D 6768 - 03
D 6768 - 03
1. Scope
1.1 The test method establishes the procedures for the
measurement of tensile strength of Geosynthetic Clay Liner
(GCL). This test method is strictly an index test method to be
used to verify the tensile strength of GCLs. Results from this
test method should not be considered as an indication of actual
or long-term performance of the geosynthetic(s) in field
applications.
1.2 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
Values in pound units are in parentheses for information.
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 76 Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles2
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles2
D 2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens
for Textiles2
D 4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics3
D 5889 Practice for Quality Control of Geosynthetic Clay
Liners3
D 6072 Guide for Obtaining Samples of Geosynthetic Clay
Liners3
3. Terminology
3.1 geosynthetic, na product manufactured wholly or in
part from polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or
other geotechnical engineering related material as an integral
part of a project, structure, or system.
D 4439
6. Apparatus
6.1 Tensile Testing Machine, a constant rate of extension
(CRE) type of testing machine described in Specification D 76
shall be used with a minimum precision measuring capability
of 0.1 N/m (5.71 3 10-4 lbf/in.).
Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 6768 03
9.4.2 If a specimen slips in the jaws, or if for any reason
attributable to faulty operation the results fall significantly
below the average for the set of specimens, discard the results
and test another specimen. Continue until the required number
of readings has been taken.
10. Calculation
10.1 Tensile StrengthCalculate the tensile strength as read
directly from the test instrument expressed in N/m (lbf/in.) of
width, using the following equation:
afn 5
afn
a5W
s
where:
afn = average recorded peak tensile strength for specimen,
N (lbf),
a
= tensile strength of the GCL, N/m (lbf/in.), and
Ws = specified specimen width, m (in.).
11. Report
11.1 Report the following information on tensile strength of
GCLs.
11.1.1 All specimen values and average peak tensile
strength/unit width to the nearest 0.1 N/m (lbf/in.).
11.1.2 If requested, the standard deviation, coefficient of
variation, or both.
11.1.3 Sample identification (for example, sample no., roll
no., or other traceable identifier).
11.1.4 Type of GCL tested.
11.1.5 Type of testing machine and upper limit of load.
11.1.6 Full scale force range used for testing.
11.1.7 A statement of any departure from the suggested
testing procedures so that the results can be evaluated and used.
11.1.8 Note any cause or need for testing additional specimens due to rupture of the geotextile(s) during test, damage to
specimen from the grips, etc.
11.2 Identification of testing agency, person performing the
test, date of test and client or project identification.
11.3 Verification that the rupture of the GCL occurred.
8. Conditioning
8.1 The test specimen shall be tested as received.
9. Procedure
9.1 Obtain SpecimensUsing the die, or template and
razor, and other necessary apparatus, carefully cut from the
laboratory sample five (5) test specimens. The five specimens
should be randomly selected from locations on the sample, but
should be distributed across the sample. All specimens should
be cut parallel to the machine direction.
9.2 Machine Set-Up ConditionsAdjust the distance between the clamps at the start of the test to 100 6 3 mm (4 6
0.1 in.). Set the CRE at 300 mm/min (12 in./min).
9.3 Insertion of Specimen in ClampsMount the specimen
centrally in the clamps. The specimen must be visually
observed 25 mm (1 in.) extend past the clamp. The specimen
length in the machine direction must be parallel to the direction
of application of force.
9.4 Measurement of Tensile StrengthStart the tensile testing machine. The maximum tensile force of the GCL past
complete rupture will signify a complete test of the specimen.
9.4.1 Readings of force and time shall be taken at a
minimum rate of 20 readings per second.
D 6768 03
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