ASTM D6747-12

Standard Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Detection of Leaks in Geomembranes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Leaks are typically related to the quality of the sub-grade material, quality of the cover material, care in the cover material installation and quality of geomembrane installation.  
4.2 Experience demonstrates that geomembranes can have leaks caused during their installation and placement of material(s) on the geomembrane.  
4.3 The damage to a geomembrane can be detected using electrical leak location systems. Such systems have been used successfully to locate leaks in electrically-insulating geomembranes such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene and bituminous geomembranes installed in basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, and landfill cells.  
4.4 The principle behind these techniques is to place a voltage across a synthetic geomembrane and then locate areas where electrical current flows through discontinuities in the geomembrane (as shown schematically in Fig. 1). Other electrical leak paths such as prevent pipe penetrations, flange bolts, steel drains, and batten strips on concrete and other extraneous electrical paths should be electrically isolated or insulated to prevent masking of leak signals caused by electrical current flowing through those electrical paths. The only electrical paths should be through leaks in the geomembrane. This electric detection method of locating leaks in geomembranes can be performed on exposed geomembranes, on geomembranes covered with water or on geomembranes covered with an earthen material layer, or both.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard guide is intended to assist individuals or groups in assessing different options available for locating leaks in installed geomembranes using electrical methods. For clarity, this document uses the term leak to mean holes, punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks and similar breaches through an installed geomembrane.  
1.2 This guide does not cover systems that are restricted to seam testing only, nor does it cover systems that may detect leaks non-electrically. It does not cover systems that only detect the presence, but not the location of leaks.  
1.3 Warning—The electrical methods used for geomembrane leak location could use high voltages, resulting in the potential for electrical shock or electrocution. This hazard might be increased because operations might be conducted in or near water. In particular, a high voltage could exist between the water or earth material and earth ground, or any grounded conductor. These procedures are potentially very dangerous, and can result in personal injury or death. The electrical methods used for geomembrane leak location should be attempted only by qualified and experienced personnel. Appropriate safety measures must be taken to protect the leak location operators as well as other people at the site.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Feb-2012
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6747-04 - Standard Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Detection of Potential Leak Paths in Geomembrane
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7007-16 - Standard Practices for Electrical Methods for Locating Leaks in Geomembranes Covered with Water or Earthen Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7002-22 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7240-18 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location Using Geomembranes with an Insulating Layer in Intimate Contact with a Conductive Layer via Electrical Capacitance Technique (Conductive-Backed Geomembrane Spark Test)
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7703-22 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Lance Method
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7852-23 - Standard Practice for Use of an Electrically Conductive Geotextile for Leak Location Surveys
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7909-21a - Standard Guide for Placement of Intentional Leaks During Electrical Leak Location Surveys of Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7931/D7931M-21a - Standard Guide for Specifying Drainage Geocomposites
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7953-20 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Arc Testing Method
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D6455-11(2018) - Standard Guide for the Selection of Test Methods for Prefabricated Bituminous Geomembranes (PBGMs)
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7700-22 - Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Geomembrane Seams
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D6747 − 12
StandardGuide for
Selection of Techniques for Electrical Detection of Leaks in
1
Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6747; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D7002 Practice for Leak Location on Exposed Geomem-
branes Using the Water Puddle System
1.1 This standard guide is intended to assist individuals or
D7007 Practices for Electrical Methods for Locating Leaks
groups in assessing different options available for locating
in Geomembranes Covered with Water or Earth Materials
leaks in installed geomembranes using electrical methods. For
D7240 Practice for Leak Location using Geomembranes
clarity, this document uses the term leak to mean holes,
with an Insulating Layer in Intimate Contact with a
punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks and similar
Conductive Layer via Electrical Capacitance Technique
breaches through an installed geomembrane.
(Conductive Geomembrane Spark Test)
1.2 This guide does not cover systems that are restricted to
3. Terminology
seam testing only, nor does it cover systems that may detect
leaks non-electrically. It does not cover systems that only
3.1 For general definitions used in this document, refer to
detect the presence, but not the location of leaks.
D4439.
1.3 Warning—The electrical methods used for geomem-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
brane leak location could use high voltages, resulting in the
3.2.1 electrical leak location, n—a method which uses
potential for electrical shock or electrocution. This hazard
electrical current or electrical potential to detect and locate
might be increased because operations might be conducted in
leaks.
or near water. In particular, a high voltage could exist between
3.2.2 leak, n—for the purposes of this document, a leak is
the water or earth material and earth ground, or any grounded
any unintended opening, perforation, breach, slit, tear,
conductor. These procedures are potentially very dangerous,
puncture, crack, or seam breach. Significant amounts of liquids
and can result in personal injury or death. The electrical
or solids may or may not flow through a leak. Scratches,
methods used for geomembrane leak location should be
gouges, dents, or other aberrations that do not completely
attempted only by qualified and experienced personnel.Appro-
penetrate the geomembrane are not considered to be leaks.
priate safety measures must be taken to protect the leak
Leaks detected during surveys have been grouped into five
location operators as well as other people at the site.
categories:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.2.1 holes—round shaped voids with downward or up-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ward protruding rims.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.2.2 tears—linear or areal voids with irregular edge
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
borders.
bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.
3.2.2.3 linear cuts—linear voids with neat close edges.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.2.4 seam defects—area of partial or total separation
2
between sheets.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
3.2.2.5 burned through zones—voids created by melting
polymer during welding.
