ASTM_D_5970_-_09.pdf

Designation:D597009Standard Test Method forDeterioration of Geotextiles from Outdoor Exposure1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5970;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers evaluating the deterioration intensile strength and strain after outdoor exposure.1.2 The deterioration is assessed as a reduction in strengthand strain at failure from the unexposed geotextile.1.3 The specific location of the light and weather exposureis made on the basis of a site specific decision between theparties involved.1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard.The inch-pound units given in parentheses are forinformation only.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D4439 Terminology for GeosyntheticsD5035 Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation ofTextile Fabrics(Strip Method)3.Terminology3.1 For definitions of terms related to geosynthetics,refer toTerminology D4439.3.2 Definitions:3.2.1 ultraviolet degradationthe photochemical changeinduced by exposure to ultraviolet radiation that results indeterioration of the performance characteristics of the poly-meric structure.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 Geotextile coupons are attached to a test frame oriented45 from the horizontal and facing the equator at designatedlocation for exposure times of 1,2,4,8,12,and 18 months.Exposure shall begin so as to ensure that material is exposedduring the maximum intensity of ultraviolet light of the year.4.1.1 Unexposed control coupons shall be retained fortesting.4.2 After each exposure time the appropriate coupons arebrought into a laboratory for strength determination.Theresults of these tests are compared to the strength determinedfor the unexposed coupons.The user may be interested inexposure times other than specified in this test method.Thesetimes should be noted in reporting the results.4.3 The results are presented in the form of various plots.5.Significance and Use5.1 Outdoor exposure tests at one location may not beapplicable to a project site at another location.This test methodevaluates geotextiles under site specific atmospheric conditionsover an 18 month period.A degradation curve as per Section10.8,based on strength,elongation,or modulus,or all of these,may be developed for the geotextile being evaluated.5.2 This test method can be used for comparative testing ofthe degradation of geotextiles.5.3 This test method is considered to be a performance testand as such the responsibility for its performance rests with thespecifying or purchasing agency.NOTE1The intent of this procedure is to provide the user of this testmethod and geotextiles a standard by which to evaluate ultravioletdegradation in terms of site specific conditions,not in terms of incidentradiation and temperature.If desired,the user may want to have thenecessary measurement and recording equipment at each site to do this.However,the expense of doing so at each site may be prohibitive.Therefore,this is not a specific requirement of this test method.6.Apparatus6.1 The frame for holding the coupons during the exposurephase of this test consists of a wooden frame(for example,asheet of exterior plywood)suitably braced so that it resides ata 45 angle with the horizontal.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 onGeosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.02 on Endur-ance Properties.Current edition approved June 1,2009.Published June 2009.Originallyapproved in 1996.Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D597096(2002).DOI:10.1520/D5970-09.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 6.1.1 The frame is to be unpainted with the surface pro-tected from the effects of water and sunlight by varnishing thesurface.6.1.2 The supported frame is firmly positioned in a locationfree from obstruction from trees or other sources of shade.Itshall face the equator.It shall be placed such that no heat or sunlight is reflected on it from surrounding buildings.If this is notpossible,it shall be noted in the test results report.6.1.3 The frame shall be suitably anchored using anchors,stakes,or adequate weights on the support legs.6.2 The geotext