Behaviour of an EPDM geomembrane 18 years after its installation in a water reservoir

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the durability of an EPDM geomembrane installed 18 years ago in the water reservoir of El Boquerón (Canary Islands, Spain). To do so, samples were regularly taken from different places of the water reservoir. Samples were laboratory tested as follows: foldability at low temperature, static and dynamic puncture resistance, Shore-A hardness, tensile strength and elongation at break, seam strength and microscopic techniques. The obtained results confirm the EPDM geomembrane is still in good condition.