GEOSYNTHETIC INDUSTRIAL WORKS

DOCUMENT NO: WI-HQ1-019-3

WORK PAGE: 1 OF 3
TITLE: ASTM D5994: 1998 DATE: 01.05
CORE THICKNESS OF TEXTURED GEOMEMBRANES, MODIFIED

DEPARTMENT: Quality Control

AUTHOR: MM

1. PURPOSE

1.1. To document the process for measuring the core thickness on textured sheet.

2. SCOPE

2.1. This document applies to all Quality Control personnel.

3. RELATED DOCUMENTS

3.1. ASTM D5994-98 Test Method for Measurement of the Core Thickness of Textured
Geomembranes

3.2. Form Q-21, Textured Sheet Thickness

3.3. W1-Q1-001, Production Cutting Work Instructions

3.4. Q-47, Production Correspondence Form

4. MODIFICATION

4.1. ASTM Modified to allow 3ºC variation rather than 1ºC variation.

5. EQUIPMENT

5.1. SPC Dead Weight Thickness gage with Modified Tips

5.1.1. The digital gage is accurate to 0.001 inches. The gage is constructed to apply a
force of 0.56 ± 0.05 N (the equivalent of 2.0 ± 0.2 oz).

5.1.2. The modified tips are made of hardened steel, tapered at an angle of 60°± 2° to the
horizontal. The tip is rounded at a radius of 0.8 mm ±0.1 mm

5.2. Wedge link Software Program

5.3. Calibrated Thickness Gage Blocks

6. PROCEDURES

6.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1.1. The test is performed in a standard laboratory atmosphere of 23°±3°C. As a

Production facility, testing is an integral part of the process. For this reason, the
conditioning period is abbreviated.

6.1.2. The Wedge link Software Program is a basic SPC program that allows data to be
entered in the computer from a thickness gage.

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GEOSYNTHETIC INDUSTRIAL WORKS
DOCUMENT NO: WI-HQ1-019-3
WORK PAGE: 2 OF 3
TITLE: ASTM D5994: 1998 DATE: 01.05
CORE THICKNESS OF TEXTURED GEOMEMBRANES, MODIFIED

6.1.3. A textured thickness measurement is taken in the lab every second roll per the roll
test schedule.

6.1.4. The production operator cuts an 18 inch by the roll width sample from each roll
produced. Ten thickness specimens are cut (evenly spaced) across the textured sheet
to obtain material representative of the textured sheet. The thickness specimens are
numbered as they are cut (per W1-Q1-001), and brought to the lab for testing.

6.1.5. Although it is recommended in ASTM D5994 Test Method to use three inch circular
test specimens, due to time constraints this specimen type is not feasible. In this
respect, ten 2” X 2” square specimens are used. The die used for this test is also used
to cut samples for another test, thus the die is readily available to cut thickness
specimens at the same time as samples are cut for another test.

6.1.6. Three measurements are taken per thickness sample for a more accurate
measurement. The lowest measurement from each sample is used to calculate the
average of the samples.

6.2. SPECIFIC PROCEDURES

6.2.1. Go to the “Text” page in the “Testing Sheets” file on the technician’s computer.

6.2.2. In the computer, fill out the following information. This information is available from
the roll label on the archive sample.

6.2.2.1. Roll Number

6.2.2.2. Material Type.

6.2.2.3. Tested by and Date tested.

6.2.3. Depress the button on the spindle lifting cable on the thickness gage to lift the shaft.
Position a puncture sample between the points and gently release the shaft onto the
material. Slightly shake the puncture sample to settle the points into the lowest relative
depression.

6.2.4. Record the reading by pressing the foot pedal under the table labeled “Textured”.
Take three readings from each thickness square.

6.2.5. Repeat this procedure for each of the remaining nine thickness samples.

6.2.6. The computer automatically uses the lowest individual reading from each piece and
calculates the average of the ten samples. The computer also records the lowest
individual coupon thickness

6.2.7. Once the test is complete, print the test data sheet. Compare the results to the
posted specification and to production’s results.

6.2.8. In the event that the thickness does not meet one of these specifications, a retest is
required. Here are examples of when a retest should be performed.

6.2.8.1. The average thickness does not meet the posted specification. Notify Production
of both results with a Production Correspondence Form.

6.2.8.2. The lowest individual thickness is below the posted specification. Notify
Production of both results with a Production Correspondence Form.

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GEOSYNTHETIC INDUSTRIAL WORKS
DOCUMENT NO: WI-HQ1-019-3
WORK PAGE: 3 OF 3
TITLE: ASTM D5994: 1998 DATE: 01.05
CORE THICKNESS OF TEXTURED GEOMEMBRANES, MODIFIED

6.2.9. A second technician should perform the retest.

6.2.9.1. If the retest reveals that the original measurement is accurate. Take a gage
block and check the thickness gage in Production. Verify that the gage is
calibrated. If not, adjust the thickness gage as needed. Document in the logbook
that an adjustment was made.

6.2.9.2. Initiate every roll thickness testing. Post both results. If two consecutive rolls fail
to meet the spec, call the Laboratory Supervisor, the Laboratory Manager, or the
Quality Manager.

6.2.9.3. If one result is below the spec, and the other meets or exceeds the spec, initiate
every roll thickness testing. Both technicians should check each roll until at least
three consecutive rolls are passing by both technicians’ test results. Post both
results.

6.2.10. Make a copy of the test data sheet, time-stamp and post the copy in production.

6.2.11. File the original data sheet in the roll data folder.

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