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: D4595/D4595M − 23

Standard Test Method for

Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4595/D4595M; 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 Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of tensile mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
properties of geotextiles using a wide-width strip specimen Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
tensile method. This test method is applicable to most geotex-
2. Referenced Documents
tiles that include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, layered
fabrics, knit fabrics, and felts that are used for geotextile 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
application. D76/D76M Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for
Textiles
1.2 This test method covers the measurement of tensile
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
strength and elongation of geotextiles and includes directions
D579/D579M Specification for Greige Woven Glass Fabrics
for the calculation of initial modulus, offset modulus, secant
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
modulus, and breaking toughness.
tiles
1.3 Procedures for measuring the tensile properties of both D2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens for

iTeh Standards Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)3

conditioned and wet geotextiles by the wide-width strip
method are included. D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics

methods for measuring strip (https://standards.iteh.ai)

1.4 The basic distinction between this test method and other
tensile properties is the width of 3. Terminology
the specimen. Some fabrics used in geotextile applications 3.1 atmosphere for testing geotextiles, n—air maintained at

Document
the specimen specified Preview
have a tendency to contract (neck down) under a force in the
gage length area. The greater width of
a relative humidity of 65 6 5 % and a temperature of 21 6
2 °C [70 6 4 °F].
in this test method minimizes the contraction effect of those 3.2 breaking toughness, T, (FL−1), Jm−2, n—for geotextiles,
fabrics and provides a closer relationship to expected geotextile the actual work-to-break per unit surface area of material.
behavior in the field and a standard comparison.
ASTM D4595/D4595M-23
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1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.2.1 Discussion—Breaking toughness is proportional to the
area under the force-elongation curve from the origin to the
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in breaking point (see also work-to-break). Breaking toughness is
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each calculated from work-to-break, gage length, and width of a
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining specimen.
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance 3.3 corresponding force, Fc, n—the force associated with a
with the standard. specific elongation on the force-per-unit-width strain curve.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the (Syn. load at specified elongation, LASE.)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.4 geotechnical engineering, n—the engineering applica-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- tion of geotechnics.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.5 geotechnics, n—the application of scientific methods
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor- and engineering principles to the acquisition, interpretation,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- and use of knowledge of materials of the earth’s crust to the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the solution of engineering problems.

1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.01 on Mechani- contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
cal Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 15, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D4595 – 17. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/D4595_D4595M-23. www.astm.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D4595/D4595M − 23
3.5.1 Discussion—Geotechnics embraces the fields of soil 3.17 yield point, n—the first point of the force-elongation
mechanics, rock mechanics, and many of the engineering curve above the proportional (linear) section at which an
aspects of geology, geophysics, hydrology, and related sci- increase in elongation occurs without a corresponding increase
ences. in force.
3.6 geotextile, n—any permeable textile material used with 3.18 For terminology of other terms used in this test
foundation, soil, rock, earth, or any other geotechnical engi- method, refer to Terminology D123 and Terminology D4439.
neering related material, as an integral part of a man-made
project, structure, or system. 4. Summary of Test Method
3.7 initial tensile modulus, Ji, (FL−1), Nm−1, n—for
4.1 A relatively wide specimen is gripped across its entire
geotextiles, the ratio of the change in tensile force per unit
width in the clamps of a constant rate of extension (CRE) type
width to a change in strain (slope) of the initial portion of a
tensile testing machine operated at a prescribed rate of
force-per-unit-width strain curve.
extension, applying a longitudinal force to the specimen until
3.8 offset tensile modulus, Jo, (FL−1), Nm−1, n—for the specimen ruptures. Tensile strength, elongation, initial and
geotextiles, the ratio of the change in force per unit width to a secant modulus, and breaking toughness of the test specimen
change in strain (slope) below the proportional limit point and can be calculated from machine scales, dials, recording charts,
above the tangent point on the force-elongation curve. or an interfaced computer.
3.9 proportional limit, n—the greatest stress which a mate-
rial is capable of sustaining without any deviation from 5. Significance and Use
proportionality of stress to strain (Hooke’s law). 5.1 The determination of the wide-width strip force-
3.10 secant tensile modulus, Jsec, (FL−1), Nm−1, n—for elongation properties of geotextiles provides design parameters
geotextiles, the ratio of change in force per unit width to a for reinforcement type applications, for example design of
change in strain (slope) between two points on a force-per- reinforced embankments over soft subgrades, reinforced soil
unit-width strain curve. retaining walls, and reinforcement of slopes. When strength is
not necessarily a design consideration, an alternative test
iTeh Standards
3.11 tangent point, n—for geotextiles, the first point of the
force-elongation curve at which a major decrease in slope
method may be used for acceptance testing. Test Method
D4595/D4595M for the determination of the wide-width strip
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occurs.
tensile properties of geotextiles may be used for the acceptance
3.11.1 Discussion—The tangent point is determined by testing of commercial shipments of geotextiles, but caution is

