ASTM D6389-23

Standard Practice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resistance of Geotextiles to Liquids

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice provides a test procedure for determining the resistance of a geotextile with a liquid waste, leachate, or chemical. This practice should be used in the absence of other specifications required for the particular situation being addressed.  
5.2 The specification of test procedures in this practice is intended to serve as a guide for those wishing to compare or investigate the chemical resistance of a geotextile to a potentially harsh chemical environment.  
5.3 This practice is for the chemical resistance assessment of geotextiles and is written in parallel to similar standard practices for geomembranes, geogrids, geonets, and geopipes. Each standard is to be considered individually for the geosynthetic under investigation and collectively for all geosynthetics exposed to the potentially harsh chemical environment under consideration.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the procedures used for testing geotextiles for chemical resistance to liquids. Reinforcement geotextiles can also be tested per Practice D6213.  
1.2 This practice describes test methods for measuring changes in planar dimensions, tensile properties, and other optional physical, mechanical, and hydraulic properties caused by immersion in test liquids which may be representative of anticipated end-use conditions. This practice may be used to assess the extent to which a product's as-manufactured properties are affected by such immersion.  
1.3 This practice is intended to be used in conjunction with either Practice D5322 or D5496. The scope of this practice is limited to testing and reporting procedures for unexposed and exposed geotextile samples.  
1.4 Evaluation or interpretation of test data is beyond the scope of this practice.  
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. For specific warning statements, see Section 7.  
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-Aug-2023
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.02 - Endurance Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6389-17 - Standard Practice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resistance of Geotextiles to Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4595/D4595M-24 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Method
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D16-24 - Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1238-23a - Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5322-23 - Standard Practice for Laboratory Immersion Procedures for Evaluating the Chemical Resistance of Geosynthetics to Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM D16-23 - Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4439-23b - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4595/D4595M-23 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Method
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2023
• Refers: ASTM D1238-23 - Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2022
• Refers: ASTM D5322-17 - Standard Practice for Laboratory Immersion Procedures for Evaluating the Chemical Resistance of Geosynthetics to Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Referred By: ASTM D7931/D7931M-21a - Standard Guide for Specifying Drainage Geocomposites
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023

Overview

ASTM D6389-23 provides a standardized practice for testing the chemical resistance of geotextiles to a range of liquids, including waste, leachate, and other harsh chemical environments. Geotextiles are critical components in civil engineering and environmental containment applications, and this standard ensures that their durability and functional properties are thoroughly evaluated under simulated liquid exposure conditions. This practice is commonly used when project-specific specifications are unavailable, providing guidance for evaluating the chemical compatibility of geotextiles in potentially aggressive environments.

Key Topics

• Purpose: This standard enables laboratories, designers, and engineers to assess the changes in geotextile properties when exposed to specific liquids, identifying any degradation or change in performance that may affect their suitability.
• Scope: ASTM D6389-23 specifies procedures for testing geotextiles using immersion techniques, measuring changes in planar dimensions, tensile properties, and other selected physical, mechanical, and hydraulic parameters due to chemical exposure.
• Test Procedures:
  • Conditioning of specimens and test liquids prior to exposure
  • Immersion of geotextile samples according to ASTM D5322 (laboratory) or D5496 (field)
  • Baseline and post-exposure testing for various properties, including strength, elongation, puncture resistance, permeability, and more
  • Reporting of all relevant data, including raw results and changes from original values
• Safety: Practice emphasizes user responsibility for health, safety, and environmental protection, including appropriate handling of hazardous chemicals and disposal of potentially contaminated geotextile materials.
• Compatibility: Written in parallel with other geosynthetic standards for geomembranes, geogrids, geonets, and geopipes, promoting harmonized approaches across material types.

Applications

• Waste Containment Facilities: Assessing chemical resistance for geotextiles used in landfills, ponds, and impoundments where liquid waste or leachate contact is expected.
• Civil and Environmental Engineering: Supporting the selection of geotextiles for infrastructure projects, stormwater management, or remediation works where chemical exposure may occur.
• Regulatory Compliance: Satisfying requirements for testing and documentation of geotextile performance in accordance with international standards and guidelines.
• Material Selection and Quality Assurance: Comparing chemical resistance among geotextile products and ensuring their as-manufactured properties are maintained after exposure, supporting robust design choices and product validation.
• Research and Development: Providing test methods for product development teams to improve geotextile formulations and performance under chemical stress.

Related Standards

• ASTM D5322: Laboratory Immersion Procedures for Evaluating Chemical Resistance of Geosynthetics to Liquids
• ASTM D5496: In-Field Immersion Testing of Geosynthetics
• ASTM D6213: Chemical Resistance Testing for Geogrids
• ASTM D4491/D4491M: Water Permeability Test for Geotextiles
• ASTM D4632/D4632M, D4595/D4595M, D4533/D4533M, D6241: Various tests for tensile, tear, and puncture strength
• ASTM D5261, D5199: Tests for mass per unit area and thickness

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D6389-23 empowers engineers and facility owners to make informed geotextile material choices, mitigate risks of failure in chemically challenging settings, and comply with regulatory standards. By following standardized test methods for chemical resistance, stakeholders can ensure the long-term reliability and integrity of geotextile installations in waste containment and environmental protection applications.

Keywords: ASTM D6389, chemical resistance, geotextiles, geosynthetics, liquid waste, leachate, laboratory testing, civil engineering, waste containment, standard practice.

