ASTM D6214-98(2008)

Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Field Seams Used in Joining Geomembranes by Chemical Fusion Methods

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Significance— The increased use of geomembranes as barrier materials to restrict fluid migration from one location to another in various applications, and the various types of seaming methods used in joining geomembrane sheets, has created a need to standardize tests by which the various seams can be compared and the quality of the seam systems can be evaluated. This test method is intended to meet such a need.
Use—Accelerated seam test provides information as to the status of the field seam. Data obtained by this test method should be used with site-specific contract plans, specification and CQC/CQA documents. This test method is useful for specification testing and for comparative purposes, but does not necessarily measure the ultimate strength that the seam may acquire.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers an accelerated, destructive test method for geomembranes in a geotechnical application.
1.2 This test is applicable to field fabricated geomembranes that are scrim reinforced or non reinforced.
1.3 This test method is applicable for field seaming processes that use a chemical fusion agent or bodied chemical fusion agent, as the seaming mechanism.
1.4 Subsequent decisions as to seam acceptance criteria are made according to the site-specific contract plans, specification and CQC/CQA documents.
1.5 The values stated in both inch-pound and SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.6 Hazardous Materials—Always consult the proper Material Safety Data Sheets for any Hazardous materials used for proper ventilation and protection. The use of the oven in this test method may accelerate fume production from the test specimen.  
1.7 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 applicable of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2008
• ICS: 83.140.10 - Films and sheets
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6214-98(2003) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Field Seams Used in Joining Geomembranes by Chemical Fusion Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008

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: D6214 − 98(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Integrity of Field Seams Used in Joining
Geomembranes by Chemical Fusion Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6214; 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 D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Sheeting
1.1 This test method covers an accelerated, destructive test
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
method for geomembranes in a geotechnical application.
2.2 ANSI/NSF Standard:
1.2 This test is applicable to field fabricated geomembranes
ANSI/NSF Standard 54
that are scrim reinforced or non reinforced.
1.3 This test method is applicable for field seaming pro-
3. Terminology
cesses that use a chemical fusion agent or bodied chemical
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
fusion agent, as the seaming mechanism.
3.1.1 bodied chemical agent, n—a chemical fluid containing
1.4 Subsequent decisions as to seam acceptance criteria are
a portion of the parent geomembrane polymer, that dissolves
made according to the site-specific contract plans, specification
the surface of the geomembrane to be bonded.
and CQC/CQA documents.
3.1.2 bodied-chemical fusion seams, n—use of a bodied
1.5 The values stated in both inch-pound and SI units are to
chemicalagenttodissolvethesurfacesofthegeomembranefor
be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in
bonding.
parentheses are for information only.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Heat and pressure are commonly used
as part of the bodied chemical fusion process.
1.6 Hazardous Materials—Always consult the proper Ma-
terial Safety Data Sheets for any Hazardous materials used for
3.1.3 chemical agent, n—a chemical fluid that dissolves the
proper ventilation and protection. The use of the oven in this
surface of the geomembrane to be bonded.
test method may accelerate fume production from the test
3.1.4 chemical fusion seams, n—use of a chemical agent to
specimen.
dissolve the surface of the geomembrane for bonding.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Heat and pressure are commonly used
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
as part of the chemical fusion process.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 For other terms refer to Terminology D4439.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applicable
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Significance— The increased use of geomembranes as
2.1 ASTM Standards: barrier materials to restrict fluid migration from one location to
another in various applications, and the various types of
D413 TestMethodsforRubberProperty—AdhesiontoFlex-
ible Substrate seaming methods used in joining geomembrane sheets, has
created a need to standardize tests by which the various seams
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics can be compared and the quality of the seam systems can be
evaluated. This test method is intended to meet such a need.
4.2 Use—Accelerated seam test provides information as to
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
GeosyntheticsandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD35.10onGeomem-
the status of the field seam. Data obtained by this test method
branes.
should be used with site-specific contract plans, specification
Current edition approved July 1, 2008. Published October 2008. Originally
and CQC/CQA documents. This test method is useful for
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D6214–98 (2003).
DOI: 10.1520/D6214-98R08.
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 Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
the ASTM website. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6214 − 98 (2008)
specification testing and for comparative purposes, but does 7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
not necessarily measure the ultimate strength that the seam
7.1 Trial Seam Sample—A representative seam from each
may acquire.
seaming crew, fabricated from the same sheet material, and
using the same seaming methods as those recommended by the
5. Apparatus
geomembranefrabricator,installerorsheetmanufacturer,orall
5.1 A testing machine of the constant-rate-of-cross head-
of these, will be used for this test method.
movement type comprising essentially of the following:
7.1.1 The trial seam sample shall be no loss than 3 m (10 ft)
5.1.1 Fixed Member— A fixed or essentially stationary
in length for this method.
member carrying one grip.
