Geosynthetic Institute GRI

475 Kedron Avenue GEI GII

Folsom, PA 19033-1208 USA GSI
TEL (610) 522-8440
FAX (610) 522-8441 GAI GCI

Original - May 16, 2005

Rev. #2 – July 26, 2010
Rev. #3 - March 14, 2016
Rev. #4 - March 28, 2016
Rev. #5 - November 21, 2019
Revision Schedule on pg. 12

GRI-GCL3 Standard Specification*

Standard Specification for

“Test Methods, Required Properties, and Testing Frequencies of

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs)” SM

This specification was developed by the Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI), with the
cooperation of the member organizations for general use by the public. It is completely optional
in this regard and can be superseded by other existing or new specifications on the subject matter
in whole or in part. Neither GRI, the Geosynthetic Institute, nor any of its related institutes,
warrant or indemnifies any materials produced according to this specification either at this time
or in the future.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers the manufacturing quality control (MQC) of geosynthetic
clay liners (GCLs), describing types of tests, the proper test methods, minimum
and sometimes maximum values, and the minimum testing frequencies.

Note 1: Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are also called Clay

Geosynthetics Barriers (GBR-Cs).

1.2 There are two general categories of GCLs covered in this specification: reinforced
and nonreinforced. Within each category there are geotextile, polymer coated
geotextiles, and geomembrane/geofilm related types.

1.3 This specification is intended to aid manufacturers, suppliers, purchasers and users
of GCLs in establishing an acceptable level of effort for manufacturing quality
control.

*This GRI standard specification is developed by the Geosynthetic Research Institute through consultation and
review by the member organizations. This specification will be reviewed at least every 2-years, or on an as-required
basis. In this regard it is subject to change at any time. The most recent revision date is the effective version and it
is kept current on the Institute’s Website <<geosynthetic-institute.org>>.
Copyright © 2017 Geosynthetic Institute - All Rights Reserved

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 1.4 This specification does not address manufacturing quality assurance (MQA),
product acceptance testing, or conformance testing. These are independent
activities taken by organizations other than the GCL manufacturer.

1.5 The values stated in SI (metric) units are to be regarded as the standard. The U.S.
(English) units are calculated values using a “soft” conversion accuracy.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards

D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics

D 792 Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of
Plastics by Displacement
D 882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D 1141 Practice for Preparation of Substitute Ocean Water
D 1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Method
D 4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
D 4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D 4632 Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles
D 4759 Practice for Determining the Specification Conformance of
Geosynthetics
D 5035 Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile
Fabrics (Strip Method)
D 5199 Test Method for Measuring Nominal Thickness of Geotextiles and
Geomembranes
D 5261 Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of Geotextiles
D 5721 Practice for Air-Oven Aging of Polyolefin Geomembranes
D 5887 Test Method for Measurement of Index Flux Through Saturated
Geosynthetic Clay Liner Specimens Using Flexible Wall Permeameter
D 5888 Practice for Storage and Handling of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
D 5889 Practice for Quality Control of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
D 5890 Test Method for Swell Index of Clay Mineral Component of
Geosynthetic Clay Liners
D 5891 Test Method for Fluid Loss of Clay Component of Geosynthetic Clay
Liners
D 5993 Test Method for Measuring the Mass Per Unit Area of Geosynthetic
Clay Liners
D 5994 Test Method for Measuring the Core Thickness of Textured
Geomembrane
D 6102 Guide for Installation of Geosynthetic Clay Liners

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 D 6141 Guide for Screening the Clay Portion of a GCL for Chemical
Compatibility to Liquids
D 6243 Method for Determining the Internal and Interface Shear Resistance of
Geosynthetic Clay Liner by the Direct Shear Method
D 6495 Guide for Acceptance Testing Requirements for Geosynthetic Clay
Liners
D 6496 Test Method for Determining Average Bonding Peel Strength Between
the Top and Bottom Layers of Needle-Punched Geosynthetic Clay
Liners
D 6693 Test Method for Determining Tensile Properties of Nonreinforced
Polyethylene and Nonreinforced Flexible Polypropylene Geomembranes
D 6766 Test Method for Evaluation of Hydraulic Properties of Geosynthetic
Clay Liners Permeated with Potentially Incompatible Liquids
D 6768 Test Method for Tensile Strength of Geosynthetic Clay Liners

