ASTM D5890-19

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5890 − 18 D5890 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Swell Index of Clay Mineral Component of Geosynthetic
1
Clay Liners
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5890; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers an index method that enables the evaluation of swelling properties of a clay mineral in reagent water
for estimation of its usefulness in geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). This test method is not applicable for clays with polymers.
1.2 It is adapted from United States Pharmacopeia (USP-NF-XVII) test method for bentonite.
1.3 Powdered clay mineral is tested after drying to constant weight at 105 6 5 °C; granular clay mineral should be ground to
100 % passing a 150-μm (No. 100) U.S. Standard Sieve with a minimum of 65 % passing a 75-μm (No. 200) U.S. Standard Sieve.
The bentonite passing the 150-μm U.S. Standard Sieve is used for testing after drying to constant weight at 105 6 5 °C.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D4643 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E725 Test Method for Sampling Granular Carriers and Granular Pesticides
3
2.2 United States Pharmacopeia Standard:
USP-NF-XVII Bentonite
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 oven-dried, adj—the condition of a material that has been heated under prescribed conditions of temperature and humidity
until there is no further significant change in its mass.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Clay mineral is a major functional component of GCL systems that reduces the hydraulic conductivity of industrial, waste,
or ground water through the liner.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.04 on Geosynthetic Clay
Liners.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2018May 1, 2019. Published August 2018May 2019. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20112018 as
D5890 – 11.D5890 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/D5890-18.10.1520/D5890-19.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), 12601 Twinbrook Pkwy., Rockville, MD 20852.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D5890 − 19
4.2 Clay mineral quality can vary significantly and affect the hydraulic conductivity of the GCL composite. This test method
evaluates a significant property of clay mineral that relates to performance.
5. Atmosphere Conditions
5.1 Atmospheric Conditions—The atmospheric conditions of the laboratory performing swell index of clay mineral component
of geosynthetic clay liners shall be: relative humidity of ≤70 % and between 50 to 70 % and a temperature of 23 6 4 °C.21 6
2 °C (70 6 4 °F).
6. Apparatus
6.1 Mortar and Pestle or Laboratory Hammer Mill, for grinding clay mineral to required particle sizing.
6.2
...