ASTM D7179-18

Standard Test Method for Determining Geonet Breaking Force

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This method evaluates tensile breaking force of geonets for the purposes of quality control and quality assurance. Testing is performed parallel to the machine direction only, for that is the primary direction that geonets witness tensile loading. This method is an index test and is not intended for design purposes.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to measure the breaking force of a geonet.  
1.2 This test is applicable for manufacturing quality control (MQC) and construction quality assurance (CQA) testing, and is not recommended as a performance test.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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: 30-Jun-2018
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.01 - Mechanical Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7179-07(2013) - Standard Test Method for Determining Geonet Breaking Force
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4354-12(2020) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4439-18 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4439-17 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15a - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-14 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4354-12 - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products(RECPs) for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D76/D76M-11 - Standard Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D4439-11 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D4354-99(2009) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4354-99(2004) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM D4439-04 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM D4439-02 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2002

Overview

ASTM D7179-18: Standard Test Method for Determining Geonet Breaking Force is an internationally recognized test method published by ASTM International. This standard specifies procedures for measuring the tensile breaking force of geonets, focusing on quality control and construction quality assurance applications. The testing is conducted primarily in the machine direction, where geonets are most commonly subjected to tensile loads. ASTM D7179-18 serves as an index test to compare products and ensure consistent manufacturing quality but is not intended for design verification or performance determination.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope

  • Evaluates the tensile breaking force of geonets, specifically parallel to the machine direction.
  • Utilized for Manufacturing Quality Control (MQC) and Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) programs.
  • Not designed for performance-based or structural design testing.

• Testing Method

  • Geonet specimens are mounted in a tensile testing machine and subjected to a controlled extension until rupture.
  • Breaking force is recorded, providing a standardized measure for batch comparison.
  • Index test results allow manufacturers and users to establish and monitor product consistency.

• Sample Preparation and Conditioning

  • Sampling follows ASTM guidelines to ensure representative testing across production batches.
  • Specimens are conditioned in a controlled atmospheric environment (21 ± 2 °C, 50-70% RH) to ensure repeatability.

• Reporting Requirements

  • Results must include full material identification, direction of testing, breaking force per unit width for each specimen, average, and standard deviation.

Applications

Implementing ASTM D7179-18 provides several practical benefits across the geosynthetics industry:

• Manufacturing Quality Control

  • Enables manufacturers to monitor product uniformity and detect variations in geonet tensile strength during production batches.
  • Facilitates efficient release of material for shipment based on objective test results.

• Construction Quality Assurance

  • Used during project construction phases to verify that delivered geonets meet specified minimum tensile strength requirements.
  • Assists engineers and contractors in documenting compliance with project specifications.

• Procurement and Specification

  • Provides a common benchmark for buyers and suppliers to reference in project documentation and procurement contracts, ensuring harmonized quality expectations.

• Internal Audits and Product Development

  • Supports ongoing product improvement initiatives and compliance verification to both internal and external technical standards.

Related Standards

Reference to associated ASTM standards further supports the effective use of ASTM D7179-18:

• ASTM D76/D76M: Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles
  Defines requirements for mechanical testing equipment used in geonet testing.

• ASTM D4354: Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
  Guides sampling techniques to ensure representative and repeatable test results.

• ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics
  Supplies standardized definitions for terms critical to interpreting test results and procedures.

Keywords

Geonet breaking force, ASTM D7179-18, geosynthetics, tensile testing, quality control, quality assurance, index test, machine direction, construction materials testing.

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By following ASTM D7179-18, stakeholders ensure reliable, comparable, and internationally accepted methods for geonet tensile strength testing, driving enhanced quality in civil engineering and geosynthetic applications.