2.2 GRI Standards

GM13 Test Properties, Testing Frequency and Recommended Warrant for High
Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Smooth and Textured Geomembranes
GM17 Test Properties, Testing Frequency and Recommended Warranty for
Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Smooth and Textured
Geomembranes
GM18 Test Properties, Testing Frequency and Recommended Warrant for
Flexible Polypropylene (fPP and fPP-R) Nonreinforced and Reinforced
Geomembranes (Presently suspended as of May 3, 2004)

2.3 Government Document:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Technical Guidance Document “Quality

Control Assurance and Quality Control for Waste Containment Facilities,”
EPA/600/R-93/182, September 1993, 305 pgs.

3. Terminology

3.1 Definition

3.1.1 Geosynthetic Definitions:

3.1.1.1 geotextile, n—a permeability geosynthetic comprised solely of

textiles. (ASTM D 4439)
3.1.1.2 geomembrane, n—an essentially impermeable geosynthetic
barrier composed of one or more synthetic sheets. (ASTM D
4439)
3.1.1.3 geofilm, n—a thin polymeric film which is essentially
impermeable having a thickness no greater than 0.25 mm (10
mils).

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 3.1.1.4 geotextile-polymer, n—a geotextile which has been coated with,
or impregnated by, a polymer such as polypropylene
3.1.1.5 geosynthetic clay liner, n—a manufactured hydraulic barrier
consisting of clay bonded to a layer or layers of geosynthetic
materials. (ASTM D 4439). Also recall Note 1.

Note 2: Geotextile Related GCL is one in which two geotextiles are used
respectively as cap and carrier to the bentonite. Cap and carrier
designations in this standard refer to respective orientations
during manufacturing. This may or may not be the as-placed
orientation in the field. It can be internally reinforced by needle
punching or stitching, or be nonreinforced.
Geotextile Polymer Coated GCL is one in which two geotextiles
are used respectively as cap and carrier to the encased bentonite,
however, one of the geotextiles has been polymer coated in a
manner that the permeability and flux are decreased. Within this
context a bitumen coated geotextile can be considered as being a
polymer. Cap and carrier designations refer to the as
manufactured product and not necessarily to the as-placed
orientation. It can be internally reinforced by needle punching or
stitching, or be nonreinforced.
Geomembrane/Geofilm Related GCL is one in which a
geomembrane or geofilm is included in the cross section either
above or below the cap geotextile. It can be internally reinforced
needle punching or be nonreinforced. Also in the nonreinforced
category is bentonite adhesively bonded to a geomembrane.

3.1.2 Material Definitions

3.1.2.1 bentonite—a distinct type of fine-grained clay soil typically

containing not less than 80% montmorillionite clay, usually
characterized by high swelling upon wetting.
3.1.2.2 Formulation, n - The mixture of a unique combination of
ingredients identified by type, properties and quantity. For
geosynthetic materials, a formulation refers to the exact
percentages of resin, additives, carbon black and/or other
additives. It does not necessarily refer to individual suppliers of
each ingredient. The individual suppliers must meet the
manufacturer’s internal quality control specification.

3.1.3 Organizational Definitions:

3.1.3.1 installer, n—the party who installs, or facilitates installation of,

any materials purchased from manufacturers or suppliers.
3.1.3.2 manufacturer, n—the group, corporation, partnership, or
individual that manufactures a product.

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 3.1.3.3 purchaser, n—the person, company, or organization that
purchases any materials or work to be performed.
3.1.3.4 supplier, n—the party who supplies material or services.

3.1.4 Quality Definitions:

3.1.4.1 Manufacturing Quality Control (MQC) - A planned system of

inspections that is used to directly monitor and control the
manufacture of a material which is factory originated. MQC is
normally performed by the manufacturer of geosynthetic
materials and is necessary to ensure minimum (or maximum)
specified values in the manufactured product. MQC refers to
measures taken by the manufacturer to determine compliance with
the requirements for materials and workmanship as stated in
certification documents and contract specifications, ref.
EPA/600/R-93/182
3.1.4.2 Manufacturing Quality Assurance (MQA) - A planned system of
activities that provides assurance that the materials were
constructed as specified in the certification documents and
contract specifications. MQA includes manufacturing facility
inspections, verifications, audits and evaluation of the raw
materials (resins and additives) and geosynthetic products to
assess the quality of the manufactured materials. MQA refers to
measures taken by the MQA organization to determine if the
manufacturer is in compliance with the product certification and
contract specifications for the project, ref. EPA/600/R-93/182
3.1.4.3 Construction Quality Control (CQC) - A planned system of
inspections that are used to directly monitor and control the
quality of a construction project. Construction quality control is
normally performed by the geosynthetics manufacturer or
installer, or for natural soil materials by the earthwork contractor,
and is necessary to achieve quality in the constructed or installed
system. Construction quality control (CQC) refers to measures
taken by the installer or contractor to determine compliance with
the requirements for materials and workmanship as stated in the
plans and specifications for the project, ref. EPA/600/R-93/182
3.1.4.4 Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) - A planned system of
activities that provide assurance that the facility was constructed
as specified in the design. Construction quality assurance
includes inspections, verification, audits, and evaluations of
materials and workmanship necessary to determine and document
the quality of the constructed facility. Construction quality
assurance (CQA) refers to measures taken by the CQA
organization to assess if the installer or contractor is in
compliance with the plans and specifications for a project, ref.
EPA.600/R-93/182

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4. Significance and Use

4.1 GCLs must be properly manufactured in a manner consistent with a minimum

level of quality control as determined by in-house testing of the final product.
This specification presents the types of tests, standard methods of the testing,
required (usually minimum) test values, and minimum testing frequencies which
should be embodied in the manufacturer’s quality control documents. The quoted
tests, test methods and test values in Table 1 must appear in the MQC plan and
the MQC report.

4.2 It should be clearly recognized that manufacturers may perform additional tests or
at greater frequency than required in this specification, or both. In this case, the
manufacturer’s quality control plan will then take precedence over this
specification.

4.3 It should also be recognized that purchasers and installers of GCLs may require
additional tests or at a great frequency than called for in this specification, or both.
The organization(s) producing such project specific specification or quality
assurance plan should recognize that such requirements are beyond the current
state-of-the-practice. If such a request is made by purchasers or installers, they
should clearly communicate the requirements to the manufacturer or supplier
during the contract decisions in order that disputes do not arise at a subsequent
time.

5. Procedure

5.1 The procedures embodied in this specification are contained in the respective test
methods given in Table 1.

5.1.1 The minimum recommended quality control tests for the manufacture of
GCLs are given in Table 1. Specific tests are performed on the bentonite,
the geosynthetic component materials, and the finished GCL. Table 1(a)
is in S.I. (Metric) units and Table 1(b) is in U.S. (English) units.

Note 3: The conversion from S.I. units into U.S. units is soft.

5.1.2 The individual properties in Table 1 are minimum values; except fluid
loss, moisture content, and permeability (or flux). They are maximum
values. The manner of taking specimens is described in the appropriate
test method. When an average value is indicated, it is listed in the table as
“min. ave.”, or “max. ave.”.

5.2 Bentonite (as received)

Two tests are required; swell index and fluid loss. The latter is a maximum value.
These tests should be performed on the bentonite prior to fabrication into a GCL

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 or on bentonite taken from the manufactured product if the bentonite is modified
in any way during manufacturing, e.g., if an adhesive is added.

5.3 Geotextile (as received)

Mass per unit area is required on the as-manufactured cap and carrier fabrics, with
different values depending on the fabric being nonwoven or woven.

