Case Study: Cold Weather Geomembrane Installation
Problem: HDPE seaming process shall not occur when liner temperatures are less than O degrees C or 32
degress F.
Solution: The installer and owner representative can follow the GRI Test Method GM9 for cold weather
seaming of geomembranes.
Construction Details: Cold weather installations should follow guidelines as outlined in GRI GM9. The seaming process shall not occur when liner temperatures are less than O°C (32°F) unless the installer and/or owner’s representative complies with the following conditions. The seaming of the geomembrane at material temperatures below 0°C (32° F) only transpires when the geomembrane installer can demonstrate the following to the owner’s representative using prequalification test seams. Field seams comply with the project specifications. The safety of the crew ensured. Geomembrane material can be fabricated (i.e. pipe boots, penetrations, repairs. etc.) atsub-freezing temperatures. The
geomembrane installer shall submit to the owner’s representative for approval, detailed procedures for seaming at low temperatures, possibly including the following: Preheating of the geomembrane, using a tent or other device preventing heat loss during seaming and
rapid heat loss subsequent to seaming, completion of a number of test welds to determine appropriate seaming parameters.
Location: Kuna, ID
Engineer: Parametrix
Contractor: IMCO
Liner Installer: Northwest Linings & Geotextile Product Inc.
Materials: Agru 60 mil HDPE GM13 Double-Sided Microspike