Technical Note by J . G . Zornberg and J . P . Giroud UPLIFT OF GEOMEMBRANES BY WIND - EXTENSION OF EQUATIONS

This technical note presents an extension of earlier analytical methods published in 1995 by Giroud et al. for evaluating the uplift of geomembranes by wind. The extension incorporates: (i) the influence on wind uplift of the slope inclination of an exposed geomembrane; and (ii) a more accurate expression of the tension-strain relationship in a wind uplifted geomembrane. Use of the revised methods is particularly relevant for projects in which the exposed geomembrane mass per unit area is high, the slope inclination of the exposed geomembrane is steep, and the exposed geomembrane is subjected to strains due to mechanisms other than the wind (e.g. gravity, temperature) prior to wind uplift. Also, the revised equations are particularly appropriate for dimensioning a protective layer placed on top of the geomembrane to prevent wind uplift. The information provided in this technical note may be of particular significance for projects in which an exposed geomembrane is contemplated as the final cover for waste containment systems with steep slope configurations.