ASTM D6365-99(2011)
(Practice)Standard Practice for the Nondestructive Testing of Geomembrane Seams using the Spark Test
Standard Practice for the Nondestructive Testing of Geomembrane Seams using the Spark Test
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Spark testing of geomembrane field seams is particularly useful in locations where other nondestructive test methods are not practical, for example in tight corners or a circumferential seam around a pipe.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the nondestructive testing of field seams in geomembranes using the spark test. A suspect area is indicated by the generation of a spark. The test is applicable to seams made by the extrusion method, seams made by using welding tape (a strip of the same type of material as the geomembrane, that is welded over adjacent sections of geomembrane to create a seam), or seams where it is practical to insert a conductive material in the seam just prior to or during fabrication.
1.2 The spark test may produce an electrical spark and therefore can only be used where an electrical spark would not create a hazard.
1.3 Unless the voltages and distances prescribed are carefully adhered to, a “false positive” indication may result. This false positive occurs when the arc distance is too large for the voltage applied at the time and conditions of testing.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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 health and safety practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D6365 − 99 (Reapproved 2011)
Standard Practice for
the Nondestructive Testing of Geomembrane Seams using
the Spark Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6365; 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 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
1.1 This practice covers the nondestructive testing of field
seams in geomembranes using the spark test. A suspect area is 3.1.1 geomembrane, n—anessentiallyimpermeablegeosyn-
thetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets.
indicated by the generation of a spark. The test is applicable to
seams made by the extrusion method, seams made by using 3.1.1.1 Discussion—In geotechnical engineering, essen-
tially impermeable means that no measurable liquid flows
welding tape (a strip of the same type of material as the
geomembrane, that is welded over adjacent sections of through a geosynthetic when tested in accordance with Test
Methods D4491.
geomembrane to create a seam), or seams where it is practical
to insert a conductive material in the seam just prior to or
3.1.2 seam, n—a permanent joining of two or more materi-
during fabrication.
als.
1.2 The spark test may produce an electrical spark and
3.2 For definition of other terms, see Terminology D4439.
therefore can only be used where an electrical spark would not
4. Summary of Practice
create a hazard.
4.1 Tousethispracticeaconductivematerialisinsertedinto
1.3 Unless the voltages and distances prescribed are care-
the field seam just prior to or during fabrication. The conduc-
fully adhered to, a “false positive” indication may result. This
tive material in the seam is connected to the negative terminal
false positive occurs when the arc distance is too large for the
of the test apparatus, and a positive voltage is applied across
voltage applied at the time and conditions of testing.
the seam edge. A suspect area in the seam is indicated by a
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
spark from the voltage source to the conductive material.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
5. Significance and Use
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 Spark testing of geomembrane field seams is particu-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
larly useful in locations where other nondestructive test meth-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ods are not practical, for example in tight corners or a
priate health and safety practices and to determine the
circumferential seam around a pipe.
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Apparatus
2. Referenced Documents
6.1 The test apparatus consists of a high–voltage, low–cur-
rent source with a negative terminal for ground and a positive
2.1 ASTM Standards:
terminal for a voltage applicator. A voltage applicator may
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
consist of a handle and wire brush, conductive neoprene
D4491 Test Methods for Water Permeability of Geotextiles
squeegee, or other suitable applicator.
by Permittivity
6.2 The range of the high voltage source is typically 20 000
to 35 000 V.
6.2.1 The voltage required to cause a discharge (spark)
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
between the positive electrode and the negative electrode wire
Current edition approved June 1, 2011. Published July 2011. Originally approved
is expressed by the formula.
in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D6365 – 99(2006). DOI:
10.1520/D6365-99R11.
V 5 K=D (1)
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM where:
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
V = test voltage,
the ASTM website.
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