Installation —
HDPE is a very technical product to install properly. HDPE requires specialized welding equipment and personnel to be installed properly.

The most common method of securing the liners on side slopes is by means of an anchor trench around the perimeter. A batten strip or an embed channel system is used to attach the liner to structures.

Field Seaming —
There is a great deal more field welding due to the lack of factory fabrication. Welding is done with hot wedges on long field seams, and extrusion welders are used on detail work and pipe boots.

HDPE is delivered to the project directly from the factory in 22.5'-wide rolls and is custom-fitted in the field to the designed configuration.

Seamed by fusion welding, heat is applied directly to the geomembrane panels by a motorized hot wedge welder. The panels are then routed through a series of rollers that fuse the material together.

Extrusion welding is generally confined to repairs on the liner material.

Design Notes —
Due to the cost of the installation equipment and personnel, the size of the project often determines the cost effectiveness of HDPE.

HDPE is a good lining product, but it can be difficult to install due to its lack of flexibility and the technical nature of field work. If the project is specified around HDPE, extra care should be taken in selecting your installation contractor. Experience requirements should be a minimum of 5 million sq. ft. (This is not to limit the competition, but it is to ensure that the end product is installed satisfactorily and will meet its intended requirements.)

HDPE performance life is enhanced with the use of additional geotextile protective materials or natural materials over rock and concrete.