NORM

S 2076-1 E
Edition: 2000-03-01

Also Standard Groups S3 and U2

Supersedes NORM S 2076:1993-06

ICS 13.030.40

Waste disposal facilities

Polymer membrane liners

Layers installation

Deponien Dichtungsbahnen aus Kunststoff Verlegung

Dcharges Membranes d'tanchement en plastique Pose

Continuation
NORM S 2076-1 E Pages 2 to 10
Publisher and printing: sterreichisches Normungsinstitut, A-1021 Wien
Copyright ON 2000. All rights reserved;
No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means
electronic, mechanical, photocopying or any other data carriers without prior permission from ON!
Sale and distribution of national and foreign standards and technical regulations via
ON sterreichisches Normungsinstitut, Heinestrae 38, P.O. Box 130, A-1021 Wien
Tel.: (+43 1) 213 00-805, Fax: (+43 1) 213 00-818, E-Mail: sales@on-norm.at,
Internet: http://www.on-norm.at

Technical Committee 157

Waste management

Price/Category 11

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NORM S 2076-1 E

Contents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1

Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Normative references. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Properties of the subsoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1 Requirements to the qualification of the installing company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2 Installation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3 Laying the liner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4 Connection with condensed mineral layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.5 Structural connections, fixtures and culverts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4
4
4
5
5
5

6 Joining techniques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
6.1 Welding methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
6.2 Weld seam geometries of overlap seams (dimensions in mm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7 Tests (installation technique) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1 Leak test of the weld seams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2 Strength tests for weld seams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3 Testing using a test bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7
7
8
8

8 Quality assurance in installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8.1 Incoming inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.2 Installation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.3 Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.4 Welding record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.5 Internal supervision of installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.6 External supervision of installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8
8
9
9
9
9
9

Annex A (informative): Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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NORM S 2076-1 E

Foreword
Establishing waste disposal facilities requires an ecologically and technologically optimum selection of sites in accordance
with geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical criteria together with an assessment of the potential danger of the waste
to be deposited and adequate construction techniques for waste disposal facilities pursuant to the Deponieverordnung (Regulation on Waste Disposal Facilities).
This NORM is part of a series of standards which deal with the criteria mentioned above.

1 Scope
This NORM is applicable to the expert installation and quality assurance in the installation of polymer membrane liners for
the sealing of waste disposal facilities in accordance with NORM S 2073.
The definitions and requirements specified below apply to specialised enterprises and supervisory entities for the installation
of polymer membrane liners as well as their interfacing to pipes, shafts and structures.
Hereinafter, polymer membrane liners are called liners.

2 Normative references
The following normative references contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute an integral part of this
Austrian Standard (NORM). For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications
do not apply. Parties to agreements applying this Austrian Standard (NORM) are, however, encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents listed below. For undated references the latest
edition of the normative document referred to applies.
NORM EN 45001

Allgemeine Kriterien zum Betreiben von Prflaboratorien (General criteria for the operation of testing laboratories)

NORM EN ISO 9002

Qualtittsmanagementsysteme Modell zur Qualittssicherung/QM-Darlegung in Produktion,

Montage und Wartung (ISO 9002:1994) (Quality systems Model for quality assurance in production, installation and servicing (ISO 9002:1994))

NORM S 2073 E

Waste disposal facilities Polymer membrane liners Requirements and test methods

NORM S 2074-2

Geotechnik im Deponiebau Erdarbeiten (Geotechnical investigations for waste disposal facilities

Earthwork)

DVS 2209-2

Schweien von thermoplastischen Kunststoffen - Warmgasextrusionsschweien Anfordrungen

an Schweimaschinen und Schweigerte (Welding of thermoplastics Hot gas extrusion welding
Requirements for welding machines and equipment)

BGBl. No 164/1996

Deponieverordnung (Regulation on Waste Disposal Facilities)

3 Definitions
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions apply:

3.1 properties of the subsoil

conditions of the area to be sealed before liner installation.

3.2 installation
application of the liners.

3.3 joining technique

welding of the liners by means of thermoplastic welding methods.

