ASTM D5993-18(2022)

Standard Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of Geosynthetic Clay Liners

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to determine if the GCL material meets specifications for mass per unit area at approximately 0 % moisture content, by oven drying. It can be used as an index test for quality control or quality assurance to determine specimen conformance.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of the mass per unit area of a sample of a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL). The test method is also applicable to a multicomponent GCL. The dry mass of the clay can be found by simply subtracting the manufacturer's reported nominal mass of the geosynthetic component(s) from the total mass of the dry GCL. The moisture content of the GCL can also be determined by subtracting the initial total mass of the GCL from the total mass of the dry GCL.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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. See Section 8 for specific precautionary statements.  
1.4 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-Sep-2022
• ICS: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.04 - Geosynthetic Clay Liners

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E145-19 - Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-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 D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4643-17 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• 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 D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-14 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013

Overview

ASTM D5993-18(2022) is a widely recognized standard published by ASTM International for evaluating the mass per unit area of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) in laboratory settings. This test method is essential for confirming product specifications and quality control, focusing on the GCL material at approximately 0% moisture content by utilizing oven drying. With the increasing use of GCLs in civil engineering, environmental protection, and construction projects, this standard ensures consistent and reliable measurement criteria across industries.

Key Topics

• Mass per Unit Area Measurement: The main focus of ASTM D5993 is determining the mass per unit area of both single and multicomponent GCLs using prescribed drying and weighing techniques.
• Quality Control and Assurance: The method serves as an index test to verify whether delivered or manufactured GCL products conform to specified mass per unit area requirements, supporting product consistency.
• Component Mass Estimation: The standard provides guidance on estimating the dry mass of the clay component by subtracting the nominal mass of synthetic materials (such as geotextiles or films) as reported by the manufacturer.
• Moisture Content Determination: It offers a procedure to assess the moisture content by comparing the mass before and after drying, enhancing understanding of product conditions upon delivery and installation.
• Lab-specific Procedures: The standard details environmental and safety practices for laboratory testing, including specimen preparation, atmospheric conditions, and the use of balances, ovens, and sample containers.
• Reporting Requirements: Accurate and comprehensive data reporting is emphasized, including details on sample identification, test conditions, calculation methodology, and conformance notes.

Applications

ASTM D5993-18(2022) is fundamental in many civil and environmental engineering applications involving geosynthetic clay liners, such as:

• Landfill Containment Systems: Ensuring GCLs meet regulatory standards for containment sleeves and barriers by verifying their mass per unit area-critical for impermeability and durability.
• Environmental Barriers: Used in the construction of canals, reservoirs, and waste ponds for leak prevention and containment, where precise liner specifications are necessary.
• Quality Assurance Programs: Contractors, manufacturers, and third-party laboratories employ this standard for incoming material inspections and production quality assurance, promoting consistent manufacturing and performance.
• Product Certification & Procurement: Developers and specifiers reference this standard when certifying materials or establishing technical requirements for GCL procurement on major projects.

Related Standards

ASTM D5993-18(2022) references and relates to several other key standards, including:

• ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics - Defines related terms and concepts.
• ASTM E145: Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens - Laboratory oven requirements for precise gravimetric measurements.
• ASTM D4643: Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating - Alternative method for moisture determination.
• ASTM D4753: Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing - Specifies requirements for laboratory scales.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study - Ensures accuracy and reproducibility across labs.
• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles - Supports understanding of synthetic material components.

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Keywords: ASTM D5993, mass per unit area, geosynthetic clay liners, GCL, quality control, moisture content, laboratory testing, geosynthetics, environmental containment, standard test method, ASTM International.