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drawing a tangent line passing through the zero axis and the advised since information about between-laboratory precision
proportional elastic limit. The point from the zero-force axis is incomplete (Note 6). Comparative tests as directed in 5.1.1
that the force-elongation curve first touches that tangent line is may be advisable.
the tangent point. 5.1.1 In cases of a dispute arising from differences in
3.12 tensile modulus, J, (FL−1), Nm−1, n—forASTM D4595/D4595M-23
geotextiles, reported test results when using Test Method D4595/D4595M
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the ratio of the change in tensile force per unit width to a for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser
corresponding change in strain (slope). and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine
3.13 tensile strength, n—for geotextiles, the maximum re- if there is a statistical bias between their laboratories. Compe-
sistance to deformation developed for a specific material when tent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation
subjected to tension by an external force. of bias. At a minimum, the two parties should take a group of
test specimens which are as homogeneous as possible and
3.13.1 Discussion—Tensile strength of geotextiles is the which are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test
characteristic of a sample as distinct from a specimen and is specimens should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers
expressed as force per unit width. to each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two
3.14 tensile test, n—in textiles, a test in which a textile laboratories should be compared using Student’s t-test for
material is stretched in one direction to determine the force- unpaired data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the
elongation characteristics, the breaking force, or the breaking two parties before the testing began. If a bias is found, either its
elongation. cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the
supplier must agree to interpret future test results in light of the
3.15 wide-width strip tensile test, n—for geotextiles, a
known bias.
uniaxial tensile test in which the entire width of a 200 mm
[8.0 in.] wide specimen is gripped in the clamps and the gage 5.2 Most geotextiles can be tested by this test method. Some
length is 100 mm [4.0 in.]. modification of clamping techniques may be necessary for a
3.16 work-to-break, W, (LF), n—in tensile testing, the total given geotextile depending upon its structure. Special clamp-
energy required to rupture a specimen. ing adaptions may be necessary with strong geotextiles or
geotextiles made from glass fibers to prevent them from
3.16.1 Discussion—For geotextiles, work-to-break is pro- slipping in the clamps or being damaged as a result of being
portional to the area under the force-elongation curve from the gripped in the clamps. Specimen clamping may be modified as
origin to the breaking point, and is commonly expressed in required at the discretion of the individual laboratory, provided
joules [inch-pound force]. a representative tensile strength is obtained. In any event, the

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 D4595/D4595M − 23

FIG. 1 Wedge Clamps

procedure described in Section 10 of this test method for These designs have been used in the laboratory and have

iTeh Standards
obtaining wide-width strip tensile strength must be maintained.
5.3 This test method is applicable for testing geotextiles
provided reproducible tensile strengths. These clamps may be
modified to provide greater ease and speed of clamping. In any
event, caution must be taken to ensure the type material and
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
either dry or wet. It is used with a constant-rate-of-extension
type tension apparatus. dimensions of the clamp are adequate for the user’s expected
fabric strength. Additional guidance is given in Appendix X5.

