ASTM D7177/D7177M-21

Standard Specification for Air Channel Evaluation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Dual Track Seamed Geomembranes

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a nondestructive evaluation of the strength and continuity of parallel PVC geomembrane seams separated by an unwelded air channel. The unwelded air channel between the two distinct seamed regions is sealed and inflated with air to a predetermined pressure. Long lengths of seam can be evaluated by this specification more quickly than by other common nondestructive tests.  
1.2 This specification can be used as a substitute for destructive testing or used in conjunction with destructive testing.  
1.3 This specification covers PVC sheet 0.760 mm [0.030 in.] and thicker.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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.  
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: 31-Dec-2020
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.06 - Geosynthetic Specifications

Relations

• 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 D4439-04 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM D4439-02 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2002
• Refers: ASTM D4439-00 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4439-01 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001

Overview

ASTM D7177/D7177M-21 provides a standardized method for the nondestructive evaluation of the strength and continuity of dual track seamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) geomembranes using an air channel test. By inflating a sealed, unwelded air channel between parallel seamed regions to a specified pressure, this technique allows for rapid and reliable verification of seam integrity in PVC geomembrane installations. The standard is applicable to PVC geomembrane sheets with a thickness of 0.760 mm (0.030 in.) or greater and can be used independently or alongside destructive test methods.

This standard is developed under the guidance of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is recognized internationally for its relevance and application in civil engineering, environmental containment, and geosynthetic quality assurance.

Key Topics

• Nondestructive Seam Testing: Provides a process for evaluating the continuity and strength of PVC dual track seams without damaging the installed geomembrane.
• Air Channel Method: Describes how an unwelded air channel between two welded seams is sealed and inflated, allowing for the detection of unbonded areas and leaks.
• Applicable Material Requirements: Applies to PVC geomembrane sheets with a minimum thickness of 0.760 mm [0.030 in.].
• Dual Seam Definition: Involves two parallel welded zones separated by an unwelded air space, typically produced using hot wedge, hot air, or ultrasonic welding.
• Pressure and Monitoring: Specifies appropriate air pressures based on sheet temperature, and sets a minimum monitoring duration of 30 seconds after pressure stabilization.
• Inspection and Reporting: Outlines procedures for detecting leaks, documenting seam identification, inspector details, test results, and corrective actions if failures are found.
• Dual System of Units: Recognizes the use of both SI and inch-pound units, with each system used independently to ensure consistency and compliance.

Applications

ASTM D7177/D7177M-21 is frequently used in:

• Landfills and Waste Containment: Ensures seam integrity in PVC geomembrane liners, preventing leakage and contamination.
• Pond and Reservoir Liners: Verifies watertightness for water storage structures using PVC geomembranes.
• Environmental Barrier Systems: Supports regulatory compliance in projects requiring impermeable barriers to prevent subsurface contaminant migration.
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control Programs: Allows installers and inspectors to perform rapid seam evaluations during construction, minimizing the need for destructive sampling.
• Civil Engineering Projects: Used in applications where geosynthetic barriers are critical for fluid and gas containment.

Practical benefits include:

• Faster Evaluation: Long lengths of seam can be tested more efficiently compared to destructive methods.
• Minimized Material Waste: Nondestructive approach preserves the integrity of installed geomembranes.
• Improved Detection: Quickly identifies unbonded sections, voids, or defects within the seam.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality control and terminology, the following standards are relevant:

• ASTM D4439 - Terminology for Geosynthetics: Provides essential definitions related to geosynthetics used in ASTM D7177/D7177M-21.
• Industry Practice Guides: Reference best practices for geosynthetic installation and testing.
• Other ASTM Geomembrane Test Methods: Such as standards for destructive seam testing, material properties, and quality assurance procedures.

By adhering to ASTM D7177/D7177M-21, engineers, contractors, and inspectors help ensure robust, leak-free PVC geomembrane installations that meet both project specifications and international regulatory requirements. This contributes to the long-term performance and reliability of environmental containment solutions.