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: D5993 − 18 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Mass per Unit Area of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5993; 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 ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
Construction Materials Testing
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of
E145Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
the mass per unit area of a sample of a geosynthetic clay liner
Ventilation Ovens
(GCL).Thetestmethodisalsoapplicabletoamulticomponent
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
GCL. The dry mass of the clay can be found by simply
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
subtracting the manufacturer’s reported nominal mass of the
geosyntheticcomponent(s)fromthetotalmassofthedryGCL.
3. Terminology
The moisture content of the GCL can also be determined by
3.1 Definitions:
subtractingtheinitialtotalmassoftheGCLfromthetotalmass
3.1.1 geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from
of the dry GCL.
polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geo-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
technical engineering-related material as an integral part of a
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
manmade project, structure, or system. D4439
standard.
3.1.2 geosynthetic clay liner, n—a manufactured hydraulic
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
barrier consisting of clay bonded to a layer or layers of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
geosynthetic material(s).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.3 moisture content, n—that part of the mass of a
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
geosynthetic clay liner that is absorbed water, compared to the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mass of dry clay.
See Section 8 for specific precautionary statements.
3.1.4 multicomponent GCL, n—GCL with an attached film,
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
coating, or membrane decreasing the hydraulic conductivity or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
protecting the clay core, or both.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5 oven-dried, adj—the condition of a material that has
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
been heated under prescribed conditions of temperature and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
humidityuntilthereisnofurthersignificantchangeinitsmass.
D123
2. Referenced Documents
2 4. Summary of Test Method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123Terminology Relating to Textiles
4.1 The mass per unit area is determined by weighing
D4439Terminology for Geosynthetics (oven-dried) specimens of known initial size after drying in an
D4643Test Method for Determination of Water Content of ovenoverasufficienttimeperiodtoremovethemoisturefrom
Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating the GCL.
D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
4.2 The mass per unit area of the clay component of the
GCL can be estimated by subtracting the manufacturer’s
reported nominal mass per unit area of the synthetic compo-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
nent(s)and,ifadded,anyadditionalcomponents(forexample,
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.04 on Geosyn-
sand, bituminous layer, etc.) from the total GCLmass per unit
thetic Clay Liners.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally area.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D5993–18. DOI:
NOTE 1—The supplier of the geosynthetic clay liner must be able to
10.1520/D5993-18R22.
verify that the actual mass/unit area of the synthetic component(s) is
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
within 610% of the reported nominal value.Amore accurate estimation
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on of the actual dry clay mass per unit area could be obtained by using the
the ASTM website. actual average value for the synthetic component(s) (as obtained from the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5993 − 18 (2022)
manufacturer for the actual lots used to make the GCL) rather than the
8. Hazards/Precautions
nominal value.
8.1 Handle hot containers with a container holder.
NOTE 2—The supplier of the geosynthetic clay liner must be able to
verify that the actual mass/area of the additional components is with
8.2 Safety precautions supplied by the manufacturer of the
610% of the reported nominal value.
microwave oven should be observed.
4.3 The moisture content of the GCLcan be estimated with
8.3 Do not use metallic containers in a microwave oven (if
this test method.
used).
5. Significance and Use
9. Test Specimens
5.1 This test method is used to determine if the GCL
material meets specifications for mass per unit area at approxi-
9.1 The sample received at the testing laboratory should be
mately0%moisturecontent,byovendrying.Itcanbeusedas
in satisfactory condition and representative of the product
an index test for quality control or quality assurance to
manufactured or delivered to a site, or both.
determine specimen conformance.
9.2 A sample of a GCL should be cut into specimens in a
laboratory using a die or sharp razor blade or razor knife.
6. Atmosphere Conditions
6.1 Atmospheric Conditions: 9.3 The minimum size of the die or template for cutting
6.1.1 Theatmosphericconditionsofthelaboratoryperform- specimens is 0.01 m (for example, 10cm by 10 cm).
ing mass per unit area of GCLs shall be: relative humidity of
NOTE 4—The use of small specimens are not recommended due to the
≤70% and temperature of 23°C 6 4°C.
potential for edge loss of clay, which may create problems with accuracy
and reproducibility.
7. Apparatus
9.4 Testspecimenstakenfromthelaboratorysampleshould
7.1 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled, preferably
be free from imperfections or other areas not representative of
of the forced-draft type, meeting the requirements of Specifi-
the material samples (such as dirt or labels).
cation E145 and capable of maintaining a uniform temperature
9.5 Cutting of the laboratory specimens with a die or razor
of 110°C 6 5°C throughout the drying chamber.
may contaminate the work area, die, or razor with particles of
7.2 Microwave Oven—Amicrowaveoven,preferablywitha
clayorgeosyntheticmaterial.Theworkareashouldbecleaned
ventedchamber,issuitable.Therequiredsizeandpowerrating
before cutting the specimen. Therefore, all excess or waste
of the oven is dependent on its intended use. Ovens with
material should be cleaned away from the die and cutting area
variable power controls and input power ratings of about
beforeremovalofthespecimen.Thespecimen,materialonthe
700W have been found to be adequate for this use. Variable
die, and cutting area should be placed into a tared container.
power controls are important and reduce the potential for
Wiping of the area should be performed with a non-clinging
overheating the test specimen.
cloth or brush.
NOTE 3—Microwave ovens equipped with built-in scales and computer
9.6 The loss of clay during the specimen cutting process
controls have been developed for use in drying soils. Their use is
could have a significant impact to the accuracy of this test
compatible with this test method.
method. The technician performing this test method should
7.3 Balances—All balances must meet the requirements of
practicecuttingtestspecimensfromthelaboratorysampleuntil
Guide D4753 and this section.AClass GP1 balance of 0.01-g
confidence is gained that a specimen can be cut without
readabilityisrequiredforsampleshavingamassofupto200g
significant loss of clay.
(excludingmassofsamplecontainer)andaClassGP2balance
9.6.1 Thetechnicianmaychoosetowettheperimeterofthe
of 0.1-g readability is required for samples having a mass over
GCLinanefforttobindtheclayparticlestogether,andthereby
200 g.
reduce the possibility of clay granule loss during the cutting
7.4 Sample Containers—Suitable containers made of mate-
process. If the sample is wetted, the technician should try to
rial resistant to corrosion and change in mass upon repeated
limittheamountofclaythatwillattachitselftothedie,cutting
heating, cooling, exposure to materials of varying pH, and
board, template, or cutting instrument, or combination thereof.
cleaning. Microwave sample containers should be microwave
However, if the technician is attempting to determine the
safe.
moisture content of the GCL, other cutting methods should be
used that do not require the addition of water.
7.5 Desiccator—Adesiccator cabinet or large desiccator jar
ofsuitablesizecontainingindicatorsilicagel.Itispreferableto 9.6.2 Ifadieisusedtocutthespecimen,lossofclaycanbe
use a desiccant that changes color to indicate it needs recon- reduced by leaving the die in place and removing all the
stitution. remaining sample outside the edge of the die. This includes
brushing the cutting board clean.All material found within the
7.6 Container Handling Apparatus—Gloves, tongs, or suit-
edge of the die could then be placed in the sample containers.
able holder for moving and handling hot con
...