POLYETHYLENE GEOMEMBRANES

SECTION 10
10.1 SCOPE

This Technical Specification defines the minimum requirements for the supply and
installation of the Premium High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes for the
project. This Technical Specification also defines the minimum requirements for
finished surfaces to be lined, material quality, placing, seaming and testing.

10.2 OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS

The Premium HDPE geomembranes will be subjected to operating temperatures of up

to 60°C (140°F). The physical properties of the proposed geomembrane shall be
thoroughly reviewed to ensure long-term performance.

10.3 DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATIONS

10.3.1 Definitions
Table 10.1 – Definitions
Term Definition
Owner Project Owner.
Representative appointed by the Owner to assess and monitor that
the Contractor is performing the Work in accordance with the contract
CR
Documents. The CR is responsible for the release of Hold Points
and Witness Points.
The individual, firm, partnership, or corporation which is determined
Contractor
to be the successful bidder.
Geomembrane Contractor responsible for the installation of the geomembrane.
Installer
Manufacturer Responsible party for the manufacturing of geomembranes.
A quantity of resin (usually the capacity of one rail car) used in the
Lot manufacture of geomembranes. Finished roll will be identified by a
roll number traceable to the resin lot used.
The prepared surface of the earth on which geomembranes, footings,
Subgrade
pavements, slabs, fill and embankments are constructed.

10.3.2 Abbreviations
Table 10.2 - Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
ASTM American Society for Testing and Material
ATV All-Terrain Vehicle
c/c Center to Center
CQA Construction Quality Assurance
DT Destructive Testing
GRI Geosynthetic Research Institute
HDPE High Density Polyethylene
LLDPE Linear Low Density Polyethylene
NDT Non-Destructive Testing
PE Polyethylene
QC Quality Control

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10.4 STANDARDS & CODES

Unless otherwise specified, workmanship and materials for the construction of the
earthworks and associated geomembranes work shall be in accordance with the
requirements of the relevant Federal, State and Local Regulations and other
Regulatory Authority requirements, as applicable.

Latest editions of published Codes & Standard, including any other standards
referenced therein, shall apply as of the date of issue of this Technical Specification.
Where any conflict occurs between mandatory regulations, standards and codes, and
other regulatory authority requirements, the most stringent requirement shall apply.
10.4.1 STANDARD & CODES
Table 10.3 - Standards
Standard Description
Standard Test Method for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of
ASTM D792
Plastics by Displacement.
Standard Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and
ASTM D1004
Sheeting.
Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion
ASTM D1238
Plastometer.
Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient
ASTM D1505
Technique.
ASTM D1603 Standard Test Method for Carbon Black Content in Olefin Plastics.
Standard Test Method for Oxidation Induction Time of Polyolefin by
ASTM D3895
Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
Standard Test Method for Determination of Carbon Black Content in
ASTM D4218
Polyethylene Compounds by the Muffle Furnace Technique.
Standard Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance of Geomembranes and
ASTM D4833
Related Products.
ASTM D5199 Standard Test Method for Measuring Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics.
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resistance of Polyolefin
ASTM D5397
Geomembrane Using Notched Constant Tensile Load.
Standard Test Method for Microscopic evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon
ASTM D5596
Black in Polyolefin Geosynthetics.
ASTM D5721 Standard Practice for Air-Oven Aging of Polyolefin Geomembranes.
Standard Practice for Pressurized Air Channel Evaluation Testing of Dual
ASTM D5820
Seamed Geomembranes.
Test Method for Oxidation Induction Time of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by High
ASTM D5885
Pressure Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
Standard Test Method for Measuring the Core Thickness of Textured
ASTM D5994
Geomembranes.
Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Non-Reinforced
ASTM D6392
Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods.
Standard Test Method for Determining Tensile Properties of Non-Reinforced
ASTM D6693
Polyethylene and Non-Reinforced Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
Standard Practice for Leak Location using Geomembranes with an insulating
ASTM D7240 Layer in Intimate Contact with a Conductive Layer via Electrical Capacitance
Technique (Conductive Geomembrane Spark Test).
Standard Test Method for Measuring the Asperity Height of Textured
ASTM D7466
Geomembarne.
GRI GM6 Pressurized Air Channel Test for Dual Seamed Geomembranes.
GRI GM9 Cold weather Seaming of Geomembranes.
Accelerated Weathering of Geomembranes Using a Fluorescent UVA
GRI GM11
Condensation Exposure Device.
Test Properties, Testing Frequency and Recommended Warranty for High
GRI GM13
Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Smooth and Textured Geomembranes.
Selecting Variable Intervals for Taking Geomembrane Destructive Seam
GRI GM14
samples Using the Method of Attributes.

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 Standard Description
Standard Specification for Seam Strength and Related Properties of Thermally
GRI GM19
Bonded Polyolefin Geomembranes.

10.5 QUALITY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The CR reserves the right to inspect the materials and workmanship at any time.
Materials or workmanship found not conform to this Specification may be rejected
during the execution of the work. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal
and replacement of any work that is rejected, including any other work damaged as a
result.
10.6 SUBMITTALS

10.6.1 Construction Procedure

A Construction Procedure for the installation of the HDPE geomembrane shall be

submitted to the CR prior to the commencement of works.

The Construction Procedure shall include, but is not limited, the following:
• Certification of Welding Technicians;
• Subgrade acceptance;
• Placement of Geomembrane;
• Placement of temporary liner ballasting;
• Geomembrane Panel Layout Drawing;
• Panel Seaming;
• Liner Anchorage;
• Geomembrane NDT;
• Geomembrane DT;
• Storage of Materials On Site;
• Handling of Materials;
• Disposal of Excess Materials;
• Product Identification and Traceability;
• Inspection and Test Plans.

10.6.2 Panel Layout Drawing

The Geomembrane Installer shall prepare geomembrane panel layout drawings

allocating a logical sequence of numbers to panel and seams. Three copies shall be
submitted to the CR as part of the overall Construction Procedure for review and
approval.

The panel layout should minimize the number of panels and the length of seams.
Seams shall be oriented perpendicular to the batter slopes and not across the batter
slopes wherever practical. No horizontal seam should be located within 1.5m of a
batter toe line. Horizontal seams should be staggered across each width of roll. The
panel layout may be varied in the field from that shown on the drawings only with the
approval of the CR in writing.

In accordance with the Construction Procedure (Section 1.6.1: Construction

Procedure), the following shall be included in the panel layout drawings:
• Proposed Starting Position for the placement of the HDPE Geomembrane;
• Panel Numbering System;
• Panel Diagram (of Suitable Scale);
➢ Panel Layout
➢ Panel Dimensions
• Relevant Experience of Geomembrane Installer;

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10.6.3 Manufacturer QC Documentation

All materials must strictly comply with the requirements of this Specification. For all
materials, a Manufacturer QC documentation shall be provided to the CR before the
materials are to be installed.

The Manufacturer QC documentation shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
• Roll Number;
• Resin Lot;
• Product Code;
• Manufacturing Date;
• Roll Length;
• Roll Test Data Report;
➢ Average Thickness (ASTM D5994)
➢ Minimum Thickness (ASTM D5994)
➢ Asperity Height (ASTM D7466)
➢ Tensile Properties (ASTM D6693)
➢ Tear Resistance (ASTM D1004)
➢ Puncture Resistance (ASTM D4833)
➢ Density (ASTM D1505)
➢ Carbon Black Content (ASTM D4218)
➢ Standard Oxidative Induction Time (ASTM D3895) or
➢ High Pressure Oxidative Induction Time (ASTM D5885)
➢ Oven Aging at 85°C, % Retained after 90days (ASTM D3895 / ASTM
D5885)
➢ UV Resistance, % Retained after 1600hours (GRI GM11 / ASTM D5885)

10.7 Qualifications

10.7.1 Manufacturer Qualifications

The Geomembrane shall be manufactured by Solmax International Inc. or approved

equal.

The Manufacturer shall have manufactured a minimum of 1,000,000 m2 of polyethylene

geomembranes during the past year.

The Manufacturer shall carry the following certifications:

• ISO 9001
• GAI-LAP

10.8 Materials

10.8.1 General

All materials must strictly comply with the requirements of this Specification. For all
materials, a Technical Data Sheet with the required testing shall be provided to and
approved by the CR before the materials are to be installed.

The Contractor shall allow sufficient time for the CR to review the certified test results
provided to not impact the geomembrane delivery schedule.

Materials shall be protected against solar radiation, mud, dirt, dust, puncture, cutting or
any other damaging or deleterious conditions. Materials and equipment damaged prior
to, and or during installation shall not be used and must be replaced at the Contractor’s
expense.

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 Production samples of materials shall be provided to the CR and will be held
throughout the period of the contract for the purpose of providing a reference against
which all subsequent items may be gauged for compliance with this Specification.

The HDPE geomembrane shall be a new, first-quality product designed specifically for
the purpose of hydraulic containment and of the thickness specified. The membrane
shall be uniform, free of holes, blisters, bubbles, gels, nicks, cuts, undispersed raw
materials, or any sign of contamination by foreign matter.

10.8.2 Geomembrane Material

The geomembranes shall be comprised of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and shall
meet the required physical, mechanical and endurance properties shown in the product
Technical Data Sheet in Table 10.4 (below).

Table 10.4 – TAN Premium HDPE Geomembrane (Textured) Technical Properties

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 Notes:
(1) Testing Frequency based on standard roll dimensions and one batch is approximately
180,000 lbs (or one railcar)
(2) Machine Direction (MD) and Cross Machine Direction (XMD or TD) average value should
be on the basis of 5 specimens each direction.
(8) Correlation table is available for ASTM D792 vs ASTM D1505. Both methods give the
same results.
(9) Correlation table is available for ASTM D1603 vs ASTM D4218. Both methods give the
same results.
(10)Condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75°C followed by 4 hr. Condensation at
60°C.
(11)UV Resistance is base on percentage retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT
value.
*All values are nominal test results, except when specified as minimum or maximum.
*The information contained herein is provided for reference purposes only and is not intended
as a warranty of guarantee. Final determination of suitability for use contemplated is the sole
responsibility of the user. SOLMAX assumes no liability in connection with the use of this
information.

10.8.3 Geomembrane Manufacturing Quality Control

The geomembrane shall be monitored throughout the manufacturing process for
product integrity and consistency. The manufacturer shall test rolls in accordance with
Table 5 (above) with results showing conformance with the required physical properties
listed in Table 5.

Certified test results shall be submitted to and approved by the CR before the HDPE
geomembrane rolls are to be installed from the manufacturing plant. The
Geomembrane Installer shall allow sufficient time for the CR to review the certified test
results provided to not impact the geomembrane delivery schedule.

The Geomembrane Installer shall submit a list which indicates date of production, resin
batch number, manufacturing line number and identification number and square feet of
each geomembranes roll. Rolls shall be listed in the order of production with the status
of the roll (rejected or approved for shipment). All rolls shall be included in the list
whether or not approved for shipment.

Any roll(s) that do not meet the required physical properties or have not been tested at
the required frequency (Table 5(a), (b) and (c)) shall be rejected and removed from site.

10.8.4 HDPE Resin

Resin used in the manufacture of HDPE geomembranes shall be first quality single
source, compounded polyethylene resin manufactured specifically for the purpose of
producing HDPE geomembranes.

Reclaimed polymer shall not be added to the resin. The manufacturer may rework
edge trim from the roll being produced. Edge trim shall be returned immediately to the
process but shall not exceed 10% of the total resin required. Edge trim which has been
stored or sourced from other manufacturing plants shall not be recycled.

The manufacturer shall sample and test for the properties listed in Table 10.5 (below)
per batch resin. Certified test results shall be submitted to and approved by the CR
before the HDPE geomembrane rolls are to be installed. The Geomembrane Installer
shall allow sufficient time for the CR to review the certified test results provided to not
impact the geomembrane delivery schedule.

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 Table 10.5 - Resin Physical Properties
Test Property Test Method Unit Requirement
Density(1) ASTM D1505 g/cm3 ≥ 0.932
Melt Flow Index ASTM D1238 g/10 min. ≤ 1.00
Notes:
(1) Base resin density without carbon black added.

10.8.5 Extrudate Material

The extrudate rod or bead shall be high quality polyethylene and shall be of the same
formulation as the resin used to produce the geomembranes. All additives shall be
thoroughly dispersed throughout the extrudate rod or bead. There shall be no
contamination by foreign matter in the extrudate rod or bead.

10.8.6 Roll Identification

Geomembrane shall be supplied in rolls of width accordance to the product Technical
Data Sheet in Table 5. The rolls supplied should not allow any longitudinal seams. As a
minimum, each roll shall be labeled as follows:
• Roll Number;
• Name of Manufacturer;
• Batch Number of Raw Material;
• Date of Manufacture;
• Material Thickness;
• Roll Length and Area;
• Product Type and Grade.

Rolls will need to have permanent marking every 5 meters along the smooth edges that
include, as a minimum, the following information:
• Roll Number;
• Distance from start of the roll (in feet or meters).

10.8.7 Delivery
Rolls of geomembrane will be prepared to ship by appropriate means to prevent
damage to the material and to facilitate off-loading.

10.8.8 Storage
The on-site storage location for geomembrane rolls, provided by the Contractor to
protect the geomembranes from puncture, abrasion and excessive dirt and moisture
should have the following characteristics:
• Level (no wooden pallets);
• Smooth;
• Dry;
• Protected from theft and vandalism;
• Adjacent to the area to be lined.

The rolls shall be handled and stored with care to prevent any damage to the
geomembrane. During the transport of the material from the manufacturing plant to site
and storage of the geomembrane rolls on site, the geomembrane shall not be stacked
higher than 3 rolls high.

10.8.9 Handling
Materials are to be handled so as to prevent damage.

10.9 Samples
The Contractor shall submit samples of the geomembrane material and field seams
to the CR for approval prior to the start of construction. The Contractor shall submit

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 210mm x 280mm samples of geomembrane materials which have been made in
conformance with this Specification.

10.9.1 Geomembrane Warranty

The Contractor shall provide warranties for the geomembrane manufacturing and
geomembrane installation in accordance.

10.9.2 Material Warranty

The geomembrane manufacturer shall furnish a written geomembrane warranty, which
warrants the geomembrane material for a minimum of five (10) years from the date of
installation and final acceptance of the geomembrane.

The warranty shall be against manufacturing defects and workmanship. The warranty
shall be limited to replacement of material only and shall be pro-rated.

10.9.3 Installer Warranty

The Geomembrane Installer shall guarantee the geomembranes installation against
defects in the installation and workmanship for one (1) year, commencing with the date
of final acceptance of the geomembrane. A written geomembrane warranty will be
required.

10.10 Geomembrane Subgrade Preparation

10.10.1 Subgrade Preparation

The Geoembrane Installer shall ensure that all surfaces to be lined including corners
and around penetrations shall be finished smooth and free of rocks, stones, sticks,
roots, sharp objects and debris of any kind or any object which may damage the
geomembrane in accordance with Specification [Specification #]. The surface is to
provide a firm unyielding compacted subgrade for the geomembrane. All desiccation
cracking shall be repaired by the Contractor to the satisfaction of the CR.

Where a suitable surface cannot be achieved by treatment of in-situ material, an

imported smoothing fine course shall be placed. The smoothing fine course shall
consist of sandy clay which shall be free of organic matter and coarse or sharp
particles. The smoothing course shall be the minimum thickness necessary to maintain
150 mm minimum cover over irregularities or protrusions in the sub-grade formation
unless shown otherwise on the Drawings. The surface shall be watered and rolled with
a smooth steel drum roller to obtain a smooth uniform finish.

The Geomembrane Installer shall provide daily written subgrade acceptance

certifications to the CR for the surface to be covered by the geomembranes in that
day’s operation. The surface shall be maintained in a manner, during installation, to
ensure subgrade stability.

All subgrade damaged by construction equipment and deemed unsuitable for

geomembranes deployment, in the opinion of the CR, shall be repaired prior to
placement of the geomembranes. All repairs shall be approved by the CR.

Surfaces to be lined shall be flat on any plane within ± 50 mm vertical tolerance in any
area of 10 m2. All intersections between planes shall be made along straight lines.

10.10.2 Subgrade Maintenance

Where surface finishing is completed ahead of geomembrane installation, the surface

shall be maintained until immediately prior to geomembrane installation. This surface
will need to be re-inspected again by the CR and approved prior to installation of the
geomembrane. Sufficient equipment shall remain on the site until and during

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 installation to enable reinstatement of the surface in the event of damage due to
inclement weather or desiccation cracking. Any reinstatement work shall be at the
expense of the Contractor. The CR reserves the right to instruct the Contractor to
perform remedial work to satisfy the criteria.

10.11 Geomembrane Installation

10.11.1 General
Geomembrane installation shall be performed in accordance with the International
Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) HDPE Geomembrane Installation
Specification. Where there is discrepancy between the IAGI HDPE Geomembrane
Installation Specification and this Specification, this Specification shall govern.

Rolls of geomembrane shall be handled and securely stored to prevent damage prior to
installation. Geomembrane shall be unrolled in a controlled manner directly into the
final position. The method of unrolling shall not cause scratches or crimps in the
material, nor shall it disrupt the integrity of the finished sub-grade.

The geomembrane shall be placed in a relaxed state such that the material can
respond to thermal changes without excessive buckling, wrinkling or tensioning. Slack
shall be included in the geomembrane on the batter side of the tie-in seam along the
toe of all internal slopes. The included slack at the tie-in seam will minimize tension on
the tie-in seam due to contraction of the geomembrane at temperatures cooler than
ambient during installation. This induced slack shall vary in height based on the
ambient air temperature as given in Table 10.6 (below).

