Liner materials that can perform in the toughest applications
August 1st, 2022
Q: I am working on a 60 mil (1.5 mm) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that will receive septage leachate. The pH will be below 5 and probably lower. I am looking for technical literature on liner performance at pH levels possibly as low as 2. Thank you for your assistance. A: There are several options. Due […]
Geotextile impact testing
June 1st, 2022
Q: We would like to carry out an impact test on geotextiles as described in Koerner (2012), Chapter 2.3.3 Mechanical Properties-Impact Test and Chapter 2.5.5 Impact (Tear) Resistance. I came across the Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) GS2 Test Method for Rupture Strength of Geosynthetics by Pendulum Impact testing standard. My questions regard the test apparatus […]
ASTM formed dimple board standard
June 1st, 2022
Q: Which American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test would you recommend for tear evaluation of formed dimple board? I am aware of D1004, but can this test be performed on formed dimple board? A: ASTM has five tear methods commonly used in geosynthetics. They are listed below. ASTM D751 Trouser Tear (4 × […]
Geotextile grab test methods
June 1st, 2022
Q: I know the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approves several grips (the requirement is they be “flat”) to perform ASTM D4632 and ASTM D5034. We use a hard, smooth rubber surface for the woven geotextile and a slightly serrated surface for the nonwoven geotextile. One of our customers is using a smooth […]
Pipe penetrations through geomembranes
June 1st, 2022
Q: Is there a recommended detail that you can provide or point me toward for pipe penetrations through geomembrane single and double liners? A: You should review American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6497 Standard Guide for Mechanical Attachment of Geomembranes to Penetrations or Structures. It is excellent, with three tried-and-true standard details that […]
Eric Blond nominated chairman of ASTM D35.10 Subcommittee on Geomembranes
May 12th, 2022
Photo courtesy of Eric Blond. Eric Blond has been nominated chairman of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes. The ASTM Subcommittee D35.10 develops standard test methods, specifications, guides and practices dealing with geomembranes. ASTM International is one of the world's largest international standards developing organizations and is considered a […]
Christopher honored with 2018 Koerner award and lecture series
February 1st, 2019
The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), led by a Koerner awardee selection task force, chose Barry R. Christopher, Ph.D., P.E., as the recipient of the 2018 Robert M. Koerner Award and Lecture Series. The award and lecture series is named for Robert M. Koerner, Ph.D., the founder and director emeritus of the Geosynthetic Institute and professor […]
Barry R. Christopher honored with 2018 Koerner award and lecture series
September 11th, 2018
The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), led by a Koerner awardee selection task force, selected Barry R. Christopher, Ph.D., P.E., as the recipient of the 2018 Dr. Robert M. Koerner Award and Lecture Series. The award and lecture series is named for Dr. Robert M. Koerner, Ph.D., the founder and director emeritus of the Geosynthetic Institute […]
Geocomposite lamination strength ASTM test method: Time for an update
August 1st, 2018
Recent project experience that included continuous peel testing across the roll width of geocomposite materials has shed light on the issue of peel strength between geotextiles and geonets that are heat-bonded together. The variability of peel strength across a roll width is found to be much greater than expected, with the typical standard deviation often […]
WisDOT publishes study on geotextile puncture test methods
June 1st, 2018
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funded research into puncture test methods for geotextiles, and the report from this study is now available online. Various tests are conducted to assess and classify a geotextile’s suitability for different applications. One of these tests is the puncture strength test. This test […]