Geosynthetic Institute GRI

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Folsom, PA 19033-1208 USA GSI
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Revision 13: September 9, 2019

Revision schedule on pg. 12

GRI - GM17 Standard Specification*

Standard Specification for

“Test Methods, Test Properties and Testing Frequency for

Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Smooth and Textured Geomembranes” SM

This specification was developed by the Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI), with the
cooperation of the member organizations for general use by the public. It is completely optional
in this regard and can be superseded by other existing or new specifications on the subject matter
in whole or in part. Neither GRI, the Geosynthetic Institute, nor any of its related institutes,
warrant or indemnifies any materials produced according to this specification either at this time
or in the future.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) geomembranes
with a formulated sheet density of 0.939 g/ml, or lower, in the thickness range of
0.50 mm (20 mils) to 3.0 mm (120 mils). Both smooth and textured geomembrane
surfaces are included.

1.2 This specification sets forth a set of minimum, maximum, or range of physical,
mechanical and endurance properties that must be met, or exceeded by the
geomembrane being manufactured.

1.3 In the context of quality systems and management, this specification represents
manufacturing quality control (MQC).

Note 1: Manufacturing quality control represents those actions taken by a

manufacturer to ensure that the product represents the stated
objective and properties set forth in this specification.

*This GRI standard specification is developed by the Geosynthetic Research Institute through consultation and
review by the member organizations. This specification will be reviewed at least every 2-years, or on an as-required
basis. In this regard it is subject to change at any time. The most recent revision date is the effective version and it
is kept current on the Institute’s Website <<geosynthetic-institute.org>>.
Copyright © 2017 Geosynthetic Institute - All Rights Reserved

GM17 - 1 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 1.4 This standard specification is intended to ensure good uniform quality LLDPE
geomembranes for use in general applications.

Note 2: Additional tests, or more restrictive values for the tests indicated,
may be necessary under conditions of a particular application. In
this situation, interactions with the manufacturers are required.

Note 3: For information on installation techniques, users of this standard

are referred to the geosynthetics literature, which is abundant on
the subject.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards

D 792 Specific Gravity (Relative Density) and Density of Plastics by

Displacement
D 1004 Test Method for Initial Tear Resistance of Plastics Film and Sheeting
D 1238 Test Method for Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
D 1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
D 1603 Test Method for Carbon Black in Olefin Plastics
D 3895 Test Method for Oxidative Induction Time of Polyolefins by Thermal
Analysis
D 4218 Test Method for Determination of Carbon Black Content in
Polyethylene Compounds by the Muffle-Furnace Technique
D 4833 Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance of Geotextiles,
Geomembranes and Related Products
D 5199 Test Method for Measuring Nominal Thickness of Geotextiles and
Geomembranes
D 5323 Practice for Determination of 2% Secant Modulus for Polyethylene
Geomembranes
D 5596 Test Method for Microscopic Evaluation of the Dispersion of Carbon
Black in Polyolefin Geosynthetics
D 5617 Test Method for Multi-Axial Tension Test for Geosynthetics
D 5721 Practice for Air-Oven Aging of Polyolefin Geomembranes
D 5885 Test method for Oxidative Induction Time of Polyolefin Geosynthetics
by High Pressure Differential Scanning Calorimetry
D 5994 Test Method for Measuring the Core Thickness of Textured
Geomembranes
D 6370 Standard Test Method for Rubber-Compositional Analysis by
Thermogravimetry (TGA)
D 6693 Test Method for Determining Tensile Properties of Nonreinforced
Polyethylene and Nonreinforced Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
D 7238 Test Method for Effect of Exposure of Unreinforced Polyolefin
Geomembrane Using Fluorescent Condensation Device

GM17 - 2 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 D 7466 Test Method for Measuring the Asperity Height of Textured
Geomembranes

2.2 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Technical Guidance Document "Quality

Control Assurance and Quality Control for Waste Containment Facilities,"
EPA/600/R-93/182, September 1993, 305 pgs.

