Our Services

At Kontain, we specialise in forensic analysis of geosynthetics within the containment sector. Our services are designed to assess the durability, longevity, and potential failure modes of a wide range of geosynthetic materials, including HDPE, LLDPE, BGM, GCL, floating covers, capping geotextiles, drainage geocomposites, and cushion geotextiles. We focus on evaluating how these materials perform over time, particularly when failures occur prematurely, which can lead to costly and critical issues in containment systems.

In partnership with ExcelPlas, Australia’s leading polymer testing laboratory, we provide advanced, precise testing services and analysis. These services include, but are not limited to:

⚠️Mechanical Testing

We perform various mechanical tests to evaluate the strength and resistance of geosynthetics under different stress conditions, including:

Tensile Strength: Measures the material's ability to resist stretching.
Tear Resistance: Assesses the material's ability to resist rupture.
Puncture Resistance: Evaluates the material's capacity to withstand penetration.
Impact Resistance: Tests the material's response to sudden forces.

🔥Thermal Analysis

Understanding how geosynthetics behave at different temperatures is crucial for their long-term performance. We use:

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): Determines the thermal stability of materials.
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT): Measures the material's resistance to oxidation, which can impact durability.

🧪Chemical Analysis

Our chemical analysis services help identify the composition and degradation potential of materials:

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Provides insights into the chemical structure of materials.
Gravimetric Ashing: Determines the material's composition by measuring its weight loss under high temperatures.

🔬Microscopic Analysis

We identify and analyse microcracks, inclusions, and weld defects that can affect performance through:

Digital and Optical Microscopy: Helps detect defects not visible to the naked eye.

🧱Durability Testing

We simulate real-world environmental conditions to predict how materials will perform over time:

Accelerated Weathering: Exposes materials to UV light and temperature cycles to mimic long-term weathering.
Oven Aging: Tests the material’s ability to withstand prolonged exposure to heat.
Immersion Tests: Evaluates how materials perform when exposed to water or chemicals.

💥Stress Cracking Resistance

We assess how materials resist cracking under environmental stresses, such as:

Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC): Determines resistance to cracking under strain, particularly under stress from environmental factors.
Oxidative Degradation: Measures how exposure to oxygen can impact material integrity.

🔥Physical Testing

We measure essential material properties to ensure their suitability for specific applications:

Density: Assesses material compactness and weight.
Melt Flow Rate: Measures the ease with which a polymer can flow under heat.
Carbon Black Content: Determines the amount of carbon black, which improves UV resistance and material strength.

⏳Arrhenius Modelling

Using temperature-dependent models combined with site chemistry immersion analysis, we predict how materials will degrade over time under various temperature conditions. This allows us to provide long-term performance predictions for geosynthetics.

💧GCL & Bentonite Analysis

At Kontain, in collaboration with ExcelPlas, we offer specialised testing services for Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs), focusing on the quality and performance of the bentonite component. ExcelPlas, Australia's leading polymer testing laboratory, provides advanced analysis to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of GCLs in containment applications.

Our GCL & Bentonite Testing Services Include:

Montmorillonite Content Analysis: Assessing the percentage of montmorillonite in bentonite to evaluate its swelling and sealing properties, which are critical for the hydraulic performance of GCLs.
Additive Analysis: Examining the presence and concentration of additives such as soda ash and polymers, which can influence the GCL's hydraulic conductivity and overall durability.
Hydraulic Conductivity Testing: Evaluating the permeability of GCLs to liquids, ensuring their suitability for use in containment systems.
Long-Term Durability Testing: Simulating environmental conditions to predict the GCL's performance over time, including exposure to leachates and other challenging substances.

These comprehensive testing services enable us to provide accurate assessments of GCL performance, ensuring that your containment systems meet the highest standards of reliability and safety.

🧵 Geotextile Performance Characteristics

Geotextiles are engineered fabrics utilized in civil engineering for filtration, drainage, and reinforcement. Key performance characteristics include:

Filler Content: The type and amount of filler used in geotextiles can influence their filtration efficiency and clogging resistance.
UV and Chemical Resistance: Geotextiles can perform very differently, and a data sheet will rarely allow a designer to establish this.
Permeability: Essential for drainage applications, ensuring water flow while preventing soil migration.
Pore Size Distribution: Critical for effective filtration; the O90 value indicates the maximum pore size through which 90% of the pores are smaller.

🛢️ Bituminous Geomembrane (BGM) Performance

BGMs consist of a reinforcing geotextile saturated with elastomeric bitumen, offering impermeability and mechanical strength. Performance characteristics include:

Filler Content: The inclusion of fillers like calcium carbonate or cement affects the stiffness and ductility of the BGM.
Gas Permeability: Low permeability to gases such as methane is crucial for applications like landfill caps.
Cold Flexibility: Ability to remain flexible at low temperatures ensures performance in cold climates.

🧱 Reinforced Geomembrane Performance

Reinforced geomembranes combine a geomembrane with a reinforcing layer to enhance mechanical properties. Performance characteristics include:

Filler Content: Influences the geomembrane's stiffness and flexibility, impacting its suitability for various applications. Filler can be used to hide important characteristics that require expensive additives, leading to early on set failures.
Tensile Strength: High tensile strength is essential for applications involving steep slopes or potential mechanical stresses.
Chemical Resistance: Resistance to chemicals ensures longevity in aggressive environments.

And much more...

Why Choose Kontain?

Our comprehensive forensic testing services and ensure that your containment systems perform reliably and safely throughout their lifespan. By accurately evaluating material performance under various environmental and operational stresses, we provide actionable recommendations that enhance the design, installation, and maintenance of geosynthetic systems.

Kontain’s services are trusted by engineers, asset owners, and contractors who need evidence-backed predictions regarding liner longevity and material degradation. Whether you’re assessing current installations or planning future projects, Kontain helps ensure the resilience, efficiency, and safety of your containment solutions.