Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642

Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594—Geomembrane Liner

1. Scope HDPE —The HDPE liner shall meet the requirements
This specification covers the quality of High Density specified in Geosynthetics Research Institute (GRI)
Polyethylene (HDPE), Linear Low Density Polyethyl- Test Method GM13. Selected property values are
ene (LLDPE), Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer reproduced in tables 594–1 and 594–2 for smooth and
(EPDM), Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), Flexible Polypro- textured HDPE, respectively.
pylene (fPP), woven Polyethylene (PE-R) geomem-
brane liners, seams, gaskets, metal battens, bolts, LLDPE—The LLDPE liner shall meet the require-
embed channels, clamps, and sealant. ments specified in GRI Test Method GM17 (smooth
and textured LLDPE) and GM25 (reinforced LLDPE).
Selected property values are reproduced in tables
2. Material
594–3 through 594–5 for smooth, textured, and rein-
Liner—The liner shall have a nominal thickness as
forced LLDPE, respectively.
specified. The liner shall be manufactured to be suit-
able for use in the specified exposed or buried con-
A reinforced LLDPE liner shall consist of one ply of
ditions. It shall conform to the requirements of this
reinforcing polyester (scrim) between two sheets of
specification, Construction Specification 97, and the
LLDPE. The polyester scrim shall be of an open weave
requirements shown on the drawings.
that permits strike-through of the LLDPE.
Gaskets, metal battens, clamps, bolts, embed
EPDM—The EPDM liner shall meet the requirements
channels, welding rod, adhesive, and sealant—
specified in GRI Test Method GM21. Selected property
Gasket material shall be neoprene, closed-cell medium,
values are reproduced in tables 594–6 and 594–7 for
0.25 inch thick, with adhesive on one side, or other
nonreinforced and reinforced EPDM, respectively.
gasket material as approved by the liner manufacturer.
Metal battens shall be 0.25-inch-thick by 2-inch-wide
PVC—The PVC liner shall meet the requirements
stainless steel. Clamps shall be 0.5-inch-wide stainless
specified in ASTM D7176. Selected property values are
steel. Bolts shall be stainless steel. The embed channel
reproduced in table 594–8.
and welding rod shall have the same properties as the
liner, as recommended by the manufacturer. Adhesive
fPP—The fPP liner shall meet the requirements speci-
shall be approved by the manufacturer and shall con-
fied in GRI Standard GM18. Selected property values
sist of material with a life expectancy similar to the
are reproduced in tables 594–9 and 594–10 for nonrein-
liner material. Sealant shall be as recommended by the
forced and reinforced fPP, respectively.
manufacturer. Silicone sealant shall not be used with
PVC liner materials.
A reinforced fPP liner shall consist of one ply of rein-
forcing polyester (scrim) between two sheets of fPP.
Vents and pipe boots—Vents and pipe boots shall
The polyester scrim shall be of an open weave that
be compatible with the liner, as recommended by the
permits strike-through of the fPP.
liner manufacturer.
PE-R—The PE-R liner shall be manufactured from
3. Liner properties woven HDPE scrim with a PE coating on both sides
The liner shall be manufactured from virgin polymers and shall meet the property values specified in table
and other compounding materials. Regrind, reworked, 594–11.
or trim materials shall be from the same manufacturer
and the same formulation as the liner. Recycled mate-
rials shall not be allowed. The liner shall be uniform in
color, thickness, and surface texture. The liner shall be
resistant to fungal or bacterial attack and free of cuts,
abrasions, holes, blisters, contaminants, and other
imperfections.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geomembrane liner—continued

Table 594–1 Requirements for smooth HDPE liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - - - - - - - - - nominal thickness - - - - - - - - - -
30 mil 40 mil 60 mil
Density, g/cc ASTM D1505/D792 0.940 0.940 0.940

Tensile properties ASTM D6693

  yield strength, lb/in (Type IV) 63 84 126
  break strength, lb/in 114 152 228
  yield elongation, % 12 12 12
  break elongation, % 700 700 700

Tear resistance, lb ASTM D1004 21 28 42

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D4833 54 72 108

Carbon black content, % ASTM D1603 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0

Seam properties ASTM D6392

  shear strength, lb/in 57 80 120
  peel strength, lb/in** 45** 60** 91**

* All values, unless specified otherwise, are minimum average roll values as reported for the test method.
** Break shall occur in a ductile mode in the geomembrane adjacent to the seam.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geomembrane liner—continued

Table 594–2 Requirements for textured HDPE liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - - - - - - - nominal thickness - - - - - - - - - -
30 mil 40 mil 60 mil
Density, g/cc ASTM D1505/D792 0.940 0.940 0.940

Asperity height, mills ASTM D7466 10 10 10

Tensile properties ASTM D6693

  yield strength, lb/in Type IV 63 84 126
  break strength, lb/in 45 60 90
  yield elongation, % 12 12 12
  break elongation, % 100 100 100

Tear resistance, lb ASTM D1004 21 28 42

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D4833 45 60 90

Carbon black content, % ASTM D1603 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0

Seam properties ASTM D6392

shear strength, lb/in 57 80 120
  peel strength, lb/in 45** 60** 91**

* All values, unless specified otherwise, are minimum average roll values as reported by the specified test method.
** Break shall occur in a ductile mode in the geomembrane adjacent to the seam.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geomembrane liner—continued

Table 594–3 Requirements for smooth LLDPE liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - - - - - - - - - nominal thickness - - - - - - - - - -
30 mil 40 mil 60 mil
Density, g/cc ASTM D1505/D792 0.939 0.939 0.939

Tensile properties ASTM D6693

  break strength, lb/in Type IV 114 152 228
  break elongation, % 800 800 800

Tear resistance, lb ASTM D1004 16 22 33

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D4833 42 56 84

Carbon black content, % ASTM D1603 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0

Seam properties ASTM D6392

  shear strength, lb/in 45 58 90
  peel strength, lb/in** 38** 50** 75**

* All values, unless otherwise specified, are minimum average roll values as reported for each test method.
** Break shall occur in a ductile mode in the geomembrane adjacent to the seam.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geomembrane liner—continued

Table 594–4 Requirements for textured LLDPE liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - - - - - - - - - nominal thickness - - - - - - - - - -
30 mil 40 mil 60 mil
Density, g/cc ASTM D1505 0.939 0.939 0.939

Asperity height, mills ASTM D7466 10 10 10

Tensile properties ASTM D6693

  break strength, lb/in Type IV 45 60 90
  break elongation, % 250 250 250

Tear resistance, lb ASTM D1004 16 22 33

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D4833 33 44 66

Carbon black content, % ASTM D1603 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0 2.0–3.0

Seam properties ASTM D6392

  shear strength, lb/in 45 60 90
  peel strength, lb/in** 38** 50** 75**
* All values, unless otherwise specified, are minimum average roll values as reported for each test method.
** Break shall occur in a ductile mode in the Geomembrane adjacent to the seam.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geomembrane liner—continued

Table 594–5 Requirements for textured LLDPE liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - - - - - - - - - nominal thickness - - - - - - - - - -
24 mil 36 mil 45 mil
Mass per unit area, lb/ft2 ASTM D5261 0.10 0.15 0.19

Grab tensile properties ASTM D7004

  strength, lb (each direction) 150 200 250
  elongation, % (each direction) 22 22 22

Tear resistance, lb (each direc- ASTM D5884 55 55 55

tion)

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D4833 65 75 85

Ply adhesion, lb ASTM D6636 20 20 20

Coating thickness over manu- Manufacturer's data 7 10 12

facturer's scrim, mil

Seam properties
  shear strength, lb/in ASTM D751 45 60 90
  peel strength, lb/in** ASTM D413 38** 50** 75**
* All values, unless otherwise specified, are minimum average roll values as reported for each test method.
** Break shall occur in a ductile mode in the geomembrane adjacent to the seam.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geomembrane liner—continued

Table 594–6 Requirements for nonreinforced EPDM liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - nominal thickness - -
45 mil 60 mil

Tensile properties ASTM D412

  break strength, lb/in2 1200 1200
  break elongation, % 300 300

Tear resistance, lb ASTM D1004 12 15

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D4833 30 40

Brittleness temperature, ºF ASTM D2136 <–49 <–49

Seam properties ASTM D7272

  shear strength, lb/in 35 35
  peel strength, lb/in 8 8
* All values, unless specified otherwise, are minimum average roll values as reported for the test method.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geombrane liner—continued

Table 594–7 Requirements for reinforced EPDM liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

nominal thickness

45 mil

Tensile break strength, lb ASTM D751 190

Tear resistance, lb ASTM D5884 130

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D4833 60

Brittleness temperature, °F ASTM D2136 < –49

Seam properties: ASTM D7272

  shear strength, lb/in** 35
  peel strength, lb/in*** 8

* All values, unless specified otherwise, are minimum average roll values as reported for the test method.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geombrane liner—continued

Table 594–8 Requirements for PVC liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - nominal thickness - -

30 mil 40 mil

Specific gravity ASTM D792 1.2 1.2

Tensile properties: ASTM D882

Break strength, lb/in 73 97
Break elongation, % 380 430

Tear strength, lb ASTM D1004 8 10

Low temperature impact, °C ASTM D1790 < –29 <-29

Dimensional stability, % (maximum) ASTM D1204 3 3

Hydrostatic resistance, lb/in2 ASTM D751 100 120

Seam properties: ASTM D 882

Shear strength, lb/in 58 77
Peel strength, lb/in 15 15
* All values, unless specified otherwise, are minimum average roll values as reported for the test method.

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Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geombrane liner—continued

Table 594–9 Requirements for nonreinforced fPP liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - nominal thickness - -
30 mil 40 mil

Mass per unit area, lb/ft2 ASTM D5261 0.12 0.16

Tensile properties: ASTM D6693

Break strength, lb/in (Type IV) 60 72
Break elongation, % 700 700

Tear resistance, lb ASTM D1004 10 12

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D4833 25 30

Carbon black content, % ASTM D4218 2–3 2–3

Brittleness temperature, °C ASTM D2136 <–40 <–40

Seam properties: ASTM D6392/D6214** <–40 <–40

Shear strength, lb/in 25 30
Peel strength, lb/in 20*** 25***
* All values, unless specified otherwise, are minimum average roll values as reported for the test method.
** ASTM D6392 shall be used for thermally welded seams and D6214 for chemically welded seams.
*** Break shall occur in a ductile mode in the geomembrane adjacent to the seam.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geombrane liner—continued

Table 594–10 Requirements for reinforced PP liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

- - - nominal thickness - - -
36 mil 45 mil

Mass per unit area, lb/ft2 ASTM D5261 0.15 0.18

Tensile properties:
Grab strength, lb ASTM D7004 200 250
Break elongation, % ASTM D751 22 22

Tear resistance, lb ASTM D5884 55 55

Puncture resistance, lb ASTM D 4833 75 85

Ply adhesion, lb ASTM D 6636 15 15

Carbon black content, % ASTM D4218 2–3 2–3

Brittleness temperature, °C ASTM D2136 < –40 < –40

Coating thickness over ASTM D7613 10 12

scrim, mil (Annex A1)

Seam properties:
Shear strength, lb/in ASTM D751 200 200
Peel strength, lb/in ASTM D413 20** 20**
* All values, unless specified otherwise, are minimum average roll values as reported for the test method.
** Break shall occur in a ductile mode in the geomembrane adjacent to the seam.

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Chapter 3 National Standard Material Part 642
Specifications National Engineering Handbook

Material Specification 594 Geombrane liner—continued

Table 594–11 Requirements for reinforced, slit film, woven PE liner

Property Test methods Requirements*

nominal thickness
24 mil

Mass per unit area, oz/yd2 ASTM D1910 12

Tensile properties:
Grab strength, lb/in (either direction) ASTM D751 330
Break elongation, % (either direction) ASTM D751 29

Tear resistance, lb (either direction) ASTM D751 74

Puncture resistance, lb/in2 ASTM D4833 182

Carbon black content, % ASTM D1603 2–3

Brittleness temperature, ºC ASTM D2136 -40

Hydrostatic resistance, lb/in2 ASTM D751A 310

Coating thickness over manufacturer’s data 4

scrim, mil

Seam properties:
Shear strength, lb/in ASTM D 751 188**
Peel strength, lb/in ASTM D 413 7**
* All values, unless specified otherwise, are minimum average roll values as reported for the test method.
** Break shall occur in a ductile mode in the geomembrane adjacent to the seam.

594–12 (210–VI–NEH, January 2014)