GEOSYNTHETIC MATERIALS

PROPERTIES
AND
TESTING METHODS
geotextile
G e o t e c h n i c a l E n g i n e e r i n g
aquino . canilla . cocjen . gonzales
PROPERTIES OF GEOTEXTILES
Physical
Specific Gravity
properties Weight
. Thickness
Stiffness
Density
 Tenacity
Mechanical Tensile Strength
properties . Bursting Strength
Drapability
Compatibility
Flexibility
Tearing Strength
Frictional Resistance
 Porosity
Hydraulic
properties . Permeability
Permittivity
Transitivity
Turbidity /Soil Retention
Filtration Length Etc.
 biodegradation
Degradation
properties .
hydrolytic degradation
photo degradation
chemical degradation
mechanical degradation
other degradation occurring due
to attack of rodent, termite etc.
 Elongation
Endurance
properties . Abrasion Resistance
Clogging Length And Flow Etc.
Wide Width Tensile Test
A wide width tensile test is a common tensile
test in which a rectangular test sample is
placed into a tensile testing machine so that
each end is held in a grip and then the grips
are moved apart so that the sample is loaded
in tension until rupture. Grab test is like
tensile test but in horizontal.

Grab Test
Puncture Resistance Testing
measures the geotextiles ability to
withstand the penetration of sharp or
point objects such as sticks, twigs,
pipes or poles.
Test Method Test Property
Standard Test Method for Stiffness of Fabrics Stiffness
Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials thickness

Standard Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric Mass per unit area

Standard Test Method for Hydraulic Bursting Strength of Textile

bursting strength
Fabrics-Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method

Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles-Constant-Rate-of-

bursting strength
Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test

Test Method for Deterioration of Geotextiles from Exposure to Degradation in breaking

Ultraviolet Light and Water (Xenon-Arc Type Apparatus) strength

Standard Test Methods for Water Permeability of Geotextiles by

Permittivity, Permeability
Permittivity
Standard Test Method for Index Trapezoidal Tearing Strength of
trapezoidal tearing strength
Geotextiles

Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide- tensile strength, elongation,
Width Strip Method tensile modulus

Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles grab strength, elongation
Design Method
Geotextile
Design by
COST AND AVAILABILITY
The geotextile with best properties for the primary
function intended is then selected within the unit price
limit and according to its availability. The funds
available are divided by the area to be covered, and a
maximum available unit price that can be allocated for
the geotextile is calculated
Design by
SPECIFICATION
In this method, several application categories are listed
in association with various physical, mechanical,
hydraulic, and/or endurance properties.
The combined category of separation/stabilization
/reinforcement is distinguished by the condition of the
soil subgrade, thickness of aggregate base course, and
type of vehicular loading
Design by
FUNCTION
Assesing the primary function that the geotextile will
be asked to serve and then calculating the required
numerical value of a particular property for that
function.
Factor of safety = allow. Property/required property
= test / design
Properties of Geogrids and test method
Physical Properties
• Density – the density or specific property of geogrids depends upon the polymers, it is made by
HDPE or PP and its density measure using ASTM D792 or D1505.
• Out of plane bending stiffness – geogrids that is of direct insofar as constructability is concern.
• This can be measure using ASTM D1388, a test for flexural rigidity. This test the rigidity over an
inclined plane with the degree of 41.5 and its rate by mass per unit area.
• Flexural rigidity values more than 1000g-cm in this test.
• In-plane torsional stiffness – it is measure based on the courses and soft soil
foundation stabilization
• Clamping a bidirectional geogrid test specimen in the rigid frame and firmly gripping the central
node.
• The torque is applied and the angular rotation versus the geogrid resistance is measure.
• The flexible geogrid response initially low but after a 5 to 10 degree rotation the resisting force
increase.
Mechanical Properties
– Single rib junction (node) strength – the initial tendency to pull a single rib in tension until failure
and note its behaviour , and second evaluate the in- isolation junction strength by pulling the
transfer rib junction.
– Single rib tension strength test is in constant rate-of-extension to failure that is describe in ASTM
D6637. In unidirectional is likely be Longitudinal and Bidirectional is both longitudinal and transverse
ribs.
– In-Isolation junction or Node strength test the lower portion of rib gripped the longitudinal to standard
clamp and mounted to testing machine, where the test specimen is pulled apart and the strength of the
junction will be evaluated and it vary essentially from 100 to 7%.
– Wide-width tensile strength – the tensile strength depend on the machine direction for unidirectional,
and both machine and cross machine for bidirectional geogrids.
 – Two procedural test method
– The used of ASTM 6637 the measuring of single strength or multiple rib strength.
– The used of ISO 10319 for wide strength testing that provide wide length of specimen prescribe.

