ASTM D5890-19

Standard Test Method for Swell Index of Clay Mineral Component of Geosynthetic Clay Liners

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Clay mineral is a major functional component of GCL systems that reduces the hydraulic conductivity of industrial, waste, or ground water through the liner.  
4.2 Clay mineral quality can vary significantly and affect the hydraulic conductivity of the GCL composite. This test method evaluates a significant property of clay mineral that relates to performance.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers an index method that enables the evaluation of swelling properties of a clay mineral in reagent water for estimation of its usefulness in geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). This test method is not applicable for clays with polymers.  
1.2 It is adapted from United States Pharmacopeia (USP-NF-XVII) test method for bentonite.  
1.3 Powdered clay mineral is tested after drying to constant weight at 105 ± 5 °C; granular clay mineral should be ground to 100 % passing a 150-µm (No. 100) U.S. Standard Sieve with a minimum of 65 % passing a 75-µm (No. 200) U.S. Standard Sieve. The bentonite passing the 150-µm U.S. Standard Sieve is used for testing after drying to constant weight at 105 ± 5 °C.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
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 safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.  
1.6 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-Apr-2019
• ICS: 17.120.01 - Measurement of fluid flow in general
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.04 - Geosynthetic Clay Liners

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5890-18 - Standard Test Method for Swell Index of Clay Mineral Component of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• 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 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 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 E1-13 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E145-94(2011) - Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D4643-08 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by Microwave Oven Heating
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2008
• Refers: ASTM E1-07 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4753-07 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM E725-96(2006) - Standard Test Method for Sampling Granular Carriers and Granular Pesticides
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E145-94(2006) - Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection And Forced-Ventilation Ovens
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006

Overview

ASTM D5890-19 is the standardized test method for determining the Swell Index of the clay mineral component of Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs). Developed by ASTM International, this method provides a consistent procedure for evaluating the swelling properties of clay minerals, an essential factor in the performance of GCL systems. The clay component acts as a hydraulic barrier, reducing the movement of water through the liner-a critical requirement for containment in industrial and environmental engineering applications.

This test method specifically applies to clay minerals without polymer additives, focusing on their behavior in reagent water. It draws upon established procedures, such as those described in the United States Pharmacopeia for bentonite, to deliver reliable, comparable results across laboratories.

Key Topics

• Clay Mineral Swell Index: The central property measured is the volume increase of a powered or finely ground clay mineral after hydration in water, expressed as mL/2 g of dry sample.
• Significance for GCL Performance: The swelling ability of the clay mineral directly influences the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs, affecting their effectiveness at isolation and containment.
• Consistency in Preparation: The test requires the clay to be oven dried to a constant mass at 105 ± 5 °C, then ground so that 100% passes a 150-μm (No. 100) sieve, with at least 65% passing a 75-μm (No. 200) sieve.
• Laboratory Conditions: Tests must be conducted under controlled conditions of temperature (approx. 23 ± 4 °C) and humidity (≤70%) to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
• Safety and Compliance: The standard highlights the need for proper safety, health, and environmental practices when conducting tests.

Applications

ASTM D5890-19 is widely used in:

• Quality Control for GCL Manufacturing: Assessing the suitability and consistency of clay mineral batches prior to and during liner production.
• Project Specifications and Compliance: Ensuring delivered GCL materials meet project requirements for hydraulic performance in landfill liners, mining leachate containment, or industrial waste impoundments.
• Research and Development: Supporting innovation and improvement in geosynthetic clay liner technologies by providing a standardized property evaluation.
• Material Selection: Assisting engineering teams in selecting clay minerals with adequate swell characteristics for optimized containment solutions.

The swell index is a direct indicator of a clay mineral’s sealing ability in geosynthetic clay liners, making this method integral in landfill engineering, waste containment design, groundwater protection, and other critical environmental applications.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water – outlines the qualitative requirements for water used in testing.
• ASTM D4643: Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating.
• ASTM D4753: Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses.
• ASTM E1 & ASTM E145: Specifications for laboratory thermometers and ovens.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Interlaboratory Precision Testing.
• USP-NF-XVII: Reference method for bentonite swelling.
• ASTM E725: Guidelines for Sampling Granular Materials.

