ASTM D7176-06(2018)

Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flexible sheeting which is used for construction of concealed containment membranes. Examples are ponds and lakes, canals, reservoirs, landfill liners, covers and closures, or similar installations where the membrane is inaccessible once the construction is complete. Included are requirements for materials and sheeting, test methods, workmanship criteria, and methods of marking. This specification covers unreinforced flexible sheet made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin as the primary polymer intended for use in geomembranes. This specification covers PVC sheet 0.25 mm through 1.5 mm thickness (0.010 in. through 0.060 in.), typically used for geomembrane linings.  
1.2 Reworked materials may be used in this product in accordance with the requirements in Section 5.  
1.3 The tests are intended to ensure quality and performance, and are not intended for design purposes. Tests have been selected to be conducted primarily with liquids that simulate the environment to which the membrane will be subjected during actual use. The test and property limits used to characterize the sheet are values intended to ensure minimum quality for the intended purpose. In-place design criteria such as material compatibility, chemical resistance, among others, are factors that shall be considered but are beyond the scope of this specification.  
1.4 The values stated in metric units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses (English) are for information only.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2018
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.06 - Geosynthetic Specifications

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D7176 −06 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes
Used in Buried Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7176; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 Thisspecificationcoverspolyvinylchloride(PVC)flex-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ible sheeting which is used for construction of concealed
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
containment membranes. Examples are ponds and lakes,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
canals,reservoirs,landfillliners,coversandclosures,orsimilar
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
installations where the membrane is inaccessible once the
construction is complete. Included are requirements for mate-
2. Referenced Documents
rials and sheeting, test methods, workmanship criteria, and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
methods of marking. This specification covers unreinforced
D751Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
flexible sheet made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin as the
D792Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
primary polymer intended for use in geomembranes. This
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
specification covers PVC sheet 0.25 mm through 1.5 mm
D882Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
thickness (0.010 in. through 0.060 in.), typically used for
Sheeting
geomembrane linings.
D1004Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of
1.2 Reworked materials may be used in this product in
Plastic Film and Sheeting
accordance with the requirements in Section 5.
D1203Test Methods for Volatile Loss From Plastics Using
1.3 The tests are intended to ensure quality and
Activated Carbon Methods
performance, and are not intended for design purposes. Tests
D1204Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of
have been selected to be conducted primarily with liquids that
Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated
simulate the environment to which the membrane will be
Temperature
subjected during actual use. The test and property limits used
D1239Test Method for Resistance of Plastic Films to
to characterize the sheet are values intended to ensure mini-
Extraction by Chemicals
mum quality for the intended purpose. In-place design criteria
D1243Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Vinyl
such as material compatibility, chemical resistance, among
Chloride Polymers
others, are factors that shall be considered but are beyond the
D1790Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic
scope of this specification.
Sheeting by Impact
D2124Test Method forAnalysis of Components in Poly(Vi-
1.4 The values stated in metric units are to be regarded as
nyl Chloride) Compounds Using an Infrared Spectropho-
the standard.The values stated in parentheses (English) are for
tometric Technique
information only.
D4439Terminology for Geosynthetics
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D5033GuideforDevelopmentofASTMStandardsRelating
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics (Withdrawn
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2007)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D5199Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of Geosynthetics
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.06 on Geosyn- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
thetic Specifications. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
CurrenteditionapprovedJuly1,2018.PublishedJuly2018.Originallypublished the ASTM website.
2006. Last previous edition approved 2011 as D7176–06 (2011). DOI: 10.1520/ The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
D7176-06R18. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7176−06 (2018)
D5747/D5747MPractice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical 5. Materials and Manufacture
Resistance of Geomembranes to Liquids
5.1 This specification covers polyvinyl chloride (PVC) con-
G160Practice for Evaluating Microbial Susceptibility of
tainment membrane formulated from PVC materials meeting
Nonmetallic Materials By Laboratory Soil Burial
the following requirements:
5.2 The geomembrane sheet shall consist of polyvinyl
3. Terminology
chloride (PVC) resin in amounts greater than 50% of the total
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
weight, suitably compounded with plasticizers, stabilizers,
nology D4439, unless otherwise indicated.
additives, and pigments to satisfy the physical property re-
quirements.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 fabricator, n—a company that converts geomembrane
5.3 A PVC resin with an inherent viscosity (logarithmic
rolls into panels.
viscosity number) of not less than 0.92, as determined by Test
3.2.2 homogeneous sheeting, n—sheeting that is of uniform Method D1243.
composition throughout its thickness.
