Standard Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance of Geomembranes and Related Products -PDF

ASTM D4833 Puncture Fixture – Universal Grip Data Sheet (PDF)

 

ASTM D4833 Index Puncture Test

ASTM D4833/D4833M measures the index puncture resistance of geomembranes and related products, such as HDPE, LLDPE and PVC liners used in landfills, ponds, tunnels and containment. A small flat-ended steel rod is pushed through a clamped circle of membrane and the peak force is recorded. It is an index test for quality control and for comparing materials, not a direct prediction of field puncture.

Geotextiles were once tested with D4833; they are now tested with the larger CBR plunger of ASTM D6241.

Fixture and Specimen

• Probe: 8 mm (0.315 in) diameter steel rod with a flat end and a 0.8 mm × 45° chamfer on the edge

• Clamp: two rings with a 45 mm (1.772 in) internal diameter that hold the specimen without slipping

• Specimen: circular or square, large enough to extend past the clamping rings; cut evenly across the roll width

• Number of specimens: 15 per sample is typical

• Condition at 21 ± 2 °C before testing

Test Procedure

• Clamp the specimen flat and taut between the rings, with no wrinkles

• Center the probe over the clamp opening

• Drive the probe at 300 mm/min (12 in/min) until it ruptures the specimen

• Record the maximum force; the extension at puncture can also be reported

Result

Puncture resistance = maximum force, in N (lbf), averaged over all specimens

Example: 15 specimens of a 1.5 mm HDPE geomembrane read between 470 and 530 N, averaging 500 N. Report "D4833 puncture resistance 500 N, CV 3.5%".

Equipment

• A universal testing machine with a 1–5 kN load cell and compression mode

• D4833 puncture fixture: 8 mm chamfered probe and 45 mm clamping rings that mount on the machine base

• Specimen cutting template

Related Standards

• ASTM D6241 – static (CBR) puncture of geotextiles and geosynthetics, 50 mm plunger

• ASTM D3787 and D6797 – ball burst of textiles

• ASTM D5199 – nominal thickness of geosynthetics

• GRI GM13 – HDPE geomembrane specification that calls up D4833

ASTM D4833 FAQ

What probe does ASTM D4833 use?

An 8 mm (0.315 in) diameter steel rod with a flat end and a 0.8 mm × 45° chamfer.

What is the D4833 clamp ring diameter?

The clamping rings have a 45 mm (1.772 in) internal diameter.

What test speed does D4833 use?

300 mm/min (12 in/min).

Is D4833 used for geotextiles?

Not any more. D4833 now covers geomembranes and related products; geotextiles are tested for static puncture with the 50 mm CBR plunger of ASTM D6241.