Note 4: These tests are to be performed on the geotextiles before

manufacturing into the final GCL. Removal of the geotextiles
from the manufactured product and subsequent testing will give
erroneous values and is not an acceptable practice. The exception
is polymer coated GCLs where the geotextile must be removed to
determine its mass per unit area.

5.4 Geomembrane/Geofilm (as received)

The following tests are required; thickness, density, and tensile strength at break.
All are minimum required values. Tensile strength at break is the lowest of
machine direction and cross machine direction.

Note 5: These tests are to be performed on the geomembrane or geofilm

before manufacturing into the final GCL. Removal of the
geomembrane or geofilm from the manufactured product and
subsequent testing will give erroneous values and is not an
accepted practice.

5.5 GCL (as manufactured)

Six tests are required on the as-manufactured GCL with one having an alternative,
i.e., hydraulic conductivity or flux. All are minimum values, with the exception
of moisture content and hydraulic conductivity or flux.

5.6 GCL (long-term)

The purpose of these long-term or endurance tests is to provide confidence in the
continuing acceptable performance of the bentonite and geosynthetic components
of the installed GCL.

5.6.1 The durability of the bentonite is evaluated using a permeant consisting of

0.05 M calcium chloride solution. See ASTM D 6141 which is a guide for
this particular aspect of the specification. The GCL is to be hydrated with
distilled deionized water prior to conducting the tests with the calcium
chloride solution. In this regard, ASTM D6766 Scenario 1 and Method C
is the procedure to be used. The maximum allowable values are listed in
Tables 1(a) and (b).

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 5.6.2 The geotextiles in their as-received condition are evaluated by incubation
in a forced air oven per ASTM D5721 set at 60°C for 50 days. The
minimum percent in tensile strength retained at break, as measured by
ASTM D5035, is 65%. If individual yarns are used in reinforcing GCLs,
they must also meet this same endurance criterion.

5.6.3 The geomembrane in its as-received condition is evaluated for durability

via the appropriate GRI Specification. For high density polyethylene
(HDPE), the specification is GRI GM13. For linear low density
polyethylene (LLDPE), the specification is GRI GM17. For flexible
polypropylene (fPP), the specification is GRI GM18.

5.6.4 The geofilm in its as-received condition is evaluated by incubation in a

forced air oven per ASTM D5721 set at 60°C for 50 days. The minimum
percent tensile strength retained at break for either MD or XMD, as
measured by ASTM D882, is reported accordingly and must meet or
exceed the specification value.

Note 6: It should be recognized that the above durability criterion for

geofilms is not as stringent as the criteria for geomembranes stated
in Section 5.6.3.

6. Workmanship and Appearance

6.1 Waterproof ink overlap lines should be printed on both edges of one of the
surfaces (geotextile or geomembrane) of the manufactured GCL.

Note 7: The overlap lines are minimally 150 mm (6.0 in.) from the edges
of the GCL. Other design-related situations may require greater
overlap distances to be printed on the GCLs, e.g., when not
backfilled in a timely manner.

6.2 Needle punched and stitch bonded GCLs shall be essentially free of broken needle
and fragments that would negatively effect the performance of the final product.
There must be continuous needle detection and removal devices, e.g., metal
detectors and magnets, used during manufacture of GCL products.

6.3 The manufactured GCL shall have good appearance qualities. It shall be free
from such defects that would affect the specified properties and integrity of the
product.
6.4 General manufacturing procedures shall be performed in accordance with the
manufacturer's internal quality control guide and/or documents. ASTM D5888
and D5889 should be followed in this regard.

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7. MQC Sampling

7.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the specific test methods listed in Table 1.
If no sampling protocol is stipulated in the particular test method, then test
specimens shall be taken evenly spaced across the entire roll width, see ASTM D
4354.

