Designation: D4632/D4632M − 15a

Standard Test Method for

Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4632/D4632M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope D76/D76M Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for

1.1 This test method is an index test which provides a Textiles
procedure for determining the breaking load (grab strength) D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
and elongation (grab elongation) of geotextiles using the grab D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
method. This test method is not suitable for knitted fabrics and tiles
alternate test methods should be used. While useful for quality D2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens for
control and acceptance testing for a specific fabric structure, Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)3
the results can only be used comparatively between fabrics D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
with very similar structures, because each different fabric Erosion Control Products(RECPs) for Testing
structure performs in a unique and characteristic manner in this D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
test. The grab test methods does not provide all the information E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
needed for all design applications and other test methods ASTM Test Methods
should be used. E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.2 Procedures for measuring the breaking load and elon-
gation by the grab method in both the dry and wet state are 3. Terminology
included; however, testing is normally done in the dry condi- 3.1 Definitions:
tion unless specified otherwise in an agreement or specifica- 3.1.1 atmosphere for testing geotextiles, n—air maintained
tion. at a relative humidity of 65 6 5 % relative humidity and
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units temperature of 21 6 2°C [70 6 4°F].
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in 3.1.2 breaking load, n—the maximum force applied to a
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each specimen in a tensile test carried to rupture.
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance 3.1.3 cross-machine direction, n—the direction in the plane
with the standard. of the fabric perpendicular to the direction of manufacture.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.4 elongation at break, n—the elongation corresponding
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the to the breaking load, that is, the maximum load.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.5 geotextile, n—any permeable textile material used
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- with foundation, soil, rock, earth, or any other geotechnical
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. material, as an integral part of a man-made product, structure,
or system.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.6 grab test, n—in fabric testing, a tension test in which
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 only a part of the width of the specimen is gripped in the
clamps.
1
3.1.6.1 Discussion—For example, if the specimen width is
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.01 on Mechani-
101.6 mm [4 in.] and the width of the jaw faces 25.4
cal Properties. mm [1 in.], the specimen is gripped centrally in the clamps.
Current edition approved May 15, 2015. Published June 2015. Originally
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D4632/D4632M–15.
3.1.7 machine direction, n—the direction in the plane of the
DOI: 10.1520/D4632_D4632M-15A. fabric parallel to the direction of manufacture.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.

