ASTM D7982-15(2021)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Testing of Factory Thermo-Fusion Seams for Fabricated Geomembrane Panels
Standard Practice for Testing of Factory Thermo-Fusion Seams for Fabricated Geomembrane Panels
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is intended to aid fabricators, suppliers, purchasers, and users of fabricated panels in the testing requirements for factory-created seams during fabrication of geomembrane panels.
4.2 Factory seaming of geomembranes has advantages over field seaming including less temperature variation, no wind, fewer contamination (soil and water) concerns, a consistent work surface for welding, and options for factory equipment that may not be robust enough for the field environment. This results in factory welds more consistent than field seams and allows for a lesser frequency of testing than for field seams.
4.3 This guide is not intended to replace project-specific seaming and testing requirements or quality assurance programs.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides manufacturing quality control guidance for the factory seaming of fabricated geomembrane panels. This practice is not to be considered as all-encompassing since there are a large number of geomembrane types, weld types, and fabrication processes that cannot be anticipated and covered in this document.
1.2 This practice is written for factory-fabricated geomembrane panels only and does not apply to field fabrication onsite.
1.3 This practice does not cover joining of materials during the primary geomembrane manufacturing process such as the vulcanized overlaps found in EPDM 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-Jun-2021
- Technical Committee
- D35 - Geosynthetics
- Drafting Committee
- D35.10 - Geomembranes
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 15-Feb-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2014
- Refers
ASTM D7408-12 - Standard Specification for Non Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams - Effective Date
- 15-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2012
Overview
ASTM D7982-15(2021) - Standard Practice for Testing of Factory Thermo-Fusion Seams for Fabricated Geomembrane Panels - establishes a consistent methodology for verifying the integrity of factory-created seams in fabricated geomembrane panels. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports fabricators, suppliers, purchasers, and end users by providing essential manufacturing quality control guidance. Geomembranes are widely used as liners and barriers in environmental, civil, and industrial projects, making reliable seam integrity testing crucial for long-term containment performance.
Factory seaming of geomembranes offers significant advantages over field seaming, including controlled environmental conditions, reduced risk of contamination, improved weld consistency, and the use of specialized equipment. ASTM D7982 is specifically intended for factory fabrication and does not apply to field installation or primary material manufacturing processes.
Key Topics
Scope and Purpose
- Outlines procedures for testing thermo-fusion seams in factory-fabricated geomembrane panels.
- Not all types of geomembrane or joining methods are covered due to the variability in materials and manufacturing techniques.
Benefits of Factory Seaming
- Consistent temperature, no wind, and reduced risk of soil or water contamination.
- Seam welding performed on a stable work surface, with specialized factory equipment yielding more consistent results.
Testing Requirements
- Use of destructive testing methods, including pre-production, in-process, and post-production tests to verify seam quality.
- Testing frequency is defined to ensure each seam’s adequacy and compliance.
Quality Control Practices
- All production seaming must be substantiated by successful destructive tests at specific intervals.
- Failed tests prompt investigation, repair or replacement of seams, and documentation of corrective actions.
Sample Management
- Factory seam samples are collected either from excess material or cut-outs and tested using standardized ASTM methods.
- Testing includes seam peel and shear strength, evaluated against internal and project-specific specifications.
Documentation and Reporting
- All testing must be documented, including panel identification, seam locations, technician, test results, and pass/fail determinations.
- Reports are provided upon request, supporting traceability and compliance assurance.
Applications
ASTM D7982 is essential in industries where fabricated geomembrane panels are utilized for environmental and containment purposes, including:
- Landfill Liners and Covers
- Environmental Containment Systems
- Pond and Reservoir Linings
- Mining Waste Storage
- Secondary Containment for Chemical Storage
- Wastewater Treatment Facilities
By enabling rigorous and standardized testing of factory seams, this standard helps ensure that fabricated geomembrane panels meet performance and regulatory requirements, minimizing the risk of leaks or failures in containment applications.
Related Standards
The following ASTM standards provide complementary guidelines and test methods for geomembrane seams and panels:
- ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics
- ASTM D6392: Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Nonreinforced Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods
- ASTM D7408: Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC Geomembrane Seams
- ASTM D7700: Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Geomembrane Seams
- ASTM D7747/D7747M: Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seams in Reinforced Geomembranes by the Strip Tensile Method
- ASTM D7749: Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seams in Reinforced Geomembranes by the Grab Method
- ASTM D7865: Guide for Identification, Packaging, Handling, Storage, and Deployment of Fabricated Geomembrane Panels
Keywords: factory seams, geomembrane panel, thermo-fusion, seam testing, quality control, ASTM standards, fabricated liner, containment systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D7982-15(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Testing of Factory Thermo-Fusion Seams for Fabricated Geomembrane Panels". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice is intended to aid fabricators, suppliers, purchasers, and users of fabricated panels in the testing requirements for factory-created seams during fabrication of geomembrane panels. 4.2 Factory seaming of geomembranes has advantages over field seaming including less temperature variation, no wind, fewer contamination (soil and water) concerns, a consistent work surface for welding, and options for factory equipment that may not be robust enough for the field environment. This results in factory welds more consistent than field seams and allows for a lesser frequency of testing than for field seams. 4.3 This guide is not intended to replace project-specific seaming and testing requirements or quality assurance programs. SCOPE 1.1 This practice provides manufacturing quality control guidance for the factory seaming of fabricated geomembrane panels. This practice is not to be considered as all-encompassing since there are a large number of geomembrane types, weld types, and fabrication processes that cannot be anticipated and covered in this document. 1.2 This practice is written for factory-fabricated geomembrane panels only and does not apply to field fabrication onsite. 1.3 This practice does not cover joining of materials during the primary geomembrane manufacturing process such as the vulcanized overlaps found in EPDM 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice is intended to aid fabricators, suppliers, purchasers, and users of fabricated panels in the testing requirements for factory-created seams during fabrication of geomembrane panels. 4.2 Factory seaming of geomembranes has advantages over field seaming including less temperature variation, no wind, fewer contamination (soil and water) concerns, a consistent work surface for welding, and options for factory equipment that may not be robust enough for the field environment. This results in factory welds more consistent than field seams and allows for a lesser frequency of testing than for field seams. 4.3 This guide is not intended to replace project-specific seaming and testing requirements or quality assurance programs. SCOPE 1.1 This practice provides manufacturing quality control guidance for the factory seaming of fabricated geomembrane panels. This practice is not to be considered as all-encompassing since there are a large number of geomembrane types, weld types, and fabrication processes that cannot be anticipated and covered in this document. 1.2 This practice is written for factory-fabricated geomembrane panels only and does not apply to field fabrication onsite. 1.3 This practice does not cover joining of materials during the primary geomembrane manufacturing process such as the vulcanized overlaps found in EPDM 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.
ASTM D7982-15(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D7982-15(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D4439-24, ASTM D7747/D7747M-11(2023), ASTM D6392-23, ASTM D7408-12(2020), ASTM D4439-18, ASTM D7749-11(2018), ASTM D7747/D7747M-11(2018), ASTM D6392-12(2018), ASTM D4439-17, ASTM D4439-15a, ASTM D4439-15, ASTM D4439-14, ASTM D7408-12, ASTM D6392-12, ASTM D7700-12. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D7982-15(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D7982 − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Testing of Factory Thermo-Fusion Seams for Fabricated
Geomembrane Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7982; 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 D7700 Guide for Selecting Test Methods for Geomembrane
Seams
1.1 This practice provides manufacturing quality control
D7747/D7747M Test Method for Determining Integrity of
guidance for the factory seaming of fabricated geomembrane
Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods for Re-
panels. This practice is not to be considered as all-
inforced Geomembranes by the Strip Tensile Method
encompassing since there are a large number of geomembrane
D7749 Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seams
types, weld types, and fabrication processes that cannot be
Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods for Reinforced
anticipated and covered in this document.
Geomembranes by the Grab Method
1.2 This practice is written for factory-fabricated geomem-
D7865 Guide for Identification, Packaging, Handling, Stor-
brane panels only and does not apply to field fabrication onsite.
age and Deployment of Fabricated Geomembrane Panels
1.3 This practice does not cover joining of materials during
3. Terminology
the primary geomembrane manufacturing process such as the
vulcanized overlaps found in EPDM sheet.
3.1 For definitions of terms related to geomembranes, refer
to Terminology D4439.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2 Definitions:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.1 destructive test sample—a seam sample taken before,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
during, or after production welding that is used to determine
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
compliance of production seams with a specification.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.2 post-production test—a destructive test sample tested
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
at the conclusion of the manufacturing process (production
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
seam or trial seam) to qualify the previously produced produc-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tion seams.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2.3 pre-production test—adestructivetestsampletestedat
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the beginning of the manufacturing process to qualify subse-
quent production seams.
2. Referenced Documents
2 3.2.4 production seam—a factory seam that is made as part
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of a finished fabricated panel.
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
3.2.5 trial seam—a seam made prior to or after production
D6392 Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Nonre-
welding, made by the same personnel, using the same
inforced Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-
geomembrane material, the same welding unit, and the same
Fusion Methods
D7408 Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl seaming conditions used in the actual production seaming
process. Trial seams are used to provide destructive test
Chloride) Geomembrane Seams
samples without damaging production seams.
3.2.6 welding unit—each individual welding station or piece
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-
of welding equipment used to make a single seam.
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Current edition approved July 1, 2021. Published July 2021. Originally approved
4. Significance and Use
in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D7982 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/
D7982-15R21.
4.1 This practice is intended to aid fabricators, suppliers,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
purchasers, and users of fabricated panels in the testing
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
requirements for factory-created seams during fabrication of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. geomembrane panels.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7982 − 15 (2021)
4.2 Factory seaming of geomembranes has advantages over 5.2.2 Sometypesofseamsdonothavealooseflapavailable
field seaming including less temperature variation, no wind, for testing seam peel strength. If a trial seam cannot easily be
fewer contamination (soil and water) concerns, a consistent madeforevaluationofseampeelstrength,theproductionseam
work surface for welding, and options for factory equipment can have a tape or some other means of interrupting the
that may not be robust enough for the field environment. This bonding of the two sheets so that two seam peel specimens can
results in factory welds more consistent than field seams and be cut and tested down the length of the seam. In that case, two
allows for a lesser frequency of testing than for field seams. test specimens are sufficient for evaluation seam peel strength.
This is typically done on extra material at the beginning or end
4.3 This guide is not intended to replace project-specific
of a seam and not from the middle of a production seam.
seaming and testing requirements or quality assurance pro-
5.2
...
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