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:D7177/D7177M −21
Standard Specification for
Air Channel Evaluation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Dual
Track Seamed Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7177/D7177M; 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 specification covers a nondestructive evaluation of
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
the strength and continuity of parallel PVC geomembrane
seams separated by an unwelded air channel. The unwelded air
3. Terminology
channel between the two distinct seamed regions is sealed and
3.1 Definitions:
inflated with air to a predetermined pressure. Long lengths of
3.1.1 dual seam, n—a geomembrane seam with two parallel
seam can be evaluated by this specification more quickly than
welded zones separated by an unwelded air space.
by other common nondestructive tests.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The dual seam itself can be made by a
1.2 This specification can be used as a substitute for
number of methods; hot wedge, hot air, and ultrasonic bonding
destructive testing or used in conjunction with destructive
are all typical techniques.
testing.
3.1.2 geomembrane, n—anessentiallyimpermeablegeosyn-
thetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets.
1.3 This specification covers PVC sheet 0.760 mm
[0.030 in.] and thicker.
3.1.3 seam, n—a permanent joining of two or more materi-
als.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.2 For definitions of other terms, see Terminology D4439.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
4. Summary of Specification
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
4.1 This specification utilizes a dual seam where an air
used independently of the other, and values from the two
channel exists between the two welded zones. Both ends of the
systems shall not be combined.
air channel are sealed and then a pressure gauge is attached to
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the air space. Air pressure is applied and the gauge is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
monitored.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 Air pressures used in this specification are related to the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ambient temperature of the PVC geomembrane and can be
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
used for thickness 0.760 mm [0.030 in.] and thicker PVC
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
geomembrane. The air pressure is not dependant on thickness
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
of the PVC geomembrane being tested.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.3 The minimum monitoring time is recommended to be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
⁄2 min (30 s) following stabilization of the pressure.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The increased use of geomembranes as barrier materials
to restrict liquid or gas movement, and the common use of dual
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.06 on Geosyn-
thetic Specifications. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published January 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D7177/D7177M – 05 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
ɛ1
(2015) . DOI: 10.1520/D7177_D7177M-21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7177/D7177M−21
track seams in joining these sheets, has created a need for a the pressure gauge and insertion tool and pressurize the air
standard nondestructive test by which the quality of the seams channel to the pressure appropriate for the PVC geomembrane
can be assessed for continuity, watertightness, and strength. sheet temperature. (Refer to Table 1.)
The test is also intended to provide an indication of the
7.4 For seams made with an air channel width other than
physical peel strength of the PVC seam.
15.87 63.17mm[0.625 60.125in.],calculatetheappropriate
5.2 This specification recommends an air pressure test pressure to be used in the air channel by multiplying the air
within the channel created between dual seamed tracks pressure below by 15.87 6 3.17 mm [0.625 6 0.125 in.] and
whereby the presence of un-bonded sections or channels, dividing by the width of the air channel.
voids, discontinuities, foreign objects, and the like, in the
7.5 Maintain the minimum pressure from the source for a
seamed region can be identified.
minimum of 30 s.
5.3 This technique is intended for use on seams of PVC
7.6 Inspect the seam from the clamped end for complete
geomembrane sheets 0.760 mm [0.030 in.] and thicker formu-
inflation.Iftheseamcompletelyinflatesandthereisnoaudible
lated from the appropriate polymers and compounding ingre-
or visible evidence of air leakage, the seam passes the test.
dients to form a polyvinyl chloride sheet material that meets all
7.7 If the channel will not pressurize there is a leak in the
specified requirements for the end use of the product.
seam,providedairisnotleakingattheclamporairsupplytool.
5.4 This test is used to ensure minimum peel strengths are
7.8 Inspect the seam from the clamped end and locate the
met through the entire seam area.
leak area. Because of the flexibility and elongation factors of a
5.5 This test measures the seam strength to 2.6 kN/m
PVC geomembrane, a leak can be detected by sound. Another
[15 lb⁄in.] width minimum peel strengths.
technique to locate a leak is to have an additional c
...

