Advancements in Field Testing for Locating Geomembrane Installation Damage

The most significant damage to installed geomembranes is caused during cover material placement and can typically only be found if covered geomembrane testing is performed using electrical leak location methods. Recent advancements in covered geomembrane electrical leak location testing include an improved dipole method testing ASTM standard practice. In this paper, the technical issues with previously used dipole method standard procedures are explained along with a detailed description of how the improved practice addresses those technical flaws. In addition, testing effectiveness is improved by the new standard practice through controlling site conditions, standardizing measurement density as a function of the dipole spacing, providing procedures for optimizing sensitivity, and enhancing reporting requirements to enable reviewability. Reporting examples of the testing methods are provided, advancements in dipole method equipment for faster and more precise testing are discussed, and recommendations are made for further optimizing testing effectiveness. As a result of the testing methodology advancements, covered geomembrane testing can be performed with the certainty of locating all installation damage before the operational life of a containment facility.