ASTM D6392-12

Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Nonreinforced Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The use of geomembranes as barrier materials to restrict liquid migration from one location to another in soil and rock has created a need for a standard test method to evaluate the quality of geomembrane seams produced by thermo-fusion methods. In the case of geomembranes, it has become evident that geomembrane seams can exhibit separation in the field under certain conditions. Although this is an index type test method used for quality assurance and quality control purposes, it is also intended to provide the quality assurance engineer with sufficient seam peel and shear data to evaluate seam quality. Recording and reporting data, such as separation that occurs during the peel test and elongation during the shear test, will allow the quality assurance engineer to take measures necessary to ensure the repair of inferior seams during facility construction, and therefore, minimize the potential for seam separation in service.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes destructive quality control and quality assurance tests used to determine the integrity of geomembrane seams produced by thermo-fusion methods. This test method presents the procedures used for determining the quality of nonbituminous bonded seams subjected to both peel and shear tests. These test procedures are intended for nonreinforced geomembranes only.  
1.2 The types of thermal field seaming techniques used to construct geomembrane seams include the following.  
1.2.1 Hot Air—This technique introduces high-temperature air or gas 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.  
1.2.2 Hot Wedge (or Knife)—This technique melts the two geomembrane surfaces to be seamed by running a hot metal wedge between them. Pressure is applied to the top or bottom geomembrane, or both, to form a continuous bond. Some seams of this kind are made with dual bond tracks separated by a nonbonded gap. These seams are sometimes referred to as dual hot wedge seams or double-track seams.  
1.2.3 Extrusion—This technique encompasses extruding molten resin between two geomembranes or at the edge of two overlapped geomembranes to effect a continuous bond.  
1.3 The types of materials covered by this test method include the following.  
1.3.1 Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE).  
1.3.2 Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).  
1.3.3 Very Flexible Polyethylene (VFPE).  
1.3.4 Linear Medium Density Polyethylene (LMDPE).  
1.3.5 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).  
1.3.6 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).  
1.3.7 Flexible Polypropylene (fPP).Note 1—The polyethylene identifiers presented in 1.3.1-1.3.5 describe the types of materials typically tested using this test method. These are industry accepted trade descriptions and are not technical material classifications based upon material density.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2012
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6392-08 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Nonreinforced Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Replaced By: ASTM D6392-12(2018) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Nonreinforced Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Referred By: ASTM D7700-22 - Standard Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Geomembrane Seams
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D8269-21 - Standard Guide for the Use of Geocells in Geotechnical and Roadway Projects
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Referred By: ASTM D7982-15(2021) - Standard Practice for Testing of Factory Thermo-Fusion Seams for Fabricated Geomembrane Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012

