ASTM D5884/D5884M-23

Standard Test Method for Determining Tearing Strength of Internally Reinforced Geomembranes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Since tear resistance may be affected to a large degree by mechanical fibering of the membrane under stress, as well as by stress distribution, strain rate, and size of specimen, the results obtained in a tear resistance test can only be regarded as a measure of the resistance under the conditions of that particular test and not necessarily as having any direct relation to service value. This test method measures the force required to tear a reinforced geomembrane along a reasonably defined course such as that the tear propagates across the width of the specimen. The values may vary between types of reinforcement used within a geomembrane.  
5.2 The tongue tear method is useful for estimating the relative tear resistance of different reinforcing textiles or different directions in the same reinforcing textiles.  
5.3 Disputes—In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using this test method for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical difference between their laboratories.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a uniform procedure for determining the tear strength of flexible geomembranes internally reinforced with a textile, using the tongue tear method.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 This 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.  
1.4 This 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5884/D5884M-04A(2015)e1 - Standard Test Method for Determining Tearing Strength of Internally Reinforced Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4439-23b - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D6455-11(2018) - Standard Guide for the Selection of Test Methods for Prefabricated Bituminous Geomembranes (PBGMs)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7613-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Flexible Polypropylene Reinforced (fPP-R) and Nonreinforced (fPP) Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D2643/D2643M-21 - Standard Specification for Prefabricated Bituminous Geomembrane Used as Canal and Ditch Liner (Exposed Type)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7106/D7106M-05(2023) - Standard Guide for Selection of Test Methods for Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D6434-12(2018) - Standard Guide for the Selection of Test Methods for Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM D5884/D5884M-23, issued by ASTM International, is the industry standard test method for determining the tearing strength of internally reinforced geomembranes using the tongue tear method. This test plays a crucial role for manufacturers, engineers, and quality control professionals who need to assess the mechanical performance of flexible geomembranes - specifically those reinforced with textiles - under defined laboratory conditions. The results help estimate the relative tear resistance of different geomembrane constructions, but do not directly indicate in-service performance.

Key Topics

• Tearing Strength Evaluation: The standard specifies uniform procedures for measuring the force required to tear reinforced geomembranes, providing valuable data on product toughness.
• Tongue Tear Method: This test method employs a controlled tearing process (tongue tear) both in the machine and cross-machine directions to establish comparative tear strengths.
• Textile Reinforcement Assessment: The procedure is especially useful for evaluating and comparing the relative tear resistance provided by various reinforcing textiles within geomembranes.
• Test Conditions and Sample Preparation: Detailed instructions ensure specimens are conditioned under standardized humidity and temperature to guarantee repeatability and minimize test variability.
• Reporting and Dispute Resolution: Guidance is provided on data reporting requirements and procedures for dispute resolution between different laboratories.

Applications

The ASTM D5884/D5884M-23 standard is widely applied in industries that utilize reinforced geomembranes for containment, lining, and environmental protection applications, such as:

• Landfill liners and covers: Ensures material reliability where mechanical damage due to tear is a concern.
• Mining and tailings ponds: Certifies that geomembranes can withstand stresses and are robust during handling and installation.
• Wastewater containment: Validates geomembrane strength for long-term security in critical infrastructure.
• Reservoirs, canals, and secondary containments: Confirms suitability of geomembrane products exposed to physical stresses.

By providing consistent measurement of tear strength, this standard allows manufacturers to validate quality, supports engineers in material selection, and assists regulatory bodies and specifiers in maintaining safety and performance requirements.

Related Standards

ASTM D5884/D5884M-23 is part of a suite of geosynthetics testing standards, and reference is made to several related documents that are essential for a comprehensive understanding of geomembrane quality assessment:

• ASTM D4354: Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products for Testing, providing guidance on obtaining representative samples.
• ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics, ensuring consistent language and definitions.
• ASTM D4533/D4533M: Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing Strength of Geotextiles, offering alternative tear strength methodologies for related materials.

Practical Value

Utilizing ASTM D5884/D5884M-23 supports:

• Quality control and assurance: Manufacturers can demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks for geomembrane durability.
• Material selection and design: Engineers and designers obtain reliable data for specifying geomembranes in demanding environments.
• Performance verification: Purchasers can objectively compare products and resolve performance disputes efficiently.

Keywords: ASTM D5884, tearing strength, reinforced geomembrane, tongue tear method, geosynthetics testing, textile reinforcement, quality control, tear resistance, environmental containment.

Standards Content (Sample)

This 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.
Designation: D5884/D5884M − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determining Tearing Strength of Internally Reinforced
Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5884/D5884M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 atmosphere for testing geosynthetics, n—air main-
tained at a relative humidity between 50 to 70 % and a
1.1 This test method covers a uniform procedure for deter-
temperature of 21 6 2 °C [70 6 4 °F]. D4439
mining the tear strength of flexible geomembranes internally
reinforced with a textile, using the tongue tear method. 3.1.2 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geosyn-
thetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets. D4439
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1.3 reinforced geomembrane—a geomembrane internally
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
reinforced with a textile.
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
3.1.4 tearing strength, (F, (F), kN), n—the force required
used independently of the other, and values from the two
either (1) to start or (2) to continue or propagate a tear in a
systems shall not be combined.
fabric under specified conditions. D4439, D4533/D4533M
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4. Summary of Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 The tensile tear strength of a membrane in both machine
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
and cross-machine directions is determined by measuring the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
maximum load when cut specimens of specific dimensions are
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
tested to failure by tearing at a fixed testing displacement rate.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 Since tear resistance may be affected to a large degree
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
by mechanical fibering of the membrane under stress, as well
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
as by stress distribution, strain rate, and size of specimen, the
2. Referenced Documents results obtained in a tear resistance test can only be regarded as
2 a measure of the resistance under the conditions of that
2.1 ASTM Standards:
particular test and not necessarily as having any direct relation
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
to service value. This test method measures the force required
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
to tear a reinforced geomembrane along a reasonably defined
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
course such as that the tear propagates across the width of the
D4533/D4533M Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing
specimen. The values may vary between types of reinforce-
Strength of Geotextiles
ment used within a geomembrane.
3. Terminology
5.2 The tongue tear method is useful for estimating the
relative tear resistance of different reinforcing textiles or
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
different directions in the same reinforcing textiles.
5.3 Disputes—In case of a dispute arising from differences
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
in reported test results when using this test method for
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomem-
branes.
acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally
the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D5884/D5884M – 04a
ɛ1 there is a statistical difference between their laboratories.
(2015) . DOI: 10.1520/D5884_D5884M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6. Apparatus
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 6.1 The machine shall consist of three main parts:
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5884/D5884M − 23
6.1.1 Straining Mechanism—A machine wherein the speci-
men is held between the two clamps and strained by a uniform
movement of the pulling clamp shall be used. Unless otherwise
specified in the material specification, the machine shall be
adjusted so that the pulling clamp shall have a uniform speed
of 50 6 2 mm/min [2 6 0.1 in./min].
6.1.2 Clamps for Holding Specimen—The clamps for hold-
ing a reinforced flexible geomembrane specimen shall have
metallic gripping surfaces sufficiently smooth, flat, and parallel
as to prevent the test specimen from slipping or moving
between the gripping surfaces when held under the pressure
normal to operation. The dimension of all gripping surfaces
shall measure 25 by 50 mm [1 by 2 in.] or more with the long
dimension perpendicular to this direction of application of the
load. All edges that might cause a cutting action shall be
rounded to a radius of not over 0.4 mm [ ⁄64 in.]. The design of
the clamp shall be such that one gripping surface shall be an
integral part of the rigid frame of the clamp while the other
