Leak detection through geomembrane liner using electrical resistivity method
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Title
11th International Conference on Geosynthetics 2018 (11ICG)
Volume
1
First Page
800
Last Page
805
Publisher
Korean Geosynthetics Society
School
School of Engineering
RAS ID
45105
Abstract
Liners comprising of geomembrane layer placed over soil layer, are extensively used in waste containment systems for the prevention of soil and groundwater contamination. These liners operate in harsh physicochemical and mechanical conditions. Hence, their performance tends to get compromised over the intended design life. Defects often develop in the geomembrane due to poor placement practices and severe operating conditions. Subsequent environmental pollution ensues because of such defects. Therefore, it becomes critical to detect leakage issues as soon as they arise. The early leak detection is of vital importance for timely and economical hazard mitigation. Many different methods for leak detection are available, however, the electrical resistivity method is most feasible owing to its low operational cost and easy operability. Most soils have very high electrical resistivity values compared to that of contaminating fluids such as landfill leachates. Consequently, the leakage of even a small amount of leachate may cause significant rise in the electrical conductivity of the soil which can be easily detected. This paper outlines the development of an innovative system for the detection and localization of leaks in geomembrane liner placed over soil using the electrical resistivity method. Leak was introduced intentionally in the geomembrane and the resulting changes in the electrical resistivity of the underlying soil were observed. The newly developed system has been found to effectively detect and locate leakage in the geomembrane liner. The technique can find application in the effective handling, storage and management of wastes by waste containment facilities.
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Comments
Pandey, L., Shukla, S., & Habibi, D. (2018). Leak detection through geomembrane liner using electrical resistivity method. In 11th International Conference on Geosynthetics 2018 (11ICG) (pp. 800-805). Korean Geosynthetics Society. http://www.11icg-seoul.org/