ASTM D6434-12(2018)

Standard Guide for the Selection of Test Methods for Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 To evaluate flexible polypropylene properly, tests must be performed according to specific test methods and procedures. Failure to follow this guide can result in data not representative of the material's characteristics and performance.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers recommendations for the selection of appropriate test methods for flexible polypropylene sheet used in geomembrane applications to provide consistency in data reporting.  
1.2 This guide includes test methods for three types of flexible polypropylene geomembranes, including smooth nonreinforced sheet, textured nonreinforced sheet, and scrim-reinforced sheet.  
1.3 This guide is intended to aid all personnel involved in the selection, manufacture, installation, or evaluation of flexible polypropylene geomembrane sheet.  
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-Apr-2018
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6434-12 - Standard Guide for the Selection of Test Methods for Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1238-23a - Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-23 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5617-23 - Standard Test Method for Multi-Axial Elongation of Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5884/D5884M-23 - Standard Test Method for Determining Tearing Strength of Internally Reinforced Geomembranes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM F1249-20 - Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5397-20 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resistance of Polyolefin Geomembranes Using Notched Constant Tensile Load Test
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4833/D4833M-07(2020) - Standard Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance of Geomembranes and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1204-14(2020) - Standard Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated Temperature
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4218-20 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Carbon Black Content in Polyethylene Compounds by the Muffle-Furnace Technique
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1603-20 - Standard Test Method for Carbon Black Content in Olefin Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5397-19a - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resistance of Polyolefin Geomembranes Using Notched Constant Tensile Load Test
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D5321/D5321M-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Shear Strength of Soil-Geosynthetic and Geosynthetic-Geosynthetic Interfaces by Direct Shear
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019

Overview

ASTM D6434-12(2018): Standard Guide for the Selection of Test Methods for Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes provides guidance for selecting appropriate test methods for flexible polypropylene (fPP) sheet materials used in geomembrane applications. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports stakeholders including manufacturers, testing laboratories, designers, and installers by ensuring consistency in the evaluation, specification, and quality control of fPP geomembranes.

The guide recommends tests for three types of fPP geomembranes:

• Smooth, nonreinforced sheet
• Textured, nonreinforced sheet
• Scrim-reinforced sheet

Adherence to this standard is crucial for accurate data reporting, facilitating confidence in material performance, and maintaining compliance with international best practices.

Key Topics

• Test Method Selection:

  • Outlines best practices for choosing test methods aligned with specific types of flexible polypropylene geomembranes.
  • Recommends quality control and performance testing to ensure reliable evaluation across manufacturing, installation, and quality assurance phases.

• Consistency in Data Reporting:

  • Encourages harmonized data by prescribing standard test methods, reducing variability in reported properties.

• Referenced Test Methods:

  • Includes tests for properties such as thickness, tensile strength, tear resistance, puncture resistance, ply adhesion, thermal expansion, density, water vapor transmission, chemical resistance, weathering, and more.
  • References numerous ASTM test methods (e.g., D618, D5199, D7004/D7004M, D6693/D6693M, D4833/D4833M, D5884/D5884M).

• Comprehensive Guidance:

  • Provides direction for both mandatory manufacturing quality control tests and optional performance tests tailored to specific application and project needs.

• International Alignment:

  • Developed according to internationally recognized principles, supporting global acceptance and use.

Applications

Flexible polypropylene geomembranes are vital to diverse geotechnical and civil engineering projects, particularly where barriers for containment, environmental protection, or fluid management are required. The standardized selection of test methods, as advised by ASTM D6434-12(2018), is crucial in the following areas:

• Landfill liners and caps: Ensuring barrier integrity and environmental safety with consistent geomembrane properties.
• Wastewater and water storage ponds: Validating the material’s chemical resistance, thickness, and durability for long-term containment.
• Mining and heap leaching: Assuring geomembranes meet performance standards for aggressive or variable exposure.
• Secondary containment: Supporting compliance with regulatory requirements for hazardous materials storage.
• Transportation infrastructure: Providing effective subgrade and groundwater barriers in road and rail projects.

By following the testing guide, companies and organizations can reliably specify, evaluate, and document the performance of fPP geomembrane materials, resulting in enhanced safety, durability, and regulatory compliance.

Related Standards

Professionals implementing ASTM D6434-12(2018) may also reference related ASTM standards for detailed test methods, terminology, and specifications:

• ASTM D5199: Standard Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Geosynthetics
• ASTM D6693: Standard Test Method for Determining Tensile Properties of Nonreinforced Polyethylene and Nonreinforced Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
• ASTM D7004: Standard Test Method for Grab Tensile Properties of Reinforced Geomembranes
• ASTM D5884: Standard Test Method for Determining Tearing Strength of Internally Reinforced Geomembranes
• ASTM D4833: Standard Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance of Geomembranes and Related Products
• ASTM D4439: Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

These and other referenced test procedures ensure comprehensive evaluation of flexible polypropylene geomembranes as required for quality assurance and project success.

Keywords: flexible polypropylene, geomembrane, ASTM D6434, test methods, geosynthetics, quality control, data reporting, geomembrane applications, polypropylene geomembrane testing

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: D6434 − 12 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Guide for the
Selection of Test Methods for Flexible Polypropylene
Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6434; 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 sion of Plastics Between −30°C and 30°C with aVitreous
Silica Dilatometer
1.1 This guide covers recommendations for the selection of
D746Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics
appropriate test methods for flexible polypropylene sheet used
and Elastomers by Impact
in geomembrane applications to provide consistency in data
D751Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
reporting.
D790Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
1.2 This guide includes test methods for three types of
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
flexible polypropylene geomembranes, including smooth non-
als
reinforced sheet, textured nonreinforced sheet, and scrim-
D792Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Rela-
reinforced sheet.
tive Density) of Plastics by Displacement
1.3 This guide is intended to aid all personnel involved in
D1004Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of
the selection, manufacture, installation, or evaluation of flex-
Plastic Film and Sheeting
ible polypropylene geomembrane sheet.
D1149TestMethodsforRubberDeterioration—Crackingin
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
an Ozone Controlled Environment
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D1204Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Temperature
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D1238Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
by Extrusion Plastometer
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D1505Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Gradient Technique
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D1603Test Method for Carbon Black Content in Olefin
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Plastics
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
D2136Test Method for Coated Fabrics—Low-Temperature
Bend Test
2. Referenced Documents
D2137TestMethodsforRubberProperty—BrittlenessPoint
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
D471Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
D3389Test Method for Coated FabricsAbrasion Resistance
D573Test Method for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air
(Rotary Platform Abrader)
Oven
D3418Test Method for Transition Temperatures and En-
D618Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
thalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by
D696TestMethodforCoefficientofLinearThermalExpan-
Differential Scanning Calorimetry
D4218Test Method for Determination of Carbon Black
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD35onGeosynthetics
Content in Polyethylene Compounds By the Muffle-
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Furnace Technique
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally
D4364Practice for Performing OutdoorAccelerated Weath-
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D6434–12. DOI:
10.1520/D6434-12R18.
ering Tests of Plastics Using Concentrated Sunlight
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
D4439Terminology for Geosynthetics
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
D4833/D4833MTest Method for Index Puncture Resistance
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. of Geomembranes and Related Products
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6434 − 12 (2018)
D5199Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated
of Geosynthetics Infrared Sensor
D5321/D5321MTest Method for Determining the Shear G151PracticeforExposingNonmetallicMaterialsinAccel-
Strength of Soil-Geosynthetic and Geosynthetic- erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
Geosynthetic Interfaces by Direct Shear G154Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
D5323Practice for Determination of 2 % Secant Modulus Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
for Polyethylene Geomembranes G155Practice for Operating XenonArc LightApparatus for
D5397Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resis- Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
tance of Polyolefin Geomembranes Using Notched Con-
3. Terminology
stant Tensile Load Test
D5514/D5514MTest Method for Large-Scale Hydrostatic
3.1 Definitions—Fordefinitionsofgeosyntheticstermsused
Puncture Testing of Geosynthetics
in this guide, refer to Ter
...