COMPLIANCE INFO_FINAL WMU FU-23 DESIGN RPT & CONCURRENCE LTRS

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Page 31 The Geosynthetics Contractor will remove specimens and samples at locations identified by the QA/QC Inspector and field test the specimens for peel and shear before the samples are shipped off-site for laboratory testing. During sampling procedures the QA/QC Inspector will: • Observe sample cutting. • Mark each specimen and sample with an identifying number that contains the seam number, destructive sample test number, welder, and date and time welded. • Record sample locations on the panel layout drawing and panel-seam logs • Record the sample locations, weather conditions, and reasons samples were taken (e.g., random sample, visual appearance, result of a previous failure, etc.) on the destructive seam test form. At each location, obtain two seam specimens that are 42-inches apart. The specimens should be 1- inch wide and 12-inches long with the weld centered across the length of the specimen. The Geosynthetics Contractor must test these samples to failure in the field using a tensiometer capable of quantitatively measuring shear and peel strengths. For double wedge welding, the Geosynthetics Contractor must test both welds. The QA/QC Inspector will observe the tests. Geomembrane seam specimens pass when the break is a ductile FTB. A film tearing bond means the test specimen breaks at the edge of the outside of the seam, but not in the seam. In addition, the seam strength must meet the specified values. If one or both of the 1-inch specimens fails in either peel or shear, the Geosynthetics Contractor can, at his discretion: (1) reconstruct the entire seam between passed test locations; or (2) take another test sample 10 feet from the point of the failed test and repeat this procedure. If the second test passes, the Geosynthetics Contractor can either reconstruct or cap strip the seam between the two passed test locations. If subsequent tests fail, the sampling and testing procedure is repeated, until the length of the poor quality seam is established. Repeated failures indicate that either the seaming equipment or the operator is not performing properly, and appropriate corrective action must be taken immediately. Once the field tests specimens have passed a sample must be recovered for laboratory testing from between the passing field specimen locations. The sample must be 42-inches long and 12-inches wide, with the weld centered along the length of the sample. The sample must be divided into three sections: one 12-inch by 12-inch section for the Geosynthetics Contractor, one 12-inch by 18-inch section for laboratory testing, and one 12-inch by 12-inch for the Owner to archive. Record the results of field testing on the destructive seam tests form, the panel/seam log.