3. Definitions

Manufacturing Quality Control (MQC) - A planned system of inspections that is used to directly
monitor and control the manufacture of a material which is factory originated. MQC is normally
performed by the manufacturer of geosynthetic materials and is necessary to ensure minimum (or
maximum) specified values in the manufactured product. MQC refers to measures taken by the
manufacturer to determine compliance with the requirements for materials and workmanship as
stated in certification documents and contract specifications.
ref. EPA/600/R-93/182

Manufacturing Quality Assurance (MQA) - A planned system of activities that provides

assurance that the materials were constructed as specified in the certification documents and
contract specifications. MQA includes manufacturing facility inspections, verifications, audits
and evaluation of the raw materials (resins and additives) and geosynthetic products to assess the
quality of the manufactured materials. MQA refers to measures taken by the MQA organization
to determine if the manufacturer is in compliance with the product certification and contract
specifications for the project.
ref. EPA/600/R-93/182

Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), n – A ethylene/-olefin copolymer having a linear

molecular structure. The comonomers used to produce the resin can include 1-butene, 1-hexene,
1-octene or 4-methyl-1-pentene. LLDPE resins have a natural density in the range of 0.915 to
0.926 g/ml (ref. Pate, T. J. Chapter 29 in Handbook of Plastic Materials and Technology, I.I.
Rubin Ed., Wiley, 1990).

Formulation - The mixture of a unique combination of ingredients identified by type, properties

and quantity. For linear low density polyethylene geomembranes, a formulation is defined as the
exact percentages and types of resin(s), additives and carbon black.

Nominal - Representative value of a measurable property determined under a set of conditions,

by which a product may be described. Abbreviated as nom. in Tables 1 and 2.

4. Material Classification and Formulation

4.1 This specification covers linear low density polyethylene geomembranes with a
formulated sheet density of 0.939 g/ml, or lower. Density can be measured by
ASTM D1505 or ASTM D792. If the latter, Method B is recommended.

GM17 - 3 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 4.2 The polyethylene resin from which the geomembrane is made will generally be in
the density range of 0.926 g/ml or lower, and have a melt index value per ASTM
D1238 of less than 1.0 g/10 min. This refers to the natural, i.e., nonformulated,
resin.

4.3 The resin shall be virgin material with no more than 10% rework. If rework is
used, it must be of the same formulation (or other approved formulation) as the
parent material.

4.4 No post consumer resin (PCR) of any type shall be added to the formulation.

5. Physical, Mechanical and Chemical Property Requirements

5.1 The geomembrane shall conform to the test property requirements prescribed in
Tables 1 and 2. Table 1 is for smooth LLDPE geomembranes and Table 2 is for
single and double sided textured LLDPE geomembranes. Each of the tables are
given in English and SI (metric) units. The conversion from English to SI
(metric) is “soft”. It is to be understood that the tables refer to the latest revision
of the referenced test methods and practices.

Note 4: The tensile strength properties in this specification were originally

based on ASTM D 638 which uses a laboratory testing temperature
of 23C  2C. Since ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics
adopted ASTM D 6693 (in place of D 638), this GRI Specification
followed accordingly. The difference is that D 6693 uses a testing
temperature of 21C  2C. The numeric values of strength and
elongation were not changed in this specification. If a dispute
arises in this regard, the original temperature of 23C  2C should
be utilized for testing purposes.

Note 5: There are several tests sometimes included in other LLDPE

geomembrane specifications which are omitted from this standard
because they are outdated, irrelevant or generate information that is
not necessary to evaluate on a routine MQC basis. The following
tests have been purposely omitted:

• Volatile Loss • Solvent Vapor Transmission

• Dimensional Stability • Water Absorption
• Coeff. of Linear Expansion • Ozone Resistance
• Resistance to Soil Burial • Hydrostatic Resistance
• Low Temperature Impact • Tensile Impact
• ESCR Test (D 1693 and D 5397) • Small Scale Burst
• Wide Width Tensile • Various Toxicity Tests
• Water Vapor Transmission • Field Seam Strength

GM17 - 4 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 Note 6: There are several tests which are included in this standard (that are
not customarily required in other LLDPE geomembrane
specifications) because they are relevant and important in the
context of current manufacturing processes. The following tests
have been purposely added:

• Oxidative Induction Time

• Oven Aging
• Ultraviolet Resistance
• Asperity Height of Textured Sheet

Note 7: There are other tests in this standard, focused on a particular

property, which are updated to current standards. The following
are in this category:

• Thickness of Textured Sheet

• Tensile Properties, incl. 2% Secant Modulus
• Puncture Resistance
• Axi-Symmetric Break Resistance Strain
• Carbon Black Dispersion (In the viewing and subsequent
quantitative interpretation of ASTM D 5596 only near
spherical agglomerates shall be included in the
assessment).

Note 8: The minimum average value of asperity height does not represent
an expected value of interface shear strength. Shear strength
associated with geomembranes is both site-specific and product-
specific and should be determined by direct shear testing using
ASTM D5321/ASTM D6243 as prescribed. This testing should be
included in the particular site’s CQA conformance testing protocol
for the geosynthetic materials involved, or formally waived by the
Design Engineer, with concurrence from the Owner prior to the
deployment of the geosynthetic materials.

5.2 The values listed in the tables of this specification are to be interpreted according
to the designated test method. In this respect they are neither minimum average
roll values (MARV) nor maximum average roll values (MaxARV).

5.3 The various properties of the LLDPE geomembrane shall be tested at the
minimum frequencies shown in Tables 1 and 2. If the specific manufacturer's
quality control guide is more stringent, it must be followed in like manner.

Note 9: This specification is focused on manufacturing quality control

(MQC). Conformance testing and manufacturing quality assurance
(MQA) testing are at the discretion of the purchaser and/or quality

GM17 - 5 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 assurance engineer, respectively. Communication and interaction
with the manufacturer is strongly suggested.

6. Workmanship and Appearance

6.1 Smooth geomembrane shall have good appearance qualities. It shall be free from
such defects that would affect the specified properties and hydraulic integrity of
the geomembrane.
6.2 Textured geomembrane shall generally have uniform texturing appearance. It
shall be free from such defects that would affect the specified properties and
hydraulic integrity of the geomembrane.

6.3 General manufacturing procedures shall be performed in accordance with the

manufacturer's internal quality control guide and/or documents.

7. MQC Sampling

7.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the specific test methods listed in Tables 1
and 2. If no sampling protocol is stipulated in the particular test method, then test
specimens shall be taken evenly spaced across the entire roll width.

7.2 The number of tests shall be in accordance with the appropriate test methods
listed in Tables 1 and 2.

7.3 The average of the test results should be calculated per the particular standard
cited and compared to the minimum value listed in these tables, hence the values
listed are the minimum average values and are designated as "min. ave."

8. MQC Retest and Rejection

8.1 If the results of any test do not conform to the requirements of this specification,
retesting to determine conformance or rejection should be done in accordance
with the manufacturing protocol as set forth in the manufacturer's quality manual.

9. Packaging and Marketing

9.1 The geomembrane shall be rolled onto a substantial core or core segments and
held firm by dedicated straps/slings, or other suitable means. The rolls must be
adequate for safe transportation to the point of delivery, unless otherwise
specified in the contract or order.

9.2 Marking of the geomembrane rolls shall be done in accordance with the
manufacturers accepted procedure as set forth in their quality manual.

GM17 - 6 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

10. Certification

10.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order, a manufacturer's

certification that the material was manufactured and tested in accordance with this
specification, together with a report of the test results, shall be furnished at the
time of shipment.

GM17 - 7 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 English Units
Table 1(a) – Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Geomembrane
(SMOOTH)
Properties Test Test Value Testing Frequency
Method 20 mils 30 mils 40 mils 50 mils 60 mils 80 mils 100 mils 120 mils (minimum)
Thickness - (min. ave.) - mils D5199 nom. nom. nom. nom. nom. nom. nom. nom. per roll
• lowest individual of 10 values - % -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10
Formulated Density (max.) - g/cc D 1505/D 792 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 200,00 lb
Tensile Properties (1) (min. ave.) D 6693 20,000 lb
• break strength - lb/in. Type IV 76 114 152 190 228 304 380 456
• break elongation - % 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800
2% Modulus (max.) - lb/in. D 5323 1200 1800 2400 3000 3600 4800 6000 7200 per formulation

