This European Standard specifies a screening test method for determining the resistance of geotextiles and geotextile-related products to hydrolysis by exposing test specimens to water at elevated temperatures, followed by an evaluation of the changes in properties resulting from such exposure. It is intended as a means of establishing a minimum acceptable level of durability.
The test is applicable to any geotextile and geotextile-related product susceptible to hydrolysis, in particular polyester and polyamide based materials, and in addition to the yarns from which these geotextiles are made. Reinforcing materials shall be tested without the coating and manufacturers shall ensure that the degradation of the coating will not attack or have any negative influence on the degradation of the yarns.
This method is not intended for determining the resistance of geotextiles to hydrolysis under highly acid or alkaline conditions.
NOTE Performance tests to predict long-term lifetime or to compare products of different polymers or of similar polymers with differing structures can be based on the same method but with a wider range of temperatures and durations.