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.
´1
Designation: D7177/D7177M − 05 (Reapproved 2015) D7177/D7177M − 21
Standard Specification for
Air Channel Evaluation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Dual
Track Seamed Geomembranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7177/D7177M; 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.
ε NOTE—Designation was changed to dual and units information was corrected editorially in June 2015.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers a nondestructive evaluation of the strength and continuity of parallel PVC geomembrane seams
separated by an unwelded air channel. The unwelded air channel between the two distinct seamed regions is sealed and inflated
with air to a predetermined pressure. Long lengths of seam can be evaluated by this specification more quickly than by other
common nondestructive tests.
1.2 This specification can be used as a substitute for destructive testing or used in conjunction with destructive testing.
1.3 This specification covers PVC sheet 0.760 mm [0.030 in.] [0.030 in.] and thicker.
1.4 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.
1.5 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.
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:
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.06 on Geosynthetic
Specifications.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015Jan. 1, 2021. Published June 2015January 2021. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
ɛ1
D7177–05(2010).D7177/D7177M – 05 (2015) . DOI: 10.1520/D7177_D7177M-05R15E01.10.1520/D7177_D7177M-21.
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
D7177/D7177M − 21
3.1.1 dual seam, n—a geomembrane seam with two parallel welded zones separated by an unwelded air space.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
The dual seam itself can be made by a number of methods; hot wedge, hot air, and ultrasonic bonding are all typical techniques.
3.1.2 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geo-syntheticgeosynthetic composed of one or more synthetic sheets.
3.1.3 seam, n—a permanent joining of two or more materials.
3.2 For definitions of other terms, see Terminology D4439.
4. Summary of Specification
4.1 This specification utilizes a dual seam where an air channel exists between the two welded zones. Both ends of the air channel
are sealed and then a pressure gauge is attached to the air space. Air pressure is applied and the gauge is monitored.
4.2 Air pressures used in this specification are related to the ambient temperature of the PVC geomembrane and can be used for
thickness 0.760 mm [0.030 in.] and thicker PVC geomembrane. The air pressure is not dependant on thickness of the PVC
geomembrane being tested.
4.3 The minimum monitoring time is recommended to be ⁄2 min min (30 s) following stabilization of the pressure.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The increased use of geomembranes as barrier materials to restrict liquid or gas movement, and the common use of dual track
seams in joining these sheets, has created a need for a standard nondestructive test by which the quality of the seams can be
assessed for continuity, water tightness, watertightness, and strength. The test is also intended to provide an indication of the
physical peel strength of the PVC seam.
5.2 This specification recommends an air pressure test within the channel created between dual seamed tracks whereby the
presence of un-bonded sections or channels, voids, discontinuities, foreign objects, and the like, in the seamed region can be
identified.
5.3 This technique is intended for use on seams of PVC Geomembranegeomembrane sheets 0.760 mm [0.030 in.] and thicker
formulated from the appropriate polymers and compounding ingredients to form a polyvinyl chloride sheet material that meets all
specified requirements for the end use of the product.
5.4 This test is used to assureensure minimum peel strengths are met through the entire seam area.
5.5 This test measures the seam strength to 2.6 kN/m [15[15 lb lb/in.] ⁄in.] width minimum peel strengths.
5.6 This procedure is based on an air channel width of 15.87 6 3.17 mm [0.625 6 0.125 in.]. For air channels greater or lesser
in lay flat width use the formula below to calculate hoop stress.
5.7 Hoop Stress (Barlow’s Formula)—The stress in a channel wall acting circumferentially in a plane perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the channel and produced by the pressure of the air in the channel.
5.7.1 Hoop Stress Calculation:
PD
S 5 (1)
2t
where:
S = hoop stress, psi,
D7177/D7177M − 21
P = internal pressure,
D = outside diameter of the channel, in., and
t = normal wall thickness, in.
6. Equipment
6.1 Sealing Equipment, appropriate to seal the two ends of the air channel.
6.2 A device is necessary to insert air into the open channel and allow monitoring its pressure. This device is unique to each user.
6.3 Air Pump or Air Pressure Supply, capable of generating up to 517 kPa [75 psi] pressure is necessary.
6.4 Pressure Gauge, capable of indicating the air pressure in 7 kPa [1 psi] increments within the test range.
6.5 Any equipment used on the geomembrane must be placed on an adequate cushion to preclude damage to the geomembrane.
6.6 Flexible Hose, used to connect the air supply to the air pressure device.
6.7 Knife or Scissors, capable of cutting or trimming the liner
...