ASTM D6454/D6454M-99(2021)

Standard Test Method for Determining the Short-Term Compression Behavior of Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The compression behavior test for TRMs is intended to be an index test. It is anticipated that the results of the compression behavior test will be used to evaluate product. The results of the analyses also may be used to compare the relative compressive yield points of materials that exhibit a detectable compressive yield point. It is anticipated that this test will be used for quality control testing to evaluate uniformity and consistency within a lot or between lots where sample geometry factors, for example, thickness, or materials may have changed.
Note 1: This is a one-dimensional test for compressive loading of a TRM in one plane.  
5.1.1 The compressive yield point of TRMs may be evaluated from the stress/strain relationship. Many materials exhibit compressive deformation but may not show a distinct compressive yield point.  
5.2 This test method can be used to evaluate the short-term stress/strain behavior of TRMs under compressive stress while loaded at a constant rate of deformation.  
5.3 This test method may be used for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of TRMs but caution is advised because interlaboratory testing is incomplete.  
5.3.1 In the case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using this test method for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigations of bias. As a minimum, two parties should take a group of test specimens from material shipped to project. The test specimens then should be assigned randomly in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two laboratories should be compared using the Student's t-test for unpaired data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the two parties before the testing is begun. If bias is found, either its cause must be foun...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method establishes the procedures for evaluation of the deformations of a turf reinforcement mat (TRM) under short-term compressive loading. This test method is strictly an index test method to be used to verify the compressive strength consistency of a given manufactured geosynthetic. Results from this test method should not be considered as an indication of actual or long-term performance of the TRM in field applications.  
1.2 Since these TRMs experience multidirectional compressive loadings in the field, this test method will not show actual field performance and should not be used for this specific objective. The evaluation of the results also should recognize that the determination of the short-term single plane compressive behavior of geosynthetics does not reflect the installed performance of TRMs and, therefore, should not be used as the only method of product or performance specification.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
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: 31-Aug-2021
• ICS: 65.020.20 - Plant growing
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.05 - Geosynthetic Erosion Control

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4354-12(2020) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5199-12(2019) - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-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 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 D4354-12 - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products(RECPs) for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5199-12 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4439-11 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5199-11 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2011
• Refers: ASTM D4354-99(2009) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5199-01(2006) - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM D4354-99(2004) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004

Overview

ASTM D6454/D6454M-99(2021): Standard Test Method for Determining the Short-Term Compression Behavior of Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) specifies a laboratory procedure for evaluating the compressive deformation of turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) under short-term loading. Developed by ASTM International, this test method serves as an index test to verify the compressive strength consistency and uniformity of geosynthetic materials used in erosion control and soil stabilization. It should be noted that this standard is intended for comparative and quality control purposes only and should not be used to predict or specify long-term or field performance.

Key Topics

• Index Test Purpose: The test provides a standardized way to compare TRMs within or between production lots to monitor consistency, quality, and significant changes due to modifications in materials or thickness.
• Short-Term Compression Testing: Specimens are subjected to compressive loads at a constant rate, with deformation measured as a function of applied load to establish a stress-strain relationship.
• Yield Point Identification: For materials with a defined compressive yield point, the test method assesses and reports the compressive yield value.
• Quality Control and Acceptance Testing: The method supports product evaluation for quality assurance programs and can be used in acceptance testing of commercial shipments, though caution is advised due to incomplete interlaboratory testing validation.
• One-Dimensional Loading: Testing is conducted in a single plane of compressive load, which is not representative of multidirectional field loads experienced by TRMs in situ.

Applications

ASTM D6454/D6454M-99(2021) is widely used by manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and project specifiers involved in the production, supply, and acceptance of geosynthetic turf reinforcement mats. Key practical applications include:

• Quality Consistency: Monitoring lot-to-lot and within-lot uniformity of TRMs to ensure adherence to manufacturing standards.
• Comparative Analysis: Comparing the compressive behavior and yield points of different TRM materials or configurations during product development and selection.
• Acceptance Testing: Assessing incoming shipments for compliance with purchase specifications, provided that both parties understand the limitations of the test’s precision.
• Product Characterization: Establishing benchmark compressive properties for reference during manufacturing or for third-party verification.

While this standard is essential for identifying inconsistencies and material changes in TRMs, the single-plane, short-term compression behavior measured by the test cannot predict actual field performance due to the complex, multidirectional loads and environmental conditions encountered in field installations.

Related Standards

• ASTM D4354: Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing - Provides guidelines for proper sampling methods.
• ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics - Defines relevant industry terminology for clarity and consistency.
• ASTM D5199: Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics - Specifies procedures for determining initial specimen thickness as referenced in this standard.

These related standards ensure precision in terminology, specimen preparation, and consistency when evaluating geosynthetic products such as turf reinforcement mats.

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Keywords: ASTM D6454, short-term compression, turf reinforcement mats, TRM, geosynthetics, index test, compressive yield point, quality control, erosion control, material consistency, product testing, geosynthetic standards.

