HDPE welding

Geosynthetics | October 2009

GMA techline answers from Bob Koerner

Subject: HDPE welding [We are] seeking information that would assist on welding 60-mil white HDPE above 104°F. We have successfully demonstrated in the past with destructive and nondestructive testing welds that would exceed project specifications. We are currently on a large project where the engineers are seeking more substance to our claim. (Micheal, USA)

Reply: I think that many field welding technicians would love to weld at 104°F during the summer. It is really very doable, especially on a white sheet. Our usual upper limit for welding is a sheet temperature of 50°C (122°F).

Of course, trial (test) seams are always necessary and if the field CQA is nervous, then perhaps one per two-hour interval instead of the usual four-hour interval is advised.

Robert M. Koerner, Ph.D., P.E., NAE; E-mail: Robert.Koerner@coe.drexel.edu.

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