ASTM D7953-20

Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Arc Testing Method

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Geomembranes are used as barriers to prevent liquids from leaking from landfills, ponds, and other containments. For this purpose, it is desirable that the geomembrane have as little leakage as practical.  
4.2 The liquids may contain contaminants that if released can cause damage to the environment. Leaking liquids can erode the subgrade, causing further damage. Leakage can result in product loss or otherwise prevent the installation from performing its intended containment purpose.  
4.3 Geomembranes are often assembled in the field, either by unrolling and welding panels of the geomembrane material together in the field, unfolding flexible geomembranes in the field, or a combination of both.  
4.4 Geomembrane leaks can be caused by poor quality of the subgrade, poor quality of the material placed on the geomembrane, accidents, poor workmanship, manufacturing defects, and carelessness.  
4.5 Electrical leak location methods are an effective and proven quality assurance measure to detect and locate leaks.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is a performance-based standard for an electrical method for locating leaks in exposed geomembranes. For clarity, this practice uses the term “leak” to mean holes, punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks, and similar breaches in an installed geomembrane (as defined in 3.2.6).  
1.2 This practice can be used for geomembranes installed in basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, landfill cells, landfill caps, canals, and other containment facilities. It is applicable for geomembranes made of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, bituminous geomembrane, and any other sufficiently electrically insulating materials. This practice is best applicable for locating geomembrane leaks where the proper preparations have been made during the construction of the facility.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2019
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7953-14 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Arc Testing Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4439-18 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4439-17 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15a - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D7703-15 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Lance Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D7002-15 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-14 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM D6747-12 - Standard Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Detection of Leaks in Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4439-11 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D7703-11 - Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Lance System
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D7002-10 - Standard Practice for Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle System
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM D6747-04 - Standard Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Detection of Potential Leak Paths in Geomembrane
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM D4439-04 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004

Overview

ASTM D7953-20, titled "Standard Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Arc Testing Method," is a comprehensive international standard developed by ASTM International. The standard outlines a performance-based practice for detecting and locating leaks in exposed geomembranes using the electrical arc testing method. Geomembranes are widely employed as barriers in various containment applications, including landfills, ponds, tanks, and waste containment facilities, where controlling leakage is critical to environmental protection and system performance. The arc testing method provides a reliable means for leak detection, contributing to effective quality assurance during construction and operation.

Key Topics

• Leak Definition and Detection: The standard defines a leak as any unintended opening-such as punctures, tears, seam defects, or cracks-in a geomembrane. It emphasizes the importance of identifying even the smallest breaches to prevent the escape of potentially harmful liquids.
• Arc Testing Methodology: The arc testing method involves applying a high voltage between a test probe and a conductive medium beneath the geomembrane. Any current passing through a breach results in a visible electrical arc and an alarm, pinpointing leak locations.
• Preparation and Conditions:
  • Testing is best performed on clean, dry, and exposed geomembranes.
  • Special consideration is given to the need for a conductive layer beneath the geomembrane to ensure accurate electrical leak location.
  • The method is generally suitable for geomembrane materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, CSPE, and bituminous geomembranes.
• Quality Assurance: Electrical leak location is underscored as an effective quality assurance tool, enabling early detection of defects caused by poor workmanship, material flaws, subgrade issues, or accidents during installation.
• Limitations and Precautions: Certain conditions, such as wet or contaminated geomembranes, lack of appropriate subgrade conductivity, or proximity to grounded structures, may limit the effectiveness of the arc testing method. Safety measures are critical due to the high voltage used in testing.

Applications

The arc testing method described in ASTM D7953-20 is applicable for leak locating on exposed geomembranes in a wide range of containment facilities, such as:

• Landfill Liners and Caps: To prevent the migration of contaminants into the environment and ensure the integrity of waste containment.
• Ponds, Basins, and Tanks: For water containment in environmental, industrial, and agricultural settings.
• Ore and Waste Pads: In mining operations, to avert hazardous leachate leaks.
• Canals and Waterways: To maintain water retention and prevent soil erosion.

This practice is best implemented during the construction phase and for ongoing inspection of exposed geomembrane surfaces, making it a valuable asset for contractors, engineers, and facility owners concerned with containment and environmental compliance.

