ASTM D5888-19

Standard Guide for Storage and Handling of Geosynthetic Clay Liners

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 For optimum performance, GCLs must be stored and handled prior to their installation in a manner that does not impact their hydraulic or physical properties, or both. Adherence to these storage and handling guidelines will help to ensure that acceptable GCL performance will be achieved.
FIG. 1 GCLs Stored Off the Ground and Evenly Supported On Pallets
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers guidelines for the proper storage and handling of geosynthetic clay liners received at the job site by the end user.  
1.2 This guide contains general guidelines and is not intended to replace project-specific requirements as found in the contract drawings or specifications. In the event of a conflict, the requirements of the project specifications will supersede the requirements of this guide.  
1.3 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgement. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.  
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-2019
• ICS: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.04 - Geosynthetic Clay Liners

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5888-06(2016) - Standard Guide for Storage and Handling of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• 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 D4439-11 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• 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
• Refers: ASTM D4439-00 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4439-01 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001
• Referred By: ASTM D6102-23 - Standard Guide for Installation of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D6072/D6072M-19e1 - Standard Practice for Obtaining Samples of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D6495/D6495M-18(2022) - Standard Guide for Acceptance Testing Requirements for Geosynthetic Clay Liners
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019

Overview

ASTM D5888-19: Standard Guide for Storage and Handling of Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) provides comprehensive guidelines designed to maintain the integrity and hydraulic performance of geosynthetic clay liners during transportation, storage, and handling at the job site. Proper management of GCLs according to this guide helps project teams avoid damage that can compromise barrier effectiveness, ensuring that GCLs function as intended in containment and environmental protection applications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • ASTM D5888-19 addresses the receipt, visual inspection, unloading, and storage of GCLs once delivered to a construction site.
  • While offering generalized guidance, it recognizes that project-specific requirements in contract documents supersede these recommendations in the event of conflicts.
  • The guide is not prescriptive but rather an organized resource to inform professional judgment.

• Definitions

  • Clarifies essential terminology such as geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), core pipe, spreader bar, and stinger, standardizing communication on site.

• Receiving and Inspection

  • Each GCL roll is packaged and labeled by the manufacturer; upon delivery, all rolls should be carefully inspected for visible or suspected transit damage.
  • Damaged rolls must be reported, segregated, and clearly marked.

• Handling Procedures

  • Specifies that unloading must prevent mechanical or moisture damage. Rolls should not be dragged, dropped, or pushed off delivery vehicles.
  • Recommends the use of suitable equipment, such as core pipes, spreader bars, stingers, or heavy-duty straps, to avoid stressing or distorting the GCLs.

• Storage Requirements

  • GCL rolls should remain in original, unopened packaging and be protected from precipitation, standing water, direct sunlight (UV radiation), chemicals, flames, excessive temperature, vandalism, animals, and any other degrading environmental conditions.
  • Rolls must be lying flat, evenly supported-preferably on pallets or blocks-to avoid localized stress points. Rolls can be stacked safely up to three high, provided the stack is stable and accessible.
  • Long-term storage should prioritize covered or indoor areas, with waterproof tarpaulins or plastic sheeting used for outdoor storage.
  • Protection from freezing and extreme heat is important, especially for GCLs with additives that may be sensitive to prolonged storage or high temperatures.

Applications

Geosynthetic clay liners are widely used in:

• Landfill liners and caps
• Mining leach pad containment systems
• Water containment ponds
• Environmental remediation sites

Proper storage and handling as outlined in ASTM D5888-19 safeguard the physical properties of GCLs, preventing moisture penetration, structural deformation, or chemical contamination prior to installation. By adhering to these guidelines, construction projects reduce risk of liner failure and ensure regulatory compliance in environmental containment scenarios.

Related Standards

• ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics - foundational definitions used throughout geosynthetic applications.
• Project-Specific Specifications and Contract Drawings: Always supersede this guide if there are any conflicts.
• International Standards: ASTM D5888-19 aligns with WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles, supporting global adoption.

Keywords: geosynthetic clay liner, GCL, storage, handling, ASTM D5888, construction site, liner integrity, environmental containment, hydraulic barrier, geosynthetics.