5.4 Reworkedmaterials,asdefinedinGuideD5033,maybe
3.2.3 manufacturer, n—a company that processes raw ma- usedinthisproductifalltherequirementsinSections3,5,and
terials into geomembrane rolls.
6 are met by the reworked material.Amaximum of up to 10%
reworked material shall be permitted.
3.2.4 panel, n—a series of geomembrane sheets fabricated
together to make a larger unit, as supplied by a fabricator,
6. Physical Properties and Requirements
usually folded onto a pallet or folded then rolled onto a core.
6.1 Thesheetingshallconformtothephysicalrequirements
3.2.5 roll, n—a quantity of geomembrane rolled up to form
prescribed in Tables 1 and 2.
a single package as supplied from the manufacturer.
6.2 Sheeting shall be compounded so that bonds between
3.2.6 roll width, n—the width of a roll as supplied from the
sheets used in fabrication of large geomembrane panels can be
manufacturer, typically 1.5 to 2.5 m (60 to 96 in.).
accomplished in the factory or field without reducing the
3.2.7 sheet, n—a part of the manufactured geomembrane
overall resistance of the membrane to permeation or leakage,
material cut from the roll.
or significantly reducing the sheeting’s physical strength. The
manufacturer shall specify recommended bonding procedures
4. Classification
in its product literature.
4.1 The sheeting will be subdivided by grades based on
6.3 The sheeting shall be colored as agreed upon between
thickness:
the purchaser and the seller as part of the purchase contract.
4.1.1 PVC10—0.254 mm (0.010 in.).
6.4 The sheeting shall be monolithic and homogeneous.
4.1.2 PVC20—0.508 mm (0.020 in.).
6.5 Metric values are converted from U.S. values and are
4.1.3 PVC30—0.762 mm (0.030 in.).
rounded to the available significant digits.
4.1.4 PVC40—1.016 mm (0.040 in.).
4.1.5 PVC50—1.270 mm (0.050 in.). 6.6 Manufacturing Certified Properties—Certified proper-
4.1.6 PVC60—1.524 mm (0.060 in.). ties are tested based on a quantity of material produced.
TABLE 1 Certified Properties
Certified Properties ASTM PVC 10 PVC 20 PVC 30 PVC 40 PVC 50 PVC 60
Thickness ± D5199 0.254 ± 0.013 mm 0.508 ± 0.030 mm 0.762 ± 0.040 mm 1.016 ± 0.050 mm 1.270 ± 0.060 mm 1.524 ± 0.080 mm
(0.010 ± 0.0005 in.) (0.020 ± 0.0010 in.) (0.030 ± 0.0015 in.) (0.040 ± 0.0020 in.) (0.050 ± 0.0025 in.) (0.060 ± 0.0030 in.)
Tensile Properties D882
Strength at Break Min 4.2 kN/m 8.4 kN/m 12.8 kN/m 17.0 kN/m 20.3 kN/m 24.0 kN/m
(24 lb/in.) (48 lb/in.) (73 lb/in.) (97 lb/in.) (116 lb/in.) (137 lb/in.)
Elongation Min 250 % 360 % 380 % 430 % 430 % 450 %
Modulus at 100 % Min 1.8 kN/m 3.6 kN/m 5.4 kN/m 7.2 kN/m 9.0 kN/m 10.8 kN/m
(10 lb/in.) (20 lb/in.) (30 lb/in.) (40 lb/in.) (50 lb/in.) (60 lb/in.)