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: D6389 − 23
Standard Practice for
Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resistance of Geotextiles to
Liquids
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6389; 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 practice describes the procedures used for testing
D16 Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and
geotextiles for chemical resistance to liquids. Reinforcement
Applications
geotextiles can also be tested per Practice D6213.
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
1.2 This practice describes test methods for measuring
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
changes in planar dimensions, tensile properties, and other
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
optional physical, mechanical, and hydraulic properties caused
by Extrusion Plastometer
by immersion in test liquids which may be representative of
D1695 Terminology of Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives
anticipated end-use conditions. This practice may be used to D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
assess the extent to which a product’s as-manufactured prop- D4491/D4491M Test Methods for Water Permeability of
Geotextiles by Permittivity
erties are affected by such immersion.
D4533/D4533M Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing
1.3 This practice is intended to be used in conjunction with
Strength of Geotextiles
either Practice D5322 or D5496. The scope of this practice is
D4595/D4595M Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geo-
limited to testing and reporting procedures for unexposed and
textiles by the Wide-Width Method
exposed geotextile samples.
D4603 Test Method for Determining Inherent Viscosity of
Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) by Glass Capillary
1.4 Evaluation or interpretation of test data is beyond the
Viscometer
scope of this practice.
D4632/D4632M Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Elongation of Geotextiles
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D4716/D4716M Test Method for Determining the (In-plane)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Flow Rate per Unit Width and Hydraulic Transmissivity
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of a Geosynthetic Using a Constant Head
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D4751 Test Methods for Determining Apparent Opening
For specific warning statements, see Section 7.
Size of a Geotextile
D5199 Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- of Geosynthetics
D5261 Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Geotextiles
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D5322 Practice for Laboratory Immersion Procedures for
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Evaluating the Chemical Resistance of Geosynthetics to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Liquids
D5496 Practice for In-Field Immersion Testing of Geosyn-
thetics
D5885/D5885M Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time
of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by High-Pressure Differential
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endurance
Properties. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D6389 – 17. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D6389-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6389 − 23
Scanning Calorimetry 7. Hazards
NOTE 1—The solutions used in this practice may contain hazardous
D6213 Practice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resis-
chemicals. Appropriate precautions must be taken when handling hazard-
tance of Geogrids to Liquids
ous waste, chemicals, and the immersion solutions. Protective equipment
D6241 Test Method for Measuring Static Puncture Strength
suitable for the chemicals being used must be worn by all personnel
of Geotextiles and Geosynthetic-Related Products Using a
handling or exposed to the chemicals. Particular care should be taken
50 mm Probe when opening storage vessels at elevated temperatures due to the
increased volatility of organics and the increased activity of acids and
D7409 Test Method for Carboxyl End Group Content of
bases. Care also must be taken to prevent the spilling of hazardous
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Yarns
materials, and provisions must be made to clean up any accidental spills
D8117 Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time of Poly-
that occur.
olefin Geosynthetics by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
7.1 Before carrying out any test, safety precautions and
E375 Definitions of Terms Relating to Resinography (With-
3 disposal procedures for hazardous waste, chemicals, or immer-
drawn 1992)
sion liquids and any contaminated geotextile materials should
be identified and implemented to provide full protection to all
3. Terminology
personnel and to comply with applicable disposal regulations.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to 8. Sampling
Terminologies D16, D123, D883, D1695, D4439, and E375.
8.1 Determine the number of test specimens according to
the requirements of the property-monitoring test and the
4. Summary of Practice
number of test intervals.
4.1 This practice defines test methods and procedures for
8.2 Cut individual test specimens randomly in the roll and in
evaluating the resistance of geotextiles to liquid exposure by
the cross directions along the length of the roll of geotextile,
monitoring physical and chemical properties of geotextile
staying at least 150 mm away from the selvage.
specimens immersed in a test liquid. The physical condition of
8.3 Mix or shuffle specimens in a random fashion, keeping
the geotextile is monitored as a function of cumulative expo-
the roll and cross-roll specimens separate. From the shuffled
sure time by means of dimensional measurements and physical
specimens, select specimens for assignment to unexposed
property tests.
(baseline) testing and for immersion in the test liquid for
5. Significance and Use testing after exposure.
5.1 This practice provides a test procedure for determining
9. Conditioning
the resistance of a geotextile with a liquid waste, leachate, or
9.1 Conditioning—Samples must be conditioned at a tem-
chemical. This practice should be used in the absence of other
perature of 21 6 2 °C (70 6 4 °F) and a relative humidity
specifications required for the particular situation being ad-
between 50 and 70 % for a period not less than 40 h prior to
dressed.
weighing or baseline testing and immersion, or a combination
5.2 The specification of test procedures in this practice is
thereof.
intended to serve as a guide for those wishing to compare or
9.2 Condition the test liquid, that is, immersion liquid, in the
investigate the chemical resistance of a geotextile to a poten-
exposure tank, with stirring, as recommended in Practice
tially harsh chemical environment.
D5322 or D5496, or both.
5.3 This practice is for the chemical resistance assessment
10. Procedu
...

