ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Seams Used in Joining Geomembranes by Pre-manufactured Taped Methods
 N D7272

Annotation

This test method describes destructive quality control and/or quality assurance tests to determine the integrity of seams produced using taped seaming methods. This test method presents the procedures used for determining the quality of taped seams subjected to both peel and shear tests. These test procedures are intended for non-reinforced and reinforced geomembranes.

The types of tape seaming techniques used to construct geomembrane seams include the following.

Inseam Tape—This technique requires the membrane to be overlapped a minimum distance. The top sheet is folded back and both the bottom sheet and the top sheet are primed with an adhesive primer. The primer is allowed to flash-off. The tape adhesive is applied to the bottom sheet so that a minimum of the tape will extend out from under the top sheet when laid over the tape. The top sheet is allowed to lay flat over the tape and the release paper is removed by pulling it at a 45 to 90 degree angle, keeping the release paper flat to the surface of the bottom sheet. The seam area is then rolled with a silicone sleeved roller.

Cover Strip Tape—This technique requires the membrane to be overlapped a minimum distance. An area either side of the seam edge is primed. The primer is allowed to flash-off. The cover strip is applied with the adhesive side down centered over the top sheet edge while removing the release paper as it proceeds along centered over the edge of the top sheet. The cover strip is then rolled with a silicone sleeved roller.

For nondestructive test methods, see Practice D4437.

This test method is applicable for seaming processes that use tape adhesive as a seaming mechanism.