4.1 Significance—The increased use of geomembranes as barrier materials to restrict fluid migration from one location to another in various applications, and the various types of seaming methods used in joining geomembrane sheets, has created a need to standardize tests by which the various seams can be compared and the quality of the seam systems can be evaluated. This test method is intended to meet such a need.

4.2 Use—Accelerated seam test provides information as to the status of the field seam. Data obtained by this test method should be used with site-specific contract plans, specification, and CQC/CQA documents. This test method is useful for specification testing and for comparative purposes, but does not necessarily measure the ultimate strength that the seam may acquire.

1.1 This test method covers an accelerated, destructive test method for geomembranes in a geotechnical application.

1.2 This test is applicable to field-fabricated geomembranes that are scrim reinforced or nonreinforced.

1.3 This test method is applicable for field seaming processes that use a chemical fusion agent or bodied chemical fusion agent as the seaming mechanism.

1.4 Subsequent decisions as to seam acceptance criteria are made according to the site-specific contract plans, specification, and CQC/CQA documents.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.6 Hazardous Materials—The use of the oven in this test method may accelerate fume production from the test specimen and solvent(s) used to bond them.

1.7 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.

1.8 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.