Geomembrane Installation Reference Manual

Geomembrane Installation Reference Manual
Table of Content
1. General Description…………………………………………………………... 1
1.1 Scope……………………………………………………………………... 1
1.2 Qualification……………………………………………………………… 1
1.3 Submittal………………………………………………………………….. 1
1.4 Geomembrane Labeling, Delivery, Storage and Handing………………... 1
1.5 Warranty………………………………………………………………….. 2
2. Geomembrane Specification…………………………………………………. 2
2.1 Material…………………………………………………………………… 2
2.2 Resin……………………………………………………………………… 2
2.3 Geomembrane Rolls……………………………………………………... 2
2.4 Specification of Geomembrane…………………………………………... 4
2.5 Quality Control of Geomembrane……………………………………….. 8
3. Geomembrane Installation…………………………………………………… 9
3.1 Transportation, Loading and On-site Storage of Geomembrane………... 9
3.2 Installation of Geomembrane…………………………………………….. 9
3.3 Field Seaming……………………………………………………………. 11
3.4 Weather Condition……………………………………………………….. 11
3.5 Preparation of Seaming…………………………………………………... 12
3.6 Equipment and Accessories……………………………………………… 12
3.7 Trial Welding and Testing………………………………………...……… 12
4. Geomembrane Seaming………………………………………………………. 13
4.1 Fusion (Hot Wedge) Welding System……………………………...…….. 13
4.2 Extrusion Welding System……………………………………………….. 15
5. Geomembrane Seam Testing…………………………………………………. 16
5.1 Non-Destructive Seam Testing…………………………………………… 16
5.2 Destructive Seam Testing………………………………………………… 18
6. Reference Test Methods for the Field Seaming……………………………... 19
Version 1, September 2002

1. General Description
1.1 Scope
The specifications are guidelines for the manufacture and installation of Huitex
geomembrane. All the operations, procedures and methods shall follow the
specifications of the designer.
1.2 Qualification
1.2.1 Manufacturer
A. Geomembrane shall be manufactured by HKC (Hui Kwang Chemical Co., Ltd) or
approved equal.
B. The manufacturer shall have at least 3 years experiences in geomembrane
manufacturing or have at least 10,000,000 square feet geomembrane accumulated
manufacturing.
1.2.2 Installer
A. The installer shall have installed a minimum 2,000,000 square feet geomembrane.
B. The master seamer, directing the installation, shall have minimum 2,000,000
square feet seaming experience of geomembrane.
1.3 Submittal
1.3.1 Manufacturer
A. The manufacturer shall certificate the resin to meet the required specification.
B. To certificate the quality of geomembrane products meet the require specification.
1.3.2 The installer shall provide the following information prior to installation:
A. Proposed installation/panel layout.
B. Installation quality assurance plan.
1.4 Geomembrane Labeling, Delivery, Storage and Handing
1.4.1 Each roll of geomembrane delivered to the site shall be labeled. The label shall
identify:
A. Manufacturer
B. Product model
C. Size (Length × Width × Thickness)
D. Roll number
E. Net weight
1
1.4.2 The geomembrane products shall be delivered by appropriate methods to prevent

from damage.
1.4.3 The on-site storage location shall have a smooth, dry surface to protect against dirt,
grease, puncture, heat and other undesirable condition, and shall be closed to the
placement site.
1.4.4 Equipment or tools shall avoid damaging the geomembrane during handing.
1.5 Warranty
1.5.1 The manufacturer and the installer shall provide the warranty to warrant both the
quality of the geomembrane and workmanship for a specified duration of time.
1.5.2 The geomembrane shall be warranted on a pro-rated basis against manufacturer’s

defects for a period of 5 years from the date of geomembrane installation.
1.5.3 The installation shall be warranted against workmanship’s defects for a period of 1
year from the date of geomembrane completion.
2. Geomembrane Specification
2.1 The material shall be smooth or textured polyethylene geomembrane, upon the
specification requirement.
2.2 Resin
2.2.1 Resin shall be new, first quality and manufactured specifically for the
geomembrane production.
2.2.2 Natural resin without carbon black compounded shall meet the following minimum
requirements:
Property Unit Test Method HDPE LLDPE/VLDPE