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: D5888 − 19
Standard Guide for
Storage and Handling of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5888; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This guide covers guidelines for the proper storage and 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
handling of geosynthetic clay liners received at the job site by
the end user.
3. Terminology
1.2 This guide contains general guidelines and is not in-
3.1 Definitions:
tended to replace project-specific requirements as found in the
3.1.1 core pipe, n—a rigid pipe or rod inserted through the
contract drawings or specifications. In the event of a conflict,
coreofaGCLroll.Eachendofthepipeisconnectedtoachain
therequirementsoftheprojectspecificationswillsupersedethe
or lifting strap which attaches to equipment for GCL
requirements of this guide.
unloading, on-site handling, and installation.
1.3 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.2 geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), n—a manufactured
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
hydraulic barrier consisting of clay bonded to a layer or layers
information only.
of geosynthetics.
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information
3.1.3 spreader bar, n—asteelbeamusedinconjunctionwith
oraseriesofoptionsanddoesnotrecommendaspecificcourse
the core pipe that prevents the lifting chains or straps from
of action. This document cannot replace education or experi-
chafing against the ends of the GCL roll.
ence and should be used in conjunction with professional
3.1.4 stinger, n—a rigid pipe or rod with one end directly
judgement. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in
connected to a forklift or other equipment. The opposite end of
all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to
the stinger can then be inserted through the GCLroll core such
representorreplacethestandardofcarebywhichtheadequacy
thattheequipmentisabletounload,handle,orinstalltheGCL.
of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
3.1.5 For definitions of other geosynthetic terms used in this
unique aspects. The word “standard” in the title of this guide, refer to Terminology D4439.
document means only that the document has been approved
4. Significance and Use
through the ASTM consensus process.
4.1 For optimum performance, GCLs must be stored and
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the handled prior to their installation in a manner that does not
impact their hydraulic or physical properties, or both. Adher-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- ence to these storage and handling guidelines will help to
ensure that acceptable GCL performance will be achieved.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Procedure
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 Receiving and Handling GCL at the Job Site:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1.1 The GCLs are packaged in individual rolls and are
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
typically delivered to the job site in trucks. Each roll is
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
individually wrapped and labeled by the GCL manufacturer.
Prior to unloading the rolls, make a visual examination of the
shipment in order to identify any damage that may have
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.04 on Geosynthetic Clay
Liners. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D5888 – 06 (2016). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D5888-19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5888 − 19
FIG. 1 GCLs Stored Off the Ground and Evenly Supported On
Pallets
occurred in transit to the site. Record and report any immedi- 5.2.1.1 Precipitation,
atelyvisibleorsuspecteddamagetotheGCLrollsimmediately 5.2.1.2 Standing water,
totheGCLcarrierandtothesupplier.Tag,ma
...

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: D5888 − 06 (Reapproved 2016) D5888 − 19
Standard Guide for
Storage and Handling of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5888; 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 guide covers guidelines for the proper storage and handling of geosynthetic clay liners received at the job site by the
end user.
1.2 This guide contains general guidelines and is not intended to replace project-specific requirements as found in the contract
drawings or specifications. In the event of a conflict, the requirements of the project specifications will supersede the requirements
of this practice.guide.
1.3 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course
of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgement.
Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace
the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied
without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “standard” in the title of this document means only that the
document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.This guide offers an organized collection of information or a
series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and
should be used in conjunction with professional judgement. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances.
This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional
service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word
“Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 core pipe, n—a rigid pipe or rod inserted through the core of a GCL roll. Each end of the pipe is connected to a chain or
lifting strap which attaches to equipment for GCL unloading, on-site handling, and installation.
3.1.2 geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), n—a manufactured hydraulic barrier consisting of clay bonded to a layer or layers of
geosynthetics.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.04 on Geosynthetic Clay Liners.
Current edition approved June 1, 2016May 1, 2019. Published June 2016May 2019. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20112016 as
D5888 – 06 (2016).(2011). DOI: 10.1520/D5888-06R16.10.1520/D5888-19.
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
D5888 − 19
3.1.3 spreader bar, n—a steel beam used in conjunction with the core pipe that prevents the lifting chains or straps from chafing
against the ends of the GCL roll.
3.1.4 stinger, n—a rigid pipe or rod with one end directly connected to a forklift or other equipment. The opposite end of the
stinger can then be inserted through the GCL roll core such that the equipment is able to unload, handle, or install the GCL.
3.1.5 For definitions of other geosynthetic terms used in this practice,guide, refer to Terminology D4439.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 For optimum performance, GCLs must be stored and handled prior to their installation in a manner that does not impact
their physical properties. hydraulic or physical properties, or both. Adherence to these storage and handling guidelines will help
to ensure that acceptable GCL performance will be achieved.
5. Procedure
5.1 Receiving and Handling GCL at the Job Site:
5.1.1 The GCLs are packaged in individual rolls and are typically delivered to the job site in trucks. Each r
...