Destructive testing is an important part of quality testing when installing geomembranes. The two basic tests are peel and shear. Both allow us to determine the strength of the weld in the geomembrane. This testing can be carried out by hand or with a tensiometer. The manual test gives a preliminary idea of ​​whether the parameters used in our hot wedge and extruder equipment are correct and we are able to continue working. On the other hand, the tensiometer test tells us how much force in Newtons the weld can resist. This measurement is based on laboratory tests and the resulting values are determined by a table of resistances classified by material, material thickness and type of weld. Tensiometers have a calibrated cell for precise measurement. This cell must be calibrated yearly. In addition to that, to achieve an accurate testing it is necessary that the coupon or samples of the geomembrane are always cut with the same measures. To achieve this end, a coupon cutter must be used. The coupon cutter has blades designed to obtain coupons with the mandatory measures to be put in the tensiometer.

Destructive testing is an important part of quality testing when installing geomembranes. The two basic tests are peel and shear. Both allow us to determine the strength of the weld in the geomembrane. This testing can be carried out by hand or with a tensiometer. The manual test gives a preliminary idea of ​​whether the parameters used in our hot wedge and extruder equipment are correct and we are able to continue working. On the other hand, the tensiometer test tells us how much force in Newtons the weld can resist. This measurement is based on laboratory tests and the resulting values are determined by a table of resistances classified by material, material thickness and type of weld. Tensiometers have a calibrated cell for precise measurement. This cell must be calibrated yearly. In addition to that, to achieve an accurate testing it is necessary that the coupon or samples of the geomembrane are always cut with the same measures. To achieve this end, a coupon cutter must be used. The coupon cutter has blades designed to obtain coupons with the mandatory measures to be put in the tensiometer.

When installing polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC geomembranes, it is required to make patches and details with a heat gun and an extruder.
However, the type of weld that is obtained with this equipment does not generate an air channel like with the hot wedge. It is then necessary to carry out a leaking and strength test for the sealing with a vacuum box. The vacuum box is usually rectangular, although there are also squared, rounded and bracket-type versions. In all cases, the box is made of acrylic or thermoformed polycarbonate and has a neoprene seal at the base, so that when placing the box on an uneven surface on the geomembrane it does not let air escape and functions as a seal. Additionally, the box has a vacuum gauge and suction motor, either integrated or independent, to generate vacuum in the interior of the box. This way, the force of suction can detach a faulty weld or detect any leakages with the help of a soap solution.

Hot wedge equipment is used in the installation of polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC geomembranes to overlap two material canvases or panels to cover surfaces with different sizes. Hot wedge equipment creates a weld with an air channel in the middle, in such a way that one can verify the tightness of the weld. To carry out the test, it is necessary to possess a pressure gauge to measure the air pressure that is pumped in the air channel. In addition to that, a needle is required to pierce the geomembrane in one of the two ends of the welding line that is being verified. There are different needle sizes that are used according to the thickness of the geomembrane. To have an accurate reading of the pressure gauge, it is necessary to obstruct the air outlet in both ends of the welded line once the needle is inserted in the air channel. This quality test can be used simply to verify that there are no leaks in the line. If necessary, certain rules must be followed to determine the required air pressure and how long the pressure gauge must be kept with this pressure inside the air channel.