Geomembrane thickness selector.
Polymer (HDPE / LLDPE / PVC / EPDM) + thickness + seam QA + NDT method. Per GRI-GM13 (HDPE), GRI-GM17 (LLDPE), GRI-GM19 (seam strength), ASTM D7007 (geoelectric leak detection), and DOE Malaysia landfill design guidance.
Why each polymer.
| Polymer | Best for | Avoid in |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE | Broad chemical resistance, long life, low cost, basal liners | High differential settlement (LLDPE better), cap with steep folds |
| LLDPE | High flexibility, cap liners, areas with pipe penetrations, differential settlement | Long-term chemical exposure (HDPE better) |
| PVC | Indoor / temporary applications, easy solvent welding, small water containment | UV exposure, hazardous waste, long design life |
| EPDM | Drinking water, extreme temperature, ozone exposure | Cost-sensitive large landfills |
| Reinforced PP | Floating covers, exposed long-term | Buried applications below grade (HDPE better) |
Regulatory minimums.
DOE (Department of Environment) Malaysia Garis Panduan for solid waste landfills sets composite-liner minimums for hazardous, non-hazardous, and inert wastes. For hazardous landfills the basal liner system requires geomembrane (typically HDPE 2.0+ mm) + GCL or clay layer + cushion + leachate collection. ASTM D7007 geoelectric leak detection is becoming standard practice on critical liners and is the only NDT method that finds pinholes missed by visual + vacuum-box inspection. For TSF (mining), the regulatory standard is the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia plus the Malaysian Mining Code; project-specific requirements often exceed DOE for landfills.
Other tools.
DOE landfill or TSF design?
WhatsApp the EIA approval + section drawing; we'll spec the composite liner system end-to-end.