– shear strength – it is adapted from the geotechnical engineering shear test that
measure the normal, minimum and the maximum shear.
– The geogrid is fixed to the block and force to slide over stationary soil in the shear box being subjected and subjected
to the normal stress. And the maximum shear is obtain.
– Then new test with replicated geogrid specimen and soil is conducted.
– The test is repeated until it develop the set of shear strength-versus-normal stress point.
– Graph the shear strength parameter properly, called Mohr columned failure envelop.
– The comparison or the efficiency measure
Ec = (ca/c) x 100 ; Eø = (tan δ/ tan ø)
Ec= efficiency of cohesion ;Eø= efficiency on friction ;ca = adhesion of soil to geogrids
c = cohesion of soil to soil ;δ = friction angle of soil to geogrids ;ø = friction angle of soil to soil
– Anchorage strength of soil pull-out – the intrinsic merit of geogrids pull- out resistance. It is
comparison test between steel grids, steel plate, polymer geogrids and polymer geonet.
– The anchorage strength and pull-out resistance is a result of three separate mechanism.
1. Shear strength along the top and bottom of the longitudinal ribs of geogrids.
2. Shear strength contribution along the top and the bottom of the transverse rib of geogrid.
3. Passive resistance against the front of the transverse ribs.
4. Passive state and resist pull-out by means of bearing capacity of soil.
Endurance Properties and Test
– Installation damage – it require construction planning and care when installation. The higher
strength loss when careless handling.
– Tension creep behaviour – it is to sustain load deformation and tension creep. All geogrid
material consist of long-chain molecules. Reduction strength is 0 to 30% and ISO 10722.
– Creep rapture behaviour – testing for that cause specimens failure relatively in short period of
time.
– Accelerating testing method – both tension creep and creep rapture can be evaluated by recognizing
the testing temperature to accelerate the relevant mechanism.
– Two vibration testing

– TTS (time-temperature-suspension) test by standard ASTM D5292 individual test

specimen for each temperature step and load increment.
– SIM (Stepped Isothermal Method) as per ASTM D6992 test specimen and cascade
measurement at each temperature increment.
Degradation Issue
– All types of geogrids being used in permanent reinforcement application to evaluate deferent
degradation consideration.
– Temperature effect – temperature extreme, high temperature exacerbate strain arising tension creep, creep
rapture and/or stress relaxation.
– Oxidation effect – long term mechanism applicable for polyolefin degradation.
– Hydrolysis effect – long term mechanism applicable for polyester degradation.
– Chemical effect – laboratory can be utilize ASTM D5322 and fallow by ASTM D6213 for actual geogrid test.
– Radioactive effect – high level of radio active material are intimidate vicinity, low-level and mixed radioactive
material shall pose.
– Biological effect – microorganism on high crystallinity polyester fibber would probably unaffected.
– Stress crack resistance – high crystalline polymer are sometime sensitive in buckling while under stress.
– Sunlight UV effect – UV degradation can occur overtime
 Thank you
Mikka Dianne M. Pamado
Jasper H. Nolido
Arlyn A. Carabot
Cyvince Rey Abadiano
Fuji D. Catarig
–
 PROPERTIES and TEST
METHODS
1. Physical Properties – manufactured or as-received
condition; being index test

• Density/Specific Gravity – important property and it can

be evaluated either by ASTM D1505 or D792

• Thickness – using ASTM D5199 or ISO 9863, measured

under a normal pressure of 20 kPa

• Mass per unit Area (Weight) – given in units of grams

per square meter (g/m2). Test using ASTM D5261 or ISO
9864, usually in the range of 800 to 1600 g/m2.
PROPERTIES and TEST METHODS

• Rib Dimensions
• Planar Angles
• Cross-planar angles
• Aperture size and shape

- directly and are straightforward to obtain.

 PROPERTIES and TEST
METHODS
2. Mechanical Properties – geotextiles resistance to tensile
stresses mobilized from applied loads and/or installation
conditions.

