GEOSYNTHETICS
Geosynthetic materials play a vital role in any well-engineered landfill site. Charl Cilliers, president of GIGSA (Geosynthetics Interest Group of South Africa), covers the impor tance of employing cer tified welding technicians in the management of risk on liner installation projects.
LINER WELDING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION:
should this be a requirement?
T
he role and use of geosynthetic materials in landfill construction is well known and documented. Landfill liner systems are a critical element of the designs of new landfills. This is due to their essential function in protecting soil and groundwater by isolating landfill contents from the environment and draining leachate to collection and treatment facilities. In a panel discussion hosted by GIGSA during the IWMSA’s Landfill and Waste Treatment 2021 Virtual Seminar, group members unpacked the importance of correct
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FEBRUARY 2022
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installation and the possibility of introducing a liner certification programme in South Africa. This certification would play an important role in providing a higher level of construction quality management.
National standards The National Norms and Standards (GNR 636 (23 August 2013): National Norms and Standards for Disposal of Waste to Landfill) prescribe the barrier systems required for various classes of landfill – in many of the classes, geosynthetics are prescribed. The standards also prescribe the
level of detail required in design, which is then submitted to authorities for approval. The requirements also include submitting a construction quality assurance (CQA) plan, which is widely recognised as a critically important factor in overall quality management for waste containment facilities of all types. This includes geosynthetic materials. CQA is a system of activities that provides the owner and permitting agency assurances that the facility was constructed as specified in the design. It also includes inspections, verifications, audits and evaluations of the materials and workmanship necessary to