7.2 The number of tests shall be in accordance with the appropriate test methods
listed in Table 1.

7.3 The average of the test results should be calculated per the particular standard
cited and compared to the minimum value listed in these tables, hence the values
listed are the minimum average values and are designated as "min. ave.". When
the property is a maximum value, the designation is “max. ave.”.

8. MQC Retest and Rejection

8.1 If the results of any test do not conform to the requirements of this specification,
retesting to determine conformance or rejection should be done in accordance
with the manufacturing protocol as set forth in the manufacturer's quality manual.

9. Packaging and Marking

9.1 The GCL shall be rolled onto a substantial core, clearly labeled, and enclosed in a
waterproof wrapper. Packaging must be adequate for safe transportation to the
point of delivery.

9.2 The label should include manufacturer, style, lot and/or roll number, weight,
length and width.

10. Conformance and Certification

10.1 Conformance of the manufactured GCL to this specification, or agreed-upon

variation thereof, shall be performed by the MQA organization or designated by
the purchaser/owner. ASTM D 4759 can be used as a general guide, but
individual test methods must be clearly stipulated and communicated to the
parties involved.

10.2 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order, a manufacturer's

certification that the material was manufactured and tested in accordance with this
specification, together with a report of the test results, shall be furnished at the
time of shipment.

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 GRI-GCL3 Spec - S.I. (Metric) Units

Table 1(a) – Specification for Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs)

Property ASTM Reinforced GCL Non-Reinforced GCL Testing

Test GT- GT Polymer GM-GF GT- GT Polymer GM-GF Frequency
Method Related Coated Related Related Coated Related
Clay (as received)
swell index (ml/2g) D5890 24 24 24 24 24 24 50 tonnes
fluid loss (ml)(1) D5891 18 18 18 18 18 18 50 tonnes
Geotextiles (as received)
cap fabric (nonwoven) - mass/unit area (g/m2)(2) D5261 200 200 200 100 100 n/a/100 20,000 m2
cap fabric -(woven) - mass/unit area (g/m2) D5261 100 100 100 100 100 100 20,000 m2
carrier fabric (nonwoven composite) - mass/(g/m2)(2) D5261 200 200 200 100 100 n/a/100 20,000 m2
carrier fabric (woven) - mass/unit area (g/m2) D5261 100 100 100 - - - 20,000 m2
coating - mass/unit area (g/m2)(3) D5261 n/a 200 n/a n/a 200 n/a 4,000 m2
Geomembrane/Geofilm (as received)
thickness(4) (mm) D5199/D5994 n/a n/a 0.40/0.50/0.10 n/a n/a 0.40/0.75/0.10 20,000 m2
density (g/cc) D1505/D792 n/a n/a 0.92 n/a n/a 0.92 20,000 m2
break tensile strength, MD&XMD (kN/m) D6693 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 6.0 20,000 m2
break tensile strength, MD (kN/m) D882 n/a n/a 2.5 n/a n/a 2.5 20,000 m2
GCL (as manufactured)
mass of GCL (g/m2)(5) D5993 4000 4050 4100 4000 4050 4100 4,000 m2
mass of bentonite (g/m2)(5) D5993 3700 3700 3700 3700 3700 3700 4,000 m2
moisture content(1) (%) D5993 35 35 35 35 35 35 4,000 m2
tensile str., MD (kN/m) D6768 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 20,000 m2
peel strength (N/m) D6496 360 360 360 n/a n/a n/a 4,000 m2
permeability(1) (m/sec), “or” D5887 5 × 10-11 n/a n/a 5 × 10-11 n/a n/a 25,000 m2
flux(1) (m3/ m2)/s D5887 1 × 10-8 n/a n/a 1 × 10-8 n/a n/a 25,000 m2
GCL flux1),(6),(7),(8) (m3/m2)/s (max. at 35 kPa) D6766 1 × 10-7 n/a n/a 1 × 10-7 n/a n/a yearly
Component Durability
geotextile and reinforcing yarns (9) (% strength retained) See § 5.6.2 65 65 n/a 65 65 n/a yearly
geomembrane See § 5.6.3 n/a n/a GM Spec(10) n/a n/a GM Spec(10) yearly
geofilm/polymer treated(9) (% strength retained) See § 5.6.4 n/a 85 80 n/a 85 80 yearly
n/a = not applicable with respect to this property
(1) These values are maximum (all others are minimum).
(2) For both cap and carrier fabrics for nonwoven reinforced GCLs; one, or the other, must contain a scrim component of mass ≥ 100 g/m2 for dimensional stability. This only applies to
GM/GCL composites which are exposed to the atmosphere for several months or longer so as to mitigate panel separation.
(3) Calculated value obtained from difference of coated fabric to as-received fabric.
(4) First value is for smooth geomembrane; second for textured geomembrane; third for geofilm.
(5) Mass of the GCL and bentonite is measured after oven drying per the stated test method.
(6) Value represents GCL permeability after permeation with a 0.05 M calcium chloride solution; for termination criterion see § 5.6.1.
(7) The specimen is saturated with DI water until steady flow is obtained. CaCL2 saturation at 0.05 M added after, minimum flow conditions exist as per the standard requirement.
(8) Test should be run on the pure bentonite only. Not on polymer modified bentonites.
(9) Value represents the minimum percent strength retained from the as-manufactured value after oven aging at 60°C for 50 days tested per ASTM D5035.
(10) Durability criteria should follow the appropriate specification for the geomembrane type used; i.e., GRI GM-13 for HDPE, GRI GM-17 for LLDPE or GRI GM-18 for fPP.