• Compressive Strength and Deformation – using 150

mm square test specimens normally loaded under a
constant strain rate load of 0.05 mm/min

• Tensile Strength and elongation

• Shear Strength – using ASTM D413

- ASTM D5321 or ISO 12957.1
PROPERTIES and TEST METHODS
3. Hydraulic Properties

• Transmissivity – ASTM D4716 or ISO 12958

- both test methods use a planar transmissivity
device and not the radial transmissivity device that was
described and illustrated in section 2.3.4 on geotextiles
PROPERTIES and TEST METHODS

4. Endurance Properties
• Type of Polyethylene Resin –
-lower density resins ( 0.945 mg/l) more flexible and
can deform under high compressive stresses easily.
- high density resins (0.950 mg/l) results to relatively
high modulus, high strength, and high creep resistance
• Intrusion of Adjacent Materials
- deformation of flexible covering materials,
primarily geotextiles, occupying some of the geonet’s void
space
PROPERTIES and TEST METHODS
• Creep Behavior
- time-temperature superposition (including
the stepped isothemal method) may be
appropriate

Creep testing machine

PROPERTIES and TEST METHODS
4. Endurance Properties

• Extrusion of Clay Materials

5. Environmental Properties

• Temperature effects
• Nature of Liquid
• Biological Growth
• Resistance to light and weather
 PROPERTIES and TEST METHODS
6. Allowable Flow Rate

F.S = qallowable/qrequired
Where:
qallowable = allowable flow rate as obtained by laboratory
testing.
qrequired = allowable floe rate as obtained from design of the
actual system
Geomembrane
Properties
and
Test Methods
GEOMEMBRANE PROPERTIES AND TEST METHODS

Many geomembrane test methods and standards are available or are

being developed by standards-setting organization around the world. Individual
test methods will be grouped into three categories: (1) physical properties,
(2) mechanical properties and (3) endurance properties.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

THICKNESS

Smooth Sheet. ASTM D5199 and ISO 09863 are the test methods generally used.
– Nonreinforced geomembranes - 0.5 to 3 mm.
– Scrim-reinforced - 0.91 to 1.55 mm.

Textured Sheet. The thickness is measured as the minimum thickness between the
roughened peaks or asperities.
– ASTM D5994

Asperity Height . To measure the height of asperities is still useful as a quality control and
quality assurance method. A number of measurements is taken across the roll width and an
average asperity height is obtained and compared with the specification value.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

DENSITY. It is dependent on the base material from which the geomembrane is made. The relevant test
methods are ASTM D792 and ISO R1183.
– 0.85 to 1.5 mg/l – geomembrane polymers
– ≥0.941 mg/l – ASTM required density for HPDE geomembrane
– 0.934 to 0.938 mg/l polyethylene resin – used by commercially available HPDE geomembranes,
only by adding carbon black and additives to the mixture raised its density to 0.941 or slightly higher.

MELT (FLOW) INDEX/ MI.

ASTM D1238 is the test method often used for
geomembrane polymers. The MI value is the weight of extrude
material in grams for a 10 min flow duration. The higher the
value, the lower the density of the polymer. High MI values
suggest a lower molecular weight and vice versa.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

MASS PER UNIT AREA (WEIGHT). It can be determined using a carefully measured area of a
representative specimen and accurately measuring its mass (g/𝑚2 ). Follows ASTM D1910 procedure.

WATER-VAPOR TRANSMISSION. Water vapor is used as permeant and diffusion is the fundamental
mechanism of permeation to assess the relative impermeability of geomembranes. The ASTM method is
covered under E96.

SOLVENT-VAPOR TRANSMISSION. Concept of permselectivity for containing liquids other than water.
The test is parallel to E96 (WVT test) except now the solvent of interest is placed within the cup.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

TENSILE BEHAVIOR (INDEX). The test procedures are generally covered in ASTM D6693 or ISO 5273
as well as ASTM D6932, D882, D751 AND D413. Specimen’s original width and thickness are used to
calculate stress and the original gage length to calculate strain.

TENSILE BEHAVIOR (WIDE-WIDTH). A width of 200 mm will be used for testing (as for geotextiles).
D4885 recommends 1.0 mm/min strain rate for testing geomembrane.
– specimen 100 mm long, 200% strain at failure – 3.3 hours to complete the test
– geomembrane with 1000% strain at failure – 16.7 hours

TENSILE BEHAVIOR (AXI-SYMMETRIC). This could be anticipated for a geomembrane used in a landfill
cover placed over differently subsiding solid-waste material. The situation can be modeled by placing the
geomembrane in a large container. The data generated by the test are pressure versus centerpoint deflection
that can be plotted and used directly.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

TENSILE BEHAVIOR OF SEAMS. To determine the strength of a geomembrane seam, a number of tests
are available: typical shear test are ASTM D6932 and D751; typical peel tests are ASTM D882 and 413.