3.4 quality assurance

internal and external supervision during implementation work.

3.5 supervisory body

persons in charge of examining compliance with the requirements to be met in the installation of liners.
The supervisory body comprises:

the competent building supervisory board (e.g. water authority building supervision);

the owner (local building supervision, design leader);

external supervisors (in accordance with 8.6);

the company installing the liners (exclusively for internal supervision in accordance with 8.5).

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NORM S 2076-1 E

3.6 internal supervision

all the quality assurance measures applied by the installing company to the pre-fabricated parts and to the installation work
at the construction site.

3.7 external supervision

activities and measures of the independent testing institute accredited in accordance with NORM EN 45001 that is in charge of quality assurance and control.

3.8 thermoplastic liners for waste disposal facilities

industrially produced, flexible liners with a minimum nominal thickness of 2,5 mm whose basic material is a polyolefine that
may be modified and determines the overall properties, with the mass percentage of the polyolefine having to prevail.
PE-HD (DB 1) according to NORM S 2073 E is the only material permitted for sealing the base of waste disposal facilities.

4 Properties of the subsoil

The bedding conditions shall be approved section by section in accordance with NORM S 2074-2 by the owner with the
involvement of the installing company. This work is to be documented in a record to be given to the installing company as
a clearance to proceed with the installation. Before rolling out the liners, the installing company shall perform a visual inspection of the surface and shall record it in the acceptance report.
It shall be ensured that the values stipulated for the surface to be sealed prevail before the liners are installed.

5 Installation
5.1 Requirements to the qualification of the installing company
On principle, installation and welding work on liners shall only be performed by specialised companies meeting the following
requirements:

qualification of at least two plastic welders for liners documented by valid certificates not older than 2 years issued
by an accredited certifying body;

specialised chief engineer with construction or plastic engineering training and practical experience;

technical equipment with data recording heated wedge and/or hot gas welding machines as well as a hot gas extrusion welding machine, thermometer and hygrometer as well as testing machines for testing the tightness and strength
of the weld seams for each construction site;

in-house quality system in analogy with NORM EN ISO 9002 and specification in a quality manual.

Before installation work starts, the installing company shall furnish a certificate not older than 2 years issued by a relevant,
accredited test institute stating that the company meets the quality requirements according to this NORM.

5.2 Installation plan

Before installation starts, an installation plan including the weld seams shall be submitted to the supervisory body. Attention
shall be paid to the fact that no cross-shaped seams and a minimum of extrusion build-up weld seams are contained in the
plan. Divergences from the plan are permitted if made in agreement with the supervisory body.
The basic material required for preparing the installation plan shall be provided by the design leader in due time.
The installation plan should preferably be prepared at a scale of 1 : 500 and shall include the following minimum information:

Position of the seams;

Uniform marking of all seams;

Position of special constructions (e.g. pipe junctions, connections to existing structures);

Identification of the total length of the weld seams actually implemented, broken down by type (e.g. HH seam, WE
seam);

Ready-made width of the polymer membrane liners used;

Registered product name according to NORM S 2073 E;

Total area covered by the polymer membrane liners installed;

Arrow pointing to the north or co-ordinate system.

The installing company shall amend the installation plan so that it reflects, as an implementation plan, the actual work performed (integration of any revisions, marking of positions where samples were taken).

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NORM S 2076-1 E

5.3 Laying the liner

The laying of the liner shall only be started when the laying process cannot result in any sustained alteration of the bedding
conditions established in accordance with Clause 4. Adequate wind protection measures shall be taken. Corrugations on
thermal grounds are permitted, but they shall not give rise to overfolding.

5.4 Connection with condensed mineral layers

After the polymer membrane liners have been welded in accordance with Clause 6 as well as tested and accepted in accordance with Clause 7, the installing company shall immediately apply the geotextile protection layer.
Before protective and drainage layers are put into place, the polymer membrane liner shall lie smoothly, with as little corrugations as possible, on the surface of the condensed mineral layer. The thermal expansion coefficient of the polymer
membrane liner should be utilised to benefit from temperature variations in the course of the day before filling for achieving
as smooth as possible positioning of the liner. The performance of external supervision shall be co-ordinated with this procedure.
Due to climatic reasons, special measures may be necessary for laying as well as for applying the protection and drainage
layers which, however, shall be taken into account already in the planning stage and in the call for tenders.

5.5 Structural connections, fixtures and culverts

Structural connections, fixtures and culverts shall be planned and documented with special care by the project planner. They
shall be implemented in accordance with the recommendations made by the manufacturer of the liner in co-ordination with
the installing company and taking into account the specific conditions of the project.

6 Joining techniques
The welding of joints may only be carried out using the welding methods permitted by 6.1. Welding shall exclusively be performed by qualified welders holding a valid certificate. The welder's personal diploma is only valid if it has been recognised
as a certificate of qualification by accredited Austrian certifying bodies.

6.1 Welding methods

The following welding methods are permitted:

Heated wedge pressure welding (HH):

Welding characterised by the following features:

No filler is used for welding.

The areas to be joined are plastified by direct contact with the heated wedge (heating element).

The bonding force is applied immediately after the zones to be joined reach the thermoplastic state.

Hot gas welding (WG)

Welding characterised by the following features:

No filler is used for welding.

The areas to be joined are heated by means of hot gas (e.g. air) or thermal radiation and brought into the thermoplastic state.

The bonding force is applied immediately after the zones to be joined reach the thermoplastic state.

In the construction of waste disposal facilities, double weld seams shall only be produced by means of welding machines
with continuous recording of welding parameters (at least: welding temperature, ambient temperature, speed, bonding
force).

Extrusion welding (WE)

Welding characterised by the following features:

A filler (extrudate) made of an basic material of the same type is used for welding.

The filler is plastified in a plastifying unit (extruder) and applied in the form of a string via a nozzle (welding shoe)
to the areas to be joined.

The areas to be joined are heated by means of hot gas (e.g. air) or thermal radiation and brought into the thermoplastic state.

Joining is performed by applying a force. The force is exerted from the bottom up or while the filler is being introduced or applied.

The equipment shall meet the requirements specified in DVS 2209-2.

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NORM S 2076-1 E

6.2 Weld seam geometries of overlap seams (dimensions in mm)

6.2.1 Double weld seam created by heated wedge or hot gas welding (HH or WG)

Figure 1
6.2.2 Single weld seam created by extrusion build-up welding (WE)

Figure 2

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NORM S 2076-1 E

7 Tests (installation technique)

In principle, the weld seams shall be tested for tightness (in accordance with 7.1) and for strength (in accordance with 7.2
and 7.3). Details on the frequency of tests to be performed within the framework of internal and external supervision are
specified in Clause 8.

7.1 Leak test of the weld seams

In accordance with the weld seam geometry chosen, the following test methods are applied. The test method is selected by
the installing company in co-ordination with the supervisory body.
The following subdivision of liners is in analogy with NORM S 2073 E.
Table 1: (taken from NORM S 2073 E)
Abbreviation

Characteristics

Example

DB 1

high strength

PE HD

low flexibility
DB 2

mean strength
mean flexibility

flexible polyolefines (e.g. PE-VLD,

PE HD modified, PP modified)

For all tests, a test record shall be prepared that includes the results achieved and shall be signed both by the supervisory
body and by the installing company in charge.
7.1.1 Compressed-air test
Field of application
The compressed-air test serves for non-destructive testing of the weld seams for tightness utilising a central test channel.
Test procedure
One end of the test channel is provided with the relevant testing devices (compressed-air supply and test manometer: measurement range 0 bar to 6 bar), and the other end is tightly closed. Subsequently, the test pressure is applied to the test
channel.
Test pressure
The test pressure basically depends on the weld seam geometry and the ambient temperature. Based on the weld seam
geometry according to 6.2.1, the following values are recommended:
DB 1:

Minimum:

3 bar

Maximum:
Test duration:

DB 2:

Minimum:

2 bar

4 bar

Maximum:

3 bar

10 min

Test duration:

10 min

Test results
After approximately 5 minutes of conditioning, the test duration specified starts. The test result shall be considered to be
positive if the test pressure does not drop by more than 10%. Then, the tightly closed end of the seam is to be opened to
see whether the test pressure drops to zero. This ensures that the seam is not interrupted. The compressed-air test shall
not be performed at a liner temperature of more than +60 C.
If the seam is found to be leaky, the cleft shall be localised by testing the seam section by section. The cleft shall be marked
and repaired by taking suitable measures and shall be tested again.
7.1.2 Vacuum test
Field of application
The vacuum test serves for non-destructive testing of single weld seams for tightness.
Test procedure
Leak liquid shall be applied to the section of the seam to be tested. The transparent vacuum bell jar shall be positioned so
that the seam to be tested is centred to the axis of the vacuum bell jar. The vacuum shall be applied; the liner bends inwards.
The test shall be stopped when the manometer indicates a pressure difference of at least 0.4 bar for DB 1 or 0.2 bar for DB 2.
Test results
Bubbles form at clefts of the seam due to the leak liquid and the vacuum applied. If no bubbles appear, the seam section
tested is considered to be tight.
If the seam is found to be leaky, the cleft shall be marked and repaired by taking suitable measures and shall be tested again.

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NORM S 2076-1 E

7.1.3 High-voltage test

Field of application
The high-voltage test serves for non-destructive testing of single seams for tightness.
Prerequisites
For this test method, a counter-electrode shall be positioned at the seam area.
In practice, the use of a copper wire as electrode has proved successful, but other conductors may be used as well.
Test procedure
The seam section to be tested shall be cleaned and dried. Then the weld seam shall be stroked by means of a brush electrode under a test voltage of approx. 30 kV to 40 kV. The speed of advance shall not exceed 10 m/min.
Test results
Jump sparks form at clefts, which are indicated visually and acoustically. These observations shall be recorded in the inspection sheet.
If the seam is found to be leaky, the cleft shall be marked and repaired by taking suitable measures and shall be tested again.

7.2 Strength tests for weld seams

7.2.1 Peeling test on the construction site
Field of application
The peeling test serves for destructive testing of the strength of weld seams.
Test procedure
The weld seam is tested using specimens under peeling stress by analogy with NORM S 2073 E:1999-02, Clause 6.5.5.
Test results
The weld seam test is considered positive if the liner material is drafted beside the weld seam.
If the result of the peeling test is negative, all seam areas after the last positive result of a peeling test shall be examined for
clefts by systematically taking samples and by additional tests for faults. The faulty seam area localised shall be marked and
repaired or exchanged and shall be tested again in accordance with 8.5.
7.2.2 Peeling test in a laboratory
Test procedure
The test is performed in accordance with NORM S 2073 E:1999-02, Clause 6.5. The test speed shall be 100 mm/min.
Test results
For DB 1 liners, the test is considered positive if the liner material is drafted beside the weld seam. For DB 2 liners, the test
is also considered positive if the force required for peeling the seam is greater than 60% of the yield force.
The peeling force in N per 15 mm shall be indicated in accordance with NORM S 2073 E:1999-02, Table 3, Test 13.

7.3 Testing using a test bar

Field of application
The strength of extrusion weld seams that are not leak tested shall be examined using a test bar (e.g. pipe culverts).
Prerequisites
The test shall be carried out using a spring steel bar which is 10 mm 1 mm wide and 0.5 mm 0.05 mm thick.
Test procedure
The test bar is manually moved along the weld seam applying slight pressure.
Test results
The test bar pierces the seam at clefts. These clefts shall be marked and repaired by taking suitable measures and shall be
tested again.

8 Quality assurance in installation

8.1 Incoming inspection
Before starting installation it shall be ensured that the products offered have been supplied by checking the marking in accordance with NORM S 2073 E. This shall be documented by the installing company.

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NORM S 2076-1 E

8.2 Installation plan

The installation plan according to 5.2 shall be continually updated in the course of implementation. All weld seam types used,
repair places, seam numbers and the places where samples have been taken shall be entered into the plan.