These referenced standards ensure proper calibration, sample preparation, safety, and reagent specification, contributing to the reliability and credibility of the swell index results.

Keywords: ASTM D5890, swell index, geosynthetic clay liner, GCL, bentonite, clay swelling, hydraulic conductivity, environmental containment, clay mineral test method.

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: D5890 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Swell Index of Clay Mineral Component of Geosynthetic
Clay Liners
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5890; 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 covers an index method that enables
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
the evaluation of swelling properties of a clay mineral in
D4643 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of
reagent water for estimation of its usefulness in geosynthetic
Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating
clay liners (GCLs). This test method is not applicable for clays
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
with polymers.
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
1.2 It is adapted from United States Pharmacopeia (USP-
Construction Materials Testing
NF-XVII) test method for bentonite.
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
1.3 Powdered clay mineral is tested after drying to constant
Ventilation Ovens
weight at 105 6 5 °C; granular clay mineral should be ground
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
to100 %passinga150-µm(No.100)U.S.StandardSievewith
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
a minimum of 65 % passing a 75-µm (No. 200) U.S. Standard
E725 Test Method for Sampling Granular Carriers and
Sieve. The bentonite passing the 150-µm U.S. Standard Sieve
Granular Pesticides
is used for testing after drying to constant weight at 105 6 3
2.2 United States Pharmacopeia Standard:
5 °C.
USP-NF-XVII Bentonite
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3. Terminology
standard.
3.1 Definitions:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1 oven-dried, adj—the condition of a material that has
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
been heated under prescribed conditions of temperature and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
humidity until there is no further significant change in its mass.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.
4.1 Clay mineral is a major functional component of GCL
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- systems that reduces the hydraulic conductivity of industrial,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- waste, or ground water through the liner.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 Claymineralqualitycanvarysignificantlyandaffectthe
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
hydraulicconductivityoftheGCLcomposite.Thistestmethod
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
evaluates a significant property of clay mineral that relates to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
performance.
5. Atmosphere Conditions
5.1 Atmospheric Conditions—The atmospheric conditions
of the laboratory performing swell index of clay mineral
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.04 on Geosyn- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
thetic Clay Liners. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published May 2019. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D5890 – 18. DOI: Available from U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), 12601 Twinbrook Pkwy., Rockville,
10.1520/D5890-19. MD 20852.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5890 − 19
component of geosynthetic clay liners shall be: relative humid- 7. Reagents
ity between 50 to 70 % and a temperature of 21 6 2 °C (70 6
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Unless otherwise indicated, refer-
4 °F).
ences to water shall be understood to mean reagent water
conforming to Specification D1193,Type I, II, or III (see Table
6. Apparatus
X1.1).Suchwaterisbestpreparedbydistillationorthepassage
of tap water through an ion exchange resin.
6.1 Mortar and Pestle or Laboratory Hammer Mill, for
grinding clay mineral to required particle sizing.
8. Hazards
6.2 U.S. Standard Sieve, 150 µm (No. 100), 75 µm (No.
8.1 Handle hot containers with a container holder.
200).
8.2 Safety precautions supplied by the manufacturer of the
6.3 Drying Oven, thermostatically controlled, preferably
microwave/oven should be observed.
forced-draft type, meeting requirements of Specification E145,
8.3 Do not use metallic containers in a microwave oven (if
and capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 105 6
used).
5 °C throughout the drying chamber.
6.4 Desiccator, of suitable size, containing indicator silica
9. Samples, Specimens, and Test Units
gel. It is preferable to use desiccant which changes color to
9.1 For testing from a large bulk (for example, >1 t) before
indicate when it needs reconstitution.
the GCL production, carry out sampling in accordance with
6.5 Laboratory Balance, 100-g capacity, 60.01-g accuracy Test Method E725.
and precision.
10. Procedure
6.6 Weighing Paper, or small weighing dish.
10.1 Grind the clay mineral sample to 100 % passing a
6.7 Glass Cylinder, graduated TC (to contain), Class A
150-µm(No.100)U.S.StandardSieveandaminimumof65 %
volumetrically calibrated, with 1-mL subdivisions and ground
passing a 75-µm (No. 200) U.S. Standard Sieve with a mortar
glass stopper, high form with approximately 180-mm height
and pestle or laboratory hammer mill, as required. The total
from inside base to 100-mL mark.
mass of the test specimen shall be a minimum of 100 g.
6.8 Wash Bottle, for dispensing reagent water.
10.2 The container to be used for drying should be oven
dried thoroughly and subsequently placed into a desiccator
6.9 Spatula,flat-blade,todispenseclaymineralpowderinto
until ready for use so that the tare weight of the container will
cylinder; vibrating spatula should not be used, since the
be recorded.
delivery quantity may not be adequately controlled.
10.3 Determine and record the tare of the specimen con-
6.10 Mechanical Ten-Minute Timer.
tainer.
6.11 ASTM Calibration Immersion Thermometer, (Specifi-
10.4 Place the test specimen in the individual container.
cation E1).
Determine the mass of the container and clay specimen as
delivered, using a balance selected on the basis of the sample
6.12 Microwave Oven—Amicrowave oven, preferably with
a vented chamber, is suitable. The required size and power mass. Record the value of the clay specimen.
NOTE 2—To prevent mixing of samples and yielding of incorrect
rating of the oven is dependent on its intended use. Ovens with
results,allcontainersshouldbenumberedandthecontainernumbersshall
variable power controls and input power ratings of about
be recorded on the laboratory data sheets.
700 W have been found to be adequate for this use. Variable
10.5 Place the container with the clay specimen in the
power controls are important and reduce the potential for
drying oven. Dry the clay specimen to a constant mass.
overheating the test specimen.
Maintain the drying oven at 105 6 5 °C. The time required to
NOTE 1—Microwave ovens equipped with built-in scales and computer
obtain constant mass will vary depending on the type of
controls have been developed for use in drying soils. Their use is
compatible with this test method. material, oven type and capacity, and other factors.
NOTE 3—In most cases, drying a test sample overnight (about 12 to
6.13 Balances—All balances must meet the requirements of
16 h) is sufficient for conventional ovens. In cases where there is doubt
Guide D4753 and this section. A Class GP1 balance of 0.01-g
concerning the adequacy of drying, drying should be continued until the
readabilityisrequiredforsampleshavingamassofupto200 g change in mass after two successive periods (greater than 1 h) of drying
is less than 0.1 %. In this case, it should be verified that excessive drying
(excluding mass of sample container).
does not influence the swelling performance of the clay. This can be done
6.14 S
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5890 − 18 D5890 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Swell Index of Clay Mineral Component of Geosynthetic
Clay Liners
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5890; 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
1.1 This test method covers an index method that enables the evaluation of swelling properties of a clay mineral in reagent water
for estimation of its usefulness in geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). This test method is not applicable for clays with polymers.
1.2 It is adapted from United States Pharmacopeia (USP-NF-XVII) test method for bentonite.
1.3 Powdered clay mineral is tested after drying to constant weight at 105 6 5 °C; granular clay mineral should be ground to
100 % passing a 150-μm (No. 100) U.S. Standard Sieve with a minimum of 65 % passing a 75-μm (No. 200) U.S. Standard Sieve.
The bentonite passing the 150-μm U.S. Standard Sieve is used for testing after drying to constant weight at 105 6 5 °C.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
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 safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D4643 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E725 Test Method for Sampling Granular Carriers and Granular Pesticides
2.2 United States Pharmacopeia Standard:
USP-NF-XVII Bentonite
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 oven-dried, adj—the condition of a material that has been heated under prescribed conditions of temperature and humidity
until there is no further significant change in its mass.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Clay mineral is a major functional component of GCL systems that reduces the hydraulic conductivity of industrial, waste,
or ground water through the liner.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.04 on Geosynthetic Clay
