So much emphasis is placed on the MQC and CQC aspects of liner manufacture and on site liner placement and welding that all too often the methods of fixing and liner attachment sadly receive all too little attention.

 

This should not be the case as it is all too frequently the situation that poorly considered detailing both in the design phase as well as the construction phase leads to liner system leakage problems which are difficult to detect in the first place and present problems with repair work in the second.

 

Well considered detailing using proven techniques can eliminate a lot of the frustration, dispute and unnecessary extra cost involved in any liner project and leaves everyone filled with a sense of a job well –done.

 

Many of these areas can be identified to but not limited to fixing points and penetration areas such as: Steps, pipes, trenches, columns, pile caps, tubes, beams, inflow channels, ladders, flanges, energy dissipators, walls, joints and numerous other elements in the structure which can be substantial potential leakage points if not properly thought through.

 

Liner systems may not always be visible and are frequently covered with geotextiles, stone pitching, gabions, soil cells, shotcrete, gunite, interlocking blocks and numerous other systems to hide, disguise, protect or enhance the liner system below – all these are very exciting options for liner systems and can result in a multitude of different appearances and functional possibilities.

 

The selection and placement of appropriate cover materials, however, remains a very critical and important aspect of liner system integrity and should not be the reason for liner mal-function.

 

Because of the very nature of lined impoundments, it is necessary to consider good housekeeping and safety factors. It is often prudent to fence off the facility and to keep the grass surrounding such facilities well maintained. It may be necessary to have safety belts available at strategic locations and to position warning signs at the facility. Knotted safety ropes draped into the structure have also saved many lives not only of humans, but also animals which may have wandered into the dam at night time.