Tear Resistance (min. ave.) - lb D 1004 11 16 22 27 33 44 55 66 45,000 lb

Puncture Resistance (min. ave.) - lb D 4833 28 42 56 70 84 112 140 168 45,000 lb
Axi-Symmetric Break Resistance Strain (min.) - % D 5617 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 per formulation

Carbon Black Content (range) - % D 4218 (2) 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 45,000 lb
Carbon Black Dispersion D 5596 note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) 45,000 lb
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) (min. ave.) (4)
(a) Standard OIT - min. D 3895 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 200,000 lb
— or —
(b) High Pressure OIT - min. D 5885 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400
Oven Aging at 85°C (5) D 5721
(a) Standard OIT (min. ave.) - % retained after 90 days D 3895 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 per formulation
— or —
(b) High Pressure OIT (min. ave.) - % retained after 90 days D 5885 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
UV Resistance (6) D 7238
(a) Standard OIT (min. ave.) D 3895 N. R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) per formulation
— or —
(b) High Pressure OIT (min. ave.) - D 5885 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
% retained after 1600 hrs (8)

(1) Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on the basis of 5 test specimens each direction.
• Break elongation is calculated using a gage length of 2.0 in. at 2.0 in./min.
(2) Other methods such as D 1603 (tube furnace) or D 6370 (TGA) are acceptable if an appropriate correlation to D 4218 (muffle furnace) can be established.
(3) Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views:
• 9 in Categories 1 or 2 and 1 in Category 3
(4) The manufacturer has the option to select either one of the OIT methods listed to evaluate the antioxidant content in the geomembrane.
(5) It is also recommended to evaluate samples at 30 and 60 days to compare with the 90 day response.
(6) The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75C followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60C.
(7) Not recommended since the high temperature of the Std-OIT test produces an unrealistic result for some of the antioxidants in the UV exposed samples.
(8) UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.

GM17 - 8 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 SI (Metric) Units

Table 1(b) – Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Geomembrane

(SMOOTH)
Properties Test Test Value Testing Frequency
Method 0.50 mm 0.75 mm 1.00 mm 1.25 mm 1.50 mm 2.00 mm 2.50 mm 3.00 mm (minimum)
Thickness - (min. ave.) - mm D5199 nom. nom. nom. nom. nom. nom. nom. nom. per roll
• lowest individual of 10 values - % -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10
Formulated Density (max.) - g/cc D 1505/D 792 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 90,000 kg
Tensile Properties (1) (min. ave.) D 6693 9,000 kg
• break strength - N/mm Type IV 13 20 27 33 40 53 66 80
• break elongation - % 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800
2% Modulus (max.) - N/mm D 5323 210 315 420 520 630 840 1050 1260 per formulation

Tear Resistance (min. ave.) - N D 1004 50 70 100 120 150 200 250 300 20,000 kg
Puncture Resistance (min. ave.) - N D 4833 120 190 250 310 370 500 620 750 20,000 kg
Axi-Symmetric Break Resistance Strain - % (min.) D 5617 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 per formulation

Carbon Black Content (range) - % D 4218 (3) 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 20,000 kg
Carbon Black Dispersion D 5596 note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) note (3) 20,000 kg
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) (min. ave.) (4) 90,000 kg
(c) Standard OIT - min. D 3895 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
— or —
(d) High Pressure OIT - min. D 5885 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400
Oven Aging at 85°C (5) D 5721
(a) Standard OIT (min. ave.) - % retained after 90 days D 3895 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 per formulation
— or —
(b) High Pressure OIT (min. ave.) - % retained after 90 days D 5885 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
UV Resistance (6) D 7238
(a) Standard OIT (min. ave.) D 3895 N. R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) N.R. (7) per formulation
— or —
(b) High Pressure OIT (min. ave.) - D 5885 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
% retained after 1600 hrs (8)

(1) Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on the basis of 5 test specimens each direction.
• Break elongation is calculated using a gage length of 50 mm at 50 mm/min.
(2) Other methods such as D 1603 (tube furnace) or D 6370 (TGA) are acceptable if an appropriate correlation to D 4218 (muffle furnace) can be established.
(3) Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views:
• 9 in Categories 1 or 2 and 1 in Category 3
(4) The manufacturer has the option to select either one of the OIT methods listed to evaluate the antioxidant content in the geomembrane.
(5) It is also recommended to evaluate samples at 30 and 60 days to compare with the 90 day response.
(6) The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75C followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60C.
(7) Not recommended since the high temperature of the Std-OIT test produces an unrealistic result for some of the antioxidants in the UV exposed samples.
(8) UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.