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: D7179 − 18
Standard Test Method for
Determining Geonet Breaking Force
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7179; 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 3.1.2 atmosphere for testing geosynthetics, n—air main-
tained at a relative humidity between 50 to 70 % and a
1.1 This test method is used to measure the breaking force
temperature of 21 6 2 °C (70 6 4 °F).
of a geonet.
3.1.3 geonet, n—a geosynthetic consisting of integrally
1.2 This test is applicable for manufacturing quality control
connected parallel sets of ribs overlying similar sets at various
(MQC) and construction quality assurance (CQA) testing, and
angles for planar drainage of liquids or gases.
is not recommended as a performance test.
3.1.4 index test, n—a test procedure which may contain a
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
known bias but which may be used to establish an order for a
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
set of specimens with respect to the property of interest.
only.
3.1.5 peak load, n—maximum force recorded during a
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tensile test.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 Geonet specimens are mounted between full-width grips
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
in a load frame. Tensile load is applied longitudinally to the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specimen at a constant rate of crosshead movement. The test is
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
carried to rupture and a maximum breaking force of each
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
specimen is recorded.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This method evaluates tensile breaking force of geonets
2. Referenced Documents
for the purposes of quality control and quality assurance.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Testing is performed parallel to the machine direction only, for
D76/D76M Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for
that is the primary direction that geonets witness tensile
Textiles
loading. This method is an index test and is not intended for
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
design purposes.
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
6. Apparatus
3. Terminology
6.1 Tensile Testing Machine—Constant rate of extension
(CRE) equipment meeting the requirements of Specification
3.1 Definitions:
D76/D76M. The load cell shall be accurate to within 61%of
3.1.1 Definitions of terms applying to this test method
the applied force.The drive mechanism shall be able to control
appear in Terminology D4439.
the rate of extension to within 61 % of the targeted rate.
6.2 Grips—One of the grips must be self-aligning to com-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
pensate for uneven distribution of force across the specimen.
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.01 on Mechani-
cal Properties.
The clamping force and the clamp surfaces shall hold the
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published July 2018. Originally approved
specimen firmly without causing damage. The clamps shall be
in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D7179 – 07 (2013). DOI:
capable of gripping a 100-mm (4-in.) by 25-mm (1-in.) area at
10.1520/D7179-18.
a minimum.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.3 Recording Mechanism—The testing machine shall be
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. equipped with equipment capable of producing a hard copy of
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7179 − 18
TABLE 1 Tensile Strength (in pounds)
the force-versus-displacement curve. Electronic data acquisi-
tion with printer capabilities or direct recording devices is Repeatability Reproducibility
Repeatability Reproducibility
Average Standard Standard
acceptable.
Material Limit Limit
x Deviation Deviation
r R
Sr sR
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units Geonet
291.9 8.8 23.2 24.6 64.8
“A”
7.1 Lot Sample—For the lot sample, take rolls of geonet per
the applicable project specification, or as agreed upon between
purchaser and supplier. Unless otherwise specified, refer to
Practice D4354.
theresultfallsmarkedlybelowtheaverage(outliersaredefined
7.2 Laboratory Sample—For laboratory sample, take a full-
as greater than 20 % from the mean) for the set of specimens,
width swatch approximately1m(3ft) long by roll width for
discard the result and test an additional specimen.
each roll in the lot sample. Take a sample that will exclude
9.4 Record peak load. The peak load is the geonet breaking
material from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap
force.
around the core. In the case where the sample is taken at the
9.5 Repeat the procedure for the remaining specimens.
production site, material from the outer wrap may be used if it
is undamaged.
10. Calculation
7.3 Test Specimens—Prepare five specimens with the length
...

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: D7179 − 07 (Reapproved 2013) D7179 − 18
Standard Test Method for
Determining Geonet Breaking Force
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7179; 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 is used to measure the breaking force of a Geonet.geonet.
1.2 This test is applicable for manufacturing quality control (MQC) and construction quality assurance (CQA) testing, and is
not recommended as a performance test.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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:
D76/D76M Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Definitions of terms applying to this test method appear in Terminology D4439.
3.1.2 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).
3.1.3 geonet, n—a geosynthetic consisting of integrally connected parallel sets of ribs overlying similar sets at various angles
for planar drainage of liquids or gases.
3.1.4 index test, n—a test procedure which may contain a known bias but which may be used to establish an order for a set of
specimens with respect to the property of interest.
3.1.5 peak load, n—maximum force recorded during a tensile test.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Geonet specimens are mounted between full width full-width grips in a load frame. Tensile load is applied longitudinally
to the specimen at a constant rate of crosshead movement. The test is carried to rupture and a maximum breaking force of each
specimen is recorded.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This method evaluates tensile breaking force of geonets for the purposes of quality control and quality assurance. Testing
is performed parallel to the machine direction only, for that is the primary direction that geonets witnesseswitness tensile loading.
This method is an index test and is not intended for design purposes.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.01 on Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2013July 1, 2018. Published January 2013July 2018. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
D7179D7179 – 07 (2013).–07. DOI: 10.1520/D7179-07R13.10.1520/D7179-18.
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
D7179 − 18
6. Apparatus
6.1 Tensile Testing Machine—Constant Raterate of Extensionextension (CRE) equipment meeting the requirements of
Specification D76D76/D76M. The load cell shall be accurate to within 61 % of the applied force. The drive mechanism shall be
able to control the rate of extension to within 61 % of the targeted rate.
6.2 Grips—One of the grips must be self aligning self-aligning to compensate for uneven distribution of force across the
specimen. The clamping force and the clamp surfaces shall hold the specimen firmly without causing damage. The clamps shall
be capable of gripping a 100 mm (4 in.) by 25 mm (1 in.) 100-mm (4-in.) by 25-mm (1-in.) area at a minimum.
6.3 Recording Mechanism—The testing machine shall be equipped with equipment capable of producing a hard copy of the
force versus displacement force-versus-displacement curve. Electronic data acquisition with printer capabilities or direct recording
devices is acceptable.
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
7.1 Lot Sample—For the lot sample, take rolls of geonet per the applicable project specification, or as agreed upon between
purchaser and supplier. Unless otherwise specified, refer to Practice D4354.
7.2 Laboratory Sample—For laboratory sample, take a full-width swatch approximately 1 m (3 ft) long by roll width for each
roll in the lot sample. Take a sample that will exclude material from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap around the core.
In the case where the sample is taken at the production site, material from the outer wrap may be used if it is undamaged.
7.3 Test Specimens—Prepare five specimens with the length of the specimen parallel to the machine direction (MD). Cut the
specimens such that none areis obtained within 150 mm (6 in.) of the roll edges.
7.4 Specimen Size and Shape—The specimens shall be 102 6 2 mm (4 6 0.08 in.) wide by 203 6 4 mm (8 6 0.16 in.) long
(test direction). Die cut Die-cut test specimens are recommended.
7.5 Test Unit—Test five specimens distributed evenly from across the width of each laboratory sample in the longitudinal
(machine) direction only. It may be
...