Related Standards

ASTM D7953-20 is part of a suite of standards addressing geomembrane integrity verification and electrical leak detection:

• ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics
• ASTM D6747: Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Leak Location of Leaks in Geomembranes
• ASTM D7002: Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
• ASTM D7703: Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Lance Method

Together, these standards provide a framework for effective leak location surveys, helping ensure robust environmental protection and facility performance.

By adhering to ASTM D7953-20, stakeholders can enhance assurance of geomembrane installation quality and safeguard against costly or hazardous containment failures, meeting both regulatory and operational requirements.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7953 − 20
Standard Practice for
Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using
the Arc Testing Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7953; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice is a performance-based standard for an
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
electrical method for locating leaks in exposed geomembranes.
D6747 GuideforSelectionofTechniquesforElectricalLeak
For clarity, this practice uses the term “leak” to mean holes,
Location of Leaks in Geomembranes
punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks, and similar
D7002 Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed
breaches in an installed geomembrane (as defined in 3.2.6).
Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
1.2 This practice can be used for geomembranes installed in D7703 Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed
basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, landfill cells, landfill Geomembranes Using the Water Lance Method
caps, canals, and other containment facilities. It is applicable
3. Terminology
for geomembranes made of materials such as polyethylene,
3.1 Definitions—For general definitions used in this
polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated
practice, refer to Terminology D4439.
polyethylene, bituminous geomembrane, and any other suffi-
ciently electrically insulating materials. This practice is best
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
applicable for locating geomembrane leaks where the proper
3.2.1 artificial leak, n—an electrical simulation of a leak in
preparations have been made during the construction of the
a geomembrane.
facility.
3.2.2 conductive-backed geomembrane, n—a specialty
geomembrane manufactured using coextrusion technology fea-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
turing an insulating layer in intimate contact with a conductive
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
layer.
standard.
3.2.3 current, n—the flow of electricity or the flow of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
electric charge.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.4 electrical leak location, n—a method which uses
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
electrical current or electrical potential to locate leaks in a
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
geomembrane.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.5 electrically isolated conductive-backed geomembrane
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
installation, n—an installation of conductive-backed geomem-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
brane that achieves a continuously conductive surface on the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
bottom layer while electrically isolating the bottom conductive
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
layer from the top insulating layer of the entire geomembrane
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
installation.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.6 leak, n—for the purposes of this document, a leak 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
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2020. Published January 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7953 – 14. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7953-20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7953 − 20
