ASTM D8172/D8172M-18 (2023)e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D8172/D8172M-18 (2023)e1 — Standard Test Method for Shear and Peel Strength of Solvent‑Welded Seams with Nonreinforced Geomembranes. This designation covers destructive quality‑control and quality‑assurance procedures used to evaluate the shear and peel integrity of seams made by adhesive or chemical fusion methods for nonreinforced geomembranes.

Abstract

This test method defines two specimen‑sampling and preparation techniques (Method A for seams without a testing flap and Method B for seams that produce a testing flap) and specifies tensile/peel test procedures to determine seam strength. It is intended primarily for PVC‑based nonreinforced geomembranes but is not limited to PVC; SI and inch‑pound units are provided as separate systems.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: Original approval/edition: February 1, 2018 (D8172‑18); current designation with editorial change: D8172/D8172M‑18 (2023)e1 (documents updated in 2023, editorial change e1 issued in 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: ICS 91.100.99 (Other construction materials / geosynthetics).
• Edition / version: D8172/D8172M‑18 (2023)e1 (2018 edition with 2023 editorial change).
• Number of pages: 5 pages (official document length).

Scope

The standard provides destructive test procedures to determine the integrity of geomembrane seams produced by adhesive and chemical fusion (solvent‑welded) methods and is intended for nonreinforced geomembranes only. Two sampling/specimen preparation methods are described to accommodate seams that do or do not form a testable flap; procedures include shear and peel testing using tensile testing equipment. The standard also notes safety and hazardous‑materials considerations for solvents used in seaming.

Key topics and requirements

• Destructive quality‑control tests for seam shear strength and peel strength.
• Two specimen preparation methods: Method A (no flap) and Method B (with flap).
• Intended for nonreinforced geomembranes and commonly applied to PVC‑based materials (not limited to PVC).
• Separate SI and inch‑pound unit systems — values in each system are to be regarded independently.
• References to related test equipment and ASTM test methods (e.g., tensile testing machine standards used for shear/peel measurements).

Typical use and users

Used by geomembrane fabricators, installation contractors, independent testing laboratories, quality assurance/quality control personnel on construction and containment projects (e.g., landfills, ponds, reservoirs), and specifiers/regulators who require documented seam performance for nonreinforced geomembrane installations.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or associated standards include other geomembrane test methods and seam integrity practices such as ASTM D7272 (integrity of seams made with premanufactured taped methods), D5323 (secant modulus for polyethylene geomembranes), D6636 (ply adhesion for reinforced geomembranes), and other D35 committee documents covering geomembrane testing.

Keywords

shear strength; peel strength; solvent‑welded seams; chemical fusion; nonreinforced geomembrane; PVC geomembrane; seam testing; quality control; quality assurance; geosynthetics.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D8172/D8172M‑18 (2023)e1 is a standard test method that specifies destructive procedures for measuring the shear and peel strength of solvent‑welded (adhesive/chemical fusion) seams in nonreinforced geomembranes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen sampling and preparation (two methods), tensile/peel test procedures, applicable materials (primarily PVC‑based nonreinforced geomembranes but not restricted to PVC), unit systems, and safety considerations for solvents used in seaming.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fabricators, installers, QA/QC teams, testing laboratories, specifiers and regulators involved in geomembrane containment systems such as liners for landfills, ponds, and reservoirs.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is active. The current designation references the 2018 edition (D8172‑18) with an editorial change noted as (2023)e1; updates to the document were recorded in 2023. Users should consult ASTM for the official status and any later amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the geomembrane/geosynthetics suite of standards under ASTM Committee D35 (Subcommittee D35.10 for geomembranes) and is typically used alongside other D35 test methods and guides addressing seam integrity and geomembrane properties.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Shear, peel, solvent‑welded seam, chemical fusion, nonreinforced geomembrane, PVC, quality control, tensile testing.