Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods for Reinforced Geomembranes by the Strip Tensile Method

Available format(s)

Hardcopy , PDF

Language(s)

English

Published date

07-11-2023

Publisher

American Society for Testing and Materials

1.1This test method describes destructive quality control tests used to determine the integrity of thermo-fusion seams made with reinforced geomembranes. Test procedures are described for seam tests for peel and shear properties using strip specimens.

1.2The types of thermal field and factory seaming techniques used to construct geomembrane seams include the following:

1.2.1Hot Air—This technique introduces high-temperature air between two geomembrane surfaces to facilitate melting. Pressure is applied to the top or bottom geomembrane, forcing together the two surfaces to form a continuous bond.

1.2.2Hot Wedge—This technique melts the two geomembrane surfaces to be seamed by running a hot metal wedge between them. Pressure is applied to the top and bottom geomembrane to form a continuous bond. Some seams of this kind are made with dual tracks separated by a non-bonded gap. These seams are sometimes referred to as dual hot wedge seams or double-track seams.

1.2.3Extrusion—This technique encompasses extruding molten resin between two geomembranes or at the edge of two overlapped geomembranes to effect a continuous bond.

1.2.4Radio Frequency (RF) or Dielectric—High-frequency dielectric equipment is used to generate heat and pressure to form an overlap seam in factory fabrication.

1.2.5Impulse—Clamping bars heated by wires or a ribbon melt the sheets clamped between them. A cooling period while still clamped allows the polymer to solidify before being released.

1.3The types of materials covered by this test method include, but are not limited to, reinforced geomembranes made from the following polymers:

1.3.1Very low-density polyethylene (VLDPE).

1.3.2Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

1.3.3Flexible polypropylene (fPP).

1.3.4Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

1.3.5Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE).

1.3.6Ethylene interpolymer alloy (EIA).

1.4Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Committee	D 35
DocumentType	Test Method
Pages	6
PublisherName	American Society for Testing and Materials
Status	Current
Supersedes	ASTM D 7747/D7747M : 2011 : R2018

ASTM D 7700 : 2022	Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Geomembrane Seams
ASTM D 7749 : 2011 : R2018	Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods for Reinforced Geomembranes by the Grab Method
ASTM D 7982 : 2015 : R2021	Standard Practice for Testing of Factory Thermo-Fusion Seams for Fabricated Geomembrane Panels

ASTM D 7749 : 2011 : R2018	Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods for Reinforced Geomembranes by the Grab Method
ASTM D 4439 : 2024	Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
ASTM D 4439 : 2023 : REV B	Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics