ASTM D7408-12(2020)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams
Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the minimum values for seams fabricated into unreinforced PVC geomembranes in factory and field applications.
1.2 This specification covers PVC geomembranes in thickness of 0.25 through 1.52 mm (0.010 through 0.060 in.).
1.3 In addition to structural characteristics, the specifier shall evaluate other characteristics beyond the scope of this specification that affect the final choice of construction. These include, but are not limited to, functional, legal, insurance, and economic considerations.
1.4 This specification is not intended to exclude products or systems not covered by the referenced documents.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 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.
1.7 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 14-Feb-2020
- Technical Committee
- D35 - Geosynthetics
- Drafting Committee
- D35.06 - Geosynthetic Specifications
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM D7408-12 - Standard Specification for Non Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams - Effective Date
- 15-Feb-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2004
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Nov-2002
Overview
ASTM D7408-12(2020): Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams establishes the minimum requirements and test methods for seams fabricated into non-reinforced PVC geomembranes. This standard applies to geomembranes with thicknesses between 0.25 mm and 1.52 mm (0.010 to 0.060 in.), used in field and factory applications. Focusing on seam quality and strength, ASTM D7408 is an essential reference for manufacturers, installers, and specifiers in geosynthetics and environmental containment applications.
The document also addresses terminology, preparation, and testing methods for seam evaluation, ensuring reliable performance in various containment and lining systems. It aids in quality control, specification compliance, and comparative assessment of different seaming techniques, while noting that users should consider project-specific legal, functional, and economic factors when selecting geomembrane systems.
Key Topics
Scope and Applicability
- Covers minimum seam strength requirements for non-reinforced PVC geomembranes
- Suitable for thicknesses between 0.25 mm and 1.52 mm
- Applicable to both factory-fabricated and field-installed seams
Seaming Methods
- Chemical Fusion: Bonding via chemical agents that dissolve the PVC surface
- Adhesive or Bodied Solvent: Application of adhesive and pressure for bonding
- Thermal Fusion (Hot Air/Hot Wedge): Melting and bonding PVC with heat and pressure, including dual-track seams
- Dielectric Heating: Use of high-frequency energy for seam formation
Test Procedures
- Seam Strength Testing: Utilizes ASTM D882 for measuring tensile properties
- Peel and Shear Testing: Five peel and five shear specimens per seam, using specific grips and lab conditions
- Sample Preparation and Conditioning: Requirements for laboratory acclimation and specimen sizing
Reporting and Compliance
- Average of sample results must meet minimum strength values
- Comprehensive report requirements, including sample identification, test conditions, and break types
Applications
ASTM D7408-12(2020) is widely used in applications where water-tightness, chemical resistance, and long-term durability of PVC geomembrane seams are critical. Typical applications include:
- Landfill Liners and Covers: Ensuring containment of leachate and landfill gases
- Pond Liners and Reservoirs: Preventing water loss and environmental contamination in artificial water bodies
- Water Containment Structures: Integral for canals, tanks, and potable water storage systems
- Secondary Containment: Used in chemical storage and spill containment systems to prevent leakage
- Environmental Protection Projects: For lining systems in remediation, mining, or waste treatment facilities
Quality assurance of seam strength according to ASTM D7408 supports the reliability and safety of these containment systems, reducing risk of leakage and environmental impact.
Related Standards
Several ASTM standards and terminology documents are referenced within ASTM D7408, providing a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of geosynthetic products:
- ASTM D638: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
- ASTM D882: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
- ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics
- ASTM D7176: Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications
Professionals may also reference international guidelines aligned with the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles, ensuring consistency in global projects involving PVC geomembrane seams.
Keywords: non-reinforced PVC geomembrane seams, ASTM D7408, PVC liner seam specification, geomembrane seam strength, water containment membranes, landfill liner standards, geosynthetic standards, PVC geomembrane testing, environmental containment, pond liner seam requirements.
Buy Documents
ASTM D7408-12(2020) - Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

Control Union Certifications
Global certification for agriculture and sustainability.

Bureau Veritas Bangladesh
Bureau Veritas certification services in Bangladesh.

ECOCERT France
Leader in organic and sustainability certification worldwide.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D7408-12(2020) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane Seams". This standard covers: SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the minimum values for seams fabricated into unreinforced PVC geomembranes in factory and field applications. 1.2 This specification covers PVC geomembranes in thickness of 0.25 through 1.52 mm (0.010 through 0.060 in.). 1.3 In addition to structural characteristics, the specifier shall evaluate other characteristics beyond the scope of this specification that affect the final choice of construction. These include, but are not limited to, functional, legal, insurance, and economic considerations. 1.4 This specification is not intended to exclude products or systems not covered by the referenced documents. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.6 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. 1.7 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.
SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the minimum values for seams fabricated into unreinforced PVC geomembranes in factory and field applications. 1.2 This specification covers PVC geomembranes in thickness of 0.25 through 1.52 mm (0.010 through 0.060 in.). 1.3 In addition to structural characteristics, the specifier shall evaluate other characteristics beyond the scope of this specification that affect the final choice of construction. These include, but are not limited to, functional, legal, insurance, and economic considerations. 1.4 This specification is not intended to exclude products or systems not covered by the referenced documents. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.6 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. 1.7 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.
ASTM D7408-12(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D7408-12(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D7408-12, ASTM D4439-24, ASTM D4439-18, ASTM D4439-17, ASTM D4439-15a, ASTM D4439-15, ASTM D4439-14, ASTM D4439-11, ASTM D7176-06(2011), ASTM D638-10, ASTM D882-09, ASTM D7176-06, ASTM D4439-04, ASTM D638-03, ASTM D638-02a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D7408-12(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation:D7408 −12 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Non-Reinforced PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Geomembrane
Seams
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7408; 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 D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Sheeting
1.1 This specification covers the minimum values for seams
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
fabricated into unreinforced PVC geomembranes in factory
D7176 Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride
and field applications.
(PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications
1.2 This specification covers PVC geomembranes in thick-
3. Terminology
ness of 0.25 through 1.52 mm (0.010 through 0.060 in.).
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 In addition to structural characteristics, the specifier
3.1.1 adhesive or bodied solvent, n—these seams are typi-
shall evaluate other characteristics beyond the scope of this
cally produced by applying an adhesive to both sides of the
specification that affect the final choice of construction. These
sheet to be bonded and then pressure is applied to the top sheet
include, but are not limited to, functional, legal, insurance, and
with the bottom sheet supported by a flat, firm surface.
economic considerations.
3.1.2 chemical fusion seams, n—use of a chemical agent to
1.4 This specification is not intended to exclude products or
dissolve the surface of the geomembrane for bonding.
systems not covered by the referenced documents.
3.1.3 hot air or knife, n—this technique melts the two
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
geomembrane surfaces to be seamed by running a hot metal
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
wedge or hot air between them. Pressure is applied to the top
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
or bottom geomembrane, or both, to form a continuous bond.
and are not considered standard.
These seams are usually produced with a combination of a
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
hand-held heat gun or hand-held hot wedge along with a hand
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
roller.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.4 thermal fusion, n—alsoknownashotairorhotwedge,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
this technique introduces high-temperature air or gas or a hot
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
wedge between two geomembrane surfaces to facilitate melt-
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
ing. Pressure is applied to the top and/or bottom sheets of the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
geomembrane, forcing together the two surfaces to form a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
continuous bond.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Some seams of this kind are made with
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
dual bond tracks separated by a non-bonded gap. These seams
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
are referred to as dual-track seams or double-track seams.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 For definitions of other terms, see Terminology D4439.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Classification
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
4.1 Types of seams covered in this specification:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
4.1.1 Chemical fusion,
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.06 on Geosyn-
4.1.2 Adhesive or bodied solvent,
thetic Specifications.
4.1.3 Dielectric, and
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D7408 – 12. DOI: 4.1.4 Thermal fusion.
10.1520/D7408-12R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5. Significance and Use
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.1 Significance—The increased use of geomembranes as
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. barrier materials to restrict fluid migration from one location to
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7408−12 (2020)
NOTE 1—Larger samples sizes may be required on site-specific or
another in various applications, and the various types of
project-specific or requirements for the purpose of archiving or third party
seaming methods used in joining geomembrane sheets, has
testing.
created a need to standardize minimum seam strength require-
ments. 7.2 Once the sample is received at the testing facility, the
sample shall be acclimated at a standard laboratory
5.2 Use—Standard seam specification provides information
environment, Humidity between 50 and 70 % and a tempera-
as to the status of the seam. Data obtained by this standard can
ture of 21.6 6 2 °C (70.6 6 4 °F) for a minimum of 40 h for
beusedinCQC/CQAdocuments.Thistestmethodisusefulfor
all types of seams, except thermo and dielectric type seams, for
specification testing and for comparative purposes but does not
these types of seams a minimum of4hatthe standard
necessarily measure the ultimate strength that the seam may
laboratory environment is required.
acquire.
NOTE 2—If samples are sent to the lab and testing is preformed prior to
6. Apparatus
the required lab acclimating pe
...




Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...