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: D6392 − 12
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Integrity of Nonreinforced Geomembrane
1
Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6392; 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.
These are industry accepted trade descriptions and are not technical
1. Scope
material classifications based upon material density.
1.1 This test method describes destructive quality control
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and quality assurance tests used to determine the integrity of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
geomembrane seams produced by thermo-fusion methods.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
This test method presents the procedures used for determining
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
the quality of nonbituminous bonded seams subjected to both
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
peel and shear tests. These test procedures are intended for
nonreinforced geomembranes only.
2. Referenced Documents
2
1.2 The types of thermal field seaming techniques used to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
construct geomembrane seams include the following.
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
1.2.1 Hot Air—This technique introduces high-temperature
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
air or gas between two geomembrane surfaces to facilitate
D5199 Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness
melting.Pressureisappliedtothetoporbottomgeomembrane,
of Geosynthetics
forcing together the two surfaces to form a continuous bond.
D5994 Test Method for Measuring Core Thickness of Tex-
1.2.2 Hot Wedge (or Knife)—This technique melts the two
tured Geomembranes
geomembrane surfaces to be seamed by running a hot metal
2.2 EPA Standards:
wedge between them. Pressure is applied to the top or bottom
EPA/600/2-88/052 Lining of Waste Containment and Other
geomembrane, or both, to form a continuous bond. Some
ContainmentFacilities;AppendixN,Locusofbreakcodes
3
seams of this kind are made with dual bond tracks separated by
for various types of FML seams
a nonbonded gap. These seams are sometimes referred to as
dual hot wedge seams or double-track seams. 3. Terminology
1.2.3 Extrusion—This technique encompasses extruding
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
molten resin between two geomembranes or at the edge of two
3.1.1 geomembrane, n—essentially impermeable geosyn-
overlapped geomembranes to effect a continuous bond.
thetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets.
1.3 The types of materials covered by this test method
3.1.2 quality assurance, n—all planned and systematic ac-
include the following.
tions necessary to provide adequate confidence that an item or
1.3.1 Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE).
a facility will perform satisfactorily in service.
1.3.2 Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).
3.1.3 quality control, n—the operational techniques and the
1.3.3 Very Flexible Polyethylene (VFPE).
activities, which sustain a quality of material, product, system,
1.3.4 Linear Medium Density Polyethylene (LMDPE).
or service that will satisfy given needs; also the use of such
1.3.5 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
techniques and activities.
1.3.6 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
1.3.7 Flexible Polypropylene (fPP).
4. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—The polyethylene identifiers presented in 1.3.1 – 1.3.5
4.1 The use of geomembranes as barrier materials to restrict
describe the types of materials typically tested using this test method.
liquid migration from one location to another in soil and rock
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
GeosyntheticsandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD35.10onGeomem- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
branes. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2012. Published September 2012. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D6392–08. DOI: Available from the Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing
10.1520/D6392-12. Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D6392 − 12
has created a need for a standard test method to evaluate the such that the seam is perpendicular to the longer dimension o
...

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: D6392 − 08 D6392 − 12
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Integrity of Nonreinforced Geomembrane
1
Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6392; 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 test method describes destructive quality control and quality assurance tests used to determine the integrity of
geomembrane seams produced by thermo-fusion methods. This test method presents the procedures used for determining the
quality of nonbituminous bonded seams subjected to both peel and shear tests. These test procedures are intended for nonreinforced
geomembranes only.
1.2 The types of thermal field seaming techniques used to construct geomembrane seams include the following.
1.2.1 Hot Air—This technique introduces high-temperature air or gas 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.
1.2.2 Hot Wedge (or Knife)—This technique melts the two geomembrane surfaces to be seamed by running a hot metal wedge
between them. Pressure is applied to the top or bottom geomembrane, or both, to form a continuous bond. Some seams of this kind
are made with dual bond tracks separated by a nonbonded gap. These seams are sometimes referred to as dual hot wedge seams
or double-track seams.
1.2.3 Extrusion—This technique encompasses extruding molten resin between two geomembranes or at the edge of two
overlapped geomembranes to effect a continuous bond.
1.3 The types of materials covered by this test method include the following.
1.3.1 Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE).
1.3.2 Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).
1.3.3 Very Flexible Polyethylene (VFPE).
1.3.4 Linear Medium Density Polyethylene (LMDPE).
1.3.5 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
1.3.6 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
1.3.7 Flexible Polypropylene (fPP).
NOTE 1—The polyethylene identifiers presented in 1.3.1-1.3.5 describe the types of materials typically tested using this test method. These are industry
accepted trade descriptions and are not technical material classifications based upon material density.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D5199 Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
D5994 Test Method for Measuring Core Thickness of Textured Geomembranes
1
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 July 1, 2008July 1, 2012. Published July 2008September 2012. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 20062008 as
D6392–99(2006).D6392–08. DOI: 10.1520/D6392-08.10.1520/D6392-12.
2
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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D6392 − 12
2.2 EPA Standards:
EPA/600/2-88/052 Lining of Waste Containment and Other Containment Facilities; Appendix N, Locus of break codes for
3
various types of FML seams
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 geomembrane, n—essentially impermeable geosynthetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets.
3.1.2 quality assurance, n—all planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that an item or a
facility will perform satisfactorily in service.
3.1.3 quality control, n—the operational techniques and the activities, which sustain a quality of material, product, system, or
service that will satisfy given needs; also the use of such techniques and activities.
4. Significance
...