Joining dam liners, typically made from materials like HDPE or PVC, is a crucial step to create a large, watertight barrier. The most common method involves welding the seams together to form a continuous sheet. Below is a step-by-step guide based on standard practices.
Joining dam liners effectively requires careful preparation and execution to ensure a strong, watertight seam. This process usually involves thermal welding, which fuses the two liner sections together.
Here are the key steps involved:
Preparing for the Join
Step 1: Place the Dam Liners on a Level Surface
Begin by laying out the two sections of dam liner you intend to join. Ensure the area is clean, flat, and free from debris or sharp objects that could damage the material. A level surface is essential for achieving a consistent and straight seam.
Step 2: Overlap the Liners Correctly
Make the two dam liners to overlap 4-6 inches apart in a straight path. This overlap area is where the welding will take place. A consistent overlap width is vital for the strength and integrity of the final seam. Use markers or weights to keep the liners in place and maintain the straight path during preparation.
Executing the Weld
Step 3: Execute the Actual Welding
This is the core step where the two overlapping sections are fused together. Specialized welding equipment, such as a hot wedge welder or a hot air welder, is used for this purpose. The equipment applies heat and pressure to melt the material in the overlap area, creating a single, homogeneous layer as it cools. The type of welder and settings used depend on the specific type and thickness of the dam liner material (e.g., HDPE, PVC).
Verifying the Seam
Step 4: Verify Whether Any Holes Require Further Sealing
After the weld has cooled, it's critical to inspect the seam thoroughly. Visually check along the entire length of the join for any gaps, wrinkles, or sections that appear not to be fully fused. Pressure testing (like air channel testing if applicable to the weld type) or vacuum testing can also be performed to confirm the seam's integrity and identify any leaks or holes that need additional sealing. Any compromised sections must be re-welded or patched.
Installation
Step 5: Install the Dam Liner and Fill in Water
Once you are confident that all seams are secure and watertight, the large, joined liner can be carefully positioned within the dam or pond area. Ensure it conforms smoothly to the contours of the excavation, minimizing stress on the seams. After placement, the structure can be gradually filled with water. The weight of the water will help hold the liner in place and provide the final test of its watertight performance.
Proper preparation, execution, and verification are key to successfully joining dam liners for a durable and leak-free water storage solution.
