ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods for Reinforced Geomembranes by the Strip Tensile Method
 N D7747/D7747M

Annotation

This test method describes destructive quality control tests used to determine the integrity of thermo-fusion seams made with reinforced geomembranes. Test procedures are described for seam tests for peel and shear properties using strip specimens.

The types of thermal field and factory seaming techniques used to construct geomembrane seams include the following:

Hot Air—This technique introduces high-temperature air between two geomembrane surfaces to facilitate melting. Pressure is applied to the top or bottom geomembrane, forcing together the two surfaces to form a continuous bond.

Hot Wedge—This technique melts the two geomembrane surfaces to be seamed by running a hot metal wedge between them. Pressure is applied to the top and bottom geomembrane to form a continuous bond. Some seams of this kind are made with dual tracks separated by a non-bonded gap. These seams are sometimes referred to as dual hot wedge seams or double-track seams.

Extrusion—This technique encompasses extruding molten resin between two geomembranes or at the edge of two overlapped geomembranes to effect a continuous bond.

Radio Frequency (RF) or Dielectric—High frequency dielectric equipment is used to generate heat and pressure to form an overlap seam in factory fabrication.

Impulse—Clamping bars heated by wires or a ribbon melts the sheets clamped between them.Acooling period while still clamped allows the polymer to solidify before being released.

The types of materials covered by this test method include, but are not limited to, reinforced geomembranes made from the following polymers: