The field tensiometer grips coupons in jaws that separate at a set speed and shows the peak force, so the crew can test trial welds and destructive samples without waiting for a lab. It must be calibrated, and some specs require it to hold specimens at a set temperature. Field results decide whether welding continues, while lab results on the same samples are the record.
Tensiometer has read high since it got dropped, so send the trial welds to the lab until it's calibrated.
Also heard as
- field tensiometer
- seam tester
Related terms
Peel test
Seam test that pulls the top sheet away from the bottom sheet across the weld to check how well they fused.
Shear test
Seam test that pulls the two sheets apart in their own plane, loading the whole weld in shear.
Trial weld
Short test seam made on scrap geomembrane before production welding to prove the machine settings and the operator.
Coupon
Narrow strip cut across a seam sample for peel or shear testing, usually one inch wide.