Document
in.] or less, such as the Preview
5.4 The use of tensile strength test methods that restrict the 6.2.2 Size of Jaw Faces—Each clamp shall have jaw faces
clamped width dimension to 50 mm [2 measuring wider than the width of the specimen, 200 mm
ravel, cut strip, and grab test procedures, have been found less [8 in.], and a minimum of 50 mm [2 in.] length in the direction
suitable than this test method for determining design strength of the applied force.
ASTM D4595/D4595M-23
parameters for some geotextiles. This is particularly the case
6.3 External extensometers or other external means of
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for nonwoven geotextiles. The wide-width strip technique has
measurement are required for all tests where modulus is to be
been explored by the industry and is recommended in these
cases for geotextile applications. measured. The clamping mechanism and weight of the exten-
5.4.1 This test method may not be suited for some woven someter shall not affect the tensile performance of the
fabrics used in geotextile applications that exhibit strengths geotextile, such as breaks occurring or initiating at the exten-
approximately 100 kN/m or 600 lbf/in. due to clamping and someter clamp. In this case, the distance between the moving
equipment limitations. In those cases, 100 mm [4 in.] width feet of the extensometer determines the gage length for use in
specimens may be substituted for 200 mm [8 in.] width elongation calculations and not test speed. Examples of contact
specimens. On those fabrics, the contraction effect cited in 1.4 and noncontact extensometers are shown in Figs. 5-7. Please
is minimal and, consequently, the standard comparison can see Note 6 and Appendix X5.
continue to be made. 6.4 Area-Measuring Device—Use an integrating accessory
to the tensile testing machine or a planimeter.
6. Apparatus and Reagents
6.5 Distilled Water and Nonionic Wetting Agent, for wet
6.1 Tensile Testing Machine—A constant rate of extension specimens only.
(CRE) type of testing machine described in Specification
D76/D76M shall be used. When using the CRE-type tensile 7. Sampling
tester, the recorder must have adequate pen response to
properly record the force-elongation curve as specified in 7.1 Lot Sample—For the lot sample, take rolls of geotextiles
Specification D76/D76M. as directed in an applicable material specification, or as agreed
upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
6.2 Clamps—The clamps shall be sufficiently wide to grip
the entire width of the sample and with appropriate clamping NOTE 1—The extent of the sampling for wide-width strip tensile
properties is generally defined in an applicable order or contract. Among
power to prevent slipping or crushing (damage). the options available to the purchaser and the supplier is for the purchaser
6.2.1 There are several types of clamp designs available. to accept certification by the manufacturer that the material in question
Three basic clamp design examples are shown in Figs. 1-3. meets the requirements agreed upon by the two parties, and what the basis

3
 D4595/D4595M − 23

FIG. 2 Inserts for Wedge Clamps

iTeh Standards
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ASTM D4595/D4595M-23
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FIG. 3 Roller Clamps

FIG. 4 End View of Composite of Clamp, Insert, and Threaded Rod

for the certification is, such as, historical data generated from material manufactured under the same conditions.

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 D4595/D4595M − 23

FIG. 5 Sanders Clamp

iTeh Standards
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
Document Preview
ASTM D4595/D4595M-23
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FIG. 6 Noncontact Extensometer

7.2 Laboratory Sample—For the laboratory sample, take a different positions along the length of the geotextile. Take no
full-width swatch from each roll in the lot sample. The sample specimens nearer the selvage or edge of the geotextile than one
may be taken from the end portion of a roll, provided there is tenth the width of the geotextile (see 8.2).
no evidence it is distorted or different from other portions of
the roll. In cases of dispute, take a sample that will exclude 8. Test Specimen Preparation
fabric from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap around 8.1 Number of Specimens:
the core. 8.1.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon, as when specified in an
7.3 Test Specimens—For tests in the machine direction and applicable material specification, take a number of specimens
the cross-machine direction, respectively, take from each per fabric swatch such that the user may expect at the 95 %
swatch in the laboratory sample the number of specimens probability level that the test result is not more than 5.0 % of
directed in Section 8. Take specimens at random from the the average above or below the true average of the swatch for
laboratory sample, with those for the measurement of the each the machine and cross-machine direction, respectively.
machine direction tensile properties from different positions Determine the number of specimens as follows:
across the geotextile width, and the specimens for the mea- 8.1.1.1 Reliable Estimate of v—When there is a reliable
surement of the cross-machine direction tensile properties from estimate of v based upon extensive past records for similar

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 D4595/D4595M − 23

FIG. 7 Foil Strain Gauges

TABLE 1 Values of Student’s t for One-Sided Limits and the 95 %

ProbabilityA
materials tested in the user’s laboratory as directed in the df One-Sided df One-Sided df One-Sided

method, calculate the required number of specimens using Eq 1 6.314 11 1.796 22 1.717
2 2.920 12 1.782 24 1.711
1, as follows:
iTeh Standards
3 2.353 13 1.771 26 1.706
4 2.132 14 1.761 28 1.701
n 5 ~ tv/A ! 2 (1) 5 2.015 15 1.753 30 1.697

n = number of specimens(https://standards.iteh.ai)
6 1.943 16 1.746 40 1.684
where: 7 1.895 17 1.740 50 1.676
(rounded upward to a whole 8 1.860 18 1.734 60 1.671
9 1.833 19 1.729 120 1.658