Density g/cm3 ASTM D1505/D792 0.932 0.915
Melt Index g/10 minute ASTM D1238 ＜1.0 ≤1.0
(190℃/2.16 kg)
2.3 Geomembrane Rolls
2.3.1 The geomembrane rolls shall be 7m as minimum width without seaming.
2
2.3.2 Concentrated carbon black and other additives shall be added into the natural resin.
In addition to carbon black, total maximum additives can not exceed 1% in the
geomembrane products.
2.3.3 The surface of geomembrane products shall be smooth, free of holes, pinholes,
blisters, striations, roughness and other defects.
2.3.4 The geomembrane shall be supplied in roll form. Each roll shall be labeled to
identify the model, size, roll number and manufacturer’s name.
2.3.5 Roll dimension of the HDPE smooth geomembrane
Thickness, mm 0.5 0.75 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00

Width, m 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
Length, m 420 280 210 140 105 84 70
Area, m2 2940 1960 1470 980 735 588 490
Net Weight, kg
1397 1397 1397 1397 1397 1397 1397
(approx.)
2.3.6 Roll dimension of the LLDPE smooth geomembrane
Thickness, mm 0.5 0.75 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

Width, m 7 7 7 7 7 7
Length, m 420 280 210 140 105 84
Area, m2 2940 1960 1470 980 735 588
Net Weight, kg
1380 1380 1380 1380 1380 1380
(approx.)
2.3.7 Roll dimension of the HDPE textured geomembrane
Thickness, mm 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

Width, m 7 7 7 7
Length, m 152 128 98 76
Area, m2 1064 896 686 532
Net Weight, kg
1200 1410 1386 1312
(approx.)
3
2.3.8 Roll dimension of the LLDPE textured geomembrane
Thickness, mm 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

Width, m 7 7 7 7
Length, m 152 128 98 76
Area, m2 1064 896 686 532
Net Weight, kg
1185 1393 1369 1296
(approx.)
2.4 Specification of Geomembrane
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2.4.1 Minimum Values of Smooth High Density Polyethylene Geomembrane

(Metric Units):
Property Test Method HD050 HD075 HD100 HD150 HD200 HD250 HD300
Thickness, mm ASTM D5199 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00
Average values 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00
Lowest Individual Reading 0.45 0.67 0.90 1.35 1.80 2.30 2.70
Density, g/cm3 ASTM 1505/D792 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94
Melt Flow Index, g/10 min ASTM D1238
0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Maximum Values (190℃, 2.16kg)
Tensile Properties (1): ASTM D638
Type IV specimen
@ 50 mm/min 9 11 16 25 34 40 44
1.Strength at Yield, kN/m
2.Strength at Break, kN/m 14 21 28 43 57 71 80
3.Elongation at Yield, ﹪ 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
4.Elongation at Break, ﹪ 700 700 700 700 700 700 700
Tear Resistance, N ASTM D1004 73 100 138 210 275 330 374
ASTM D1204 ±2 ±2 ±2 ±2 ±2 ±2
Dimensional Stability, % ±2
(100℃; 1 hour)
Puncture Resistance, N ASTM D4833 159 240 320 480 640 800 960
ASTM D5397
Stress Crack Resistance, hrs 400 400 400 400 400 400 400
（Appendix）
Carbon Black Content, ﹪ ASTM D1603 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3
Carbon Black Dispersion ASTM D5596 note(2) note(2) note(2) note(2) note(2) note(2) note(2)
ASTM D 3895
Oxidative Induction Time, min (200℃; O2, 1 atm) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Oven Aging at 85℃ ASTM D5721

Standard OIT 55 55 55 55 55 55 55
ASTM D3895
﹪retained after 90 days
UV Resistance (3) GM 11
High Pressure OIT (4) 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
ASTM D5885
﹪retained after 1600 hrs
(1). Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on basis of
5 test specimens each direction.
Yield elongation is calculated using a gauge length of 33 mm.
Break elongation is calculated using a gauge length of 50 mm.
(2). Carbon black dispersion for 10 different views: all 10 in Categories 1 or 2.
(3). The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75℃ followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60
℃.
(4). UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.
This specification is intended as guides only. Huikwang Corporation reserves the right to change the
specification contained herein without notice. Version 2, August 2002.
5
2.4.2 Minimum Values of Smooth Linear Low Density Polyethylene Geomembrane