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 D4632/D4632M − 15a
3.1.8 For definitions of other terms used in this test method, 6. Apparatus
refer to Terminology D123 or Terminology D4439. 6.1 Tensile Testing Machine, of the constant-rate-of-
extension (CRE) or constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT) type with
4. Summary of Test Method autographic recorder conforming to the requirements of Speci-
4.1 A continually increasing load is applied longitudinally fication D76/D76M.
to the specimen and the test is carried to rupture. Values for the 6.2 Clamps, having all gripping surfaces parallel, flat, and
breaking load and elongation of the test specimen are obtained capable of preventing slipping of the specimen during a test.
from machine scales or dials, autographic recording charts, or Each clamp shall have one jaw face measuring 25.4 by 50.8
interfaced computers. mm [1 by 2 in.], with the longer dimension parallel to the
direction of application of the load. The other jaw face of each
5. Significance and Use clamp shall be at least as large as its mate. Each jaw face shall
5.1 The grab method is applicable whenever it is desired to be in line, both with respect to its mate in the same clamp and
determine the “effective strength” of the fabric in use, that is, to the corresponding jaw of the other clamp.
the strength of the material in a specific width, together with
the additional strength contributed by adjacent material. There 7. Sampling and Selection
is no simple relationship between grab tests and strip tests since 7.1 Division into Lots and Lot Samples—Divide the material
the amount of fabric assistance depends on the construction of into lots and take a lot sample as directed in Practice D4354.
the fabric. It is useful as a quality control or acceptance test. Rolls of fabric are the primary sampling unit.
5.2 The procedure in Test Method D4632/D4632M for the 7.2 Laboratory Sample—Take for the laboratory sample a
determination of grab strength of geotextiles may be used for swatch extending the width of the fabric and approximately
acceptance testing of commercial shipments, but caution is 1 m [39.37 in.] along the selvage from each roll in the lot
advised since information about between-laboratory precision sample. The swatch may be taken from the end portion of a roll
is incomplete. Comparative tests as directed in 5.2.1 are provided there is no evidence that it is distorted or different
advisable. from other portions of the roll. In cases of dispute, take a
5.2.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in swatch that will exclude fabric from the outer wrap of the roll
reported test results when using the procedures in Test Method or the inner wrap around the core.
D4632/D4632M for acceptance testing of commercial 7.3 Test Specimens—Cut the number of specimens from
shipments, the purchaser and the manufacturer should conduct each swatch in the laboratory sample determined as directed in
comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical bias Section 8. Take no specimens nearer the selvage of fabric edge
between their laboratories. Competent statistical assistance is than 1⁄20 of the fabric width or 150 mm [6 in.], whichever is the
recommended for the investigation of bias. As a minimum, the smaller. Cut rectangular specimens 101.6 by 203.2
two parties should take a group of test specimens that are as mm [4 by 8 in.]. Cut the specimens to be used for grab tests in
homogeneous as possible and which are from a lot of material the machine direction with the longer dimension parallel to the
of the type in question. The test specimens should then be machine direction and the specimens to be used for grab tests
randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for in the cross-machine direction with the longer dimension
testing. The average results from the two laboratories should be parallel to the cross-machine direction. Locate each group of
compared using the appropriate Student’s t-test and an accept- specimens along a diagonal line on the swatch so that each
able probability level chosen by the two parties before testing specimen will contain different warp ends and filling picks.
is begun. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and Draw a line 37 mm [1.5 in.] from the edge of the specimen
corrected or the purchaser and the manufacturer must agree to running its full length. For woven and reinforced nonwoven
interpret future test results in the light of the known bias. fabrics, this line must be accurately parallel to the lengthwise
5.3 Most geotextile fabrics can be tested by this test method. yarns in the specimen.
Some modification of clamping techniques may be necessary
for a given fabric, depending upon its structure. Special 8. Number of Specimens
adaptation may be necessary with strong fabrics, or fabrics 8.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon as when provided in an
made from glass fibers, to prevent them from slipping in the applicable material specification, take a number of test speci-
clamps or being damaged as a result of being gripped in the mens per swatch in the laboratory sample such that the user
clamps, such as cushioning the clamp or boarding the specimen may expect at the 95 % probability level that the test result is
within the clamp. no more than 5 % above the true average for each swatch in the
5.4 This test method is applicable for testing fabrics either laboratory sample for each the machine and cross-machine
dry or wet. It may be used with constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT) direction, respectively.
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or constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) type tension machines. 8.1.1 Reliable Estimate of v—When there is a reliable
However, there may be no overall correlation between the estimate of v based upon extensive past records for similar
results obtained with the CRT machine and the CRE machine. materials tested in the user’s laboratory as directed in the
Consequently, these two tension testers cannot be used inter- method, calculate the required number of specimens using Eq
changeably. In case of controversy, the CRE machine shall 1, as follows:
prevail. n 5 ~ tv/A ! 2
(1)

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 D4632/D4632M − 15a
where: 9.2 Specimens to be tested in the wet condition shall be
n = number of test specimens (rounded upward to a whole immersed in water maintained at a temperature of 21 6 2°C
number), [70 6 4°F]. The time of immersion must be sufficient to
v = reliable estimate of the coefficient of variation of indi- wet-out the specimens thoroughly, as indicated by no signifi-
vidual observations on similar materials in the user’s cant change in strength or elongation following a longer period
laboratory under conditions of single-operator of immersion, and at least 2 min. To obtain thorough wetting,
precision, %, it may be necessary or advisable to add not more than 0.05 %
t = the value of Student’s t for one-sided limits (see Table of a nonionic neutral wetting agent to the water.
1), a 95 % probability level, and the degrees of freedom
associated with the estimate of v, and 10. Procedure
A = 5.0 % of the average, the value of the allowable 10.1 Test the conditioned specimens in the standard atmo-
variation. sphere for testing in accordance with Section 9.
8.1.2 No Reliable Estimate of v—When there is no reliable
10.2 Set the distance between the clamps at the start of the
estimate of v for the user’s laboratory, Eq 1 should not be used
test at 75 6 1 mm [3 6 0.05 in.]. Select the load range of the
directly. Instead, specify the fixed number of 10 specimens for
testing machine such that the maximum load occurs between
the machine direction tests and 10 specimens for the cross-
10 and 90 % of full-scale load. Set the machine to operate at a
machine direction tests. The number of specimens is calculated
speed of 300 6 10 mm/min [12 6 0.5 in./min].
using v = 9.5 % of the average for both machine direction and
cross-machine direction. These values for v are somewhat 10.3 Secure the specimen in the clamps of the testing
larger than usually found in practice. When a reliable estimate machine, taking care that the long dimension is as nearly as
of v for the user’s laboratory becomes available, Eq 1 will possible parallel to the direction of application of the load. Be
usually require fewer than the fixed number of specimens. sure that the tension in the specimen is uniform across the
clamped width. Insert the specimen in the clamps so that
9. Conditioning approximately the same length of fabric extends beyond the
9.1 Bring the specimens to moisture equilibrium in the jaw at each end. Locate the jaws centrally in the widthwise
atmosphere for testing geotextiles. Equilibrium is considered to direction by having the line which was drawn 37 mm [1.5 in.]
have been reached when the increase in mass of the specimen from the edge of the specimen run adjacent to the side of the
in successive weighings made at intervals of not less than 2 h upper and lower front jaws which are nearest this edge. This
does not exceed 0.1 % of the mass of the specimen. In general ensures that the same lengthwise yarns are gripped in both
practice, the industry approaches equilibrium from the “as clamps.
received” side. 10.4 If a specimen slips in the jaws, breaks at the edge of or
in the jaws, or if for any reason attributed to a faulty operation

