ASTM D7408-12(2020)

Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the minimum values for seams fabricated into unreinforced PVC geomembranes in factory and field applications.  
1.2 This specification covers PVC geomembranes in thickness of 0.25 through 1.52 mm (0.010 through 0.060 in.).  
1.3 In addition to structural characteristics, the specifier shall evaluate other characteristics beyond the scope of this specification that affect the final choice of construction. These include, but are not limited to, functional, legal, insurance, and economic considerations.  
1.4 This specification is not intended to exclude products or systems not covered by the referenced documents.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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-Feb-2020
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.06 - Geosynthetic Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7408-12 - Standard Specification for Non Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• 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 D4439-11 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D7176-06(2011) - Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D638-10 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D882-09 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D7176-06 - Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM D4439-04 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM D638-03 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM D638-02a - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002

Overview

ASTM D7408-12(2020) is the international standard specification for non-reinforced PVC (polyvinyl chloride) geomembrane seams, developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines the minimum mechanical property requirements for seams in non-reinforced PVC geomembrane sheets, covering both factory and field applications. ASTM D7408-12(2020) applies to PVC geomembranes with thicknesses ranging from 0.25 mm to 1.52 mm (0.010 to 0.060 inches), which are commonly used for water containment and environmental protection applications.

By establishing standardized methods and requirements for seam strength testing, this specification supports quality assurance, safety, and regulatory compliance in geosynthetic engineering projects. Users of this standard benefit from reliable guidelines for seam fabrication, testing, and reporting.

Key Topics

• Types of Seams: The standard covers several seam construction types used for joining PVC geomembranes, including:

  • Chemical fusion seams
  • Adhesive or bodied solvent seams
  • Dielectric seams
  • Thermal fusion seams (hot air or hot wedge)

• Testing and Performance Requirements:

  • Specifies tensile and peel strength testing of seams using recognized ASTM test methods (e.g., ASTM D882).
  • Outlines minimum strength values for different geomembrane thickness classes.
  • Describes specimen preparation, laboratory conditioning, and reporting protocols to ensure consistency and reproducibility.

• Quality Assurance:

  • Seam testing data is applicable to Construction Quality Control (CQC) and Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) documentation.
  • Clarifies that results should be averaged over multiple specimens and provide clear reporting on break types and conditions.

• Units and Measurement:

  • Values are primarily provided in inch-pound units, with metric equivalents for reference.

Applications

ASTM D7408-12(2020) is crucial for industries involved in environmental containment, civil engineering, and geosynthetics installation. Key applications include:

• Landfill Liners and Covers: Ensuring seam integrity prevents leachate migration and environmental contamination.
• Pond Liners and Reservoirs: Reliable seam strength is essential for water retention and leakage prevention.
• Water Containment Membranes: Used in agricultural, municipal, and industrial water management projects.
• Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Provides assurance that seams will resist chemical exposure and mechanical stress.

By following this standard, engineers, contractors, and manufacturers can specify, test, and validate the performance of non-reinforced PVC geomembrane seams, reducing construction risks and supporting regulatory compliance.

Related Standards

ASTM D7408-12(2020) references and aligns with several related ASTM standards to provide a comprehensive approach to geomembrane testing and specification:

• ASTM D638 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D882 - Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
• ASTM D4439 - Terminology for Geosynthetics
• ASTM D7176 - Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications

Using ASTM D7408-12(2020) alongside these referenced standards ensures consistent terminology, accurate testing, and reliable results in geosynthetics and waterproofing projects.

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Keywords: ASTM D7408, non-reinforced PVC geomembrane, PVC seam specification, geomembrane seam testing, water containment membrane, landfill liner standard, geosynthetics, ASTM standards for PVC, environmental containment, construction quality assurance

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:D7408 −12 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane
Seams
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7408; 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 D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Sheeting
1.1 This specification covers the minimum values for seams
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
fabricated into unreinforced PVC geomembranes in factory
D7176 Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride
and field applications.
(PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications
1.2 This specification covers PVC geomembranes in thick-
3. Terminology
ness of 0.25 through 1.52 mm (0.010 through 0.060 in.).
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 In addition to structural characteristics, the specifier
3.1.1 adhesive or bodied solvent, n—these seams are typi-
shall evaluate other characteristics beyond the scope of this
cally produced by applying an adhesive to both sides of the
specification that affect the final choice of construction. These
sheet to be bonded and then pressure is applied to the top sheet
include, but are not limited to, functional, legal, insurance, and
with the bottom sheet supported by a flat, firm surface.
economic considerations.
3.1.2 chemical fusion seams, n—use of a chemical agent to
1.4 This specification is not intended to exclude products or
dissolve the surface of the geomembrane for bonding.
systems not covered by the referenced documents.
3.1.3 hot air or knife, n—this technique melts the two
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
geomembrane surfaces to be seamed by running a hot metal
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
wedge or hot air between them. Pressure is applied to the top
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
or bottom geomembrane, or both, to form a continuous bond.
and are not considered standard.
These seams are usually produced with a combination of a
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
hand-held heat gun or hand-held hot wedge along with a hand
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
roller.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.4 thermal fusion, n—alsoknownashotairorhotwedge,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
this technique introduces high-temperature air or gas or a hot
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
wedge between two geomembrane surfaces to facilitate melt-
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
ing. Pressure is applied to the top and/or bottom sheets of the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
geomembrane, forcing together the two surfaces to form a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
continuous bond.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Some seams of this kind are made with
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
dual bond tracks separated by a non-bonded gap. These seams
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
are referred to as dual-track seams or double-track seams.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 For definitions of other terms, see Terminology D4439.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Classification
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
4.1 Types of seams covered in this specification:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
4.1.1 Chemical fusion,
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.06 on Geosyn-
4.1.2 Adhesive or bodied solvent,
thetic Specifications.
4.1.3 Dielectric, and
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D7408 – 12. DOI: 4.1.4 Thermal fusion.
10.1520/D7408-12R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5. Significance and Use
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.1 Significance—The increased use of geomembranes as
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. barrier materials to restrict fluid migration from one location to
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7408−12 (2020)
NOTE 1—Larger samples sizes may be required on site-specific or
another in various applications, and the various types of
project-specific or requirements for the purpose of archiving or third party
seaming methods used in joining geomembrane sheets, has
testing.
created a need to standardize minimum seam strength require-
ments. 7.2 Once the sample is received at the testing facility, the
sample shall be acclimated at a standard laboratory
5.2 Use—Standard seam specification provides information
environment, Humidity between 50 and 70 % and a tempera-
as to the status of the seam. Data obtained by this standard can
ture of 21.6 6 2 °C (70.6 6 4 °F) for a minimum of 40 h for
beusedinCQC/CQAdocuments.Thistestmethodisusefulfor
all types of seams, except thermo and dielectric type seams, for
specification testing and for comparative purposes but does not
these types of seams a minimum of4hatthe standard
necessarily measure the ultimate strength that the seam may
laboratory environment is required.
acquire.
NOTE 2—If samples are sent to the lab and testing is preformed prior to
6. Apparatus
the required lab acclimating pe
...