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Designation: D7737 − 11

StandardTest Method for

Individual Geogrid Junction Strength1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7737; 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 3.2.3 geogrid, n—the force at failure.

1.1 This test method is an index test which provides a 3.2.4 integral, adj—a geosynthetic formed by a regular
procedure for determining the strength of an individual geogrid network of integrally connected elements with apertures
junction, also called a node. The test is configured such that a greater than 6.35 mm (1⁄4 inch) to allow interlocking with
single rib is pulled from its junction with a cross-rib to obtain surrounding soil, rock, earth, and other surrounding materials
the maximum force, or strength of the junction. The procedure to primarily function as reinforcement. (D5262)
allows for the use of two different clamps with the appropriate 3.2.5 index test, n—a test procedure which may contain
clamp selected to minimize the influence of the clamping known bias, but which may be used to establish an order for a
mechanism on the specific type of geogrid to be tested. set of specimens with respect to the property of interest.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.2.6 junction, n—the point where geogrid ribs are intercon-
standard. nected to provide structure and dimensional stability.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2.7 rib, n—for geogrids, the continuous elements of a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
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geogrid which are interconnected to a node or junction.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.8 rupture, n—for geogrids, the breaking or tearing apart
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- of ribs.
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bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Summary of Test Method

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2. Referenced Documents 4.1 This standard proposes a test method for performing
2
2.1 ASTM Standards: tension tests on geogrid junctions. The procedure provides two
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled clamping techniques for the junction to be tested including:
Erosion Control Products(RECPs) for Testing Method A in which the clamps firmly grip the ribs transverse to
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics ASTM D7737-11
the test direction on each side of the junction; and, Method B
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D5262 Test Method for Evaluating the Unconfined Tension in which the ribs transverse to the test direction are constrained
Creep and Creep Rupture Behavior of Geosynthetics in a slot, constraining rotation of the junction, while the rib in
the test direction passes through the slot without the junction
3. Terminology clamp applying confinement to the junction. The junction
3.1 Definitions of other terms applying to this test method clamping technique is selected for the specific type of geogrid
appear in Terminology D4439. in order to minimize rotation and corresponding peal of the
junction during the test. The rib in the test direction going
3.2 Definitions: through the junction is then clamped at a distance from the
3.2.1 atmosphere for testing geosynthetics, n—air main- junction and the system tensioned until junction (or rib) failure
tained at a relative humidity of 50 to 70 % and a temperature occurs. This forces a tension or shear force to occur within the
of 21 6 2°C (70 6 4°F). junction in the direction of the applied load. The junction has
3.2.2 breaking force, (F), n—the force at failure. no normal pressure on it, i.e., it is horizontally unconfined.
5. Significance and Use
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on 5.1 This index test method is to be used to determine the
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.01 on Mechani- strength of an individual junction in a geogrid product. The test
cal Properties.
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 2011. Published November 2011. DOI:
is performed in isolation, while in service the junction is
10.1520/D7731–11 typically confined. Thus the results from this test method are
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or not anticipated to be related to design performance.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 5.2 The value of junction strength can be used for manu-
the ASTM website. facturing quality control, development of new products, or a

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 D7737 − 11
general understanding of the in-isolation behavior of a particu- cell having an adequate load capacity to cover the full range of
lar geogrid’s junction (for example., in relation to handling products to be tested. The test recorder must be able to
during shipment and placement of the geogrid). adequately record the complete force-elongation curve during
5.3 This test method is applicable to geogrid products with the test.
essentially orthogonal ribs, yarns or straps, that is, geogrids 6.3 Method A: Junction Clamp (Rotation is Unconstrained)
which are composed of ribs, yarns or straps that are entangled - The clamp assembly which holds the geogrid junction shall
through weaving or knitting, welded, bonded or formed be of the same design or equivalent to that shown in Fig. 1. The
through drawing. clamp must only confine the horizontal rib on each side of the
6. Apparatus junction and not the junction itself. The ribs transverse to the
test direction should be placed horizontally level such that
6.1 The test apparatus for this method consists of three torsion is not applied to the junction. The clamp cannot hinder
parts; the tensile testing machine, the junction clamp and the or influence the junction. The two movable parts of the
rib clamp. restraining clamp should be adjustable to allow the bearing
6.2 Tensile Testing Machine - The testing machine should surfaces to fit snugly without touching the junction of the
operate under a constant rate of extension. It should have the geogrid product being tested. The clamp assembly should
capabilities of measuring the tensile force, typically with a load provide the appropriate clamping power to prevent slipping or

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FIG. 1 Typical Junction Strength Test Specimen Test Setup [Rotation is not Constrained per Section 6.3]

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 D7737 − 11
crushing (damage) of the horizontal rib. The entire clamp cannot hinder or influence the junction. The insert clamp shall
assembly is to be placed in the upper portion of the testing fit snugly into the opening of the restraining clamp. Fig. 3a is
machine. for geogrids with two straps welded together in one junction,
NOTE 1—These clamps are particularly well suited for homogeneous Fig. 3b is for geogrids with two horizontal straps welded to one
extruded and woven geogrids with longitudinal ribs concentric with vertical strap. The screws in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b are not needed
transverse ribs. if the insert clamp fits snugly into the opening of the restraining
6.4 Method B: Junction Clamp (Rotation is Constrained) - clamp. The entire clamp assembly is to be placed in the upper
The clamps according to Fig. 3 must only confine the horizon- portion of the testing machine. The dimensions of the insert
tal rib on each side of the junction and not the junction itself. clamp as stated in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b should be as follows:
The clamps should continuously support the transverse rib to a - average width of vertical strap [mm] (readability 0.1
the test direction such that torsion is not applied. The clamp mm) + 0.6 mm

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FIG. 2 Typical Junction Strength Specimens for Various Geogrid Products