ASTM D5199-12(2019)

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Thickness is one of the basic physical properties used to control the quality of many geosynthetics. Thickness values can be required for calculation of some geosynthetics properties such as permeability and tensile stress, among others.  
5.2 The thickness of some geosynthetics may vary considerably with the applied normal load. Specific pressures and surfaces on which they are applied are indicated in this method to ensure all results are comparable.  
5.3 This test method may be used for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of geosynthetics for which this method is applicable (see 1.1).
Note 1: The user should be aware that the compressibility of some materials, their rebound characteristics, and other phenomenon will affect the thickness of some geosynthetics, following the time when they are rolled up, shipped, and stored.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the nominal thickness of geosynthetics, except textured and some structured geomembranes where the entire surface of the presser foot cannot come into complete contact with the geosynthetic surface.  
1.2 This test method does not provide thickness values for geosynthetics under variable normal compressive stresses. This test method determines nominal thickness, not necessarily minimum thickness.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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: 14-Jun-2019
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.03 - Permeability and Filtration

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5199-12 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2019
• 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 D1776/D1776M-20 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• 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 D1776/D1776M-16 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• 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 D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-15 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-14 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014

Overview

ASTM D5199-12(2019), Standard Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics, provides an internationally recognized procedure for determining the nominal thickness of geosynthetic materials. Established by ASTM International, this standard ensures consistent, comparable thickness measurements that are crucial for quality control and engineering calculations in geotechnical, civil, and environmental applications.

Thickness is a fundamental physical property in the manufacturing, selection, and use of geosynthetics, affecting attributes such as permeability and tensile strength. This method is applicable to a wide range of geosynthetics, with specific exceptions for textured and certain structured geomembranes where accurate measurement cannot be achieved according to the described technique.

Key Topics

• Nominal Thickness Measurement: The standard outlines the procedure for measuring the nominal thickness of geosynthetics using a specified instrument, pressure, and specimen conditioning.
• Applicability: Covers geotextiles, planar geocomposite drainage materials, geonets, and geomembranes (excluding textured and some structured types).
• Specified Pressures: Ensures measurements are consistent - 2 kPa for geotextiles and 20 kPa for geomembranes.
• Sampling and Reporting: Details on random specimen selection, optimal sample sizes, and documentation of test conditions.
• Precision and Bias: Provides data on repeatability and reproducibility, supporting reliability and consistent inter-laboratory results.
• Limitations: Does not measure minimum thickness or thickness under variable compressive stresses; focuses on nominal values.

Applications

ASTM D5199 is essential across industries utilizing geosynthetic materials in construction, infrastructure, or environmental containment projects. Key applications include:

• Quality Control: Used as an acceptance test for commercial batches of geosynthetics, ensuring compliance with material specifications.
• Engineering Calculations: Thickness data feeds into calculations for geosynthetic performance, such as hydraulic conductivity (permeability) and mechanical stress tolerances.
• Material Comparison: Enables manufacturers and purchasers to compare products using standardized, reproducible measurement.
• Specification Compliance: Regulatory and project documentation often requires that geosynthetics be tested according to ASTM D5199 to certify product suitability.

Industries relying on geosynthetics and this test method include civil engineering, waste management, mining, roadway construction, and erosion control.

Related Standards

ASTM D5199 cites and works alongside several other ASTM and international standards for geosynthetics, ensuring comprehensive testing and terminology alignment:

• ASTM D4354 - Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products for Testing.
• ASTM D4439 - Terminology for Geosynthetics, providing definitions relevant to this and related standards.
• ASTM D5994/D5994M - Test Method for Measuring Core Thickness of Textured Geomembranes.
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method.

Utilizing ASTM D5199 in conjunction with these referenced standards supports robust quality assurance and optimizes geosynthetics’ performance in field applications.

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For professionals and organizations involved in specifying, manufacturing, testing, or installing geosynthetics, ASTM D5199-12(2019) remains a vital component of quality assurance and material performance evaluation, contributing to safer, more reliable infrastructure and environmental systems.