8.3 Welding
Welding work shall only be performed at temperatures above + 5 C and a relative humidity of max. 85%. In exceptional
cases, special precautions shall be taken. Every day, experimental welding using the material to be processed shall be carried out on the site before starting welding work. During this experimental welding, adequate welding parameters shall be
determined and/or set at the welding machine. Moreover, a weld sample shall be taken every 500 running metres of weld
seam and whenever the temperature, wind intensity or atmospheric humidity substantially changes as well as whenever
welding is interrupted and the welding equipment used is defective. The welding test specimen shall be considered positive
if drafting occurs beside the weld seam during the peeling test of the weld seam in accordance with 7.2.
Experimental welding as well as welding test specimens shall be recorded.
Adequate samples shall be stored up to the installations final acceptance and shall be provided to the external supervisory
body upon request.

8.4 Welding record

A welding record shall be prepared for each weld seam produced at the building site within the framework of the sealing
measures. For weld seams produced at the factory, the producer of the seam shall furnish proof of the quality corresponding
to the method used.

8.5 Internal supervision of installation

During the fusion work, the following criteria shall be checked and recorded as appropriate for each seam by the installing
company:
(1) observance of the conditions determined during experimental welding, such as fusion pressure, advance speed, welding temperature (experimental welding according to 8.3);
(2) visual assessment;
(3) continuous non-destructive testing for leaks;
(4) checking the liners laid for corrugations which might lead to overfolding and repairing them, if necessary.

8.6 External supervision of installation

External supervision shall be performed by an accredited test institute.
The owner is in charge of commissioning a test institute with external supervision.
The following inspections shall be carried out without affecting construction progress:
(1) checks of the quality assurance measures specified in 8.1 and 8.2 by examining the documents submitted;
(2) timely checks, inspections and approval of the measures necessary in accordance with 5.5;
(3) inspection of the laid and welded liners taking into account the measures stipulated by 8.3 and 8.4;
(4) by random checks of internal supervision according to 8.5, the external supervisor shall make sure that the tests and
their documentation have been duly performed;
(5) destructive testing of the weld seam strength:
The strength of the weld seams shall be established by random sampling in accordance with NORM S 2073 E:1999-02,
Clause 6.5.5. The samples shall be taken in the presence of the installing company on the construction site. Samples shall
be taken preferably in the area of fixed-in trenches or at the end of the liner.
Recommended values for the frequency of the tests:
for weld seams according to 6.2.1 at least every 1000 m of seam length;
for extrusion seams according to 6.2.2 at least every 50 m of seam length.
(6) examination of weld seam geometries.

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NORM S 2076-1 E

Annex A (informative): Bibliography

NORM S 2070

Deponien Hydrogeologische und geotechnische Klassifizierung von Standorten (Waste disposal

facilities Hydrogeological and geotechnical classification of landfill sites)

NORM S 2072

Eluatklassen (Gefhrdungspotential) von Abfllen (Classification of waste by leaching test)

NORM S 2073

Deponien Dichtungsbahnen aus Kunststoff Anforderungen und Prfungen (Waste disposal facilities Polymer membrane liners Requirements and test methods Marking of conformity)

NORM S 2074-1

Geotechnik im Deponiebau Standorterkundung (Geotechnical investigations for waste disposal

facilities Site investigation)

NORM S 2076-2

Deponien Geotextile Schutzlager Anforderungen und Verlegung (in Vorbereitung) (Waste disposal facilities geotextile protection layers installation (in preparation))

DIN 51220

Werkstoffprfungmaschine Allgemeines zu Anforderungen an Werkstoffprfmaschinen und zu

deren Prfung und Kalibrierung/Referenz: GSG (Material testing machines Generals for requirements and for verification and calibration of materials, )

BGBl. No. 215/1959

Wasserrechtsgesetz 1959-WRG 1959 (Water Act 1959) as amended (in particular WRG amendment 1990, BGBl. No. 252/1990)

DVS 2225-4

Schweien von Dichtungsbahnen aus Polyethylen (PE) fr die Abdichtung von Deponien und Altlasten (Welding of polyethylene (PE) liners for sealing waste disposal facilities and contaminated
sites)