(Metric Units)
Property Test Method VF050 VF075 VF100 VF150 VF200 VF250
Thickness, mm ASTM D5199
Average Values 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50
Lowest Individual Reading 0.45 0.67 0.90 1.35 1.80 2.30
Density, g/cm3 (maximum) ASTM D1505/D792 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939
Tensile Properties (1) : ASTM D638

Type IV Specimen
@ 50 mm/min
1.Strength at Break, KN/m 13 20 27 40 55 66
2.Elongation at Break, ﹪ 800 850 850 850 850 850
Modulus at 2%, MPa (max.) ASTM D5323 420 420 420 420 420 420
Axi-Symmetric Break Strain, % ASTM D5617 30 30 30 30 30 30
Tear Resistance, N ASTM D1004 50 70 110 150 200 250
Puncture Resistance, N ASTM D4833 120 190 250 370 500 620
Carbon Black Content, ﹪ ASTM D1603 (2) 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3
Carbon Black Dispersion ASTM D5596 note(2) note(2) note(2) note(2) note(2) note(2)
ASTM D 3895
Oxidative Induction Time, min 100 100 100 100 100 100
(200℃; O2, 1 atm)
Oven Aging at 85℃
ASTM D5721
Standard OIT 35 35 35 35 35 35
ASTM D3895
﹪retained after 90 days
UV Resistance (3)
GM 11
High Pressure OIT (4) 35 35 35 35 35 35
ASTM D5885
﹪retained after 1600 hrs
(1) Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on basis of 5 test
specimens each direction.
(2). Carbon black dispersion for 10 different views: all 10 in Categories 1 or 2.
(3). The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75℃ followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60 ℃.
6
2.4.3 Minimum Values of Textured High Density Polyethylene Geomembrane

(Metric Units):
Property Test Method HX100 HX150 HX200 HX250
Thickness, mm ASTM D5994 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

Average Values 0.95 1.43 1.90 2.38
Lowest Individual Reading 0.90 1.35 1.80 2.25
Asperity Height (mm) (1) GRI GM12 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Density, g/cm3 ASTM D1505/D792 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94
Tensile Properties (2) : ASTM D638

Type IV Specimen
1.Strength at Yield, KN/m @ 50 mm/min 15 23 30 38
2.Strength at Break, KN/m 13 16 21 26
3.Elongation at Yield, ﹪ 13 13 13 13
4.Elongation at Break, ﹪ 150 150 150 150
Tear Resistance, N ASTM D1004 125 187 250 312
Puncture Resistance, N ASTM D4833 267 401 534 668

ASTM D5397
Stress Crack Resistance,（3）hours ＞200 ＞200 ＞200 ＞200
（Appendix）
Carbon Black Content, ﹪(range) ASTM D1603 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3
Carbon Black Dispersion ASTM D5596 Note(4) Note(4) Note(4) Note(4)

Oxidative Induction Time, minutes ASTM D 3895 100 100 100 100
Oven Aging at 85℃
ASTM D5721
Standard OIT 55 55 55 55
﹪retained after 90 days ASTM D3895
UV Resistance (5)
GM 11
High Pressure OIT (6) 50 50 50 50
﹪retained after 1600 hrs ASTM D5885
(1) Of 10 readings；8 out of 10 must be ≧0.18mm, and lowest individual reading must be ≧0.13mm.
(2) Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on basis of 5 test
specimens each direction.
Yield elongation is calculated using a gauge length of 33 mm.
(3) The SP-NCTL test is not appropriate for testing geomembrane with textured surfaces. Test should be
conducted on smooth edges of textured rolls or on smooth sheets made from the same formulation as being
used for the textured sheet materials.
(4) Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views: 10 in categories 1 or 2.
(5) The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75℃ followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60 ℃.
7
2.5 Quality Control of Geomembrane
2.5.1 Raw Material:

The natural resin and masterbatch of carbon black concentrated are tested by the
following methods:
Property Reference Test Method

Density ASTM D1505/D792.
Melt Index ASTM D 1238 (only natural resin)
Carbon Black Content ASTM D1603 (only masterbatch)
2.5.2 Inspection During Manufacturing

A. Appearance:
On-line continuous inspection is performed through the whole process.
B. Dimensions:
The full width samples shall be cut from the beginning of the first roll and the
end of each roll for thickness measurement.
2.5.3 Finish Product Testing

A. Samples shall be cut from the production line and retaining for laboratory
testing.
B. The retaining samples shall be tested according to the following methods:

Thickness (Smooth Products) ASTM D5199
Thickness (Textured Products) ASTM D5994
Asperity Height (Textured Products) GRI GM12
Density ASTM D1505/D792
Tensile Properties ASTM D638
Yield Strength
Break Strength
Yield Elongation
Break Elongation
2% Modulus (LLDPE Products) ASTM D5323
Axi-Symmetric Break Resistance ASTM D5617
(LLDPE Products)
Tear Resistance ASTM D1004
Puncture Resistance ASTM D4833
Dimensional Stability ASTM D1204
Carbon Black Content ASTM D1603
Carbon Black Dispersion ASTM D5596
Oxidative Induction Time ASTM D3895
Oven Aging at 85℃ ASTM D5721
UV-Resistance GRI GM11
High Pressure OIT ASTM D5885
8
2.5.4 Welding Rod

A. The resin of welding rod shall be the same as the geomembrane.
B. The rod shall be free of contamination by foreign mater.
C. The following testing methods shall be performed for welding rod:

Thickness ASTM D5199
Density ASTM D1505/D792
Melt Index ASTM D1238
Carbon Black Content ASTM D1603
3. Geomembrane Installation
3.1 Transportation, Loading and On-site Storage of Geomembrane:
3.1.1 The delivery of geomembrane is carried out by shipping or trucking approved by

the project owner. Appropriate protection is necessary to prevent the geomembrane
from damaging.
3.1.2 Strong, woven slings or other applicable devices are used for geomembrane
loading.
3.1.3 Geomembrane shall be stored on the smooth ground without excessively hot or
moist condition. Sharp objects or anything which may puncture the geomembrane
shall be removed.
3.1.4 Under standard weather condition, the storage of geomembrane does not require
special treatment.
3.2 Installation of Geomembrane:
3.2.1 Earthwork:
A. The work site shall be well prepared before the geomembrane installation. The
ground shall be compacted in accordance with the project specifications.
9
Weak or compressible areas which can not be satisfactorily compacted should be

removed and replaced with properly compacted fill. All surfaces to be lined shall
be smooth, free of all foreign and organic material, sharp objects, or debris of any
kind. The ground shall provide a firm, unyielding foundation with no sharp
changes or abrupt breaks in grade. Water or excessive moisture is not allowed.
B. Before installation, the installer or inspector shall review and examine the work site
to conform the required project specification.
3.2.2 Anchor Trench:

A. The anchor trench shall be excavated to the line, grade, and width shown on the
project construction designs and drawings, prior to installation. Timing of procedure
excavation shall be taken into consideration to prevent collapse. Slightly rounded
corners are needed in the trench to avoid sharp bends in the geomembrane.
B. Refilling shall be careful to avoid damaging geomembrane.
3.2.3 Deployment of Geomembrane:

A. All machines or equipment used in the deployment shall be in appropriate manner to
prevent geomembrane from possible damage, extension or wrinkles.
B. Sandbags or similarity placed on the geomembrane will not damage geomembrane
and prevent wind uplift.
C. Smoking or shoes which may damage the geomembrane are not permitted on the
geomembrane
D. Unnecessary operation or movement on the geomembrane surface shall be avoided.
Additional protective cover over the geomembrane is recommended.
E. Geomembrane placement shall fit the ground surface. Wrinkles should be avoided.
F. Geomembrane placement shall start from the top of work site and follow the wind
direction.
G. Assign each deployed geomembrane panel a code for identification.
H. Sufficient material shall be supplied to allow the thermal expansion and contraction
of geomembrane.
I. Welding should be performed as soon as possible after the geomembrane is placed.
10
3.3 Field Seaming
3.3.1 Moisture or dirt shall be removed from the geomembrane surface. Do not use any
solvent or adhesive for cleaning or other purpose. At least 100mm (4 inches) range
is required for the overlap to be seamed.
3.3.2 The seaming overlap shall be smooth and free of wrinkle or leak. Wrinkles and leaks
shall be cut and replaced area shall be overlapped with a minimum range of 75mm
(3”).
3.3.3 On-site slope seams shall parallel the direction of the slope, not across the slope.
Unnecessary welding around the corner or uneven ground shall be avoided.
3.4 Weather Condition
3.4.1 Geomembrane placement shall be preformed in appropriate whether temperatures

of 0~40°C (32~104°F).
3.4.2 When the temperature is below 0°C, placement shall not be preformed unless it has
been verified that the seaming quality meets the specification requirement.
3.4.3 Geomembrane placement shall be stopped during any condition of excessive

moisture, e.g. fog, rain, dew, snow, or in the condition of extreme winds.
3.4.4 If geomembrane placement is preformed in low temperature or bad weather

condition, installers shall notice and record the liner’s surface temperature, ambient
temperature, welding machine temperature setting, and actual welding machine
temperature, and welding speed.
3.4.5 Before geomembrane placement, the installer shall evaluate temperature, moisture,
rainfall, and wind velocity.
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3.5 Preparation of Seaming
3.5.1 To approve seaming machines, condition, method, and quality can completely meet
requirement during installation, seaming test shall be done in the same working
environment and installation condition as in the actual site.
3.5.2 Frequency of seaming tests shall be agreed by both parties of the owner and
installer.
3.5.3 Seam samples for shear strength test and peel strength tests shall be taken at the
actual site.
3.6 Equipment and Accessories
3.6.1 Hot wedge welder and extrusion welder shall have the gauge for the temperature
measurement and controlling. The equipment shall be maintained in an adequate
condition to avoid the delaying work.
3.6.2 Power supply electrical generator shall provide the constant voltage.
3.7 Trial Welds and Testing
3.7.1 Trial welds shall be performed on geomembrane samples to verify that the seaming
machine and operating conditions are adequate.
3.7.2 The trial welds shall be the same geomembrane and environmental conditions as
the actual welds, and the trial welds also shall be made in contact with the
subgrade.
3.7.3 At least two trial welds shall be conducted per day for each welding machine. One
is made at the beginning of work; the other is completed at the mid. shift.
3.7.4 The seaming testing specimens (one inch width by six inches length): 5speimens
are prepared for shear strength and 5 specimens for peel strength testing.
12
3.7.5 If the testing values can not pass the required specifications, seaming shall be
stopped until the problems are solved and the testing values achieve the acceptable
trial welds.
4. Geomembrane Seaming:
4.1 Fusion (Hot Wedge) welding system

Fusion (Hot Wedge) welding is the primary welding method. Hot metal wedge is heated
to the required temperature and used to melt the overlapped facing surfaces then they
are pressed together with two nip/drive rollers to create a permanent bonding structure.
4.1.1 Geomembrane Preparation

A. The overlap shall range from 100mm to 150mm (4”~6”).
B. Check the geomembrane to ensure there is no defect before joining.
C. Overlapped range for seaming shall be smooth and free of wrinkle.
D. Temperature impact shall be taken into account in advance.
E. Any moisture or dirt on geomembrane shall be cleaned.
F. The ground under geomembrane shall be dry to prevent the moisture affects the
seaming quality.
G. The ideal weather temperature ranges from 0~40°C (32~104℉). If welding is
performed under low temperature, preheating is recommended.
4.1.2 Equipment Preparation