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 GRI-GCL3 Spec - U.S. (English) Units

Table 1(b) – Specification for Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs)

Property ASTM Reinforced GCL Non-Reinforced GCL Testing

Test GT- GT Polymer GM-GF GT- GT Polymer GM-GF Frequency
Method Related Coated Related Related Coated Related
Clay (as received)
swell index (ml/2g) D5890 24 24 24 24 24 24 50 tonnes
fluid loss (ml)(1) D5891 18 18 18 18 18 18 50 tonnes
Geotextiles (as received)
cap fabric (nonwoven) - mass/unit area (oz/yd2)(2) D5261 5.9 5.9 5.9 3.0 3.0 n/a/3.0 25,000 yd2
cap fabric (woven) - mass/unit area (oz/yd2) D5261 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 25,000 yd2
carrier fabric (nonwoven composite) - mass/(oz/yd2)(2) D5261 5.9 5.9 5.9 3.0 3.0 n/a/3.0 25,000 yd2
carrier fabric (woven) - mass/unit area (oz/yd2) D5261 3.0 3.0 3.0 - - - 25,000 yd2
coating - mass/unit area (oz/yd2)(3) D5261 n/a 5.8 n/a n/a 5.8 n/a 5,000 yd2
Geomembrane/Geofilm (as received)
thickness(4) (mils) D5199/D5994 n/a n/a 15/20/4 n/a n/a 15/30/4 25,000 yd2
density (g/cc) D1505/D792 n/a n/a 0.92 n/a n/a 0.92 25,000 yd2
break tensile strength, MD&XMD (lb/in.) D6693 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 34 25,000 yd2
break tensile strength, MD & XMD (lb/in.) D882 n/a n/a 14 n/a n/a 14 25,000 yd2
GCL (as manufactured)
mass of GCL (lb/ft2)(5) D5993 0.81 0.83 0.84 0.81 0.83 0.84 5,000 yd2
mass of bentonite (lb/ft2)(5) D5993 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 5,000 yd2
moisture content(1) (%) D5993 35 35 35 35 35 35 5,000 yd2
tensile str., MD (lb/in.) D6768 23 23 23 23 23 23 25,000 yd2
peel strength (lb/in.) D6496 2.1 2.1 2.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 5,000 yd2
permeability(1) (cm/sec), “or” D5887 5 × 10-9 n/a n/a 5 × 10-9 n/a n/a 30,000 yd2
flux(1) (m3/ m2)/s D5887 1 × 10-8 n/a n/a 1 × 10-8 n/a n/a 30,000 yd2
GCL flux(1),(6),(7),(8) (m3/ m2)/s (max. at 5 lb/in.2) D6766 1 × 10-7 n/a n/a 1 × 10-7 n/a n/a yearly
Component Durability
geotextile and reinforcing yarns(9) (% strength retained) See § 5.6.2 65 65 n/a 65 65 n/a yearly
geomembrane See § 5.6.3 n/a n/a GM Spec(10) n/a n/a GM Spec(10) yearly
geofilm/polymer treated(9) (% strength retained) See § 5.6.4 n/a 85 80 n/a 85 80 yearly
n/a = not applicable with respect to this property
(1) These values are maximum (all others are minimum).
(2) For both cap and carrier fabrics for nonwoven reinforced GCLs; one, or the other, must contain a scrim component of mass > 2.9 oz/yd2 for dimensional stability. This
only applies to GM/GCL composites which are exposed to the atmosphere for several months or longer so as to mitigate panel separation.
(3) Calculated value obtained from difference of coated fabric to as-received fabric.
(4) First value is for smooth geomembrane; second for textured geomembrane; third for geofilm.
(5) Mass of the GCL and bentonite is measured after oven drying per the stated test method.
(6) Value represents GCL permeability after permeation with a 0.05 M calcium chloride solution; for termination criterion see § 5.6.1.
(7) The specimen is saturated with DI water until steady flow is obtained. CaCL2 saturation at 0.05 M added after, minimum flow conditions exist as per the standard requirement.
(8) Test should be run on pure bentonite. Not on polymer modified bentonite.
(9) Value represents the minimum percent strength retained from the as-manufactured value after oven aging at 60°C for 50 days tested per ASTM D5035.
(10) Durability criteria should follow the appropriate specification for the geomembrane used; i.e., GRI GM-13 for HDPE, GRI GM-17 for LLDPE or GRI GM-18 for fPP.