Table 10.6 - Induced Slack Height at Varying Ambient Temperatures

Ambient Air Temperature (°C) Slack Height (mm)
0-5 25
5-10 50
10-15 75
15-20 100
20-25 125
25-30 150
30-35 175
35-40 200

For material temperatures between -15°C and 0°C, the deployment and seaming will
be performed in accordance with GRI GM9. No geomembranes material shall be
unrolled or deployed if the material temperatures are lower than -15°C, unless
otherwise approved in writing by the CR. Only the quantity of geomembranes that will
be anchored and seamed together in one day shall be deployed.

In general, seams shall be orientated parallel to the line of maximum slope. In corners
and odd shaped geometric locations, the total length of the field seam shall be
minimized. Seams shall not be located at low points in the subgrade unless geometry
requires seaming at such locations as approved by the CR.

All HDPE panels that are to be welded together shall be manufactured by the same
geomembrane manufacturer, made from the same resin type and made using the same
formulation. Adjacent HDPE panels that do not satisfy all of these requirements shall
not be welded together. Any panels welded together that violate any of these criteria
shall be rejected and removed from site at the Geomembrane Installer’s expense.

The geomembranes shall not be allowed to “bridge” over voids or low areas in the
subgrade. The geomembranes shall rest in intimate contact with the subgrade.

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 Temporary ballasting such as sand bags or tires shall be placed on the geomembrane
to prevent wind damage during and after installation. It should be noted that this
temporary ballasting shall be of a suitable construction to prevent against damage of
the geomembrane. The Contractor shall be required to ensure that the spacing of
these sand bags / tires are appropriately designed (this could include tying the sand
bags / tires together in a horizontal and vertical direction) to prevent against uplift and
potential damage of the geomembrane. Any geomembrane material that has been
damaged as the result of the wind, in the opinion of the CR, shall be removed and
replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

All personnel working on the geomembrane surface shall wear soft-soled shoes, and
shall not engage in any activity which may damage the geomembrane.

Machinery, other than seam welding machinery or All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) approved
for use by the CR in writing, shall not be operated on the geomembrane.

The use of ATVs for the deployment of the geomembrane will be allowed. For ATVs to
be used, the Contractor must demonstrate that the ATV exerts a maximum allowable
pressure on the ground surface (or geomembrane surface) of 55 kPa. The maximum
allowable pressure on the ground surface (or geomembrane surface) is influenced by
the tread pattern of the tires on the ATV. The maximum allowable ground surface (or
geomembrane surface) pressure is not the reading from a tire pressure gauge. The
ATVs shall only be used to deploy rolls of geomembrane and shall not be used to
transport personnel, equipment, sandbags or the like.

10.12 Seaming

10.12.1 General

Seaming of geomembranes shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the

manufacturer’s written instructions and in accordance with GRI GM19. The Contractor
shall provide a complete description of the processes to be used, and shall identify the
equipment proposed for accomplishing the seaming.

No geomembranes material shall be seamed when the sheet temperature is below -

15°C and above 75°C as measured by an infrared thermometer (or surface
thermocouple), unless otherwise approved by the CR. For material temperatures
between -15°C and 0°C, seaming shall be performed in accordance with GRI GM9.

10.12.2 Personnel

The Contractor shall nominate a Project Seam Welding Supervisor before commencing
work and shall demonstrate that the Seam Welding Supervisor has a proven
background in installation of lining systems and materials similar to those specified. All
personnel employed in welding shall be competent and experienced in the use of the
equipment. The Contractor shall ultimately be responsible for ensuring the quality
assurance program is followed.

10.12.3 Seam Welding Equipment

Only specialized purpose-designed equipment approved by the CR shall be used. For

long-run work, the machine shall be mounted on a carriage to operate at a controlled
speed. In all cases, the temperature at the point of fusion shall be monitored and
controlled with an interlock to the drive mechanism so that welding is stopped if the
temperature falls outside the range at which satisfactory welding can be achieved.

Where the welding procedure includes provision for heated extrudate to be

incorporated in the weld, any degraded extrudate, which has been overheated or

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 heated and cooled in the barrel, shall be purged with fresh material prior to the
resumption of welding.

Equipment shall be maintained on a regular basis to ensure efficient performance

throughout.