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: D6389 − 17 D6389 − 23
Standard Practice for
Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resistance of Geotextiles to
Liquids
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6389; 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 practice describes the procedures used for testing geotextiles for chemical resistance to liquids. Reinforcement geotextiles
can also be tested per Practice D6213.
1.2 This practice describes test methods for measuring changes in planar dimensions, tensile properties, and other optional
physical, mechanical, and hydraulic properties caused by immersion in test liquids which may be representative of anticipated
end-use conditions. This practice may be used to assess the extent to which a product’s as-manufactured properties are affected
by such immersion.
1.3 This practice is intended to be used in conjunction with either Practice D5322 or D5496. The scope of this practice is limited
to testing and reporting procedures for unexposed and exposed geotextile samples.
1.4 Evaluation or interpretation of test data is beyond the scope of this practice.
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 and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see Section 7.
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:
D16 Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1238 Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
D1695 Terminology of Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives
D3895 Test Method for Oxidative-Induction Time of Polyolefins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D4491D4491/D4491M Test Methods for Water Permeability of Geotextiles by Permittivity
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endurance Properties.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017Sept. 1, 2023. Published June 2017October 2023. OrginallyOriginally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 20162017
as D6389 – 99 (2016).D6389 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D6389-17.10.1520/D6389-23.
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
D6389 − 23
D4533D4533/D4533M Test Method for Trapezoid Tearing Strength of Geotextiles
D4595D4595/D4595M Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Method
D4603 Test Method for Determining Inherent Viscosity of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) by Glass Capillary Viscometer
D4632D4632/D4632M Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles
D4716D4716/D4716M Test Method for Determining the (In-plane) Flow Rate per Unit Width and Hydraulic Transmissivity of
a Geosynthetic Using a Constant Head
D4751 Test Methods for Determining Apparent Opening Size of a Geotextile
D5199 Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics
D5261 Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of Geotextiles
D5322 Practice for Laboratory Immersion Procedures for Evaluating the Chemical Resistance of Geosynthetics to Liquids
D5496 Practice for In-Field Immersion Testing of Geosynthetics
D5885D5885/D5885M Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by High-Pressure Differential
Scanning Calorimetry
D6213 Practice for Tests to Evaluate the Chemical Resistance of Geogrids to Liquids
D6241 Test Method for Measuring Static Puncture Strength of Geotextiles and Geosynthetic-Related Products Using a 50 mm
Probe
D7409 Test Method for Carboxyl End Group Content of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Yarns
D8117 Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time of Polyolefin Geosynthetics by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
E375 Definitions of Terms Relating to Resinography (Withdrawn 1992)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to Terminologies D16, D123, D883, D1695, D4439, and E375.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This practice defines test methods and procedures for evaluating the resistance of geotextiles to liquid exposure by monitoring
physical and chemical properties of geotextile specimens immersed in a test liquid. The physical condition of the geotextile is
monitored as a function of cumulative exposure time by means of dimensional measurements and physical property tests.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice provides a test procedure for determining the resistance of a geotextile with a liquid waste, leachate, or chemical.
This practice should be used in the absence of other specifications required for the particular situation being addressed.
5.2 The specification of test procedures in this practice is intended to serve as a guide for those wishing to compare or investigate
the chemical resistance of a geotextile to a potentially harsh chemical environment.
5.3 This practice is for the chemical resistance assessment of geotextiles and is written in parallel to similar standard practices for
geomembranes, geogrids, geonets, and geopipes. Each standard is to be considered individually for the geosynthetic under
investigation and collectively for all geosynthetics exposed to the potentially harsh chemical environment under consideration.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Analytical Balance, capable of weighing accurately to 0.001 g.
6.2 Measuring Equipment, such as scales or calipers, suitable for determining dimensions of geotextiles.
6.3 All other required equipment is specified in Section 2. Refer to the appropriate standards for a description of the apparatus
necessary to perform each test.
7. Hazards
NOTE 1—The solutions used in this practice may contain hazardous chemicals. Appropriate precautions must be taken when handling hazardous waste,
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
D6389 − 23
chemicals, and the immersion solutions. Protective equipment suitable for the chemicals being used must be worn by all personnel handling or exposed
to the chemicals. Particular care should be taken when opening storage vessels at elevated temperatures due to the increased volatility of organics and
the increased activity of acids and bases. Care also must be taken to prevent the spilling of hazardous materials, and provisions must be made to clean
up any accidental spills that occur.
7.1 Before carrying out any test, safety precautions and disposal procedures for hazardous waste, chemicals, or immersion liquids
and any contaminated geotextile materials should be identified and implemented to provide full protection to all personnel and to
comply with applicable disposal regulations.
8. Sampling
8.1 Determine the number of test specimens according to the requirements of the property-monitoring test and the number of test
intervals.
8.2 Cut individual test specimens randomly in the roll and in the cross directions along the length of the roll of geotextile, staying
at least 150 mm away from the selvage.
8.3 Mix or shuffle specimens in a random fashion, keeping the roll and cross-rol
...