ASTM D5970/D5970M-16(2021)

Standard Test Method for Deterioration of Geotextiles from Outdoor Exposure

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Outdoor exposure tests at one location may not be applicable to a project site at another location. This test method evaluates geotextiles under site-specific atmospheric conditions over an 18-month period. A degradation curve as per 10.8, based on strength, elongation, or modulus, or all of these, may be developed for the geotextile being evaluated.  
5.2 This test method can be used for comparative testing of the degradation of geotextiles.  
5.3 This test method is considered to be a performance test and as such the responsibility for its performance rests with the specifying or purchasing agency.
Note 1: The intent of this procedure is to provide the user of this test method and geotextiles a standard by which to evaluate weathering degradation in terms of site-specific conditions, not in terms of incident radiation and temperature. If desired, the user may want to have the necessary measurement and recording equipment at each site to do this. However, the expense of doing so at each site may be prohibitive. Therefore, this is not a specific requirement of this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers evaluating the deterioration in tensile strength and strain after outdoor exposure.  
1.2 The deterioration is assessed as a reduction in strength and strain at failure from the unexposed geotextile.  
1.3 The specific location of the light and weather exposure is made on the basis of a site-specific decision between the parties involved.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2021
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.02 - Endurance Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D5035-11(2019) - Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• 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 G113-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4439-11 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM G7/G7M-11 - Standard Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Testing of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM G113-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM G113-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM D5035-06(2008)e1 - Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM G113-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM G113-06e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006

Overview

ASTM D5970/D5970M-16(2021): Standard Test Method for Deterioration of Geotextiles from Outdoor Exposure is an internationally recognized ASTM standard that provides a method for evaluating the deterioration of geotextiles when subjected to outdoor environmental conditions over an extended period. This test method specifically measures the reduction in tensile strength and strain at failure of geotextiles exposed to site-specific atmospheric conditions, helping organizations assess material performance, durability, and weathering resistance under real-world situations. The procedure covers an exposure duration of up to 18 months and supports both SI and inch-pound units.

Key Topics

• Site-Specific Outdoor Exposure: The standard emphasizes testing in real site-specific environmental conditions, acknowledging that results obtained at one location may not directly apply to another due to varying climates, UV exposure, and weather patterns.
• Deterioration Assessment: The method focuses on quantifying geotextile deterioration by measuring decreases in tensile strength and strain after exposure compared with unexposed (control) specimens.
• Comparative Testing: Useful for comparing different geotextile products or formulations in terms of their resistance to outdoor aging and degradation.
• Performance-Based Approach: As a performance test, the responsibility for conducting and interpreting the results rests with the specifying or purchasing agency, facilitating informed material selection decisions.
• Degradation Curves: The standard allows for the development of degradation curves based on strength, elongation, or modulus, providing a clear view of material decline over time.

Applications

• Material Qualification: Used by engineers, specifiers, and procurement professionals to qualify and select geotextiles for civil engineering, environmental, and construction applications where prolonged outdoor exposure is expected.
• Quality Assurance: Enables manufacturers and end-users to assess the durability and weathering performance of geotextiles in real-world conditions, supporting claims of product longevity and resistance.
• Comparative Research: Academics and researchers utilize this method to compare the environmental aging of different geotextile compositions, formulations, or treatment types.
• Risk Mitigation: Helps project managers anticipate material failure risks by providing robust weathering data tailored to the specific installation location.

Related Standards

• ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics - Reference for key geotextile-related definitions.
• ASTM D5035: Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method) - Utilized within the deterioration assessment process.
• ASTM G7/G7M: Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Testing of Nonmetallic Materials - Offers additional recommendations on outdoor weathering procedures.
• ASTM G113: Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials - Resource for definitions related to weathering and degradation.

Practical Value

ASTM D5970/D5970M-16(2021) delivers significant practical value by enabling stakeholders to:

• Simulate the long-term effects of sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, precipitation, and temperature cycling on geotextile materials.
• Generate quantitative data that guide the selection of geotextiles capable of withstanding the anticipated service environment.
• Ensure compliance with performance requirements and contract specifications for infrastructure and environmental projects.

This standard represents a critical tool for ensuring geotextile durability and reliability in applications such as road construction, embankment stabilization, erosion control, landfill liners, and other areas where prolonged outdoor exposure is unavoidable. By following the guidelines in ASTM D5970/D5970M-16(2021), users can make evidence-based decisions to optimize product performance and lifecycle cost effectiveness.