Tear Strength D1004 11 N 27 N 35 N 44 N 58 N 67 N
Min (2.5 lb) (6 lb) (8 lb) (10 lb) (13 lb) (15 lb)
Dimensional Stability D1204 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3%
Max
Change
Low-Temperature D1790 –23 °C –26 °C –29 °C –29 °C –29 °C –29 °C
Impact Pass (–10 °F) (–15 °F) (–20 °F) (–20 °F) (–20 °F) (–20 °F)
D7176−06 (2018)
TABLE 2 Index Properties
Index Properties ASTM PVC 10 PVC 20 PVC 30 PVC 40 PVC 50 PVC 60
Specific Gravity D792 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
Min
Water Extraction D1239 0.15 7% 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.20 % 0.20 % 0.20 %
Max Loss
Volatile Loss D1203 1.5 % 0.90 % 0.70 % 0.50 % 0.50 % 0.50 %
Max Loss
Soil Burial G160
Max Change
Break Strength 5 % 5 % 5 % 5 % 5 % 5 %
Elongation 20 % 20 % 20 % 20 % 20 % 20 %
Modulus at 100 % 20 % 20 % 20 % 20 % 20 % 20 %
Hydrostatic Resistance D751 290 kPa 470 kPa 690 kPa 830 kPa 1030 kPa 1240 kPa
Min (42 psi) (68 psi) (100 psi) (120 psi) (150 psi) (180 psi)
Minimum Average Molecular Weight D2124 400 400 400 400 400 400
Certified properties are tested once per lo
...

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.
Designation: D7176 − 06 (Reapproved 2011) D7176 − 06 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes
Used in Buried Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7176; 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
1.1 This specification covers polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flexible sheeting which is used for construction of concealed
containment-membranes. containment membranes. Examples are ponds and lakes, canals, reservoirs, landfill liners, covers and
closures, or similar installations where the membrane is inaccessible once the construction is complete. Included are requirements
for materials and sheeting, test methods, workmanship criteria, and methods of marking. This Specificationspecification covers
un-reinforcedunreinforced flexible sheet made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin as the primary polymer intended for use in
geomembranes. This specification covers PVC sheet 0.25 mm through 1.5 mm thickness (0.010 in. through 0.060 in.)—typically
in.), typically used for geomembrane linings.
1.2 Reworked materials may be used in this product in accordance with the requirements in Section 5.
1.3 The tests are intended to ensure quality and performance, and are not intended for design purposes. Tests have been selected
to be conducted primarily with liquids that simulate the environment to which the membrane will be subjected during actual use.
The test and property limits used to characterize the sheet are values intended to ensure minimum quality for the intended purpose.
In place In-place design criteria such as material compatibility, chemical resistance, among others, are factors that shall be
considered but are beyond the scope of this specification.
1.4 The values stated in metric units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses (English) are for
information only.
1.5 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.
1.6 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:
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D1004 Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and Sheeting
D1203 Test Methods for Volatile Loss From Plastics Using Activated Carbon Methods
D1204 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated Temperature
D1239 Test Method for Resistance of Plastic Films to Extraction by Chemicals
D1243 Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Vinyl Chloride Polymers
D1790 Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic Sheeting by Impact
D2124 Test Method for Analysis of Components in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Compounds Using an Infrared Spectrophotometric
Technique
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.06D35.10 on Geosynthetic
SpecificationsGeomembranes.
Current edition approved June 1, 2011July 1, 2018. Published July 2011July 2018. Originally published 2006. Last previous edition approved 20062011 as
D7176D7176 – 06 (2011).–06. DOI: 10.1520/D7176-06R11.10.1520/D7176-06R18.
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
D7176 − 06 (2018)
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D5033 Guide for Development of ASTM Standards Relating to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics (Withdrawn 2007)
D5199 Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
D5747D5747/D5747M Practice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resistance of Geomembranes to Liquids
G160 Practice for Evaluating Microbial Susceptibility of Nonmetallic Materials By Laboratory Soil Burial
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Terminology D4439, unless otherwise indicated.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 fabricator, n—a company that converts geomembrane rolls into panels.
3.2.2 homogeneous sheeting, n—sheeting that is of uniform composition throughout its thickness.
3.2.3 manufacture,manufacturer, n—a company that processes raw materials into geomembrane rolls.
3.2.4 panel, n—a series of geomembrane sheets fabricated together to make a larger unit, as supplied by a fabricator, usually
folded onto a pallet or folded then rolled ononto a core.
3.2.5 roll, n—a quantity of geomembrane rolled up to form a single package as supplied from the manufacturer.
3.2.6 roll width, n—the width of a roll as supplied from the manufacture, (typicallymanufacturer, typically 1.5 to 2.5 m)m (60
to 96 in.).
3.2.7 sheet, n—a part of the manufactured geomembrane material cut from the roll.
4. Classification
4.1 The sheeting will be subdivided by grades based on thickness:
4.1.1 PVC10—0.254 mm (0.010 in.).
4.1.2 PVC20—0.508 mm (0.020 in.).
4.1.3 PVC30—0.762 mm (0.030 in.).
4.1.4 PVC40—1.016 mm (0.040 in.).
4.1.5 PVC50—1.270 mm (0.050 in.).
4.1.6 PVC60—1.524 mm (0.060 in.).
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 This specification covers polyvinyl chloride (PVC) containment membrane formulated from PVC materials meeting the
following requirements:
5.2 The geomembrane sheet shall consist of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin in amounts greater than 50 % of the total weight,
suitably compounded with plasticizers, stabilizers, additives, and pigments,pigments to satisfy the physical property requirements.
5.3 A PVC resin with an inherent viscosity (logarithmic viscosity number) of not less than 0.920.92, as determined by Test
Method D1243.
5.4 Reworked materials, as defined in Guide D5033, may be used in this product if all the requirements in Sections 3, 5, and
6 are met by the reworked material. A maximum of up to 10 % reworked material shall be permitted.
6. Physical Properties and Requirements
6.1 The sheeting shall conform to the physical requirements prescribed in Tables 1 and 2.
6.2 Sheeting shall be compounded so that bonds between sheets used in fabrication of large geomembrane panels can be
accomplished in the factory or field without reducing the overall resistance of the membrane to permeation or leakage, or
significantly reducing the sheeting’s physical strength. The manufacturer shall specify recommended bonding procedures in its
product literature.
6.3 The sheeting shall be colored as agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller as part of the purchase contract.
6.4 The sheeting shall be monolithic and homogeneous.
6.5 Metric values are converted from U.S. values and are rounded to the available significant digits.
6.6 Manufacturing Certified Properties—Certified properties are tested based on a quantity of material produced. Certified
properties are tested once per lot, or once every 18 000 kg of material (40 000 lb), whichever is more frequent. The certification
properties include thickness, tensile break strength, elongation at break, modulus at 100 % strain, tear resistance, dimensional
stability, and low temperature low-temperature impact. Thickness is to be tested once per roll, unless automatic thickness
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
D7176 − 06 (2018)
TABLE 1 Certified Properties
Certified Properties ASTM PVC 10 PVC 20 PVC 30 PVC 40 PVC 50 PVC 60
Thickness ± D5199 0.254 ± 0.013 mm 0.508 ± 0.030 mm 0.762 ± 0.040 mm 1.016 ± 0.050 mm 1.270 ± 0.060 mm 1.524 ± 0.080 mm
(0.010 ± 0.0005 in.) (0.020 ± 0.0010 in.) (0.030 ± 0.0015 in.) (0.040 ± 0.0020 in.) (0.050 ± 0.0025 in.) (0.060 ± 0.0030 in.)
Tensile Properties D882
Strength at Break Min 4.2 kN/m 8.4 kN/m 12.8 kN/m 17.0 kN/m 20.3 kN/m 24.0 kN/m
(24 lb/in.) (48 lb/in.) (73 lb/in.) (97 lb/in.) (116 lb/in.) (137 lb/in.)
Elongation Min 250 % 360 % 380 % 430 % 430 % 450 %
Modulus at 100 % Min 1.8 kN/m 3.6 kN/m 5.4 kN/m 7.2 kN/m 9.0 kN/m 10.8 kN/m
(10 lb/in.) (20 lb/in.) (30 lb/in.) (40 lb/in.) (50 lb/in.) (60 lb/in.)
Tear Strength D1004 11 N 27 N 35 N 44 N 58 N 67 N
Min (2.5 lb) (6 lb) (8 lb) (10 lb) (13 lb) (15 lb)
Dimensional Stability D1204 4 % 4 % 3 % 3 % 3 % 3 %
Max
Change
Low Temperature D1790 -23°C -26°C -29°C -29°C -29°C -29°C
Impact Pass (-10°F) (-15°F) (-20°F) (-20°F) (-20°F) (-20°F)
Low-Temperature D1790 –23 °C –26 °C –29 °C –29 °C –29 °C –29 °C
Impact Pass (–10 °F) (–15 °F) (–20 °F) (–20 °F) (–20 °F) (–20 °F)
TABLE 2 Index Properties
Index Properties ASTM PVC 10 PVC 20 PVC 30 PVC 40 PVC 50 PVC 60
Specific Gravity D792 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
Min
Water Extraction D1239 0.15 7% 0.15 % 0.15 % 0.20 % 0.20 % 0.20 %
Max Loss
Vola
...