Moderator: Glen Toepfer, CQA Solutions, Ltd.

Panelists: Catrin Tarnowski, Solmax Geosynthetics GmbH; Sam Allen, TRI Environmental; Todd Harmon, Hallaton Environmental Linings; Eddie Weiser, Leister Technologies; Gus Fauci, Demtech

Data is part of this industry’s future. Like it or not, it already shapes how we make decisions, and it will do so more, not less. We have never had an easier time compiling field information into large databases. With AI tools now available, those databases can be scanned and evaluated in seconds. That only helps if the input is complete and trustworthy. Bad or incomplete data will produce bad, incomplete, and unrealistic output — quickly.

Data recording of geomembrane seams is no different. ASTM D8468-23 was written to provide minimum standards for data collection during thermal wedge seaming of geomembranes. This document primarily requires recording of the three main components of thermal welding: welding heat, speed, and pressure. However, there are many other recordable variables that directly influence the quality of a geomembrane seam, such as sheet thickness, sheet temperature, and maintaining consistent voltage throughout the seam. Beyond these are equipment variables such as the different wedge materials, sizes and shapes introducing yet more variables to the data set that seemingly need to be captured if accurate conclusions are to be drawn from this data over time.

It is important to be mindful that the data input today may not only be used for making immediate project decisions, but also from which conclusions will be derived from in the future.

This panel will look at D8468-23 and the variables that actually affect seam quality, and will ask:

  • Is the guidance in ASTM D8468-23 enough, or do we need to collect more?
  • How do D8468-23 requirements compare with standards and practices used in other countries?
  • How is — or will — logged data be correlated to passing and failing seam results?
  • If we have no agreed correlation today, how do we know what the data means?
  • Who owns the data, and what has to be true of the input before anyone trusts an automated or AI review of it?

Our international panel includes geosynthetics experts from different parts of the industry, each with a stake in how this data is collected and used on projects now and in the future.

This is sure to be a lively and educational discussion you don’t want to miss.