7.1.2 For non reinforced geomembranes, cut five, 1 in. (25
5.1.2 Movable Member— A movable member carrying a
mm) wide specimens for shear and five, 1 in. (25 mm) wide
second grip.
specimens for peel testing from the trial seam sample after the
5.1.3 Grips—Grips for holding the test specimen between
sample has been cured in accordance with Section 8.
the fixed member and the movable member and minimizes
7.1.3 For reinforced geomembranes, cut five, 4 in. (100
both slippage and uneven stress distribution.The grips shall be
mm) wide specimens for shear and five, in in. (25 mm) wide
self-aligning so that they shall be attached to the fixed and
specimens for peel testing from the trial seam sample after the
movable member, respectively, in such a manner that they will
sample has been cured in accordance with Section 8.
move freely into alingment as soon as any load is applied, so
7.1.4 Frequency of trial seams and sampling locations
that the long axis of the test specimen will coincide with the
within trial seams should be determined in accordance with the
direction of the applied pull through the center line of the grip
site-specific contract documents.
assembly.
7.2 Field Seam Sample—Cut a 300 mm (12 in.) long non
NOTE 1—Grips lined with thin rubber, crocus-cloth or pressure-
reinforced or a 1200 mm (48 in.) long reinforced section of the
sensitive tape as well as file-faced or serrated grips have been successfully
fabricated seam from the installed lining for this test method.
used for many materials. The choice of grip surface will depend on the
7.2.1 For non reinforced geomembranes cut five, 1 in. (25
manterial tested, thickness, etc.
mm) wide specimens for shear and five, 1 in. (25 mm) wide
5.1.4 Drive Mechanism—Adrive mechanism for imparting
specimens for peel testing from the field seam sample after the
to the movable member in uniform, controlled velocity with
sample is cured in accordance with Section 8.
respect to the stationary member. Unless otherwise specified in
7.2.2 For reinforced geomembranes cut five, 4 in. (100 mm)
the material specification, the mechanism shall be capable of
wide specimens for shear and five, 1 in. (25 mm) wide
and adjusted so that the movable member shall have a uniform
specimens for peel testing from the field seam sample after the
speed of 50 mm/min, (2 in. min), 300 mm/min (12 in./min),
samples is cured in accordance with Section 8.
and 500 mm/min (20 in./min.)
5.1.5 Load Indicator— A suitable load-indicating mecha- NOTE 2—Specimens that will be subjected to peel and shear test shall
be alternately selected from the sample and labeled ash show in Fig. 1.
nism capable of showing the total tensile load carried by the
test specimen when held by the grips.This mechanism shall be 7.3 The field seam sample should be wide enough (approxi-
essentially free of inertia lag at the specified rate of testing and
mately 12 in.) (30 cm) to accomodate peel and shear testing as
shall indicate the load with
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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:D6214–97 Designation: D 6214 – 98 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Integrity of Field Seams Used in Joining
Geomembranes by Chemical Fusion Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6214; 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 covers an accelerated, destructive test method for geomembranes in a geotechnical application.
1.2 This test is applicable to field fabricated geomembranes that are scrim reinforced or non reinforced.
1.3 This test method is applicable for field seaming processes that use a chemical fusion agent or bodied chemical fusion agent,
as the seaming mechanism.
1.4 Subsequent decisions as to seam acceptance criteria are made according to the site-specific contract plans, specification and
CQC/CQA documents.
1.5 The values stated in both inch-pound and SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in
parentheses are for information only.
1.6 Hazardous Materials—Always consult the proper Material Safety Data Sheets for any Hazardous materials used for proper
ventilation and protection. The use of the oven in this test method may accelerate fume production from the test specimen.
1.7 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 applicable of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 413 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Adhesion to Flexible Substrate
D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D 751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D 882 Test MethodsMethod for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D 4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
2.2 ANSI/NSF Standard:
ANSI/NSF Standard 54
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 bodied chemical agent, n—a chemical fluid containing a portion of the parent geomembrane polymer, that dissolves the
surface of the geomembrane to be bonded.
3.1.2 bodied-chemical fusion seams, n—use of a bodied chemical agent to dissolve the surfaces of the geomembrane for
bonding.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Heat and pressure are commonly used as part of the bodied chemical fusion process.
3.1.3 chemical agent, n—a chemical fluid that dissolves the surface of the geomembrane to be bonded.
3.1.4 chemical fusion seams, n—use of a chemical agent to dissolve the surface of the geomembrane for bonding.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Heat and pressure are commonly used as part of the chemical fusion process.
3.2 For other terms refer to Terminology D 4439.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes .
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1997. Published August 1998.
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, 2008. Published October 2008. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D 6214–98 (2003).
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM 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.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 6214 – 98 (2008)
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Significance— The increased use of geomembranes as barrier materials to restrict fluid migration from one location to
another in various applications, and the various types of seaming methods used in joining geomembrane sheets, has created a need
to standardize tests by which the various seams can be compared and the quality of the seam systems can be evaluated. This test
method is intended to meet such a need.
4.2 Use—Acceleratedseamtestprovidesinformationastothestatusofthefieldseam.Dataobtainedbythistestmethodshould
be used with site-specific contract plans, specification and CQC/CQA documents. This test method is useful for specification
testing and for comparative purposes, but does not necessarily measure the ultimate strength that the seam may acquire.
5. Apparatus
5.1 A testing machine of the constant-rate-of-cross head-movement type comprising essentially of the following:
5.1.1 Fixed Member— A fixed or essentially stationary member carrying one grip.
5.1.2 Movable Member— A movable member carrying a second grip.
5.1.3 Grips—Grips for holding the test specimen between the fixed member and the movable member and minimizes both
slippage and uneven stress distribution. The grips shall be self-aligning so that they shall be attached to the fixed and movable
member, respectively, in such a manner that they will move freely into alingment as soon as any load is applied, so that the long
axis of the test specimen will coincide with the direction of the applied pull through the center line of the grip assembly.
NOTE 1—Grips lined with thin rubber, crocus-cloth or pressure-sensitive tape as well as file-faced or serrated grips have been successfully used for
many materials. The choice of grip surface will depend on the manterial tested, thickness, etc.
5.1.4 Drive Mechanism—Adrivemechanismforimpartingtothemovablememberinuniform,controlledvelocitywithrespect
to the stationary member. Unless otherwise specified in the material specification, the mechanism shall be capable of and adjusted
so that the movable member shall have a uniform speed of 50 mm/min, (2 in. min), 300 mm/min (12 in./min), and 500 mm/min
(20 in./min.)
5.1.5 Load Indicator— A suitable load-indicating mechanism capable of showing the total tensile load carried by the test
specimen when held by the grips. This mechanism shall be essentially free of inertia lag at the specified rate of testing and shall
indicate the load with an accuracy of 6 1 % of the indicated value or better.
5.1.6 Extension Indicator (Extensometer) (If Employed)—A suitable instrument shall be used for determining the distance
between two designated points within the gage length of the test specimen as the specimen is stretched and shall conform to
requirements specified in Test Method D 638.
5.2 Oven—An oven of sufficient size to hold a rack containing at least three 30 cm (12 in.) wide test strip samples for
accelerated curing is necessary. The oven should be a forced convection oven and must be capable of maintaining a temperature
of 50°C (122°F) 6 3°C (6°F) for at least 16 h.
5.3 Rock—Arack for holding and positioning the test strip horizontally or vertically in an oven is necessary. The samples must
be separated from one another so that the air is free to move completely around the samples without obstruction to allow for
dissipation of vapors.
6. Materials
6.1 The geomembrane material (reinforced or non reinforced) shall be capable of being bonded to itself by one of the methods
described in Section 3 according to the geomembrane manufacturers’ recommendations and instructions.
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
7.1 Trial Seam Sample—Arepresentative seam from each seaming crew, fabricated from the same sheet material, and using the
same seaming methods as those recommended by the geomembrane frabricator, installer or sheet manufacturer, or all of these, will
be used for this test method.
7.1.1 The trial seam sample shall be no loss than 3 m (10 ft) in length for this method.
7.1.2 For non reinforced geomembranes, cut five, 1 in. (25 mm) wide specimens for shear and
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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:D6214–98 (Reapproved 2003) Designation: D 6214 – 98 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Integrity of Field Seams Used in Joining
Geomembranes by Chemical Fusion Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6214; 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 covers an accelerated, destructive test method for geomembranes in a geotechnical application.
1.2 This test is applicable to field fabricated geomembranes that are scrim reinforced or non reinforced.
1.3 This test method is applicable for field seaming processes that use a chemical fusion agent or bodied chemical fusion agent,
as the seaming mechanism.
1.4 Subsequent decisions as to seam acceptance criteria are made according to the site-specific contract plans, specification and
CQC/CQA documents.
1.5 The values stated in both inch-pound and SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in
parentheses are for information only.
1.6 Hazardous Materials—Always consult the proper Material Safety Data Sheets for any Hazardous materials used for proper
ventilation and protection. The use of the oven in this test method may accelerate fume production from the test specimen.