Document
of variation of indi- Preview
number),
10 1.812 20 1.725 ` 1.645
v = reliable estimate of the coefficient A
Values in this table were calculated using Hewlett Packard HP 67/97 Users’
vidual observations on similar materials in the user’s Library Programs 03848D, “One-Sided and Two-Sided Critical Values of Student’s
laboratory under conditions of single-operator t” and 00350D, “Improved Normal and Inverse Distribution.” For values at other
precision, %, ASTM D4595/D4595M-23 than the 95 % probability level, see published tables of critical values of Student’s
t in any standard statistical text. Further use of this table is defined in Practice
t = the value of Student’s t for one-sided limits (see Table
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D2905.
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.
8.2.2 For some woven geotextiles, it may be necessary to
8.1.1.2 No Reliable Estimate of v—When there is no reliable cut each specimen 210 mm [8.5 in.] wide and then remove an
estimate of v for the user’s laboratory, Eq 1 should not be used equal number of yarns from each side to obtain the 200 mm
directly. Instead, specify the fixed number of six specimens for [8.0 in.] finished dimension. This helps maintain specimen
each the machine direction and the cross-machine direction integrity during the test.
tests. The number of specimens is calculated using v = 7.4 % of 8.2.3 The length of the specimen depends upon the type of
the average. This value for v is somewhat larger than usually clamps being used. It must be long enough to extend through
found in practice. When a reliable estimate of v for the user’s the full length of both clamps, as determined for the direction
laboratory becomes available, Eq 1 will usually require fewer of test.
than the fixed number of specimens. 8.2.4 When specimen integrity is not affected, the speci-
8.2 Test Specimen Size: mens may be initially cut to the finished width.
8.2.1 Prepare each finished specimen 200 mm [8.0 in.] wide 8.2.5 When the wet tensile strength of the fabric is required
(excluding fringe when applicable, see 8.2.2) by at least in addition to the dry tensile strength, cut each test specimen at
200 mm [8.0 in.] long (see 8.2.2) with the length dimension least twice as long as is required for a standard test (see Note
being designated and accurately parallel to the direction for 1). Number each specimen and then cut it crosswise into two
which the tensile strength is being measured. If necessary, parts, one for determining the conditioned tensile strength and
centrally, draw two lines running the full width of the the other for determining the wet tensile strength; each portion
specimen, accurately perpendicular to the length dimension shall bear the specimen number. In this manner, each paired
and separated by 100 mm [4 in.] to designate the gage area (see break is performed on test specimens containing the same
5.4.1 and Note 6). yarns.

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 D4595/D4595M − 23
NOTE 2—For geotextiles which shrink excessively when wet, cut the sured tensile strength may only be used to determine tensile
test specimens for obtaining wet tensile strength longer in dimension than strength of the sample, and shall be excluded from consider-
that for dry tensile strength.
ation for load strain (modulus) properties of the sample.
9. Conditioning 10.5 Measurement of Tensile Strength—Start the tensile
9.1 Bring the specimens to moisture equilibrium in the testing machine and the area-measuring device, if used, and
atmosphere for testing geotextiles. Equilibrium is considered to continue running the test to rupture. Stop the machine and reset
have been reached when the increase in mass of the specimen to the initial gage position. Record and report the test results to
in successive weighings made at intervals of not less than 2 h three significant figures for each direction separately (see Note
does not exceed 0.1 % of the mass of the specimen. In general 6).
practice, the industry approaches equilibrium from the “as- 10.5.1 If a specimen slips in the jaws, breaks at the edge of
received” side. or in the jaws, or if for any reason attributed to faulty operation
the result falls markedly below the average for the set of
NOTE 3—It is recognized that in practice, geotextile materials are specimens, discard the result and test another specimen.
frequently not weighed to determine when moisture equilibrium has been
reached. While such a procedure cannot be accepted in cases of dispute, Continue until the required number of acceptable breaks has
it may be sufficient in routine testing to expose the material to the standard been obtained. (See 6.2.1.)
atmosphere for testing for a reasonable period of time before the 10.5.2 The decision to discard the results of a break shall be
specimens are tested. A time of at least 24 h has been found acceptable in based on observation of the specimen during the test and upon
most cases. However, certain fibers may exhibit slow moisture equaliza- the inherent variability of the fabric. In the absence of other
tion rates from the “as-received” wet side. When this is known, a
preconditioning cycle as described in Practice D1776/D1776M may be criteria for rejecting a so-called jaw break, any break occurring
agreed upon between contractural parties. within 5 mm [1⁄4 in.] of the jaws which results in a value below
9.2 Specimens to be tested in the wet condition shall be 20 % of the average of all the other breaks shall be discarded.
immersed in water maintained at a temperature of 21 6 2 °C No other break shall be discarded unless the test is known to be
[70 6 4 °F]. The time of immersion must be sufficient to wet faulty.
out the specimens thoroughly, as indicated by no significant 10.5.3 It is difficult to determine the precise reason why