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: D5199 − 12 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5199; 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 D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthemeasurementofthenominal
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
thickness of geosynthetics, except textured and some struc-
D5994/D5994M Test Method for Measuring CoreThickness
tured geomembranes where the entire surface of the presser
of Textured Geomembranes
foot cannot come into complete contact with the geosynthetic
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
surface.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.2 This test method does not provide thickness values for
geosyntheticsundervariablenormalcompressivestresses.This
3. Terminology
test method determines nominal thickness, not necessarily
3.1 For definitions of other terms relating to geotextiles and
minimum thickness.
geomembranes used in this standard, refer to Terminology
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
D4439. For definition of other textile terms used in this
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
standard, refer to Terminology D123.
only.
3.2 Definitions:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.1 pressure, n—the force or load per unit area.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.2 structured geomembrane, n—geomembrane consist-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ing of a flat core and protrusions on one or both sides.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.3 thickness—(1)thedistancebetweenoneplanarsurface
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and its opposite parallel and planar surface; (2) in the textiles,
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
material, measured under a specified pressure and time.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4. Summary of Test Method
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 The nominal thickness of geosynthetics is determined
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
by observing the distance between two parallel surfaces
2. Referenced Documents
confining the tested material while under a specified pressure,
after 5 s.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
5. Significance and Use
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
tiles 5.1 Thickness is one of the basic physical properties used to
D2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens for control the quality of many geosynthetics. Thickness values
Textiles (Withdrawn 2008) can be required for calculation of some geosynthetics proper-
ties such as permeability and tensile stress, among others.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on 5.2 The thickness of some geosynthetics may vary consid-
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.03 on Perme-
erably with the applied normal load. Specific pressures and
ability and Filtration.
surfaces on which they are applied are indicated in this method
Current edition approved June 15, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally
to ensure all results are comparable.
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5199 – 12. DOI:
10.1520/D5199-12R19.
5.3 This test method may be used for acceptance testing of
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
commercial shipments of geosynthetics for which this method
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
is applicable (see 1.1).
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on NOTE 1—The user should be aware that the compressibility of some
www.astm.org. materials, their rebound characteristics, and other phenomenon will affect
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5199 − 12 (2019)
the thickness of some geosynthetics, following the time when they are
shall be adapted to ensure that usage of the frame will not
rolled up, shipped, and stored.
influence the measurement.
7.5 Number of Specimens—Unless otherwise agreed upon,
6. Apparatus
thickness measurements shall be conducted on ten specimens
6.1 Thickness Testing Instrument—The thickness gauge
spread across the full width of the roll.
shallhaveabase(oranvil)andafree-movingpresserfootplate
whose planar faces are parallel to each other to <0.01 mm. A
8. Conditioning
gaugewitha56.4-mm(2.22-in.)diameterpresserfoot,thebase
3 8.1 Bring the specimens to moisture equilibrium in the
shallextendatleast10mm( ⁄8in.)inalldirectionsfurtherthan
2 2
atmosphere for testing geotextiles and geomembranes, that is,
the edge of the 2500 mm (3.88 in. ) circular presser foot, shall
temperature of 21 6 2 °C (70 6 4 °F) and relative humidity of
be used for measurements of geotextiles, geocomposite drain-
60 6 10 %.
agematerials,andgeonets.Agaugewitha6.35-mm(0.250-in.)
diameter presser foot and a base at least 6.35 mm (0.250 in.) in
8.2 Moistureequilibriumisconsideredtohavebeenreached
diameter shall be used for geomembranes. The instruments
when the change in mass of the specimen, in successive
must be capable of measuring a maximum thickness of at least
weightings made at intervals of not less than 2 h, does not
10 mm ( ⁄8 in.) to an accuracy of at least 60.02 mm
exceed 0.1 % of the mass of the specimen.
(60.0008 in.). The gauges shall be constructed to permit
NOTE 4—It is recognized that in practice, a conditioning of 24 h is
gradual application of pressure to a specific force of 2 6
sufficient to reach equilibrium for geotextiles and geomembranes which
0.02 kPa (0.29 6 0.003 psi) for geotextiles and 20 6 0.2 kPa
do not exhibit excessive moisture on reception. However, in case of
(2.9 6 0.03 psi) for geomembranes. Dead-weight loading may dispute, the method described in 8.2 shall be preferred.
be used.
9. Procedure
6.1.1 The specified pressure of 2 or 20 kPa may not be
sufficienttoflattensomestiffgeosynthetics.Fortheseproducts,
9.1 Test the conditioned specimens in the standard atmo-
usageofaframepressingfirmlytheouteredgeofthespecimen
sphere specified in 8.1.
on the base of the thickness testing instrument can be used, to
9.2 Handle the test specimens carefully to avoid altering the
ensure full contact of both the pressure foot and the base on the
natural state of the material. In particular, no tension shall be
specimen in the area of interest. However, care shall be given
exerted in the plane of geotextiles or other easily deformable
to avoid influencing the measurement, i.e. by applying some
products.
stress on the sample under the pressure foot.
9.3 Procedure A – Geotextiles, Planar Geocomposite
NOTE2—ForHDPEgeomembraneonly,apressurewithinarangeof50
Drainage Materials, and Geonets—With the force applied to
to 200 kPa can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, the frame
the presser foot on the base (no test specimen present), zero the
described in 6.1.1
NOTE 3—Due to the compressibility of some types of geosynthetics,
measuring scale or record the “base reading.” Lift the presser
cutting and handling may influence the measurements. Care should be
foot, center the test specimen on the base under the presser
exercised to minimize these effects.
foot, and bring the presser foot into contact with the material.
Gradually increase the pressure to 2 kPa (0.29 psi). After the
7. Sampling
full force has been applied to presser foot for 5 s against the
7.1 Lot Sample—In the absence of other guidelines, divide
specimen, record the thickness value to the nearest 0.02 mm
the product into lots and take lot samples as specified in
and remove the specimen from the test device.
Practice D4354.
9.4 Procedure B – All Geomembranes Excluding Textured
7.2 Laboratory Sample—Consider the units in the lot
or Structured Geomembranes—With the force applied to the
sample as the units in the l
...