Electrical Techniques
Geomembrane Leak Location
Outline
Geomembrane leak location surveys (GLLS) involve applying an electrical potential either side of synthetic geomembranes in order to identify holes and tears. These are commonly introduced during emplacement of the protective cover but may also result from later weld failures/puncturing during loading with waste or fluid. The GLL method relies on the extremely high electrical resistivity of liner materials (such as HDPE and PVC) which prevents current flow across the geomembrane except through any holes or tears. This results in anomalous high potential gradients in the protective cover material above any holes which can be mapped over the surface of the geomembrane using a pair of roving potential electrodes.
