Designation: D 5199 01 (Reapproved 2006)

Standard Test Method for

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Measuring the Nominal Thickness of Geosynthetics1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5199; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 geomembrane, nan essentially impermeable membrane used with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any other
geotechnical engineering related material as an integral part of
a man-made project, structure, or system.
3.1.2 geotextiles, na planar product manufactured from
polymeric material used with soil, rock, earth, or other geotechnical engineering related material as an integral part of a
man-made project, structure, or system.
3.1.3 geotextiles, nany permeable textile used with soil,
rock, earth or any other geotechnical material as an integral
part of a man-made project, structure, or system.
3.1.4 pressure, nthe force or load per unit area.
3.1.5 thickness(1) the distance between one planar surface and its opposite parallel and planar surface; (2) in the
textiles the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of
the material, measured under a specified pressure and time.
3.1.6 For definition of other textile terms used in this
standard, refer to Terminology D 123.
3.1.7 For definitions of other terms relating to geotextiles
and geomembranes used in this standard, refer to Terminology
D 4439.

1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the nominal
thickness of geotextiles, smooth surfaced geomembranes, geonets, and geocomposite drainage products.
1.2 This test method does not provide thickness values for
geosynthetics under variable normal compressive stresses. This
test method determines nominal thickness, not necessarily
minimum thickness.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.4 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: 2
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D 1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
D 2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens
for Textiles
D 4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
D 4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D 5199 Test Method for Measuring the Nominal Thickness
of Geosynthetics
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method

4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 The nominal thicknesses of geosynthetics is determined
by observing the perpendicular distance that a movable plane is
displaced from a parallel surface by the geotextile or geomembrane material while under a specified pressure (2 kPa for
geotextiles and 20 kPa for geomembranes for 5 s).
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Thickness is one of the basic physical properties used to
control the quality of many geosynthetics. Thickness values are
required in calculation of some geotextile and geomembrane
parameters such as permeability coefficients, tensile stress
(index), and the like thickness is not indicative of field
performance and therefore is not recommended for specifications.

This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on

Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.03 on Permeability and Filtration.
Current edition approved June 1, 2006. Published June 2006. Originally
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D 5199 01.
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 standards Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

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D 5199 01 (2006)
200 kPa is recommended for HDPE geomembranes if fictitiously high readings are suspected using the 20 kPa pressure.

5.2 The thickness of geotextiles and geomembranes may

vary considerably depending on the pressure applied to the
specimen during measurement. Where observed changes occur,
thickness decreases when applied pressure is increased. To
minimize variation, specific sample size and applied pressure
are indicated in this method to ensure all results are comparable.
5.3 To determine the effect of difference pressure loadings
on the measure thickness of geotextiles and geomembranes,
use this test method.
5.4 This test method may be used for acceptance testing of
commercial shipments of geotextiles and geomembranes, but
caution is advised since information on between-laboratory
precision is incomplete. Comparative tests, as directed in 5.4.1
may be advisable.
5.4.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
reported test results when using this test method for acceptance
testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is
a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias.
As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test
specimens that are as homogeneous as possible and that are
formed from a lot of material of the type in question. The test
specimens should be randomly assigned in equal numbers to
each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two
laboratories should be compared using Students t-test for
unpaired data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the
two parties before the testing is begun. If bias is found, either
its cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and
supplier must agree to interpret future tests in the light of the
known bias.

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NOTE 2(Appendix X1) lists some of the suppliers of apparatus for

thickness measurement.

6.2 Cutting DiesDies to cut specimens should have dimensions at least as large as a circle of 75 mm (3 in.) diameter.
NOTE 3Due to compressibility of many geotextiles and geomembranes the cutting and handling preparation may change the thickness.
Care should be exercised to minimize these effects.

7. Sampling

7.1 Lot SampleIn the absence of other guidelines divide

the product into lots and take lot samples as specified in
Practice D 4354.
7.2 Laboratory SampleConsider the units in the lot
sample as the units in the laboratory sample. For the laboratory
sample, take a full width sample of sufficient length along the
selvage or edge of the roll so that the requirements of 7.3-7.5.2
can be met. Exclude the inner and outer wraps of the roll or any
material containing folds, crushed areas or other distortions not
representative of the sampled lot.
7.3 Remove test specimens from the laboratory sample in a
randomly distributed pattern across the width with no specimen
taken nearer than 100 mm (4 in.) from the selvage or roll edge,
unless otherwise specified. For geomembranes include at least
one specimen taken no more than 152 mm (6 in.) from the
edge. Since seams are an important part of geomembrane
applications, thickness readings within 152 mm (6 in.) of each
edge is appropriate.
7.4 Test SpecimensFrom each unit in the laboratory
sample, remove the specimens so that the edge of the specimen
will extend beyond the edge of the pressor foot by 10 mm (0.39
in.) in all directions (that is, at least a circle of 75 mm (3 in.)
in diameter).
7.5 Number of SpecimensUnless otherwise agreed upon,
as when provided in an applicable material specifications, take
a number of test specimens per laboratory sample such that the
user may expect at the 95 % probability level that the test result
is not more than 6.0 % of the average above or below the true
average of the sample. Determine the number of specimens per
sample as follows:
7.5.1 Reliable Estimate of vWhen there is a reliable
estimate of v based upon extensive part records for similar
materials tested in the users laboratory as directed in the
method, calculate the required number of specimens for the
machine and cross-machine directions as follows:

NOTE 1The user should be aware that the compressibility of the

materials, their rebound characteristics, and the like will also affect the
thickness of the geotextiles and geomembranes following the time when
they are rolled up on rolls shipped and stored.

6. Apparatus

6.1 Thickness Testing Instrument The thickness gauge

shall have a base (or anvil) and a free moving presser foot plate
whose planar faces are parallel to each other to <0.01 mm. A
gauge with a 56.4 mm (2.22 in.) diameter presser foot, the base
shall extend at least 10 mm in all directions further than the
edge of the 2500 mm2 circular pressor foot, shall be used for
measurements of geotextiles, geocomposite drainage materials,
and geonets. A gauge with a 6.35 mm (0.250 in.) diameter
pressor foot shall be used for laboratory measurements of
geomembranes. A gauge with 6.35 mm (0.250 in.) diameter
pressor foot and base may be used for field measurements of
geomembrane thickness. The instruments must be capable of
measuring a maximum thickness of at least 10 mm to an
accuracy of at least 60.02 mm. The gauges shall be constructed to permit gradual application of pressure to a specific
force of 2 6 0.02 kPa (0.29 6 0.003 psi) for geotextiles and
20 6 0.2 kPa (2.9 6 0.03 psi) for geomembranes. Dead-weight
loading may be used.
6.1.1 The specified force of 20 kPa may be inadequate for
some HDPE geomembranes. A pressure in the range of 50 to

n 5 ~tv / A!2

where:
n = number of test specimens (rounded upward to a whole
number),
v = reliable estimate of the coefficient of variation of
individual observations on similar materials in the
users laboratory under conditions of single-operation
precision, %,

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D 5199 01 (2006)
9.3 Procedure A - Geotextiles, Geocomposite Drainage
Materials, and Geonets: With the force applied to the pressor
foot on the base (no test specimen present), zero the measuring
scale or record the base reading. Lift the presser foot, center
the test specimen on the base under the presser foot, and bring
the presser foot into contact with the material. Gradually
increase the pressure to 2 kPa (0.29 psi). After the full force has
been applied to presser foot for 5 s against the specimen, record
the thickness value to the nearest 0.02 mm and remove the
specimen from the test device.
9.4 Procedure B - Smooth Surfaced Geomembranes: With
the force applied to the pressor foot on the base (no test
specimen present), zero the measuring scale or record the base
reading. Lift the presser foot, center the specimen on the base
under the presser foot, and bring the presser foot into contact
with the material. Gradually increase the pressure to 20 kPa
(2.9 psi). After the full force has been applied to presser foot
for 5 s against the specimen, record the thickness value to the
nearest 0.02 mm and remove the specimen from the test device.

= the value of Students t for two-sided limits (see Table

1), a 95 % probability level, and the degrees of
freedom associated with the estimate of v, and
A = 5.0 % of the average, the value of the allowable
variation.
7.5.2 No Reliable Estimate of vWhen there is no reliable
estimate of v for the users laboratory, Eq 1 should not be used
directly. Instead, specify the fixed number (10) of specimens.
The number of specimens is calculated using v = 9.5 % of the
average. These values for v are somewhat larger than usually
found in practice. When a reliable estimate of v for the users
laboratory becomes available, Eq 1 will usually require fewer
than the fixed number of specimens.

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8. Conditioning
8.1 Bring the specimens to moisture equilibrium in the
atmosphere for testing geotextiles and geomembranes, that is,
temperature of 21 6 2C (70 6 4F) and relative humidity of
60 6 10 %.
8.2 Moisture Equilibrium is considered to have been
reached when the increase in mass of the specimen, in
successive weighings made at intervals of not less than 2 h,
does not exceed 0.1 % of the mass of the specimen. In general,
many geotextiles and geomembranes contain more moisture
when received than they will after reaching moisture equilibrium.

10. Calculation
10.1 Calculate the average of the thickness for all test
results as read directly from the test instrument.
11. Report
11.1 The report for the nominal thickness shall include the
following information:
11.1.1 Project, type of geotextile or geomembranes tested,
and method of sampling.
11.1.2 Name or description of thickness apparatus used for
testing.
11.1.3 Dimensions of the presser foot and of the specimen.
11.1.4 Loading time interval.
11.1.5 Number of tests.
11.1.6 Average nominal thickness, and
11.1.7 Coefficient of variation of thickness in the sample, in
percent (optional).
11.1.8 Any unusual or out of standard conditions or observations made during the tests.

NOTE 4It is recognized that in practice, geotextiles and geomembranes are frequently not weighed to determine when moisture equilibrium has been reached. While such a method cannot be accepted in cases
of dispute, it may be sufficient in routine testing for a reasonable period of
time before the specimens are tested. A time of at least 24 h has been found
acceptable in most cases. However, fibers may contain more moisture
upon receipt than after conditioning and lose moisture relatively slowly
during conditioning. When this is known, a preconditioning cycle, as
described in Practice D 1776, may be agreed upon by the contractual
parties for routine testing.

9. Procedure
9.1 Test the conditioned specimens in the standard atmosphere specified in 8.1.
9.2 Handle the test specimens carefully to avoid altering the
natural state of the material.

12. Precision and Bias

12.1 Precision (Geotextiles):
12.1.1 Inter-Laboratory Test Program 3 An interlaboratory study of Test Method D 5199 was performed in
1994. Each of six laboratories tested ten randomly drawn
specimens from each of four materials.
12.1.2 ResultThe precision information given below has
been calculated for the comparison of six test results, each of
which is the average of ten specimens. Four different materials
were tested.
12.1.3 95 % Repeatability Limit The repeatability limit is
14 % of the test results. For the different materials, the
repeatability limits range from 22 % to 9 %.

TABLE 1 Values of Students t for Two-Sided Limits and the

95 % ProbabilityA
df

t.025

df

t.025

df

t.025

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

12.706
4.303
3.182
2.776
2.571
2.447
2.365
2.306
2.262
2.228

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

2.201
2.179
2.160
2.145
2.131
2.120
2.110
2.101
2.093
2.086

21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
inf.

2.080
2.074
2.069
2.064
2.060
2.056
2.052
2.048
2.045
1.960

A
Values in this table were calculated using Hewlett Packard HP 67/97 Users
Library Programs 03848D, One-Sided and Two-Sided Critical Values of Students
t and 00350D, Improved Normal and Inverse Distribution. For values at other
than the 95 % probability level, see published tables of critical values of Students
t in any standard statistical text. Further use of this table is defined in Practice
D 2905.

3
The design of the experiment, similar to that of Practice E 691, and a
within-between analyzer of the data will be available.

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D 5199 01 (2006)
12.1.4 95 % Reproducibility Limit (Between Laboratory)
The reproducibility limit is 23 % of the test results. For the
different materials, the repeatability limits range from 33 % to
17 %.
12.1.5 The respective coefficients of variation percentages
for the test results may be obtained by dividing the above
numbers by 2.8. Hence, for the four materials tested:

Material D2 %

Material D4 %

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12.3 Precision (Geonet and Geocomposite):

12.3.1 Inter-Laboratory Test ProgramAn inter-laboratory
study of Test Method D 5199 was performed in 1999. Three
sets (ten test specimens each) which were randomly drawn
from each material, one geonet and one double-sided geocomposite, that were tested for thickness in each of the five
laboratories. The design of the experiment, similar to that of
Practice E 691, and a within-between analysis of the data are
given in an ASTM Research Report.4
12.3.2 Test ResultThe precision information is given below. The precision values are for the thickness test results and
are in terms of coefficients of variation, CV%.
12.3.3 Precision:

Repeatability
Material A8 %
Material B4 %
Material C3 %
Material D5 %

Reproducibility
Material A12 %
Material B 8 %
Material C 7 %
Material D 6 %

12.2 Precision (Smooth Surfaced Geomembranes):

12.2.1 Inter-Laboratory Test Program 3 An interlaboratory study of Test Method D 5199 was performed in
1994. Each of three laboratories tested ten randomly drawn
specimens from each of four materials.
12.2.2 ResultThe precision information given below has
been calculated for the comparison of three test results, each of
which is the average of ten specimens. Four different materials
were tested.
12.2.3 95 % Repeatability Limit The repeatability limit is
5 % of the test results. For the different materials, the repeatability limits range from 8 % to 2 %.
12.2.4 95 % Reproducibility Limit (Between Laboratory)
The reproducibility limit is 12 % of the test results. For the
different materials, the repeatability limits range from 18 % to
8 %.
12.2.5 The respective coefficients of variation percentages
for the test results may be obtained by dividing the above
numbers by 2.8. Hence, for the four materials tested:
Repeatability
Material A1 %
Material B1 %
Material C3 %

Statistic
Average thickness, mm
Within-laboratory repeatability
limit, CV%r
Between-laboratory reproducibility limit, CV%R
95 % confidence limit, withinlaboratory repeatability, 2.8
CV%r
95 % confidence limit, withinlaboratory reproducibility, 2.8
CV%R

Geonet
5.64
1.6 %

Geocomposite
6.98
1.0 %

3.9 %

1.6 %

4.4 %

3.0 %

10.8 %

4.3 %

12.4 BiasThe procedure in this test method has no bias

because the value of that property can only be defined in terms
of the test method.
13. Keywords
13.1 sample; selvage; specimen

Reproducibility
Material A4 %
Material B7 %
Material C3 %

4
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: D351009.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. Suppliers

X1.1 Some Suppliers of Thickness Measuring Apparatus

American Instrument Company, Custom Scientific Instruments, Ind., Federal Products Corporation, Frank E. Randall

Company, Inc., Frazier Precision Instrument Company, Inc.,

Testing Machines, Inc., The Ames Company, and ThwingAlbert Instrument Company.

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