The Complete Field Guide to Ensuring Quality Geosynthetics Installations has been written by Glen Toepfer, President of CQA Solutions, a firm specialising in construction quality assurance for containment facilities. His vast industry experience includes more than 4.7 million m2 of geomembrane QA/QC, including a single installation with 12.36 million m2 of geosynthetics materials installed with zero leaks.
Active in the industry, he authors the blog Uncontained.co, authors and presents industry papers and provides expert witness services and technology solutions. To ensure quality worldwide, he has designed SuperTek, the industry’s first real-time data validation QA/QC software system. His passion for containment quality has led to proven field protocols and systems that help ensure quality on every project.
This field manual reveals the inner workings of geomembrane installations to unparalleled depths, navigating the balance between complex relationships, the rigours of field installation and external influences that ultimately determine the success of the project. Each chapter exposes quality and cost concerns for delivering an installation that provides a rock solid return on investment for site owners.
The book provides a roadmap for obtaining repeatable excellence in geosynthetics installations. The Complete Field Guide to Ensuring Quality Geosynthetics Installations is a comprehensive compilation of 25 years of experience distilled into concise processes and protocols.
The book reveals the inner workings of geomembrane installations, including the delicate balance between maintaining quality while containing cost. “The long-term return on investment of any installation requires that we build it right from the start,” said Toepfer. “Quality Assurance and Quality Control technicians, being the ‘eyes and ears’ on the frontlines of the project, are an important part of the formula for success. The purpose of this book is to provide insights into the roles and responsibilities associated with these positions and the tools necessary to equip the Quality Team to handle the challenges that lie ahead. This field guide is based on what I’ve learned from my years in the field and from a lot of very talented people who have taught me much.”
Toepfer is, at times, frank about the realities of the industry. The importance of teamwork between all involved parties cannot be overstated. However, the dynamics of every project are different and this book delves into details about external factors that can quickly derail the project if they are not properly recognized and managed accordingly – such management tools can be found in the “Keys to Success” segment within each chapter.
A work along project at the end of each chapter walks the reader through documentation and review processes for every phase of a geomembrane installation. This information is an added bonus that illustrates a pathway to successful data management throughout the entire project.
Other highlights of the new book, which can be purchased on CreateSpace.com, include:
- Proven proactive systems that identify potential pitfalls, shortcuts and safeguards
- Designed for quick field referencing
- Powerful content written so the seasoned veteran or novice can quickly apply to their next project
- A 25-page instructional pictorial on calculating peel incursions
- More than 280 illustrations, photographs and sample documents to facilitate learning
- True stories that are both educational and entertaining.