GM17 - 9 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 English Units

Table 2(a) – Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Geomembrane

(TEXTURED)
Properties Test Test Value Testing
Method Frequency
20 mils 30 mils 40 mils 50 mils 60 mils 80 mils 100 mils 120 mils (minimum)
Thickness (min. ave.) - mils D 5994 nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% per roll
• lowest individual for 8 out of 10 values - % -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10
• lowest individual for any of the 10 values - % -15 -15 -15 -15 -15 -15 -15 -15
Asperity Height (min. ave.) - mils D 7466 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 Every 2nd roll
(1)
Formulated Density (max.) - g/cc D 1505/D 792 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 200,000 lb
Tensile Properties (2) (min. ave.) D 6693 20,000 lb
• break strength - lb/in. Type IV 30 45 60 75 90 120 150 180
• break elongation - % 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250
2% Modulus – lb/in. (max.) D 5323 1200 1800 2400 3000 3600 4800 6000 7200 per
formulation
Tear Resistance (min. ave.) - lb D 1004 11 16 22 27 33 44 55 66 45,000 lb
Puncture Resistance (min. ave.) - lb D 4833 22 33 44 55 66 88 110 132 45,000 lb
Axi-Symmetric Break Resistance Strain (min.) - % D 5617 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 per
formulation
Carbon Black Content - % D 4218 (3) 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 45,000 lb
Carbon Black Dispersion D 5596 note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) 45,000 lb
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) (min. ave.) (5)
(e) Standard OIT - min. D 3895 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 200,000 lb
— or —
(f) High Pressure OIT - min. D 5885 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400
Oven Aging at 85°C (6) D 5721
(a) Standard OIT (min. ave.) - % retained after 90 days D 3895 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 per
— or — formulation
(b) High Pressure OIT (min. ave.) - % retained after 90 days D 5885 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
UV Resistance (7) D 7238
(a) Standard OIT (min. ave.) D 3895 N. R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) per
— or — formulation
(b) High Pressure OIT (min. ave.) - D 5885 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
% retained after 1600 hrs (9)
(1) Alternate the measurement side for double sided textured sheet
(2) Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on the basis of 5 test specimens each direction.
• Break elongation is calculated using a gage length of 2.0 in. at 2.0 in./min.
(3) Other methods such as D 1603 (tube furnace) or D 6370 (TGA) are acceptable if an appropriate correlation to D 4218 (muffle furnace) can be established.
(4) Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views:
• 9 in Categories 1 or 2 and 1 in Category 3
(5) The manufacturer has the option to select either one of the OIT methods listed to evaluate the antioxidant content in the geomembrane.
(6) It is also recommended to evaluate samples at 30 and 60 days to compare with the 90 day response.
(7) The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75C followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60C.
(8) Not recommended since the high temperature of the Std-OIT test produces an unrealistic result for some of the antioxidants in the UV exposed samples.
(9) UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.

GM17 - 10 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 SI (Metric) Units

Table 2(b) – Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Geomembrane

(TEXTURED)
Properties Test Test Value Testing
Method Frequency
0.50 mm 0.75 mm 1.00 mm 1.25 mm 1.50 mm 2.00 mm 2.50 mm 3.00 mm (minimum)
Thickness (min. ave.) - mm D 5994 nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. (5% nom. -5% nom. -5% nom. -5% per roll
• lowest individual for 8 out of 10 values -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10 -10
• lowest individual for any of the 10 values -15 -15 -15 -15 -15 -15 -15 -15
Asperity Height mm (min. ave.) D 7466 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Every 2nd roll
(1)
Formulated Density (max.) - g/cc D 1505/D 792 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 0.939 90,000 kg
Tensile Properties (2) (min. ave.) D 6693 9,000 kg
• break strength - N/mm Type IV 5 9 11 13 16 21 26 31
• break elongation - % 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250
2% Modulus (max.) - N/mm D 5323 210 315 420 520 630 840 1050 1260 per
formulation
Tear Resistance (min. ave.) - N D 1004 50 70 100 120 150 200 250 300 20,000 kg
Puncture Resistance – (min. ave.) - N D 4833 100 150 200 250 300 400 500 600 20,000 kg
Axi-Symmetric Break Resistance Strain (min.) - % D 5617 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 per
formulation
Carbon Black Content (range) - % D 4218 (3) 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 2.0-3.0 20,000 kg
Carbon Black Dispersion D 5596 note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) note (4) 20,000 kg
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) (min. ave.) (5) 90,000 kg
(g) Standard OIT - min. D 3895 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
— or —
(h) High Pressure OIT - min. D 5885 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400
Oven Aging at 85°C (6) D 5721
(a) Standard OIT (min. ave.) - % retained after 90 days D 3895 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 per
— or — formulation
(b) High Pressure OIT (min. ave.) - % retained after 90 days D 5885 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
UV Resistance (7) D 7238
(a) Standard OIT (min. ave.) D 3895 N. R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) N.R. (8) per
— or — formulation
(b) High Pressure OIT (min. ave.) - D 5885 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
% retained after 1600 hrs (9)
(1) Alternate the measurement side for double sided textured sheet
(2) Machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (XMD) average values should be on the basis of 5 test specimens each direction.
• Break elongation is calculated using a gage length of 50 mm at 50 mm/min.
(3) Other methods such as D 1603 (tube furnace) or D 6370 (TGA) are acceptable if an appropriate correlation to D 4218 (muffle furnace) can be established.
(4) Carbon black dispersion (only near spherical agglomerates) for 10 different views:
• 9 in Categories 1 or 2 and 1 in Category 3
(5) The manufacturer has the option to select either one of the OIT methods listed to evaluate the antioxidant content in the geomembrane.
(6) It is also recommended to evaluate samples at 30 and 60 days to compare with the 90 day response.
(7) The condition of the test should be 20 hr. UV cycle at 75C followed by 4 hr. condensation at 60C.
(8) Not recommended since the high temperature of the Std-OIT test produces an unrealistic result for some of the antioxidants in the UV exposed samples.
(9) UV resistance is based on percent retained value regardless of the original HP-OIT value.

GM17 - 11 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19

 Adoption and Revision Schedule
for
GRI Test Method GM17

“Test Methods, Test Properties and Testing Frequency for Linear Low Density Polyethylene
(LLDPE) Smooth and Textured Geomembranes”

Adopted: April 3, 2000

Revision 1: June 28, 2000: added a new Section 5.2 that the numeric tables values are
neither MARV nor MaxARV. They are to be interpreted per the designated
test method. Also, corrected typographical error of textured sheet thickness
test method designation from D5199 to D5994.

Revision 2: December 13, 2000: added one Category 3 is allowed for carbon black
dispersion. Also, unified terminology to “strength” and “elongation”.

Revision 3: June 23, 2003: Adopted ASTM D 6693, in place of ASTM D 638, for
tensile strength testing. Also, added Note 4.

Revision 4: February 20, 2006: Added Note 9 on Asperity Height clarification with
respect to shear strength.

Revision 5: Removed recommended warranty from specification.

Revision 6: June 1, 2009: Replaced GRI-GM12 test method for asperity height of
textured geomembranes with ASTM D 7466.

Revision 7: April 11, 2011: Added alternative carbon black test methods.

Revision 8: October 3, 2011: Expanded types of comonomers in the definition of

LLDPE.

Revision 9: December 14, 2012: Replaced GRI-GM12 with the equivalent ASTM
D7238.

Revision 10: November 14, 2014: Increased asperity height of textured sheet from 10 to
16 mils (0.25 to 0.40 mm).

Revision 11: April 13, 2015: Unit conversion error was corrected for 0.75 mm (30 mil)
thickness for the property of 2% modulus. The test value was changed from
370 N/mm to 315 N/mm in the SI (Metric) units tables to agree with the
English units tables.

Revision 12: November 4, 2015: Removed Footnote (1) on asperity height from tables.

Revision 13: September 9, 2019: Editorial update to harmonize tables.

GM17 - 12 of 12 Rev. 13: 9/9/19