4. Significance and Use
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
4.1 Leaks are typically related to the quality of the sub-
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2012. Published February 2012. Originally
grade material, quality of the cover material, care in the cover
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D6747–04. DOI:
material installation and quality of geomembrane installation.
10.1520/D6747-12.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.2 Experience demonstrates that geomembranes can have
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
leaks caused during their installation and placement of mate-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. rial(s) on the geomembrane.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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D6747 − 12
4.3 The damage to a geomembrane can be detected using other pressurized water source. For this technique to be
electrical leak location systems. Such systems hav
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6747 − 04 D6747 − 12
Standard Guide for
Selection of Techniques for Electrical Detection of Potential
1
Leak Paths Leaks in Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6747; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard guide is intended to assist individuals or groups in assessing different options available for locating potential
leak paths leaks in installed geomembranes through the use of using electrical methods. For clarity, this document uses the term
potential leak path to mean holes, punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks and similar breaches over the partial or entire
area of through an installed geomembrane.
1.2 This guide does not cover systems that are restricted to seam testing only, nor does it cover systems that may detect leaks
non-electrically. It does not cover systems that only detect the presence, but not the location of leaks.
1.3 Warning—The electrical methods used for geomembrane leak location could use high voltages, resulting in the potential
for electrical shock or electrocution. This hazard might be increased because operations might be conducted in or near water. In
particular, a high voltage could exist between the water or earth material and earth ground, or any grounded conductor. These
procedures are potentially very dangerous, and can result in personal injury or death. The electrical methods used for geomembrane
leak location should be attempted only by qualified and experienced personnel. Appropriate safety measures must be taken to
protect the leak location operators as well as other people at the site.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
requirements prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D7002 Practice for Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle System
D7007 Practices for Electrical Methods for Locating Leaks in Geomembranes Covered with Water or Earth Materials
D7240 Practice for Leak Location using Geomembranes with an Insulating Layer in Intimate Contact with a Conductive Layer
via Electrical Capacitance Technique (Conductive Geomembrane Spark Test)
3. Terminology
3.1 For general definitions used in this document, refer to D4439.
3.2 Definitions:Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 electrical leak location, n—anya method which uses electrical current or electrical potential to detect and locate potential
leak paths.leaks.
3.1.2 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable membrane used with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any other geotechnical
engineering related material as an integral part of a manmade project, structure, or system.
3.1.3 geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geotechnical
engineering related material as an integral part of a manmade project, structure, or system.
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2004Feb. 15, 2012. Published November 2004February 2012. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as
e1
D6747–02–04. DOI: 10.1520/D6747-04.10.1520/D6747-12.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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D6747 − 12
3.2.2 potential leak paths, leak, n—for the purposes of this document, a potential leak path is any unintended opening,
perforation, breach, slit, tear, puncture, crack, or seam breach. Significant amounts of liquids or solids may or may not flow through
a leak. Scratches, gouges, dents, or other aberrations that do not completely penetrate the geomembrane are not conside
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D6747–04 Designation:D6747–12
Standard Guide for
Selection of Techniques for Electrical Detection of Potential
1
Leak PathsLeaks in Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6747; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard guide is intended to assist individuals or groups in assessing different options available for locating potential
leak paths leaks in installed geomembranes through the use of using electrical methods. For clarity, this document uses the term
potential leak path to mean holes, punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks and similar breaches over the partial or entire
area ofthrough an installed geomembrane.
1.2 This guide does not cover systems that are restricted to seam testing only, nor does it cover systems that may detect leaks
non-electrically. It does not cover systems that only detect the presence, but not the location of leaks.
1.3
1.3 Warning—The electrical methods used for geomembrane leak location could use high voltages, resulting in the
potential for electrical shock or electrocution. This hazard might be increased because operations might be conducted in
or near water. In particular, a high voltage could exist between the water or earth material and earth ground, or any
grounded conductor. These procedures are potentially very dangerous, and can result in personal injury or death. The
electrical methods used for geomembrane leak location should be attempted only by qualified and experienced personnel.
Appropriate safety measures must be taken to protect the leak location operators as well as other people at the site.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
requirements prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4439Terminology for Geosynthetics
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D7002 Practice for Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle System
D7007 Practices for Electrical Methods for Locating Leaks in Geomembranes Covered with Water or Earth Materials
D7240 Practice for Leak Location using Geomembranes with an Insulating Layer in Intimate Contact with a Conductive Layer
via Electrical Capacitance Technique (Conductive Geomembrane Spark Test)
3. Terminology
3.1Definitions:
3.1.1electrical leak location, n—any method which uses electrical current or electrical potential to detect and locate potential
leak paths.
3.1.2geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable membrane used with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any other geotechnical
engineering related material as an integral part of a manmade project, structure, or system.
3.1.3geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geotechnical
engineering related material as an integral part of a manmade project, structure, or system.
3.1.4potential leak paths, n—for the purposes of this document, a potential leak path is any unintended opening, perforation,
breach, slit, tear, puncture, crack, or seam breach. Scratches, gouges, dents, or other aberrations that do not completely penetrate
thegeomembranearenotconsidered.Leakpathsdetectedduringsurveyshavebeengroupedintofivecategories:(1)Holes—round
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes .
e1
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2004. Published November 2004. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D6747–02 DOI:
10.1520/D6747-04.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2012. Published February 2012. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D6747–04. DOI:
10.1520/D6747-12.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

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