ASTM Geosynthetics Subcommittees Developing a Variety of Proposed New Standards

Three subcommittees of ASTM International
Committee D35 on Geosynthetics are currently developing several proposed new
standards. The topics covered in the following proposed standards are
geosynthetic clay liners, geomembranes, and the development of a mechanistic-
empirical design guide for pavements.
Committee D35 will meet Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2008, at the January Committee Week in
Tampa, Fla. All interested parties are invited to join in the standards
developing activities of D35. For membership or meeting information, contact
Christine Sierk, manager, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International
(phone: 610/832-9728; csierk@astm.org).
Subcommittee D35.04 on Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Responding to shrinkage issues involving geosynthetic clay liners,
Subcommittee D35.04 has launched work on a proposed new standard, WK12239,
Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of Restrained Geosynthetic Clay
Liners Under Cyclic Temperature and Hydration Conditions. WK12239 is an index
test that covers the measurement of changes in linear dimensions of a
geosynthetic clay liner that result from exposure to changes in temperature
and moisture conditions over time.
“The proposed standard will be used to evaluate product specific and project
specific potential shrinkage for GCLs exposed to changes in moisture and
temperature conditions,” says Richard Erickson, D35.04 member and senior
engineer, Vector Engineering, Inc. “Potential shrinkage can then be utilized
by designers and construction quality assurance monitors in compensating
specified GCL overlaps to allow for anticipated GCL panel shrinkage.”
Erickson says Subcommittee D35.04 would like to expand the circle of
participants involved in the development of WK12239. All interested parties,
particularly those from the design and construction quality control/assurance
areas, are invited to join in the ongoing development of WK12239.
For further technical information, contact Richard Erickson, Vector
Engineering, Inc., Grass Valley, Calif. (phone: 530/272-2448;
erickson@vectoreng.com).
Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes
Subcommittee D35.10 is currently developing two proposed new standards,
WK14305, Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane
Seams, and WK14311, Guide for the Installation of Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl
Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes.