ASTM D6365-99
(Practice)Standard Practice for the Nondestructive Testing of Geomembrane Seams using the Spark Test
Standard Practice for the Nondestructive Testing of Geomembrane Seams using the Spark Test
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the nondestructive testing of field seams in geomembranes using the spark test. A suspect area is indicated by the generation of a spark. The test is applicable to seams made by the extrusion method, seams made by using welding tape (a strip of the same type of material as the geomembrane, that is welded over adjacent sections of geomembrane to create a seam), or seams where it is practical to insert a conductive material in the seam just prior to or during fabrication.
1.2 The spark test may produce an electrical spark and therefore can only be used where an electrical spark would not create a hazard.
1.3 Unless the voltages and distances prescribed are carefully adhered to, a "false positive" indication may result. This false positive occurs when the arc distance is too large for the voltage applied at the time and conditions of testing.
1.4 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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation:D6365–99
Standard Practice for
the Nondestructive Testing of Geomembrane Seams using
the Spark Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6365; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2 seam, n—a permanent joining of two or more mate-
rials.
1.1 This practice describes the nondestructive testing of
3.2 For definition of other terms, see Terminology D 4439.
field seams in geomembranes using the spark test. A suspect
area is indicated by the generation of a spark. The test is
4. Summary of Practice
applicable to seams made by the extrusion method, seams
4.1 Tousethispracticeaconductivematerialisinsertedinto
made by using welding tape (a strip of the same type of
the field seam just prior to or during fabrication. The conduc-
material as the geomembrane, that is welded over adjacent
tive material in the seam is connected to the negative terminal
sections of geomembrane to create a seam), or seams where it
of the test apparatus, and a positive voltage is applied across
is practical to insert a conductive material in the seam just prior
the seam edge. A suspect area in the seam is indicated by a
to or during fabrication.
spark from the voltage source to the conductive material.
1.2 The spark test may produce an electrical spark and
therefore can only be used where an electrical spark would not
5. Significance and Use
create a hazard.
5.1 Spark testing of geomembrane field seams is particu-
1.3 Unless the voltages and distances prescribed are care-
larly useful in locations where other nondestructive test meth-
fully adhered to, a “false positive” indication may result. This
ods are not practical, for example in tight corners or a
false positive occurs when the arc distance is too large for the
circumferential seam around a pipe.
voltage applied at the time and conditions of testing.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
6. Apparatus
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
6.1 The test apparatus consists of a high–voltage, low–cur-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
rent source with a negative terminal for ground and a positive
priate health and safety practices and to determine the
terminal for a voltage applicator. A voltage applicator may
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
consist of a handle and wire brush, conductive neoprene
squeegee, or other suitable applicator.
2. Referenced Documents
6.2 The range of the high voltage source is typically 20 000
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to 35 000 V.
D 4437 Practice for Determining the Integrity of Field
6.2.1 The voltage required to cause a discharge (spark)
Seams Used in Joining Flexible Polymeric Sheet
between the positive electrode and the negative electrode wire
Geomembranes
2 is expressed by the formula.
D 4439 Terminology for Geotextiles
V 5 K=D (1)
3. Terminology
where:
3.1 Definitions:
V = test voltage,
3.1.1 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geo-
1/2
K = a constant (V/(mm) ), and
synthetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets.
D = the distance from the edge of the extrusion bead on the
3.1.1.1 Discussion—In geotechnical engineering, essen-
lower panel to the conductive material in mm.
tially impermeable means that no measurable liquid flows
6.2.2 If the voltage is not adequate due to underestimating
through a geosynthetic when tested in accordance with Termi-
D, a false positive test (a seam with a suspect area resulting in
nology D 4491.
no spark and testing as a good seam) may result.
6.2.3 Good results have been obtained using the test volt-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-35 on Geosyn- ages a
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