Liners.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2018May 1, 2019. Published August 2018May 2019. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20112018 as
D5890 – 11.D5890 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/D5890-18.10.1520/D5890-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), 12601 Twinbrook Pkwy., Rockville, MD 20852.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5890 − 19
4.2 Clay mineral quality can vary significantly and affect the hydraulic conductivity of the GCL composite. This test method
evaluates a significant property of clay mineral that relates to performance.
5. Atmosphere Conditions
5.1 Atmospheric Conditions—The atmospheric conditions of the laboratory performing swell index of clay mineral component
of geosynthetic clay liners shall be: relative humidity of ≤70 % and between 50 to 70 % and a temperature of 23 6 4 °C.21 6
2 °C (70 6 4 °F).
6. Apparatus
6.1 Mortar and Pestle or Laboratory Hammer Mill, for grinding clay mineral to required particle sizing.
6.2 U.S. Standard Sieve, 150 μm (No. 100), 75 μm (No. 200).
6.3 Drying Oven, thermostatically controlled, preferably forced-draft type, meeting requirements of Specification E145, and
capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 105 6 5 °C throughout the drying chamber.
6.4 Desiccator, of suitable size, containing indicator silica gel. It is preferable to use desiccant which changes color to indicate
when it needs reconstitution.
6.5 Laboratory Balance, 100-g capacity, 60.01-g accuracy and precision.
6.6 Weighing Paper, or small weighing dish.
6.7 Glass Cylinder, graduated TC (to contain), Class A volumetrically calibrated, with 1-mL subdivisions and ground glass
stopper, high form with approximately 180-mm height from inside base to 100-mL mark.
6.8 Wash Bottle, for dispensing reagent water.
6.9 Spatula, flat-blade, to dispense clay mineral powder into cylinder; vibrating spatula should not be used, since the delivery
quantity may not be adequately controlled.
6.10 Mechanical Ten-Minute Timer.
6.11 ASTM Calibration Immersion Thermometer, (Specification E1).
6.12 Microwave Oven—A microwave oven, preferably with a vented chamber, is suitable. The required size and power rating
of the oven is dependent on its intended use. Ovens with variable power controls and input power ratings of about 700 W have
been found to be adequate for this use. Variable power controls are important and reduce the potential for overheating the test
specimen.
NOTE 1—Microwave ovens equipped with built-in scales and computer controls have been developed for use in drying soils. Their use is compatible
with this test method.
6.13 Balances—All balances must meet the requirements of Guide D4753 and this section. A Class GP1 balance of 0.01-g
readability is required for samples having a mass of up to 200 g (excluding mass of sample container).
6.14 Sample Containers—Suitable containers made of material resistant to corrosion and change in mass upon repeated heating,
cooling, exposure to materials of varying pH, and cleaning. Microwave sample containers should be microwave safe.
6.15 Container Handling Apparatus—Gloves, tongs, or suitable holder for moving and handling hot containers after drying.
7. Reagents
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming
to Specification D1193, Type I, II, or III (see Table X1.1). Such water is best prepared by distillation or the passage of tap water
through an ion exchange resin.
8. Hazards
8.1 Handle hot containers with a container holder.
8.2 Safety precautions supplied by the manufacturer of the microwave/oven should be observed.
8.3 Do not use metallic containers in a microwave oven (if used).
9. Samples, Specimens, and Test Units
9.1 For testing from a large bulk (for example, >1 t) before the GCL production, carry out sampling in accordance with Test
Method E725.
10. Procedure
10.1 Grind the clay mineral sample to 100 % passing a 150-μm (No. 100) U.S. Standard Sieve and a minimum of 65 % passing
a 75-μm (No. 200) U.S. Standard Sieve with a mortar and pestle or laboratory hammer mill, as required. The total mass of the test
specimen shall be a minimum of 100 g.
D5890 − 19
10.2 The container to be used for drying should be oven dried thoroughly and subsequently placed into a desiccator until ready
for use so that the tare weight of the container will be recorded.
10.3 Determine and record the tare of the specimen container.
10.4 Place the test specimen in the individual container. Determine the mass of the container and clay specimen as delivered,
using a balance selected on the basis of the sample mass. Record the value of the clay specimen.
NOTE 2—To prevent mixing of samples and yielding of incorrect results, all containers should be numbered and the container numbers shall be recorded
on the laboratory data sheets.
10.5 Place the container with the clay specimen in the drying oven. Dry the clay specimen to a constant mass. Maintain the
drying oven at 105 6 5 °C. The time required to obtain constant mass will vary depen
...