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 Adoption and Revision Schedule

for

GCL Specification for GRI-GCL3

“Test Methods, Required Properties, and Testing Frequencies of

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs)”

Adopted: May 16, 2005

Revision #1: March 30, 2009: Removed permeability testing requirement for GM back, GF backed,
and polymer treated GCLs. Various editorial modifications.

Revision #2: July 26, 2010: (i) Increased cap fabric weights for nonreinforced GCL’s from 90 to 100
g/m2 (3.0 oz/yd2); (ii) Included a maximum value for initial moisture content of 35%
(previously it was “under investigation”); (iii) Termination criterion for D6766 test was
modified per Section 5.6.1; and (iv) Added to Footnote #2, “This only applies to
GM/GCL composites which are exposed to the atmosphere for months or longer so as
to mitigate panel separation”.

Revision #3: March 14, 2016: (i) Increased GT polymer coated mass/unit area from 2.9 oz/yd2 to 5.8
oz/yd2 (100 g/m2 to 200 g/m2); (ii) Increased termination criterion in Section 5.6.1 for
ASTM D6141 from two (2) to ten (10) pore volumes; (iii) Introduced Footnote #7,
which applies to ASTM D6766 testing. The test should be run on pure bentonite, not
polymer modified bentonite. Indexed Footnotes 8 and 9 accordingly.

Revision #4: March 28, 2016: Decreased termination criterion in Section 5.6.1 for ASTM D6141
from ten (10) to eight (8) pore volumes.

Revision#5: November 21, 2019: Changed the test method by which the incubated geotextile is
eliminated for strength loss from ASTM D6768 to ASTM D5035 in Section 5.6.2.
Changed the ASTM D6766 permeability with salt water challenge from 0.1 M to 0.05
M calcium chloride solution and eliminated the higher confining pressure of 500 kPa
(70 psi) requirement. Corrected hydraulic conductivity to index flux with calcium
chloride under 35k Pa (5psi) confining pressure.

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Rev. #5 - 11/21/2019