Covered Geomembrane Testing
Sensor DDS® Mobile

Sensor DDS® Mobile uses the Dipole Method for Electrical Leak Location – ELL – and precise leak detection in covered geomembranes beneath soil, gravel, concrete or water.

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How SENSOR DDS® Mobile Covered Geomembrane Testing Works

SENSOR DDS® Mobile is a technology designed for waterproofing liner integrity testing after cover placement. The method verifies the watertightness of the waterproofing system even when the liner is covered with soil, gravel, concrete or water.

Unlike permanent monitoring systems, this method does not require any system components to be permanently embedded. All measuring components are installed only temporarily, during the waterproofing liner integrity test itself.

The advantage of this method is that:
  • no permanent system installation is required
  • leak location is performed in real time
  • measuring equipment is used only during testing
  • leak detection is highly accurate
  • the waterproofing liner does not need to be uncovered

The technology works by generating an electrical current which, thanks to moisture in the subgrade, passes through a defect in the non-conductive waterproofing liner and reaches the surface. By moving sensors across the surface, the exact leak location is then precisely identified.

This waterproofing liner integrity testing method is performed in accordance with internationally recognised standards ASTM D8265-19 and ASTM D7007-15, which define precise procedures for detecting leaks in waterproofing systems using electrical dipole testing methods. Compliance with these standards ensures high measurement accuracy, reliable location of waterproofing defects and objective evaluation of the technical condition of the liner.
Mobile waterproofing tightness detection with precise leak location using Sensor DDS testing technology
All measured data is continuously evaluated in real time during the inspection by our experienced and professionally trained technicians, enabling immediate identification of leaks, waterproofing defects and risk areas on roof assemblies, terraces, balconies and substructures. At the same time, all measurement results are recorded in detail and archived for technical documentation, construction supervision, warranty claims or subsequent service interventions.
The measurement also includes an accurate GPS record of the entire inspected area, allowing clear identification of the waterproofing sections that have been checked. The exact positions of located leaks are also recorded, significantly simplifying subsequent repair of the damaged areas. This modern diagnostic method provides an efficient, fast and reliable solution for waterproofing quality control in accordance with applicable technical standards.

Covered Geomembrane Leak Detection

Sensor DDS® Mobile works like an X-ray for your waterproofing liner. Even when the liner is covered by a metre of gravel, our geoelectric signal can locate even the smallest defect with centimetre-level accuracy – without any excavation. This saves significant costs by avoiding unnecessary uncovering of large areas when searching for a leak.
The SENSOR DDS® Mobile method is designed for testing waterproofing liners covered by various materials. These most commonly include layers such as:
  • soil or backfill materials
  • gravel layers
  • concrete structures
  • water surfaces or process liquids
The technology makes it possible to reliably identify leaks even when the waterproofing liner is completely covered.

Detection Capabilities and Limitations

The standard applicability of the SENSOR DDS® Mobile method is limited by a cover layer thickness of approximately 1,000 mm, which represents the limit for reliable damage detection.
  • Under certain conditions, however, leaks can also be detected at greater depths, up to approximately 2,000 mm.
  • When the technology is used in water or other liquids, detection may be possible at significantly greater depths.

Why Test Covered Geomembranes?

Did you know that up to 80% of waterproofing liner damage occurs during cover layer placement and heavy machinery movement?
After the installation of an impermeable waterproofing layer, it is often covered with a protective layer designed to prevent damage to the liner. In practice, however, this is exactly the stage where mechanical damage to the waterproofing system most commonly occurs.
The most common causes include:
  • mechanical damage during construction works
  • heavy construction machinery
  • sharp stones or construction materials
  • incorrect handling during layer placement
In extreme cases, the waterproofing liner may be damaged to such an extent that it loses its ability to prevent water leakage.
Therefore, it is recommended to perform waterproofing liner integrity testing even after cover placement, even if the liner is assumed to be undamaged.

SENSOR DDS® Mobile Applications

The Sensor DDS® Mobile system uses an advanced Dipole Method for precise location of defects in geomembranes that have already been covered by a protective layer. Thanks to its high sensitivity, it can identify damage beneath materials such as soil, gravel, sand or various liquids.

