I. Mechanical Damage During Installation
‌Error‌: Vehicle traffic or sharp tools (e.g., spiked equipment) directly contacting the HDPE geomembrane liners cause punctures and tears.
‌Avoidance‌:
- Strict prohibition of machinery/vehicles on unprotected membranes; use sandbags or wooden boards as barriers.
- Workers must wear soft-soled shoes; ban nail-soled footwear.
- Blunt-edge tools only; eliminate sharp instruments.
II. Welding Defects
‌Error‌: Improper temperature/speed control and unclean overlaps lead to weak seams, leaks, or thermal damage.
‌Avoidance‌:
- Clean and dry overlap surfaces thoroughly before welding.
- Optimize welding parameters (temperature/speed) for membrane thickness.
- Conduct post-weld leak detection tests.
III. Inadequate Material Storage
‌Error‌: UV exposure accelerates aging; wind displaces unsecured membranes.
‌Avoidance‌:
- Store rolls indoors or under UV-resistant covers.
- Secure laid membranes immediately with sandbags/ballasts.
- Use temporary protective layers during pauses.
IV. Poor Base Preparation
‌Error‌: Uneven surfaces (protrusions/depressions) or debris cause wrinkles, folds, and compromised sealing.
‌Avoidance‌:
- Level substrates and remove rocks/vegetation/water.
- Compact soil to ensure flatness (±3cm tolerance).
- Maintain membrane tautness during deployment.
V. Ignoring Material Defects
‌Error‌: Unrepaired pinholes, cracks, or flawed welds trigger leaks.
‌Avoidance‌:
- Pre-installation inspection for defects under bright light.
- Repair holes with patches via extrusion welding.
- Validate fixes with spark testing or air lance.
‌Key Takeaways‌:
- HDPE geomembrane liners achieve 50-year lifespans only with precision installation.
- 90% of failures stem from welding errors and substrate neglect.
- UV degradation reduces tensile strength by ≤40% if unprotected.
