Banding straps, battens, boots, and rondels are some components used to achieve a sound fit when attaching geomembranes to structures. The type and use of each component, and key issues of design and installation are described in D 6497, Standard Guide for Mechanical Attachments of Geomembrane to Penetrations and Structures, new from ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics.

“This standard guide will benefit geomembrane installers, users, and design engineers,” explains Robert Mackey, P.E., senior design engineer, S2L, Inc., Maitland, Fla., who chairs the ASTM Subcommittee D35.04 on Geosynthetic Clay Liners. “Geomembranes are used as a liquid or vapor barrier and usually require attachment to pipe penetrations or structures. Geomembrane attachments to penetrations and structures can be a difficult operation that requires an extensive knowledge of construction methods and nuances that may affect the longevity of the geomembrane barrier. Geomembrane installers and design engineers may not have the extensive knowledge required for a particular attachment. This is particularly true for a first-time design engineer or installer new to the waste containment field.

“This standard guide incorporates the vast knowledge of experienced installers, design engineers, manufacturers, and users, and details specific concerns regarding mechanical attachments of geomembrane to penetrations and structures,” says Mackey, chairman of the task group that developed D 6497. “Its primary use will be as a teaching aide to the user in hopes of improving the general knowledge of the industry. It includes figures of attachment methods for various pipes and structures. This guide is considered a ‘living’ standard that will require revisions to include new geomembrane attachment methods with new geomembrane materials.”

D 6497 provides guidance for geomembrane application(s); however, users of the standard may find portions applicable to other geosynthetics.

For further technical information, contact Robert E. Mackey, P.E., S2L, Inc., 529 Versailles Dr., Suite 103, Maitland, FL 32751 (407/475-9163; fax: 407/475-9169). Committee D35 meets Jan. 22-25 in Reno, Nev. For meeting or membership details, contact manager Pat Picariello, ASTM (610/832-9720). //

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