1.7 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 applicable of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 413 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Adhesion to Flexible Substrate
D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D 751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D 882 Test MethodsMethod for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D 4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
2.2 ANSI/NSF Standard:
ANSI/NSF Standard 54
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 bodied chemical agent, n—a chemical fluid containing a portion of the parent geomembrane polymer, that dissolves the
surface of the geomembrane to be bonded.
3.1.2 bodied-chemical fusion seams, n—use of a bodied chemical agent to dissolve the surfaces of the geomembrane for
bonding.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Heat and pressure are commonly used as part of the bodied chemical fusion process.
3.1.3 chemical agent, n—a chemical fluid that dissolves the surface of the geomembrane to be bonded.
3.1.4 chemical fusion seams, n—use of a chemical agent to dissolve the surface of the geomembrane for bonding.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Heat and pressure are commonly used as part of the chemical fusion process.
3.2 For other terms refer to Terminology D 4439.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Significance— The increased use of geomembranes as barrier materials to restrict fluid migration from one location to
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 Aug. 10, 1998. Published December 1998 Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D6214–98.
Current edition approved July 1, 2008. Published October 2008. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D 6214–98 (2003).
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM 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.
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 6214 – 98 (2008)
another in various applications, and the various types of seaming methods used in joining geomembrane sheets, has created a need
to standardize tests by which the various seams can be compared and the quality of the seam systems can be evaluated. This test
method is intended to meet such a need.
4.2 Use—Acceleratedseamtestprovidesinformationastothestatusofthefieldseam.Dataobtainedbythistestmethodshould
be used with site-specific contract plans, specification and CQC/CQA documents. This test method is useful for specification
testing and for comparative purposes, but does not necessarily measure the ultimate strength that the seam may acquire.
5. Apparatus
5.1 A testing machine of the constant-rate-of-cross head-movement type comprising essentially of the following:
5.1.1 Fixed Member— A fixed or essentially stationary member carrying one grip.
5.1.2 Movable Member— A movable member carrying a second grip.
5.1.3 Grips—Grips for holding the test specimen between the fixed member and the movable member and minimizes both
slippage and uneven stress distribution. The grips shall be self-aligning so that they shall be attached to the fixed and movable
member, respectively, in such a manner that they will move freely into alingment as soon as any load is applied, so that the long
axis of the test specimen will coincide with the direction of the applied pull through the center line of the grip assembly.
NOTE 1—Grips lined with thin rubber, crocus-cloth or pressure-sensitive tape as well as file-faced or serrated grips have been successfully used for
many materials. The choice of grip surface will depend on the manterial tested, thickness, etc.
5.1.4 Drive Mechanism—Adrivemechanismforimpartingtothemovablememberinuniform,controlledvelocitywithrespect
to the stationary member. Unless otherwise specified in the material specification, the mechanism shall be capable of and adjusted
so that the movable member shall have a uniform speed of 50 mm/min, (2 in. min), 300 mm/min (12 in./min), and 500 mm/min
(20 in./min.)
5.1.5 Load Indicator— A suitable load-indicating mechanism capable of showing the total tensile load carried by the test
specimen when held by the grips. This mechanism shall be essentially free of inertia lag at the specified rate of testing and shall
indicate the load with an accuracy of 6 1 % of the indicated value or better.
5.1.6 Extension Indicator (Extensometer) (If Employed)—A suitable instrument shall be used for determining the distance
between two designated points within the gage length of the test specimen as the specimen is stretched and shall conform to
requirements specified in Test Method D 638.
5.2 Oven—An oven of sufficient size to hold a rack containing at least three 30 cm (12 in.) wide test strip samples for
accelerated curing is necessary. The oven should be a forced convection oven and must be capable of maintaining a temperature
of 50°C (122°F) 6 3°C (6°F) for at least 16 h.
5.3 Rock—Arack for holding and positioning the test strip horizontally or vertically in an oven is necessary. The samples must
be separated from one another so that the air is free to move completely around the samples without obstruction to allow for
dissipation of vapors.
6. Materials
6.1 The geomembrane material (reinforced or non reinforced) shall be capable of being bonded to itself by one of the methods
described in Section 3 according to the geomembrane manufacturers’ recommendations and instructions.
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
7.1 Trial Seam Sample—Arepresentative seam from each seaming crew, fabricated from the same sheet material, and using the
same seaming methods as those recommended by the geomembrane frabricator, installer or sheet manufacturer, or all of these, will
be used for this test method.
7.1.1 The trial seam sample shall be no loss than 3 m (10 ft) in length for this method.
7.1.2 For non reinforced geomembranes, cut five, 1 in. (25 mm) wide spe
...