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: D5970/D5970M − 16 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Deterioration of Geotextiles from Outdoor Exposure
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5970/D5970M; 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 G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
1.1 This test method covers evaluating the deterioration in
tensile strength and strain after outdoor exposure.
3. Terminology
1.2 The deterioration is assessed as a reduction in strength
3.1 For definitions of terms related to geosynthetics, refer to
and strain at failure from the unexposed geotextile.
Terminology D4439.
1.3 The specific location of the light and weather exposure
3.2 For definitions of terms related to weathering, refer to
is made on the basis of a site-specific decision between the
Terminology G113.
parties involved.
3.3 Definitions:
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.3.1 ultraviolet degradation—the photochemical change
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
induced by exposure to ultraviolet radiation that results in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
deterioration of the performance characteristics of the poly-
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
meric structure.
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined. 3.3.2 weathering degradation—the change induced by ex-
posure to outdoor conditions that results in deterioration of the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
performance characteristics of the polymeric structure.
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 Geotextile coupons are attached to a test frame oriented
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
45° from the horizontal and facing the equator at a designated
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
location for exposure times of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 18 months.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Exposure shall begin so as to ensure that material is exposed
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
during the maximum intensity of ultraviolet light of the year.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Unless otherwise specified, the test should be initiated in May
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
in the northern hemisphere, and in November in the southern
hemisphere.
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.1 Unexposed coupons, or ‘file specimens’ according to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Terminology G113, shall be retained for testing.
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
4.2 After each exposure time, the appropriate coupons are
D5035 Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of
brought into a laboratory for strength determination. The
Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
results of these tests are compared to the strength determined
G7/G7M Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure
for the unexposed coupons. The user may be interested in
Testing of Nonmetallic Materials
exposure times other than specified in this test method. These
times should be noted in reporting the results.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
4.3 The results are presented in the form of various plots.
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endur-
ance Properties.
4.4 Additional recommendations may be found in Practice
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally
G7/G7M and Terminology G113.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D5970/D5970M – 16.
DOI: 10.1520/D5970_D5970M-16R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5. Significance and Use
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.1 Outdoor exposure tests at one location may not be
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. applicable to a project site at another location.This test method
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5970/D5970M − 16 (2021)
evaluates geotextiles under site-specific atmospheric condi-
Machine or Cross-Machine Direction
Unexposed 1C1 1C2 1C3 1C4 1C5 1C6
tions over an 18-month period. A degradation curve as per
Month 1 1M(CM)1 1M2 1M3 1M4 1M5 1M6
10.8, based on strength, elongation, or modulus, or all of these,
Month 2 2M1 2M2 2M3 2M4 2M5 2M6
may be developed for the geotextile being evaluated.
Month 18 18M1 18M2 18M3 8M4 18M5 18M6
5.2 This test method can be used for comparative testing of
8.1.1 Repeat 8.1 for the cross-machine direction, with the
the degradation of geotextiles. shortest measurement in the cross-machine direction.
5.3 This test method is considered to be a performance test
8.2 Cut six test coupons from each direction to be used as
and as such the responsibility for its performance rests with the
control coupons.These will act as the control specimens for all
specifying or purchasing agency.
exposure times. Place the control coupons in a black polyeth-
ylene bag, and seal to prevent deterioration of the unexposed
NOTE 1—The intent of this procedure is to provide the user of this test
coupons due to exposure to ultraviolet light. Store the bag with
method and geotextiles a standard by which to evaluate weathering
degradation in terms of site-specific conditions, not in terms of incident
the coupons in a cool, dry location.
radiation and temperature. If desired, the user may want to have the
necessary measurement and recording equipment at each site to do this.
9. Procedure
However, the expense of doing so at each site may be prohibitive.
Therefore, this is not a specific requirement of this test method.
9.1 Firmly attach the six coupons for each exposure time to
the outdoor test frame as described in 6.2. In the case of staples
6. Apparatus
being used, locate them in the outer 25 mm [1 in.] of the
6.1 The frame for holding the coupons during the exposure
coupon, with approximately four staples per each 300 mm
phase of this test consists of a wooden frame (for example, a
[12 in.] width, and three staples along each 180 mm [7 in.]
sheet of exterior plywood) suitably braced so that it resides at
length.
a 45° angle with the horizontal.
NOTE2—Ifafullsheetofplywood1200by2400mm[4by8ft]isused,
6.1.1 The frame is to be unpainted with the surface pro-
seven sets of coupons can be attached to the frame. This will allow an
tected from the effects of water and sunlight by varnishing the
approximately 25 mm [1 in.] space around each sample.
surface.
NOTE 3—The long dimension of the frame and the coupons attache
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