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NOTE 1—It is recognized that in practice geotextile materials are
frequently not weighed to determine when moisture equilibrium has been the result falls markedly below the average for the set of
reached. While such a procedure cannot be accepted in cases of dispute, specimens, discard the result and take another specimen.
it may be sufficient in routine testing to expose the material to the standard Continue this procedure until the required number of accept-
atmosphere for testing for a reasonable period of time before the able breaks have been obtained.
specimens are tested. A time of at least 24 h has been found acceptable in
most cases. However, certain fibers may exhibit slow moisture equaliza- NOTE 2—The decision to discard a break shall be based on observation
tion rates from the “as received” wet side. When this is known, a of the specimen during the test and upon the inherent variability of the
preconditioning cycle, as described in Practice D1776/D1776M, may be fabric. In the absence of other criteria for rejecting a so-called jaw break,
agreed upon between contractual parties. any break occurring within 5 mm [1⁄4 in.] of the jaws which results in a
value below 80 % of the average of all the other breaks shall be discarded.
No other break shall be discarded unless it is known to be faulty.
TABLE 1 Values of Student’s t for One-Sided Limits NOTE 3—It is difficult to determine the precise reason for breakage of
and the 95 % ProbabilityA test specimens near the edge of the jaws. If breaks are caused by damage
to the specimen by the jaws, then the results should be discarded. If,
df One- df One- df One-
Sided Sided sided
however, they are merely due to randomly distributed weak places in
specimens, the results should be considered perfectly legitimate. In some
1 6.314 11 1.796 22 1.717
cases, breaks may be caused by a concentration of stress in the area
2 2.920 12 1.782 24 1.711
3 2.353 13 1.771 26 1.706
adjacent to the jaws. If this occurs, the specimen is prevented from
4 2.132 14 1.761 28 1.701 contracting in width as the load is applied. In such cases, a break near the
5 2.015 15 1.753 30 1.697 edge of the jaws is inevitable and shall be accepted as a characteristic of
6 1.943 16 1.746 40 1.684 the geotextile when tested by this test method.
7 1.895 17 1.740 50 1.676
8 1.860 18 1.734 60 1.671
10.5 Start the tensile testing machine and the area measur-
9 1.833 19 1.729 120 1.658 ing device, if used, and continue running the test to rupture.
10 1.812 20 1.725 1.645 Stop the machine and reset to the initial gage position. Record
A
Values in this table were calculated using Hewlett Packard HP 67/97 Users’ and report the test results for each direction separately.
Library Programs 03848D, “One-Sided and Two-Sided Critical Values of Stu-
dent’s t” and 00350D, “Improved Normal and Inverse Distribution.” For values at 10.6 If fabric manifests slippage in the jaws, the jaw faces,
other than the 95 % probability level, see published tables of critical values of but not the jaw dimensions, may be modified. If a modification
Student’s t in any standard statistical text. Further use of this table is defined in
Practice D2905. is used, the method of modification should be stated in the
report.

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 D4632/D4632M − 15a
10.7 Unless otherwise specified, measure the elongation of 12.1.8 Type of padding used in jaws, modification of
the fabric at any stated load by means of a suitable autographic specimen gripped in the jaws, or modification of jaw faces, if
recording device, at the same time the breaking strength is used.
determined. Measure the elongation from the point where the 12.1.9 Any modifications of sample specimens as
curve leaves the zero loading axis to a point of corresponding manufactured, or test method as described.
force in millimetres [inches].
13. Precision and Bias4
11. Calculation
13.1 Precision—The precision of this test method is based
11.1 Breaking Load—Calculate the breaking load by aver- on an interlaboratory study of D4632/D4632M, Standard Test
aging the value of breaking load for all accepted specimen Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of
results. The breaking load shall be determined separately for Geotextiles, conducted in 2013. Ten laboratories tested a total
the machine direction specimens and cross-machine direction of four different geotextile samples for elongation and tensile
specimens. strength at rupture. Every “test result” represents an individual
11.2 Apparent Elongation—Calculate the apparent elonga- determination. All labs were asked to report triplicate test
tion at the breaking load or at other specified loads by results for each material tested. Practice E691 was followed for
averaging the values of apparent elongation for all accepted the design and analysis of the data; the details are given in
specimen results. The apparent elongation shall be determined ASTM Research Report No. RR:D35-1021.
separately for the machine direction specimens and cross- 13.1.1 Repeatability Limit (r)—Two test results obtained
machine direction specimens and expressed as the percentage within one laboratory shall be judged not equivalent if they
increase in length, based upon the initial nominal gage length differ by more than the “r” value for that material; “r” is the
of the specimen. Report this as the apparent elongation. interval representing the critical difference between two test
results for the same material, obtained by the same operator
NOTE 4—The observed elongation calculated as a percentage of the using the same equipment on the same day in the same
initial nominal gage length of the specimen should be referred to as
“apparent elongation.” Because the actual length of fabric stretched is laboratory.
usually somewhat greater than this initial length due to pull-out of fabric 13.1.1.1 Repeatability limits are listed in Tables 2 and 3.
from between the jaws, elongation calculated on initial length may be 13.1.2 Reproducibility limit (R)—Two test results shall be
somewhat in error, depending upon the amount of this pull-out. judged not equivalent if they differ by more than the “R” value
for that material; “R” is the interval representing the critical
12. Report
difference between two test results for the same material,
12.1 Report the following information: obtained by different operators using different equipment in
12.1.1 State that the tests were performed as directed in Test different laboratories.
Method D4632/D4632M. Describe the material(s) or prod- 13.1.2.1 Reproducibility limits are listed in Tables 2 and 3.

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uct(s) sampled and the method of sampling used. 13.1.3 The above terms (repeatability limit and reproduc-
12.1.2 The average grab breaking load for specimens cut in ibility limit) are used as specified in Practice E177.
each direction, for all specimens giving acceptable breaks. 13.1.4 Any judgment in accordance with statements 13.1.1
12.1.3 The average grab percent apparent elongation of and 13.1.2 would have an approximate 95 % probability of
specimens cut in each direction, for all specimens giving being correct.
acceptable breaks, if required. Identify this as “apparent
13.2 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted
breaking elongation,” or “apparent elongation at x lb load,” as
reference material suitable for determining the bias for this test
required by the test specifications.
method, therefore no statement on bias is being made.
12.1.4 Number of specimens tested in each direction.
12.1.5 Condition of specimens (wet or dry).
12.1.6 Type of testing machine used. 4
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
12.1.7 Maximum load obtainable in the range used for be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D35-1021. Contact ASTM Customer
testing. Service at [email protected].

TABLE 2 Maximum Elongation at Rupture (%)

Repeatability Reproducibility
Material AverageA Standard Standard Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Deviation Deviation
x̄ Sr SR r R
Woven Slit Tape 25.24 0.85 5.37 2.39 15.02
Stabilization Geotextile
Heavy Weight 79.20 1.72 12.39 4.81 34.70
Nonwoven Geotextile
Light Weight 79.03 2.66 6.00 7.44 16.79
Nonwoven Geotextile
Woven Mono/Slit Tape 22.43 0.84 4.92 2.35 13.78
Reinforcement Geotextile
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

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 D4632/D4632M − 15a
TABLE 3 Maximum Tensile at Rupture (lbf)
Repeatability Reproducibility
Material AverageA Standard Standard Repeatability Limit Reproducibility Limit
Deviation Deviation
x̄ Sr SR r R
Woven Slit Tape 168.23 7.43 17.35 20.81 48.57
Stabilization Geotextile
Light Weight 425.27 20.81 26.25 58.28 73.49
Nonwoven Geotextile
Heavy Weight 131.51 10.27 10.27 28.75 28.75
Nonwoven Geotextile
Woven Mono/Slit Tape 377.04 11.10 22.79 31.08 63.80
Reinforcement Geotextile
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

13.3 The precision statement was determined through sta- 13.4 To judge the equivalency of two test results, it is
tistical examination of 240 reported results, from ten recommended to choose the material closest in characteristics
laboratories, on four materials. These four materials were to the test material.
identified as the following:
Woven Slit Tape Stabilization Geotextile
Light Weight Nonwoven Geotextile
Heavy Weight Nonwoven Geotextile
Woven Mono/Slit Tape Reinforcement Geotextile

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