penetrate the geomembrane are not considered to be leaks. 5.1.1 The principle of the electrical leak location methods is
Types of leaks detected during surveys include but are not to place a voltage across a geomembrane and then locate areas
limitedto:burns,circularholes,linearcuts,seamdefects,tears, where electrical current flows through leaks in the geomem-
punctures and material defects. brane.
5.1.2 Currently available methods include the water puddle
3.2.7 poor contact condition, n—for the purposes of this
method (Practice D7002), the water lance method (Practice
document, a poor contact condition means that a leak is not in
D7703), and the arc testing method.
intimate contact with the conductive layer underneath the
5.1.3 All of the methods listed in 5.1.2 are effective at
geomembrane to be tested. This occurs on a wrinkle or wave,
locating leaks in exposed geomembranes. Each method has
under the overlap flap of a fusion weld, in an area of liner
specific site and labor requirements, survey speeds,
bridging and in an area where there is a subgrade depression or
advantages, and limitations. A professional specializing in the
rut.
electrical leak location methods can provide guidance on the
3.2.8 probe, n—for the purposes of this document, any
advantages and disadvantages of each method for a specific
conductive rod or conductive brush that is attached to a power
project (see Guide D6747).
source to initiate the arc test.
5.1.4 Alternative ASTM Standard Practices for electrical
leaklocationsurveymethodsshouldbeallowedwhenmutually
4. Significance and Use
agreeable and warranted by adverse site conditions, clearly
technical superiority, logistics, or schedule.
4.1 Geomembranes are used as barriers to prevent liquids
fromleakingfromlandfills,ponds,andothercontainments.For
6. Arc Testing Method
this purpose, it is desirable that the geomembrane have as little
leakage as practical.
6.1 Asummary of the method capabilities and limitations is
presented in Table 1.
4.2 The liquids may contain contaminants that if released
can cause damage to the environment. Leaking liquids can
NOTE 1—If installed as an electrically isolated conductive-backed
erodethesubgrade,causingfurtherdamage.Leakagecanresult geomembrane installation.
in product loss or otherwise prevent the installation from
6.2 The Principle of the Arc Testing Method:
performing its intended containment purpose.
6.2.1 The principle of this electrical leak location method is
to introduce a high voltage between a leak detection test probe
4.3 Geomembranes are often assembled in the field, either
and the conductive medium underneath the geomembrane. The
by unrolling and welding panels of the geomembrane material
area is then swept with a test probe to locate points where the
together in the field, unfolding flexible geomembranes in the
current completes the circuit through a leak.Avisible electrical
field, or a combination of both.
arc is formed when the current completes the circuit and the
4.4 Geomembrane leaks can be caused by poor quality of
current flow is also converted into an alarm (audible, visual, or
the subgrade, poor quality of the material placed on the
other, which confirms leak detection and location).
geomembrane, accidents, poor workmanship, manufacturing
6.2.2 Fig. 1 shows a wiring diagram of the arc tester, power
defects, and carelessness.
supply, and test probe for the arc testing electrical leak location
4.5 Electrical leak location methods are an effective and
method.
proven quality assurance measure to detect and locate leaks.
6.3 Leak Location Surveys of Exposed Geomembrane Using
the Arc Testing Method:
5. Summary of Exposed Geomembrane Electrical
6.3.1 Agrid,testlanes,orotheracceptablesystemshouldbe
Location Methods
used to ensure that the entire area is tested with the test probe.
6.3.2 The probe attachment can be different shapes and
5.1 Principles of the Electrical Leak Location Methods for
Exposed Geomembranes: lengths, depending on the application to be surveyed. The test
TABLE 1 Summary of Arc Testing Method
Geomembranes Bituminous, CSPE, CPE, EIA, fPP, HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PVC, VLDPE U applicable
Conductive-backed Geomembrane U applicable 1
Seams All types: welded, tape, adhesive, glued and other U applicable: project specific
Junctions At
...

