The laboratory counts on state-of-the-art equipment

We carry out characterisation tests for geosynthetic materials

Our qualified personnel for testing on-site

We supervise installation of geosynthetic materials

Tests offered

The services offered, apart from the research agreements, are aimed at providing characterization testing of geosynthetics materials, which respond to the needs of the clients:

  • Quality control or third party tests of the materials received in site.
  • Independent testing to geosynthetics manufacturers who need to characterize or contrast the properties of their products.
  • Consultancy on quality control to be performed on geosynthetic products.

Among the clients who have availed our services, there are: Tragsa, Dragados, Huesker, Tensar, Tencate, Norlan Consultoría de Servicios, Gikesa, Gotex y Corrugados Azpeitia.

PCE instruments collaborates with this lab.

Geotextiles and related products

Wide strip tensile test

UNE – EN ISO 10319 (September-2008). Geotextiles. Wide-width tensile test.

This standard describes a method of type test to determine the tensile properties of geotextiles and related products, using a wide test specimen of 200mm. The method is applicable also to geomeshes, but in this case it may be necessary to alter the specimen measures.

This method of tensile test comprises the measurement of the load-elongation characteristics and includes procedures to calculate the secant modulus as expression of the stiffness, maximal load per width unit and deformation to the maximal load. Also, the singular points of the load-elongation curve are indicated.

The test consists in gripping a test specimen with some clamps and submit it to a longitudinal stress with constant deformation speed until breakage. Deformation is measured by means of an extensometer between two points of reference of the specimen.

Tensile test for joints/seams

Static puncture

Dynamic perforation test

Characteristic opening size

Water permeability normal to the plane

Water permeability normal to the plane

Resistance to weathering

Microbiologial resistance

Resistance to hydrolysis

Resistance to oxidation

Determination of mass per unit area

Procedure to simulate the deterioration during installation

Geotextiles long term protection efficiency

Thickness at specified pressures. Individual layers

Geosynthetic Barriers

Mass per unit area (GBR-C)

UNE – EN 14196 (February-2005). Geosynthetics. Methods of testing the measure of mass per unit surface of clay geosynthetic barriers.

This standard is similar to the mass per unit surface of geotextiles and related products, taking into account the specificities of the clay geosynthetic barrier.

The test consists in cutting at least 5 test pieces of 200x200mm and weighting it in the 0.01g minimum resolution scale. Besides, each one of the components forming part of the clay geosynthetic barrier will be separatedly weighted, finding the mass of clay by difference of weights. Finally, a sample of clay is taken and its humidity content is determined.

As a result, the average values of mass per unit surface of the clay geosynthetic barrier and each one of the components is obtained, including the value of humidity content of clay. These values are essential in the identification and use of the clay geosynthetic barriers and their presence in the technical sheets of data is indispensable.

Thickness with micrometer (GBR-P)

Plastic density (immersion)

Tensile properties (GBR-P)

Tear resistance (GBR-P)

Peel and shear (GBR-P welding)

Oxidation resistance

In-situ Test

Peel and shear

UNE 104304 (November-2000). Synthetic materials. Setting up. Determination of resistance of welding by peeling among set up synthetic films used in sealing.

ASTM D-6392-12. Standard Test Method for Determining the Integrity of Nonreinforced Geomembrane Seams Produced Using Thermo-Fusion Methods.

Geomembrane welds are usually tested right at the time and at the place where they are manufactured. For this, three specimens are tested before starting to weld with a tensometer, which is able to indicate whether or not the welding fulfills the requirements of the norm considered before sending the samples to the lab, whose tests will take a little longer.

If the results in-situ of peel and shear welds do not fulfill the minimal requirements, the weld parameters will have to be changed, together with the device used, and even the welding operator. The test will be repeated up to fulfilling the project or norm requirements.

Vacuum test

Air-pressure in test channel

Tests of locating leaks