The Geotechnical Laboratory developed geomembrane and geosynthetic testing capabilities in early 1991 with the addition of direct shear device that conforms to the requirements of ASTM D5321 “Determination of the Coefficient of Soil and Geosynthetic or Geosynthetic and Geosynthetic Friction by the Direct Shear Method. This device can determine interface friction values for samples up to 12” by 12” in size and on any combination of soil and geosynthetic materials.

The Geosynthetic laboratory can also determine welded seam integrity of HDPE liners by both peal and shear testing as well as hydraulic conductivity assessments on geosynthetic clay liners (GCL’s).

The GZA laboratory staff was recognized for knowledge of geosynthetic/soil interface testing, supported by presentations in 1993 and 1995 at the Geosynthetic Conferences and for receipt of the Award for Excellence for Geotechnical Engineering Technology.