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: D6454/D6454M − 99 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Short-Term Compression Behavior of Turf
Reinforcement Mats (TRMs)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6454/D6454M; 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method establishes the procedures for evalua-
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
tion of the deformations of a turf reinforcement mat (TRM)
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
under short-term compressive loading. This test method is
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
strictly an index test method to be used to verify the compres-
D5199 Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness
sive strength consistency of a given manufactured geosyn-
of Geosynthetics
thetic. Results from this test method should not be considered
as an indication of actual or long-term performance of the
TRM in field applications. 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 Since theseTRMs experience multidirectional compres-
3.1.1 compressive deformation, [L], n—thedecreaseingage
sive loadings in the field, this test method will not show actual
length produced in the test specimen by a compressive load.
field performance and should not be used for this specific
objective. The evaluation of the results also should recognize
3.1.2 compressive strain, [nd], n—the ratio of compressive
that the determination of the short-term single plane compres-
deformation to the gage length of the test specimen.
sive behavior of geosynthetics does not reflect the installed
3.1.3 gage length, [L], n—in compression testing, the mea-
performance ofTRMs and, therefore, should not be used as the
sured thickness of the test specimen under specified compres-
only method of product or performance specification.
sional force, expressed in units of length prior to compressive
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units loading. D5199
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1.4 geosynthetic, n—a planar product manufactured from
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
polymeric material used with foundation, soil, rock, earth, or
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
any other geotechnical engineering related material as an
used independently of the other, and values from the two
integral part of a man-made project, structure, or system.
systems shall not be combined.
D4439
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.5 index test, n—a test procedure which may contain a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
known bias but which may be used to establish an order for a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
setofspecimenswithrespecttothepropertyofinterest. D4439
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.6 yield point, n—the first point on the load-deformation
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
curve at which an increase in deformation occurs without a
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
corresponding increase in load.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.6.1 Discussion—Some geosynthetics do not exhibit an
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
exact yield point. The tested TRM may exhibit a less steep
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
slope at yield. In addition, it should be stated that the yield
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
point also may be the ultimate strength of the TRM.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.7 For definitions of terms relating to geotextiles, refer to
Terminology D4439.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.05 on Geosyn-
thetic Erosion Control. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published September 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D6454/D6454M – 99 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
ɛ1
(2016) . DOI: 10.1520/D6454_D6454M-99R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6454/D6454M − 99 (2021)
establish mutually agreed upon testing rates; however, the rate of
4. Summary of Test Method
deformation selected should not be greater than 10 % on the nominal
4.1 Specimensaremountedbetweenparallelplatesinaload
thickness of the test specimen/min or 1 mm/min, whichever is greater.
frame. Compressive loads are applied at a constant rate of
6.2 Fixed Plate—The bottom fixed plate shall be larger than
crosshead movement. The deformations are recorded as a
the specimen to be tested. It shall be flat, smooth, and
function of load. The compressive stress and strain are evalu-
supported completely and uniformly.
atedandplotted.Thecompressiveyieldpointisevaluatedfrom
NOTE 3—It is recommended that the minimum fixed plate width be
the stress/strain relationship for those materials that exhibit a
equal to the sample width plus twice the thickness of the test sample. This
detectable compressive yield point.
should support the sample through the range of deformation and prevent
draping or flexing displacement.
5. Significance and Use
6.3 Movable Plate—The movable plate shall be of sufficient
5.1 The compression behavior test for TRMs is intended to
thickness and strength to preclude any bending during loading.
be an index test. It is anticipated that the results of the
It shall be parallel to the bottom fixed plate and attached to the
compression behavior test will be used to evaluate product.
compression mechanism. A spherical loading block of the
The results of the analyses also may be used to compare the
suspended,self-aligningtypeisrecommended.Thedimensions
relative compressive yield points of materials that exhibit a
and shape of the top movable plate shall depend on the
detectable compressive yield point. It is anticipated that this
specimen dimensions and geometry. In general, both length
test will be used for quality control testing to evaluate
andwidthofthetopmovableplateshouldeachbeatleast20 %
uniformity and consistency within a lot or between lots where
greater than the length and width of the specimens.
sample geometry factors, for example, thickness, or materials
6.4 Load Indicator—Use a load-indicating mechanism that
may have changed.
has an accuracy of 61 % of the maximum indicated value of
NOTE 1—This is a one-dimensional test for compressive loading of a
the test (force).
TRM in one plane.
6.5 Deformation Indicator—Use a deformation-indicating
5.1.1 The compressive yield point of TRMs may be evalu-
mechanism that has an accuracy of 61.0 % of the maximum
ated from the stress/strain relationship. Many materials exhibit
indicated value of the test (deformation).
compressive deformation but may not show a distinct com-
pressive yield point.
6.6 Micrometer Dial Gage, caliper, or steel rule, suitable for
measuring dimensions of the specimens to +1 %.
5.2 This test method can be used to evaluate the short-term
stress/strain behavior of TRMs under compressive stress while
7. Sampling
loaded at a constant rate of deformation.
7.1 Lot Sample—Divide the product into lots and take the
5.3 This test method may be used for acceptance testing of
lot sample as directed in Practice D4354.
commercial shipments ofTRMs but caution is advised because
7.2 Laboratory Sa
...