Electrical-Leak Testing Of Geomembrane-Lined Basins

Impermeable geomembrane-lined basins are used to contain waste water and solid waste. Postinstallation penetrations, seam failures and imperfections in the geomembrane sheet are not uncommon and provide an avenue for waste water and leachate to escape into the environment. Electrical leak testing of geomembrane integrity is based upon the mise-á-la-masse or ‘chargedbody potential’ electrical resistivity test. The leak test of a geomembrane liner consists of placing a current electrode within the basin and another current electrode in a semi-infinite distance away from the basin. Penetrations of the geomembrane liner provide a current pathway that can be located and mapped.