A. Prepare a power generator and sufficient cord if necessary. Generator shall be
allocated in a flat and stable place. Storage of fuel shall be far from the
geomembrane.
B. Welding wedge and platform shall be stable and no sharp object reaches the
geomembrane.
C. Make sure the motor functions properly.
4.1.3 Fusion (Hot Wedge) Process:

A. Seaming temperature setting is recommended at 325~400°C, upon the
geomembrane thickness. Trial seaming can provide a seaming speed reference.
Weather condition (e.g. temperature, sunshine, and wind) shall be taken into
consideration as well.
13
B. Turn off the motor before placing the overlap in the wedge and roller. After the
overlap to be seamed is properly positioned, turn on the motor and lock the seam in
position.
C. The seaming machine shall be aligned and set to the adequate temperature, the
travel speed of seaming machine is set depending on the geomembrane thickness
and weather condition.
D. The seaming operator shall take care of seaming machine for temperature and
speed control to maintain a consistent weld.
E. A small amount of squeeze-out is a good indication that the proper seaming
temperature has been set. The melted material will lately be extruded out of the
seam area. If there appears an excessive amount of hot extruadate, it indicates that
the temperature or pressure is too high and needs adjustment.
F. For the 1mm (40mil) or less thickness geomembrane, if there shows a long, low,
sinusoidal wavelength pattern in the direction of the seam, it indicates the proper
seaming. If the wave peaks are too close, the seaming speed shall be increased until
an acceptable pattern appears. The absence of the wave length indicates that the
seaming speed shall be decreased. There will be no wave pattern for the thickness
greater than 1mm because of the inherent stiffness.
G. Nip/Drive roller marks will always show on the welding track surface, they are
noticeable and slightly embossed.
H. Daily checking and cleaning of welder are required.
14
4.2 Extrusion Welding System

Extrusion welding is primarily used for repairs, details (e.g. piping or trench) and T
welding.
The welding rods, with 4mm or 5mm diameter, which are made of the same material as
the geomembrane, are extruded by the extrusion welder and pasted along the
overlapped seam.
Preheating of the geomembrane in the welding area is performed by the extrusion
welder.
4.2.1 Geomembrane Preparation:

A. The overlap of two geomembranes shall range at least 150mm (6”). (See details in
4.1.1.).
4.2.2 Equipment Preparation:

A. Prepare a power generator and sufficient cord if necessary. Generator shall be
allocated in a flat and stable place. Storage of fuel shall be far from the
geomembrane.
B. Prepare a handheld grinder in 120mm diameter, #80-grit paper.
C. Prepare a hot air welder that can provide 600°C to tack the geomembrane.
D. Verify each part of extrusion welder to ensure it properly functions and accurately
controls the temperature.
E. The extrusion welder should use Teflon die with changeable shapes and sizes. The
Teflon die shall be replaced if the die is impaired, broken, indent or defective.
4.2.3 Extrusion Welding Process

A. The seaming area shall be dry and clean.
B. If the geomembrane thickness is greater than 1.5mm (60 mil), the top edges shall be
ground into 45o bevel without damaging the foot edges. Beveling should be drove before
tack welding.
C. The geomembrane surface shall be slightly ground to remove the oxidized layer or
other foreign materials. Ground depth shall not exceed 10% of geomembrane
thickness. Ground width shall match extruder; and not exceed either side of the
extrudate.
D. Seaming shall be conducted right after grinding, no more than 30 minutes.
15
E. Use hot air welder or other equipment to tack two geomembranes binding together.
Excess heat could damage the upper geomembrane and shall be avoided.
F. The Teflon die shall be checked for the correct dimension, closed to the
geomembrane and maintained at correct angle, stable speed, and alignment.
G. The extrusion welder shall purge all degraded material in the barrel for
approximately 30 seconds before seaming. The purge material shall not be
discharged on the surface of the geomembrane.
H. The overlap thickness shall be approximately twice of the geomembrane thickness,
measuring from the upper surface of the bottom geomembrane to the top of the
extrudate.
I. A small amount of squeeze-out appearing on two sides of seaming track is allowed.
If the amount of squeeze-out is too much, lower the extrusion welder temperature
setting or increase the welding speed.
J. If interruption is necessary during the welding process, trial-off the extrusion
gradually instead of stopping instantly. To re-launch the welding process, grind the
continued area before welding. To perform repairs, piping, other accessories, T
welding and Y welding, follow the above procedures.
5. Geomembrane Seam Testing
5.1 Non-Destructive seam testing