iTeh Standards
change in strength or elongation following a longer period of certain specimens break near the edge of the jaws. If a jaw
immersion, and at least 2 min. To obtain thorough wetting, it break is caused by damage to the specimen by the jaws, then
the results should be discarded. If, however, it is merely due to
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may be necessary or advisable to add not more than 0.05 % of
a nonionic neutral wetting agent to the water. randomly distributed weak places, it is a perfectly legitimate
result. In some cases, it may also be caused by a concentration
10. Procedure
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10.1 Conditioned Specimens—Test adequately conditioned
of stress in the area adjacent to the jaws because they prevent
the specimen from contracting in width as the force is applied.
In these cases, a break near the edge of the jaws is inevitable
specimens in the atmosphere for testing geotextiles.
and shall be accepted as a characteristic of the particular
10.2 Wet Specimens—Test thoroughly wet ASTM specimens D4595/D4595M-23
in the method of test.
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normal machine setup within 20 min after removal from the 10.5.4 For instructions regarding the preparation of speci-
water. mens made from glass fiber to minimize damage in the jaws,
10.3 Machine Setup Conditions—Adjust the distance be- see Specification D579/D579M.
tween the clamps at the start of the test either at 100 6 3 mm 10.5.5 If a geotextile manifests any slippage in the jaws or
[4 6 0.1 in.] if not using an extensometer or as far apart to if more than 24 % of the specimens break at a point within
adequately insert an extensometer (see 6.3). At least one clamp 5 mm [0.25 in.] of the edge of the jaw, then (1) the jaws may
should be supported by a free swivel or universal joint, which be padded, (2) the geotextile may be coated under the jaw face
will allow the clamp to rotate in the plane of the fabric. Select area, or (3) the surface of the jaw face may be modified. If any
the force range of the testing machine so the break occurs of the modifications listed above is used, state the method of
between 10 and 90 % of full-scale force. Set the machine to a modification in the report.
strain rate of 10 6 3 % ⁄min. 10.6 Measurement of Elongation—Measure the elongation
NOTE 4—It is recognized that some tensile tests on geotextiles are of the geotextile at any stated force by means of a suitable
conducted using a manually applied strain rate. In that case, approximately recording device at the same time as the tensile strength is
a 2 % ⁄min strain rate should be used. In any event, the strain rate determined, unless otherwise agreed upon, as provided for in
described in 10.3 is preferred. an applicable material specification. Measure the elongation to
10.4 Insertion of Specimen in Clamps—Mount the specimen three significant figures.
centrally in the clamps. The specimen length in the machine 10.6.1 A measured strain within the specimen can be
direction and cross-machine direction tests, respectively, must obtained from jaw-to-jaw measurements by gaging along the
be parallel to the direction of application of force. Extreme care center axis between the jaws across the center 3 in. of the
should be used when loading the specimen in the clamps to specimen. These measurements can be made using a sealed
ensure vertical alignment in the direction of test. A pre-tension rule taped on a line on the upper end of the specimen in the
force may be applied to the specimen provided it does not gage area, and recording the change in length as measured
exceed 1.0 % of the expected breaking force. Test specimen from a line spaced 3 in. below the upper line. In addition, the
results with a pre-tension force exceeding 1.0 % of the mea- center portion of the specimen can be gaged using LVDTs or