TEAR RESISTANCE. The measurement of tear resistance of a geomembrane can be done in a number of
ways such ASTM D1004, D2263 (trapezoidal tear), D751, D1424, D1938 and ISO 34 .
– nonreinforced geomembrane - 18 to 130 N.
– scrim reinforced geomembrane - 90 t0 450 N.

IMPACT RESISTANCE. Falling objects, including cover soils, can penetrate geomembranes, either causing
leaks themselves or acting as initiating point for tear propagation. ASTM options available: ASTM D1709 or
ISO 13433 (free-falling dart), ASTM D3029 (falling weight), and ASTM D1822, D746 and
D3998 (pendulum types)
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

PUNCTURE RESISTANCE. Geomembranes placed on, or backfilled with soil containing stones, sticks, or
hard debris are vulnerable to puncture during and after loads are placed on them.
– ASTM D4833 – often used for quality control purposes.
– 50-500 N puncture resistance for thin reinforced geomembranes and 200-2000 N for reinforced
geomembranes

INTERFACE SHEAR. Critically important for the proper

design of geomembrane line side slopes of landfills, reservoirs
and canals is the soil-to-geomembrane shear strength.
The experimental setup to evaluate soil-to-
geomembrane friction uses the project-specific type of
geomembrane in one-half of a direct shear box with the
opposing soil surface in the other half .
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

ANCHORAGE. In certain problem situations, a geomembrane might be sandwiched between two materials
and then tensioned by an external force. To simulate this behavior is to use 200 mm wide geomembrane
embedded between back-to-back channels. For design purposes the anchorage depth is being searched
necessary to mobilize the geomembrane’s strength.

STRESS-CRACKING (BENT STRIP). Called environmental stress cracking in ASTM D1693 (only
applicable to semicrystalline materials like HPDE). Defined by ASTM as “ an external or internal rupture
in a plastic caused by tensile stress less than its short-time mechanical strength”.

STRESS-CRACKING (CONSTANT LOAD). Notched constant tension load (NCTL) test, designated
ASTM D5397. Placing centrally notched dumbbell-shaped test specimens under a constant load. Igepal 630 is
the wetting agent and 50° recommended temperature.

STRESS-CRACKING (SINGLE POINT). SP-NCTL test, outlined in the appendix to ASTM D5397. Uses
same type of test specimen and load device but select specific value of stress, in this case 30% of yield stress.
ENDURANCE PROPERTIES

ULTRAVIOLET. Can penetrate polymer structure causing chain scission, bond breaking and surface
degradation. To estimate the UV-exposed lifetime of geomembrane, a number of accelerated laboratory
exposure test are available: ultra-violet fluorescent tube method ASTM G26, ASTM D4355 and ISO
4892 or outdoor weathering tests; ASTM D1435, D3334 or D5970.

RADIOACTIVE DEGRADATION. Radioactivity higher than 106 to 107 rads can cause polymer
degradation via chain scission.

BIOLOGICAL.

Animals. (or burrowing animals) A major concern in soil-buried geomembranes. The stronger, harder
and thicker the geomembrane the better its resistance to animal attack.

Funji. Yeast, molds and mushrooms. Numbers can be very large as much as 10-20 million per gram of
dry soil. ASTM G21 deals with the resistance of plastics to fungi.

Bacteria. 1 billion per gram of soil. The test method for evaluation of resistance of plastic to bacteria is
ASTM G22.
ENDURANCE PROPERTIES

CHEMICAL. ASTM D5747 and ISO 175

Physical property tests. Thickness, mass, length, width and hardness

Mechanical property tests. Tensile properties of strength at yield and/or break, elongation at yield
and/or break and modulus along with tear puncture and, impact.

Transport property tests. Test for water– or solvent–vapor transmission through the incubated
geomembrane.

THERMAL.

Warm temperatures. Exposure to heat can cause changes in physical, mechanical or chemical
properties. ASTM D794 is a recommended procedure for determining permanent effect of heat on plastics.
Tubular oven method, ASTM D1870.

Cold temperatures. Decreases flexibility and seams are difficult to make.