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: D7953 − 14 D7953 − 20
Standard Practice for
Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using
the Arc Testing Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7953; 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 practice is a performance-based standard for an electrical method for locating leaks in exposed geomembranes. For
clarity, this practice uses the term “leak” to mean holes, punctures, tears, knife cuts, seam defects, cracks, and similar breaches in
an installed geomembrane (as defined in 3.2.43.2.6).
1.2 This practice can be used for geomembranes installed in basins, ponds, tanks, ore and waste pads, landfill cells, landfill caps,
canals, and other containment facilities. It is applicable for geomembranes made of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene,
polyvinyl chloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, bituminous geomembrane, and any other sufficiently electrically insulating
materials. This practice is best applicable for locating geomembrane leaks where the proper preparations have been made during
the construction of the facility.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D6747 Guide for Selection of Techniques for Electrical Leak Location of Leaks in Geomembranes
D7002 Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Puddle Method
D7703 Practice for Electrical Leak Location on Exposed Geomembranes Using the Water Lance Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: Definitions—For general definitions used in this practice, refer to Terminology D4439.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 artificial leak, n—an electrical simulation of a leak in a geomembrane.
3.2.2 conductive-backed geomembrane, n—a specialty geomembrane manufactured using coextrusion technology featuring an
insulating layer in intimate contact with a conductive layer.layer.
3.2.3 current, n—the flow of electricity or the flow of electric charge.
3.2.4 electrical leak location, n—a method which uses electrical current or electrical potential to locate leaks in a geomembrane.
3.2.5 electrically isolated conductive-backed geomembrane installation, n—an installation of conductive-backed geomembrane
that achieves a continuously conductive surface on the bottom layer while electrically isolating the bottom conductive layer from
the top insulating layer of the entire geomembrane installation.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Current edition approved July 1, 2014Jan. 1, 2020. Published July 2014January 2020. Originally approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7953 – 14.
DOI: 10.1520/D7953–14.10.1520/D7953-20.
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
D7953 − 20
3.2.6 leak, n—for the purposes of this document, a leak 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 considered to be leaks. Types of leaks detected during
surveys include but are not limited to;to: burns, circular holes, linear cuts, seam defects, tears, punctures and material defects.
3.2.5 leak detection sensitivity, n—the smallest leak that the leak location equipment and survey methodology are capable of
detecting under a given set of conditions. The leak detection sensitivity specification is usually stated as a diameter of the smallest
leak that can likely be detected.
3.2.7 poor contact condition, n—for the purposes of this document, a poor contact condition means that a leak is not in intimate
contact with the conductive layer above or underneath the geomembrane to be tested. This occurs on a wrinkle or wave, under the
overlap flap of a fusion weld, in an area of liner bridging and in an area where there is a subgrade depression or rut.
3.2.8 probe, n—for the purposes of this document, any conductive rod or conductive brush that is attached to a power source
to initiate the arc test.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Geomembranes are used as barriers to prevent liquids from leaking from landfills, ponds, and other containments. For this
purpose, it is desirable that the geomembrane have as little leakage as practical.
4.2 The liquids may contain contaminants that if released can cause damage to the environment. Leaking liquids can erode the
subgrade, causing further damage. Leakage can result in product loss or otherwise prevent the installation from performing its
intended containment purpose.
4.3 Geomembranes are often assembled in the field, either by unrolling and welding panels of the geomembrane material
together in the field, unfolding flexible geomembranes in the field, or a combination of both.
4.4 Geomembrane leaks can be caused by poor quality of the subgrade, poor quality of the material placed on the geomembrane,
accidents, poor workmanship, manufacturing defects, and carelessness.
4.5 Electrical leak location methods are an effective and proven quality assurance measure to detect and locate leaks.
5. Summary of Exposed Geomembrane Electrical Location Methods
5.1 Principles of the Electrical Leak Location Methods for Exposed Geomembranes:
5.1.1 The principle of the electrical leak location methods is to place a voltage across a geomembrane and then locate areas
where electrical current flows through leaks in the geomembrane.
5.1.2 Currently available methods include the water puddle method (Practice D7002), the water lance method (Practice D7703),
and the arc testing method.
5.1.3 All of the methods listed in 5.1.2 are effective at locating leaks in exposed geomembranes. Each method has specific site
and labor requirements, survey speeds, advantages, and limitations. A professional specializing in the electrical leak location
methods can provide guidance on the advantages and disadvantages of each method for a specific project (see Guide D6747).
5.1.4 Alternative ASTM Standard Practices for electrical leak location survey methods should be allowed when mutually
agreeable and warranted by adverse site conditions, clearly technical superiority, logistics, or schedule.
6. Arc Testing Method
6.1 A summary of the method capabilities and limitations is presented in Table 1.
NOTE 1—If used, conductive-backed geomembrane must be installed per the manufacturer’s recommendations in order to allow it to be tested using
all of the available electrical leak location methods. In particular, there must be some means to break the conductive path through the fusion welds along
the entire lengths of the welds, the undersides of adjacent panels (and patches) should be electrically connected together, and a means of preventing
TABLE 1 Summary of Arc Testing Method
Geomembranes Bituminous, CSPE, CPE, EIA, fPP, HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PVC, VLDPE U applicable
Conductive-backed Geomembrane U applicable 1
Seams All types: welded, tape, adhesive, glued and other U applicable: project specific
Junctions At synthetic pipes and accessories U applicable: project specific
At grounded conducting structures X not applicable
Survey During construction phase (installation of GM) U applicable
After installation (exposed) U applicable
Slopes U applicable: project specific
Insufficiently conductive subgrade X not applicable
During the service life (if exposed) U must be generally clean and dry
Climate Sunny, temperate, warm U applicable
Rainy weather X not applicable
Frozen conditions U applicable
Frozen conditions X not applicable
Leaks detected Discrimination between multiple leaks U applicable
D7953 − 20
unwanted grounding at the anchor trenches or other unwanted earth grounds should be provided.installed as an electrically isolated conductive-backed
geomembrane installation.
6.2 The Principle of the Arc Testing Method:
6.2.1 The principle of this electrical leak location method is to introduce
...