The non-destructively test shall be performed during the installation and verified along
the seamed track over the full length to conform the continuity.
16
5.1.1 Vacuum Box Testing

A. Testing instrument shall contain the following:
a. A vacuum box:
Consisting of a firm case with a transparent viewing window, a soft rubber gasket
attached to the bottom, port hold or valve assembly, vacuum gauge, and tubes to
connect the vacuum pump.
b. A vacuum pumping devise.
c. A soapy solution and sprayer.
B. Testing Procedure
a. Wet the tested area with soapy solution.
b. Place the vacuum box over the wet area.
c. Compress the vacuum box to seal the box.
d. Actuate the vacuum valve; ensure that a leak tight is created.
e. Maintain a vacuum of a 28-55kPa (4-8 psi) for more than 10 seconds. Observe the
seam through the viewing window for presence of bubbles resulting from the
defects seam.
f. If no bubbles are observed, move box to the next section for testing and repeat the
process. Two testing sections shall be with a minimum 50mm (2”) overlap until
the entire seam has been tested.
g. If bubbles are observed, mark the section of the leak for repairing and retesting.
5.1.2 Air Pressure Testing (only for the double fusion welding)
A. Equipment for testing shall contain the following:
a. Air Pump, equipped with pressure gauges and be capable of generating a pressure
up to 350 kPa, is necessary. It must be placed on an adequate cushion to avoid
damaging the geomembrane. A flexible hose is used to connect the pump to the
air pressure device.
b. A sharp hollow needle with a pressure gauge attached.
c. Pressure gauge, capable of indicating the air pressure in 7 kPa within the test
range.
B. Testing Procedures:
a. Seal both ends of the seam welded by the double wedge fusion welding.
b. Insert the needle with the gauge into the air channel created by the double wedge fusion
weld.
17
c. Energize the air pump to pressure 25~30 psi. Close the valve and maintain the
pressure at least 5 minutes.
d. If pressure has dropped more than 4 psi or pressure appears unstable, mark the
section for repairing.
e. If pressure maintains equilibrium and stable, open one end, and the air channel
shall deflate immediately, indicating that the full length of the seam has been
completely tested.
5.2 Destructive Seam Testing
5.2.1 The test results shall be concluded prior to the completion of installation. Samples
should be obtained in the field. Sampling method and frequency shall comply with
installation manual or be agreed by both parties of the project owners (contractors)
and installers.
5.2.2 Sample size should be 300mm (12”) x 910mm (36”) with the seam centered
lengthwise. All cut holes for obtaining the seam samples shall be immediately
repaired and vacuum tested.
5.2.3 Seam samples can be sent to an independent laboratory for testing upon installation
agreement or regulation. Shear strength testing and peel strength testing are
required.
5.2.4 Seam samples shall be prepared as ten specimens of 25mm (1”) x 150mm (6”): five
for shear strength testing and five for peel strength testing.
5.2.5 Specification of Seaming Strength

A. Smooth HDPE Geomembrane
Minimum Values
0.75mm 1.00mm 1.50mm 2.00mm 2.50mm 3.0mm
Shear Strength, kN/m
Fusion Seams
& 11 14 21 29 36 43
Extrusion Seams
Peel Strength, kN/m 8.6 12 17 23 29 35
Fusion Seams
Peel Strength, kN/m 6.9 9 14 18 23 28
Extrusion Seams
18
B. Textured HDPE Geomembrane

Minimum Values
0.75mm 1.00mm 1.50mm 2.00mm 2.50mm
Fusion Seams
& 11 14 21 29 36
Extrusion Seams
Peel Strength, kN/m 8.6 12 17 23 29
Fusion Seams
Peel Strength, kN/m 6.9 9 14 18 23
Extrusion Seams
C. Smooth LLDPE Geomembrane

