ASTM D4885-01(2018)

Standard Test Method for Determining Performance Strength of Geomembranes by the Wide Strip Tensile Method

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is a performance test intended as a design aid used to determine the ability of geomembranes to withstand the stresses and strains imposed under design conditions. This test method assists the design engineer in comparing several candidate geomembranes under specific test conditions.  
5.2 As a performance test, this method is not intended for routine acceptance testing of commercial shipments of geomembranes. Other more easily performed test methods, such as Test Methods D751 or Test Method D882, can be used for routine acceptance testing of geomembranes. This test method will be used relatively infrequently and to establish performance characteristics of geomembrane materials.  
5.2.1 There is no known correlation between this test method and index test methods, such as Test Methods D751.  
5.3 All geomembranes can be tested by this method. Some modification of techniques may be necessary for a given geomembrane depending upon its physical makeup. Special adaptations may be necessary with strong geomembranes or geomembranes with extremely slick surfaces, to prevent them from slipping in the clamps or being damaged by the clamps.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the performance strength of synthetic geomembranes by subjecting wide strips of material to tensile loading.  
1.2 This test method covers the measurement of tensile strength and elongation of geomembranes and includes directions for calculating initial modulus, offset modulus, secant modulus, and breaking toughness.  
1.3 The basic distinctions between this test method and other methods measuring tensile strength of geomembranes are the width of the specimens tested and the speed of applied force. The greater width of the specimens specified in this test method minimizes the contraction edge effect (necking) which occurs in many geosynthetics and provides a closer relationship to actual material behavior in service. The slower speed of applied strain also provides a closer relationship to actual material behavior in service.  
1.4 As a performance test, this method will be used relatively infrequently, and to test large lots of material. This test method is not intended for routine quality control testing of geomembranes.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2018
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.10 - Geomembranes

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D4885 − 01 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Performance Strength of Geomembranes by
1
the Wide Strip Tensile Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4885; 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
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the perfor- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
mance strength of synthetic geomembranes by subjecting wide D76/D76M Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for
strips of material to tensile loading. Textiles
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
1.2 This test method covers the measurement of tensile
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
strength and elongation of geomembranes and includes direc-
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
tions for calculating initial modulus, offset modulus, secant
Sheeting
modulus, and breaking toughness.
D1593 Specification for Nonrigid Vinyl Chloride Plastic
1.3 The basic distinctions between this test method and
Film and Sheeting
other methods measuring tensile strength of geomembranes are
D1909 Standard Tables of Commercial Moisture Regains
the width of the specimens tested and the speed of applied
and Commercial Allowances for Textile Fibers
force. The greater width of the specimens specified in this test
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
method minimizes the contraction edge effect (necking) which
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
occurs in many geosynthetics and provides a closer relation-
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
ship to actual material behavior in service. The slower speed of
applied strain also provides a closer relationship to actual 3. Terminology
material behavior in service.
3.1 Definitions:
1.4 As a performance test, this method will be used rela- 3.1.1 atmosphere for testing geomembranes, n—air main-
tively infrequently, and to test large lots of material. This test
tained at a relative humidity of 50 to 70 % and a temperature
method is not intended for routine quality control testing of
of 21 6 2 °C (70 6 4 °F).
geomembranes.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Within the range of 50 to 70 % relative
humidity, moisture content is not expected to affect the tensile
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
properties of geomembrane materials. In addition, geotextile
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
standard test methods restrict the range of relative humidity to
only.
65 6 5 %, while geomembrane standard test methods restrict
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the range of relative humidity to 55 6 5 %. The restricted
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
range in this test method is made broader to reduce the need for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
testing laboratories to change laboratory conditions, and con-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
sidering the lack of expected effect of moisture on geomem-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
branes. The user should consult Table D1909 to resolve
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
questions regarding moisture regains of textile fibers, espe-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
cially if the user is testing a new or unknown material.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.2 breaking force, (F), J, n—the force at failure.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
−1 −2
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3.1.3 breaking toughness, T, (FL ), Jm , n—for
geosynthetics, the actual work per unit volume of a material
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
corresponding to the breaking force.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomem-
2
branes. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D4885 – 01 (2011). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D4885-01R18. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D4885 − 01 (2018)
−1 −1
3.1.3.1 Discussio
...

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: D4885 − 01 (Reapproved 2011) D4885 − 01 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Performance Strength of Geomembranes by
1
the Wide Strip Tensile Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4885; 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 the determination of the performance strength of synthetic geomembranes by subjecting wide strips
of material to tensile loading.
1.2 This test method covers the measurement of tensile strength and elongation of geomembranes and includes directions for
calculating initial modulus, offset modulus, secant modulus, and breaking toughness.
1.3 The basic distinctions between this test method and other methods measuring tensile strength of geomembranes are the
width of the specimens tested and the speed of applied force. The greater width of the specimens specified in this test method
minimizes the contraction edge effect (necking) which occurs in many geosynthetics and provides a closer relationship to actual
material behavior in service. The slower speed of applied strain also provides a closer relationship to actual material behavior in
service.
1.4 As a performance test, this method will be used relatively infrequently, and to test large lots of material. This test method
is not intended for routine quality control testing of geomembranes.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D76D76/D76M Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D1593 Specification for Nonrigid Vinyl Chloride Plastic Film and Sheeting
D1909 Standard Tables of Commercial Moisture Regains and Commercial Allowances for Textile Fibers
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 atmosphere for testing geomembranes, n—air maintained at a relative humidity of 50 to 70 % and a temperature of 21 6
2°C2 °C (70 6 4°F).4 °F).
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes.
Current edition approved June 1, 2011May 1, 2018. Published July 2011May 2018. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20062011 as
D4885 – 06.D4885 – 01 (2011). DOI: 10.1520/D4885-01R11.10.1520/D4885-01R18.
2
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D4885 − 01 (2018)
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
Within the range of 50 to 70 % relative humidity, moisture content is not expected to affect the tensile properties of geomembrane
materials. In addition, geotextile standard test methods restrict the range of relative humidity to 65 6 5 %, while geomembrane
standard test methods restrict the range of relative humidity to 55 6 5 %. The restricted range in this test method is made broader
to reduce the need for testing laboratories to change laboratory conditions, and considering the lack of expected effect of moisture
on geomembranes. The user should consult Table D1909
...