The field tensiometer shall have a current certificate of calibration in accordance with
the manufacturer’s calibration recommendations.

10.12.4 Seam Strength Requirements

Each test specimen should fail in the parent material and not in the weld as
demonstrated by test welds and destructive test samples in accordance with Section 5:
Geomembrane Inspection & Testing. Breadth and depth of fusion between sheets shall
be as required to meet these criteria. Where heated extrudate is included in the weld,
the extrudate material after fusion shall be fully compatible physically and chemically
with the geomembrane material.

The geomembrane material shall not be overheated during welding such that
crystallization, oxidation, perforation or degradation of the geomembrane occurs.

10.12.5 Weather Conditions

Welding shall not be commenced or continued during rain, fog, excessive winds,
snowing, sleeting or hailing. Welding shall not be commenced or continued when
ambient temperatures (as measure 75 mm above the seam being welded) is outside
the range of -15°C to 37°C. When ambient temperatures are between -15°C and 0°C,
seaming shall be performed in accordance with GRI GM9.

The seams adjacent to the corners of the ponds and the toe of the slopes shall be
made during the coolest part of the day and shall not be made when the geomembrane
is exposed to direct sunlight.

10.12.6 Geomembrane Preparation

The surface of the geomembrane to be welded shall be clean, dry and free from any
foreign matter and contaminants, such as clay and sand.

10.12.7 Seam Lap

The minimum lap of adjacent geomembrane sheets shall be 100 mm, unless specified
as greater by the geomembrane manufacturer or the welding equipment supplier.

Fishmouths, or excessive wrinkles at the seam overlap, shall be minimized. When

necessary, cut along the ridge of the wrinkles back into the panel to create a flat
overlap. The cut shall be terminated with a keyhole cut (nominal 10 mm diameter hole)
so as to minimize crack/tear propagation. The overlay shall subsequently be seamed.
The keyhole cut shall be patched with an oval or round patch, of the same base
geomembrane material extending a minimum of 150 mm beyond the cut in all
directions.

10.12.8 Fusion Welding (Primary Welds)

Seam welding of HDPE geomembranes shall be accomplished primarily by fusion

welding using either a hot wedge or hot air welder.

Geomembrane surface area to be fusion welded must be cleaned from dust, mud,
debris and shall be protected against moisture build-up between sheets.

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 The seam shall consist of a double weld produced by surface fusion with an air gap
between. Pressure nipping rollers shall press the molten surfaces together immediately
behind the hot air or hot wedge welder to complete the weld.

10.12.9 Extrusion Welding (Secondary Welds)

Extrusion welding shall only be used where fusion welding is not possible, such as at
pipe penetrations, patches, repairs, and short runs of seams (less than a roll width).

Geomembrane surface area to be extrusion welded must be cleaned by using disc

grinder or equivalent to remove the oxidized layers and dirt. The leading edge of the
upper geomembrane needs to be beveled or tapered to a 45° angle and the bottom
geomembrane grind marks shall be about 5% of the liner thickness.

Extrusion welding shall be achieved by fusion of an extrudate to the top surface of both
sheets at the lap. The depth and width of engagement of the extrudate shall be as
required to achieve the strength requirements. The means of deposition of the
extrudate shall provide for full integration with the surface of the sheets, so that the
weld becomes homogeneous with the geomembrane.

10.12.10 Connections at Penetration and to Structures

Connections to geomembrane penetrations and adjoining structures shall be made in

accordance with the details shown on the construction drawings. Connections shall be
at least equivalent in strength to the normal lap seams and the security of containment
shall not be diminished. Local stresses in the geomembrane at connections shall be
minimized.

Penetrations shall be constructed from the base geomembranes material, flat stock,
prefabricated boots and accessories as shown in the construction drawings.

10.13 Geomembrane Anchorage

Anchor trenches shall be excavated in accordance with the details on the construction
drawings. The anchor trenches shall be kept well drained to avoid softening during rain
periods and maintained so as to not dry, desiccate and crack.

In accordance with [Specification #], the Contractor shall seek approval from the CR
prior to the commencement of anchor trench backfilling. Once the anchor trench is
ready to be backfilled, it shall be backfilled in early morning when the geomembrane is
at maximum contraction. Backfilling shall be carried out in planned, logical sequence to
avoid overstressing of the geomembrane. The front edge of the anchor trench will be
rounded, with no sharp stones that might damage the liner.

10.14 Cleaning Up
On completion of the work on site, the Contractor shall clean up and leave the whole
area to the satisfaction of the CR.

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