ENDURANCE PROPERTIES

THERMAL. OXIDATION.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction.
ASTM D2102 and D2259 for contraction and
D1042 and D1204 for expansion and
dimensional changes.
Whenever a free radical is created, oxygen can
create progressive long-term degradation.
Antioxidation additives are added to the compound to
scavenge these free radicals. The reaction generally
accelerates once triggered (as shown in the equation).
ENDURANCE PROPERTIES

OXIDATION.

Two related methods used to track the amount and/or depletion of antioxidants. They are called
oxidative induction time (OIT) tests, performed with a DSC device:
• Standard OIT (ASTM D3895 or ISO 11357) – 35 kPa and 200℃
• High Pressure OIT (ASTM D5885) – 3500 kPa and 150℃

SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS.

Previous degradation phenomena can likely act simultaneously. For example, a waste containment
geomembane may have anaerobic leachate above it and partially saturated leak detection network containing
oxygen below it. Evaluation of these phenomena is the essence of lifetime prediction .
 THANK YOU
and
God Bless!
ANGCAP, NOKIE
ESPAÑOLA, ABEGAIL
ETEROSA, MECHELLE
MAGSIPOC, MERRY GRACE
QUIZAN, RALPH DARREN
Geo- synthetic Clay Liners (GCLs)
Properties and Test Methods
Prepared by:
Alcantara, Sanie Jr. M. Estolloso, Jay France
Arca, Blaiza ann Simyunn, Xyrel
Cayabo, Emmari D.
 GCLs PROPERTIES AND TEST
METHODS
A. Physical Properties
1.Clay Type. Sodium bentonite is Methylene blue dye
known to have the lowest analysis of American
Petroleum Institute
permeability of any naturally - Methylene blue dye is
occurring geologic material. added to bentonite
pyrophosphate solution in
* Peptizing- Using sodium hydroxide to treat 1 ml increments.
the calcium bentonite , a replacement of the - Dye is added to the
calcium ions occurs, decreasing the solution until a spot of the
permeability to that of the naturally occurring solution forms a blue halo
sodium bentonite. when placed on a filter
* X-ray diffraction (XRD) – precise method of
paper.
determining the composition of clays.
A. Physical Properties
C. Mass Per Unit Area. It
B. Thickness. It usually refers to the follows ASTM D5993.
composite material
*Most GCLs have 3.7 kg/m2 bentonite
3 items influence variations in thickness
measurements:

* Moisture content of the bentonite – can be

controlled by stipulating oven dry test specimens.

Geotextiles thickness variation under pressure -

can be controlled by stipulating a precise pressure.

Variation across the specimen width- due to

needle punching or stitch bonding.
A. Physical Properties
D. Adhesives and Additives.
The adhesives used to bond the
bentonite powder or granules to
themselves and to their adjacent
geotextiles or to geomenbrane
and also polymer bentonites are
proprietary materials.
* Permeability and Swelling test
-used to see that the adhesive or
additive is not detrimental to the
performance of the final product.
E. Coverings.
Properties that are directly
related to the covering
materials:
*Uniformity of bentonite F. Moisture Content.
distribution Bentonite is a very hydrophilic
*Containment of hydrated
mineral.
bentonite during installation &
service lifetime
*Shear strength of geocomposite The value can be as high as
at its two external surfaces and 10%(the shrinkage limit) , still
internally considered as-received or dry
*Puncture resistance of condition.
geocomposite
*Cross plane permeability ASTM D5993 = moisture
*Overlap seam permeability content/ oven dry weight of
specimen
B. Hydraulic Properties

a. Hydration Liquid
*Bentonite, the essential low
permeability component of
GCLs.
-known to hydrate
differently depending upon
the nature of the hydrating
liquid.
5 different of Liquids of hydration
response:
*Distilled water
*Philadelphia tap water
*Mild landfill leachate
*Harsh landfill leachate
*Automotive diesel fuel
B. Hydraulic Properties

c. Moisture Absorption. The

b. Swell Index. The amount of bentonite in GCLs can readily Test Method of
Moisture
swelling of bentonite under zero absorb water from the adjacent
Absorption
normal stress has been formalized soil. They placed samples of GCLs
on sand soils of varying water  ASTM E946 -
in test. To determine
contents from 1 to 17% and
measured the up take of water in the volumetric
Test method of Swell Index:
the GCL. increase of
– * ASTM D5890 -This test, a graduated clay sample as
cylinder if filled with 100ml of water, to its draws
which 2.0g of bentonite is added. water from an
underlying
– GRI Test method GCL-1 -Albeit under a
saturated
very low seating load but one that can be
porous stone.
readily performed in the field as a
conformance test.
B. Hydraulic Properties

d. Fluid loss e.Permeability(Hydraulic Conductivity) and Flux

Test method: The permeability of a GCL should be evaluated under field- simulated
* ASTM D5891 pressure conditions in a flexible wall permeameter.
It is an indirect ASTM D5887, the value in units cu.m per sec-meter squared.
measure of the ASTM D6766 provides such a test protocol in which two variations are
adhesive mentioned.
Initial GCL saturation using water.
characteristics of Saturates the GCL with a specific test liquid.( the most aggressive)
the pore water to Darcy’s formula in terms of flow rate and flux illustrates the numeric procedure:
the clay particles.
C. Mechanical Properties

GCLs placed on side slopes, under high shear stresses,

adjacent to rough or yielding subgrades, under thermal C. Permeability Under
stresses, and so on can readily challenge the individual Deformation
product’s mechanical properties there by affecting its
functionality as a hydraulic barrier.
D. Confined Wide width
tension
A. Wide width tension
Using ASTM D6768, GCLs wide-width tensile E. Axi-symmetric tension
behavior can be evaluated.

B. Permeability of overlap Seam

Using large laboratory test tank 2.4 m long x 1.2 m wide x 0.9 m high with an overlap
seal along the long direction of the tank.
C. Mechanical Properties
F. Direct Shear. Performed using a 100mm
x 100 mm shear box with the center of the
shear specimen located a the split in the
upper and lower shear boxes.
G. Peel Strength. It follows ASTM D6496.
H. Puncture and/or Squeezing
Resistance.
It follows ASTM D4883; which uses
8 mm probe; ASTM D6241, which
uses CBR probe of 50 mm diameter,
& ISO 12236, which uses 50 mm
diameter probe.
D. Endurance Properties

Since the solid component of the barrier material in GCL is clay, its long term integrity is generally assured.
However, the liquid that activates and permeates the bentonite, resulting in its low permeability, is certainly an
issue insofar as moisture barrier endurance is concerned.

Shrink- Swell Freeze- Thaw Absorption Water Breakout Time

Shrink- Swell. Shrinkage can
cause loss of overlap and
even separation at the edges
or ends. If this occurs in the
field, friction with the
underlying surface will
prevent expansion back to
the original overlapped
condition. Thus cover soil,
placed in a timely manner
and sufficiently thick to resist
shrinkage, is necessary.
Freze- Thaw. As the moisture Absorption. The absorption Water Breakout Time. Water
in the bentonite of the GCL capacity of GCLs is important breakout time is of particular
freezes, this causes disruption interest for GCLs used in the
when they are used for
landfill closures. In this point,
of the soil structure, upon landfill liners and interface steady- state seepage will occur
thawing the bentonite is very with the various leachates through the GCL and into the
sel- healing and apparently that they are meant to underlying solid waste. The data
returns to its original state. contain. can be obtained from
permeability test.
Solute Breakout Time
Solute Breakout Time. For GCL placed beneath a landfill of surface impoundment, it is the solute
breakout time ( rather than water) that is of concern. The test method concerning this state is
again the permeability test, but now with the liquid of concern as permeant.
D. Endurance Properties

Geotextile Durability
Geotextile Durability. The durability of geotextile coverings of GCLs, as well the needle- punched fibers o sewing yarns
providing internal reinforcement is same on that of the Geotextiles.
Sunlight. Therefore, Ultraviolet Fluorescent Light Test Method covered under ASTM test methods G53 and D5208 is also
used in testing the durability of GCLs against sunlight.
Temperature. Extreme high temperature causes polymer degradation occur at an accelerated rate. Like Geotextiles,
high temperatures slightly increases flexibility, ASTM D1388 can be used to quantify the behaviour.

Oxidation. While all types of polymers react with oxygen causing degradation, the polyolefins are generally
considered to the most susceptible to this phenomenon. ASTM recommended Practice D794 in this case.

Hydrolytic. Hydrolysis can cause degradation via internal or external fiber or yarn reactions.
Chemical. Exposure of GCLs to particular chemicals can cause it to degrade, ASTM Method D543 covers chemical
degradation. The test method includes provisions or reporting changes in weight, dimensions, appearance and
strength.
Biological. Microorganisms must attached themselves to the fiber of polymer in order to degrade it. Biological
degradation occurs but very rare since all resins used for GCLs are very high in molecular weight with relatively few
chain endings for this process to be initiated.
 GEOPIPES

PROPERTIES
AND TEST METHODS
Ressance Shaienne German
Carl Irvin Marilao
Aljohn Braga
Eric Favila
GEOPIPE PROPERTIES AND TEST METHOD
The traditional materials used for the underground pipelines transmission of water, gas, oil, and
various other liquids have been steel, cast iron, concrete and clay.
PROPERTIES
1.PHYSICAL 2.MECHANICAL 3.CHEMICAL 4.BIOLOGICAL 5.THERMAL

PHYSICAL
1. Wall thickness
The thickness of smooth wall constant thickness pipe can
be measured according to ASTM D2122. It is straight forward
measurement that uses a caliper accurate to o.o2 mm.
2. Diameter
Plastic pipe are generally measured by their outside diameter, and the test procedure
is detailed in ASTM D2122.
GEOPIPE PROPERTIES AND TEST METHOD
3. Standard Dimension Ratio
Importance in comparing different uniform wall pipe diameters and thicknesses with
one another is the standard dimension ratio (SDR). SDR = D / t , SDR-standard dimension ratio; D-
outside pipe diameter; t – minimum pipe thickness.
4. Density
Accurate method is ASTM D1505. A long glass column containing liquid, varying from
high density at the top is used.
Small pieces of the test specimen weighing about 20 to 30 mg are then dropped into
the column after they have been properly cleaned of surface impurities.
5. Vapor transmission
Liquids within a pipe can diffuse through the pipe wall via vapor diffusion and
recondense on the other side.
 GEOPIPE PROPERTIES AND TEST METHOD
6. Polymer identification
The most widely used methods are thermogravimetric analysis ( TGA),
differential scanning analysis ( DSA ), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) etc.

MACHANICAL POPERTIES
1. Concentrated line load test
The most common test for determining the compression stiffnes of plastic pipe
is ASTM D2412. “determination of external loading characteristic by parallel-plate
loading.
2. Hydrostatic Pressure Test
ASTM D1598, consist of subjecting samples of thermoplastic pipe.
3. Sustained load (creep)
Mechanical test just describe can be modified to sustained constant load, and
thus the pipe can be force into a creep mode.
4. Fatigue resistance – For plastic pipe subjected to cyclic loading, fatigue failure of
the pipe or of its joints might be of concern.
Hydrostatic pressure test
GEOPIPE PROPERTIES AND TEST METHOD
6. Impact resistance - Methods are treated in ASTM D256, impact resistance of
plastic and electrical insulating materials .

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
1. Swelling Resistance
Test for liquid absorption and the monitoring of the amount of swelling of a
plactic materials is a standard test ( ASTM D570 ).
2. Chemical resistance – there is no established test procedure for geopipe.
3. Ultraviolet light resistance
Most notable in this latter group is ASTM test : D4355 “ deterioration of
geotextile from exposure to ultraviolet light and water.

BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
The resistance of plastic pipe to animals and to smaller forms of life ( like fungi
and bacteria ) might be considered. Under usual condition, high molecular weight
polymers are not felt to be a source of great concern as to their biological
degradation.
GEOPIPE PROPERTIES AND TEST METHOD

THERMAL PROPERTIES
ASTM test procedures for the warm and cold behavior of plastic. In general it
will be necessary to compression mold flat test samples and, as such, it is a polymer
compound that is being evaluated and not the final pipe structure.
GEOFOAM
PROPERTIES
AND
TEST METHODS
Raymark Gabayno
Jay Manalo
Mary Jane Mariano
Pedro Oplas
Physical Properties

