An approach to achieve 'zero leakage' is discussed with respect to experience in Germany, where strict regulations for landfill lining and capping Systems have been developed and issued because of large environmental Problems related to landfills that accumulated in the 1970s and 1980s. Using a thick, high-quality high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane (GM) that is installed free of residual waves and wrinkles in intimate contact with a compacted clay liner or geosynthetic clay liner of very low permeability, by a qualified, experienced, well-equipped and properly third-party-controlled installer, and which is protected by heavy protection layers designed with respect to the long-term performance of the GM may result in a liner or capping system of practically no leakage. This is demonstrated by analysing results of measurements obtained from permanently installed leak-detection Systems in combination with HDPE GMs. The survey was based on 32 German landfills with 1.276.500 m² of installed GMs.
Mit Dichtungskontrollsystemen (DKS) werden Konvektionssperren in Oberflächenabdichtungssystemen von Deponien kontrolliert. Die Funktionsfähigkeit eines eingebauten DKS muss in jedem Projekt zuvor überprüft werden. Diese projektspezifische Funktionsprüfung des DKS selbst wird am Beispiel der Verwendung mit einer Kunststoffdichtungsbahn (KDB) diskutiert. Der grundsätzliche Aufbau, die zugrunde liegenden Messprinzipien und das Ziel der Prüfung werden vorgestellt. Die Anforderungen an die nach der Deponieverordnung (DepV) zugelassenen Systeme hinsichtlich Betrieb, Leitungsfähigkeit und Konstruktion werden beschrieben. Dabei wird auf die Vorgaben der Richtlinie, die einer Zulassung zugrunde liegt, eingegangen. Das mögliche Vorgehen bei der projektspezifischen Kontrollprüfung im Hinblick auf Aspekte wie Vorgehensweise, Zeitpunkt und Randbedingungen sowie äußere Einflussfaktoren werden diskutiert.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leak detection systems (LDS) are used to control tight barriers in landfill cover systems. However, the efficiency of the installed LDS itself has to be verified in every landfill construction project. As an example the efficiency test for LDS used in connection with geomembranes is discussed in detail. The basic principles, the measuring techniques and objectives of the efficiency testing are described. The requirements for a certification of LDS under the terms of the new German landfill ordinance with regard to operation, capability and design are listed. The conditions necessary for a certification of LDS are introduced. Possible project related efficiency testing procedures with respect to the scope, time of convenience, general conditions as well as external influencing factors are discussed.
The German landfill ordinance regulates the use of geosynthetics, polymers and leak detection systems (LDS) in the field of landfill engineering in Germany. It governs the certification process and sets a framework for the requirements on these products. The certification guidelines of the BAM Federal Institute of Materials Research and Testing turn these requirements into detailed technical specifications and associated test procedures. The present paper describes the procedure of developing certification guidelines for LDS by BAM and its advisory board. The requirements for the certification of LDS under the terms of the new German landfill ordinance with regard to operation and capability are listed and the technical criteria are described. The performance test for LDS used in connection with geomembranes is discussed in detail.