Minimum Values
0.75mm 1.00mm 1.50mm 2.00mm 2.50mm
Fusion Seams
& 7.0 9.8 15 20 25
Extrusion Seams
Peel Strength, kN/m
Fusion Seams
& 6.3 8.4 13 17 21
Extrusion Seams
6. Reference Test Methods for the Field Seaming
6.1 ASTM D4437 ASTM Standards on Geosynthetics

6.2 ASTM D5614 Standard Practice for Geomembrane Seam Evaluation by Vacuum
Chamber
6.3 ASTM D5820 Standard Practice for Pressurized Air Channel Evaluation of Dual
Seamed Geomembranes
6.4 ASTM D6392 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Integrity of Non-reinforced
Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods
6.5 GRI GM14 Selecting Variable Intervals for Taking Geomembrane Destructive Seam
Samples Using the Method of Attributes
19

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Geomembrane Installation Reference Manual

Version 1, September 2002

1.4 Geomembrane Labeling, Delivery, Storage and Handing

1.4.2 The geomembrane products shall be delivered by appropriate methods to prevent

1.5.2 The geomembrane shall be warranted on a pro-rated basis against manufacturer’s

Property Unit Test Method HDPE LLDPE/VLDPE

2.3 Geomembrane Rolls

2.3.1 The geomembrane rolls shall be 7m as minimum width without seaming.

2.3.5 Roll dimension of the HDPE smooth geomembrane

Thickness, mm 0.5 0.75 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00

2.3.6 Roll dimension of the LLDPE smooth geomembrane

Thickness, mm 0.5 0.75 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

2.3.7 Roll dimension of the HDPE textured geomembrane

Thickness, mm 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

2.3.8 Roll dimension of the LLDPE textured geomembrane

Thickness, mm 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

2.4 Specification of Geomembrane

2.4.1 Minimum Values of Smooth High Density Polyethylene Geomembrane

Oven Aging at 85℃ ASTM D5721

2.4.2 Minimum Values of Smooth Linear Low Density Polyethylene Geomembrane

Tensile Properties (1) : ASTM D638

2.4.3 Minimum Values of Textured High Density Polyethylene Geomembrane

Thickness, mm ASTM D5994 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

Tensile Properties (2) : ASTM D638

Puncture Resistance, N ASTM D4833 267 401 534 668

Carbon Black Dispersion ASTM D5596 Note(4) Note(4) Note(4) Note(4)

2.5 Quality Control of Geomembrane

2.5.1 Raw Material:

Property Reference Test Method

2.5.2 Inspection During Manufacturing

2.5.3 Finish Product Testing

Property Reference Test Method

2.5.4 Welding Rod

Property Reference Test Method

3.1 Transportation, Loading and On-site Storage of Geomembrane:

3.1.1 The delivery of geomembrane is carried out by shipping or trucking approved by

3.2 Installation of Geomembrane:

Weak or compressible areas which can not be satisfactorily compacted should be

3.2.2 Anchor Trench:

3.2.3 Deployment of Geomembrane:

3.3 Field Seaming

3.4 Weather Condition

3.4.1 Geomembrane placement shall be preformed in appropriate whether temperatures

3.4.3 Geomembrane placement shall be stopped during any condition of excessive

3.4.4 If geomembrane placement is preformed in low temperature or bad weather

3.5 Preparation of Seaming

3.6 Equipment and Accessories

3.7 Trial Welds and Testing

4.1 Fusion (Hot Wedge) welding system

4.1.1 Geomembrane Preparation

4.1.2 Equipment Preparation

4.1.3 Fusion (Hot Wedge) Process:

4.2 Extrusion Welding System

4.2.1 Geomembrane Preparation:

4.2.2 Equipment Preparation:

4.2.3 Extrusion Welding Process

5. Geomembrane Seam Testing

5.1 Non-Destructive seam testing

5.1.1 Vacuum Box Testing

5.2 Destructive Seam Testing

5.2.5 Specification of Seaming Strength

B. Textured HDPE Geomembrane

C. Smooth LLDPE Geomembrane

6. Reference Test Methods for the Field Seaming