1. Dimension. Among the physical properties of geofoam are length, width,

and height, but these are straight forward measurements with little
ambiguity.
2. Density. Is measured according to ASTM C578, which result in extremely
low values ranging from 11 to 48kg/m3. Also one person can easily handle
and maneuver extremely large blocks of geofoam.
3. Moisture Absorption. The maximum absorption is about 0.3% by volume,
per ASTM C578, and its effect is to somewhat reduce the R-value.
4. Oxygen Index. Since geofoam is readily combustible, an oxygen index (OI)
test method is necessary for its evaluation.
Mechanical Properties
1. Compression Behavior. The compressive strength of a geofoam specimen is
measured according to ASTM C165 or D1621 and uses a cube of 50mm
dimensions.
2. Compression Creep Behavior. It is clearly seen in the EPS behavior that
tertiary creep can be entered if too high a load is applied.
3. Tension and Flexure Resistance. ASTM C1623 evaluates the tensile strength
of geofoam using a dumbbell-shaped specimen of 645mm cross section at its
narrowest location.
4. Shear Strength. Internal, external between geofoam blocks, and external to
other surfaces such as soil or a geomembrane.
5. Other Mechanical Tests. Cyclic load or fatigue behavior.
Thermal Properties

1. Thermal Resistance. ASTM C578 measures thermal resistance in terms of

an R-value, which is the resistance to heat flow in a unit width of
geofoam
2. Thermal Cycling. In some applications the temperature cycles and hence
the resulting R-values fluctuate.
Endurance Properties

1. Chemical Resistance. Geofoam is readily attacked by hydrocarbons of all

types. Other organic fluids, and perhaps even vapors, are potential
degradation environments.
2. Ultraviolet Degradation. Initial discoloration followed by degradation ill
result for geofoam subjected to long-term UV exposure.
3. Flammability. Geofoam is combustible and for this reason it should be
backfilled as soon as possible.
4. Biological Degradation. Since polystyrene contains no food source, algae
and fungi will not consume it, but infestation by insects and the like has
occurred.
5. Lifetime Prediction.
Test Methods of Geofoam

 The development of ASTM D6817 (see Technical Bulletin geofoam no.

5001), for EPS Geofoam has led to standardization in the testing of samples.
Prior to the development of ASTM D6817, an industry consensus on the
testing of samples for compressive resistance properties was not available.
Two inch cube samples are specified by ASTM D6817.
 AFM Corporation has conducted testing in accordance with ASTM D1621
“Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics” using
two inch cube samples.
 Foam-Control supports the publishing of compressive resistance values
related to EPS geofoam on 2 inch cube samples loaded at a 0.2 inches per
minute as specified in ASTM D6817.
Understanding ASTM Standards for Geofoam
January 2003(Revised September 2007)
GEOCOMPOSITES
 GEOCOMPOSITES
PROPERTIES
-The basic philosophy behind geocomposite materials is to combine the best features of different
materials in such a way that specific applications are addressed in the optimal manner and at minimum
cost.
- Thus, the benefit/cost ratio is maximized. Such geocomposites will generally be geosynthetic
materials, but not always. In some cases it may be more advantageous to use a nonsynthetic material
with a geosynthetic one for optimum performance and/or least cost.
- The composites are used as underlays in order to reinforce subgrades, railway
sub soils, building yards and car parks, stabilise and protect against the erosion
of slopes, construct retaining walls and standalone walls out of the ground,
strengthen river channels, shores, landfills, etc.
- it is a material manufactured of at least two geosyntetic products combined
with each other the following ways: mechanically (stitching through, needling),
thermally (welding) or chemically (glue) used in contact with the ground, rocks
and other geotechnical materials in engineering constructions.
These geocomposites are useful in buildings to prevent water erosion processes. Constructions built
using geotextiles often serve very important functions, that is why these constructions have to
operate together with carefully selected geotextiles which are to separate, filter, protect, drain and
also strengthen.
Geocomposite

Test method
Goetextile test method

– Tear test- geotextile are often subjected to tearing stresses. Although a

test simulating such situation is important, it will seen that the methods
developed to date can very widely in their response.
– Impact test- test that measures impact resistance directly in energy units
(Joules) has been developed for Elmendorf tear apparatus.
– Puncture test- describe for an impact resistance, there is need for an
assessment of geotextile resistance to object such as stone and stumps
under quasi-static condition.
Geogrid testing method

– Accelerated testing method- both tension creep and creep rupture can be
evaluated more rapidly than conventionally done by recognizing the
elevated testing temperature accelerates the relevant mechanisms.
Geomembrane test method

– Physical property test- for thickness, mass, length, width andhardness

and are easiest and most straightforward to perform.
– Mechanical property test- the tensile test property of strength at yield
an/or break, elongation at yield and/or break, and modulus along with
tear, puncture and impact are the usual values measured.
– Transport property test- the most sensitive tests to perform (and
undoubtedly the most difficult) are test for water –or solvent- vapor
transmission through the incubated geomembrane.