shall be on a part hinged or swiveled to the movable member
of the clamp. The pressure between the gripping surfaces,
sufficient to clamp the specimen firmly before testing load is
applied and to prevent slippage during the progress of the test,
shall be secured by any suitably constructed mechanical device
operating on the movable member of the clamp. The distance
between the clamps at the start of the t
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: D5884/D5884M − 04a (Reapproved 2015) D5884/D5884M − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determining Tearing Strength of Internally Reinforced
Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5884/D5884M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Designation was changed to dual and units information was corrected editorially in June 2015.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a uniform procedure for determining the tear strength of flexible geomembranes internally reinforced
with a textile, using the tongue tear method.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.3 This 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 and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D4533/D4533M Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing Strength of Geotextiles
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 atmosphere for testing geosynthetics, n—air maintained at a relative humidity between 50 to 70 % and a temperature of 21
6 2°C2 °C [70 6 4°F].4 °F]. D4439
3.1.2 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geosynthetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets. D4439
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015Nov. 1, 2023. Published June 2015December 2023. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
ɛ1
D5884/D5884M – 04a (2015) D5884–04a(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D5884_D5884M-04AR15E01. DOI: 10.1520/D5884_D5884M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5884/D5884M − 23
3.1.3 reinforced geomembrane—a geomembrane internally reinforced with a textile.
3.1.4 tearing strength, (F, (F), kN), n—the force required either (1)(1) to start or (2)(2) to continue or propagate a tear in a fabric
under specified conditions. D4439, D4533/D4533M
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The tensile tear strength of a membrane in both machine and cross-machine directions is determined by measuring the
maximum load when cut specimens of specific dimensions are tested to failure, by tearing,failure by tearing at a fixed testing
displacement rate.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Since tear resistance may be affected to a large degree by mechanical fibering of the membrane under stress, as well as by
stress distribution, strain rate, and size of specimen, the results obtained in a tear resistance test can only be regarded as a measure
of the resistance under the conditions of that particular test and not necessarily as having any direct relation to service value. This
test method measures the force required to tear a reinforced geomembrane along a reasonably defined course such as that the tear
propagates across the width of the specimen. The values may vary between types of reinforcement used within a geomembrane.
5.2 The tongue tear method is useful for estimating the relative tear resistance of different reinforcing textiles or different
directions in the same reinforcing textiles.
5.3 Disputes—In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using this test method for acceptance
testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a
statistical difference between their laboratories.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The machine shall consist of three main parts:
6.1.1 Straining Mechanism—A machine wherein the specimen is held between the two clamps and strained by a uniform
movement of the pulling clamp shall be used. Unless otherwise specified in the material specification, the machine shall be adjusted
so that the pulling clamp shall have a uniform speed of 50 6 2 mm/min [2 6 0.1 in./min].
6.1.2 Clamps for Holding Specimen—The clamps for holding a reinforced flexible geomembrane specimen shall have metallic
gripping surfaces sufficiently smooth, flat, and parallel as to prevent the test specimen from slipping or moving between the
gripping surfaces when held under the pressure normal to operation. The dimension of all gripping surfaces shall measure 25 by
50 mm [1 by 2 in.] or more with the long dimension perpendicular to this direction of application of the load. All edges that might
cause a cutting action shall be rounded to a radius of not over 0.4 mm [ ⁄64 in.]. The design of the clamp shall be such that one
gripping surface shall be an integral part of the rigid frame of the clamp while the other shall be on a part hinged or swiveled to
the movable member of the clamp. The pressure between the gripping surfaces, sufficient to clamp the specimen firmly before
testing load is applied and to prevent slippage during the progress of the test, shall be secured by any suitably constructed
mechanical device operating on the movable member of the clamp. The distance between the clamps at the start of the test shall
be 75 mm [3 in.].
6.1.3 Load and Elongation Recording Mechanism(s)—Calibrated dial, scale, or chart to indicate applied load and elongation.
Unless otherwise specified for load determination, the machine shall be adjusted or set so that the load required to tear the specimen
will remain indicated on the calibrated dial or scale after the test specim
...