Quantifying hook and loop interaction in textured geomembrane-geotextile systems

This paper examines the role of geomembrane texture on geomembrane-geotextile interface performance, focusing in particular on hook and loop interaction. The study specifically involves textured HDPE geomembranes and needle punched nonwoven fabrics; however, the concepts presented may be relevant to other geosynthetic systems. The effects of hook and loop interaction on geosynthetic interface performance were quantified through laboratory interface shear testing, ASTM hook and loop interaction tests, and optical microscopy. Testing was conducted over a large range of normal stresses (0.4-312 kPa) to capture variations in behavior as a function of normal stress. Results show that the magnitude of hook and loop interaction depends on the characteristics of the geomembrane texture and can contribute a significant portion of the peak interface strength. The results aid in quantifying behavioral differences observed between geomembranes textured using different manufacturing processes, and provide microscale insight into textured geomembrane-geotextile interaction mechanisms over a range of stress levels.