatar, A., Grain velocity distribution in a mixed flow dryer. Advanced Powder Technology, 23(6), 824–832, 2012.
• ASTM International, ASTM D3080/D3080M-11: Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils under Consolidated Drained Conditions. 2011.
• Vorlet, S.L., de Cesare, G., A comprehensive review on geomembrane systems application in hydropower. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 189, 113951, 2024. 
• Bacas, B.M., Cañizal, J., Konietzky, H., Shear strength behavior of geotextile/geomembrane interfaces. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 7(6), 638–645, 2015.
• Fleming, I.R., Sharma, J.S., Jogi, M.B., Shear strength of geomembrane–soil interface under unsaturated conditions. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 24(5), 274–284, 2006.
• Inci, D., Firat, P.H., Effects of soil and geomembrane types on interface and shear strength behaviour. Gradjevinar, 76(3), 223–234, 2024. 
• Yesiller, N., Core thickness and asperity height of textured geomembranes: A critical review. Geotechnical Fabrics Report, 23(4), 2005.
• Blond, E., Elie, G., Interface shear-strength properties of textured polyethylene geomembranes. Sea to Sky Geotechnique 2006 Conference Proceedings, pp. 897–902, 2006.
• Costa Junior, S.L., Lodi, P.C., Assessment of the interface shear strength between HDPE geomembrane and tropical soil by the direct shear test. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Geosynthetics, Seoul, Korea, pp. 1–10, 2018.
• Zornberg, J.G., McCartney, J.S., Internal and interface shear strength of geosynthetic clay liners. Geosynthetics in Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Texas, USA, pp. 143–153, 2009.
• Bairoti, M., Pulat, H.F., Talafha, M.S., Evaluation of the HDPE geomembrane-sand interface behaviour using the discrete element method. 1st International Eurasian Congress on Scientific Research and Innovation, Baku, Azerbaijan, 22–24 Nov. 2024.
• Markou, I. N., Evangelou, E. D., Shear resistance characteristics of soil–geomembrane interfaces. International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering, 4(4), 29, 2018.