Water Structures and Reservoirs:

  • Dams and hydraulic structures
  • Drinking water and service water reservoirs
  • Lakes and ornamental reservoirs

Mining Industry:

  • Mining waste storage facilities and tailings ponds
  • Process ponds
  • Leach pads

Waste Management and Industry:

  • Waste landfills – construction and monitoring
  • Landfill rehabilitation and capping
  • Industrial lagoons
  • Wastewater tanks

Building Structures:

  • Intensive green roofs
  • Extensive green roofs
  • Waterproofed balconies and terraces
  • Building foundations

Why Choose SENSOR DDS® Mobile?

Responsibility

By issuing an official integrity certificate, we take responsibility for the verified condition of the liner within the scope of the performed inspection. This helps confirm safe operation and long-term reliability of the structure.

Cost-Effective Testing

The cost of waterproofing liner integrity testing is negligible compared with the costs that may arise from repairing damage caused by liner failure.

No Permanent Installation

This method does not require any permanent installation on the project. It is simple, very fast and reliably ensures that no leaks remain in the inspected area after testing.

Independent of Cover Material

The SENSOR DDS® Mobile method works on any naturally conductive material, such as sand, concrete, water or gravel, regardless of the selected cover layer type.

Flexibility

Under ideal conditions, one technician can inspect up to 10,000 m² per day. When needed, we can quickly deploy additional capacity so your project stays on schedule.

Experienced Technicians

Since 1990, we have delivered specialist expertise backed by millions of square metres of inspected and monitored geomembranes, ensuring the highest level of safety on the market.

Covered Geomembrane Testing - Frequently Asked Questions

No. This is the main advantage of the SENSOR DDS® Mobile system. Unlike permanent fixed systems, it does not require any pre-installation beneath the liner. We bring all measuring components with us and install them temporarily only for the duration of the inspection.
The method is highly accurate. Depending on the type and moisture content of the cover layer, we can locate the defect with centimetre-level accuracy. This means there is no need to uncover tens of square metres – the cover material can be removed precisely at the marked location and the defect repaired.

The SENSOR DDS® Mobile method, also known as the Dipole Method, is designed for waterproofing liner integrity testing when the liner has already been covered by a cover layer, whether water, soil, gravel or another material. Unlike permanent monitoring systems, this method does not require any system components to be permanently embedded, as all measuring components are installed only temporarily during the inspection itself.

The technology works by generating an electrical current which, thanks to moisture in the subgrade, passes through a defect in the non-conductive waterproofing liner and reaches the surface. By moving sensors across the surface, the exact leak location is then precisely identified. This inspection is especially important because the most common mechanical damage to waterproofing occurs during cover layer placement, often caused by heavy construction machinery, sharp stones or incorrect handling.

Although the standard applicability of the method is limited by a cover layer thickness of approximately 900 mm, under certain conditions leaks can be detected at depths of up to 2,000 mm. In water environments, this depth is virtually unlimited.

Feature Category Specification - SENSOR DDS® Mobile
Measurement method Electrical leak location Dipole Method - electrical leak location
Standard detection depth Depth limit Up to 900 mm
Maximum depth Optimal conditions Up to 2,000 mm
Detection in liquids Water environment Virtually unlimited
Suitable cover layer materials Surface types Soil, gravel, sand, concrete, water
The Dipole Method requires a certain level of moisture in the cover layer so that electrical current can flow. If the material is extremely dry, the surface is lightly sprayed with water before testing. This provides the necessary conductivity for successful diagnostics.
Yes. The system detects electrical current leakage through the insulating liner. Even a small hole, such as one caused by a nail or sharp stone, creates a measurable electrical bridge. The sensitivity of the system is calibrated according to the thickness and type of cover layer to detect even the smallest defects.
Measurement speed depends on site complexity. In standard conditions, our team can inspect several tens of thousands of m² in one working day. Results are available immediately on site, so repairs can begin as soon as leak locations are marked. With us, your project does not fall behind schedule – we can mobilise the required number of technicians as needed and inspect up to 50,000 m² of waterproofing liner per day.
In water applications, depth is not an obstacle. The sensors move directly through the water column and can locate leaks on the bottom or walls of the reservoir without the need to drain it, saving the investor significant logistics and shutdown costs.

Do you want certainty
that your waterproofing liner is 100% watertight?

We have been protecting your investments since 1990. The cost of certified testing is only a fraction of the price you would pay for large-scale liner uncovering when searching for a leak blindly. Get certainty today.
  • Fast return – Centimetre-level leak location.
  • Cost savings – No unnecessary uncovering of backfill.
  • Immediate result – Integrity certificate issued right after testing.
+421 2 20 90 10 80
office@sensorgroup.com

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