ASTM D5868-01(2023)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Lap Shear Adhesion for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Bonding
Standard Test Method for Lap Shear Adhesion for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Bonding
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Due to the increased use of adhesively-bonded FRP as a result of the inherent advantages afforded by bonded rather than mechanically-fastened joints (particularly the alleviation of stress risers and stress cracking), there is a need for tests by which joints of various FRP substrates and adhesives may be compared. This test method is intended to meet such a need.
5.2 Additional information on significance and use may be found in Guide D4896.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a lap shear test for use in measuring the bonding characteristics of adhesives for joining fiber reinforced plastics to themselves and to metals. The method is applicable to random and fiber oriented FRP.
1.2 This test method is intended to complement Test Method D1002 and extend the application to single-lap shear adhesive joints of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) adherends. This test method is useful for generating comparative apparent shear strength data for joints made from a number of FRP materials, providing a means by which FRP surface treatments may be compared.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2022
- Technical Committee
- D14 - Adhesives
- Drafting Committee
- D14.40 - Adhesives for Plastics
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2008
Overview
ASTM D5868-01(2023) is the Standard Test Method for Lap Shear Adhesion for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Bonding, developed by ASTM International. This standard specifies a procedure for evaluating the bonding characteristics of adhesives used to join fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) to themselves and to metals. Given the growing adoption of adhesively-bonded FRP components-often due to benefits like reduced stress concentrations and fewer stress cracks-ASTM D5868 is an essential resource for industries seeking measurable, comparable data on adhesive performance with these materials.
Key Topics
- Lap Shear Test Methodology: Provides a step-by-step process to prepare and test single-lap-joint specimens. This includes guidance on FRP and metal substrate dimensions, surface preparation, adhesive application, and testing conditions.
- Scope of Application: Suitable for both random and fiber-oriented FRP materials, and extends beyond similar standards by allowing for the comparison of a wide range of adhesives and FRP substrates.
- Apparent Shear Strength Comparison: Enables direct comparison of the apparent shear strength of different adhesive/FRP combinations, as well as the efficacy of various surface treatments.
- Reporting Requirements: Outlines key data to report, such as identification details for adhesives and substrates, surface preparation, cure schedule, test conditions, observed failure types, and quantified results.
- Safety and Compliance: Reminds users to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, in accordance with local and international regulations.
Applications
ASTM D5868 is widely used across industries that rely on bonded joints involving fiber reinforced plastics, including:
- Aerospace and Defense: Where lightweight, strong composite structures are bonded for air and spacecraft assemblies.
- Automotive: Evaluating adhesives for structural and semi-structural bonding in vehicles, especially where FRP materials are used for weight reduction.
- Marine: Testing adhesive bonds in hulls, decks, and superstructures built from FRP materials.
- Construction: Qualification of adhesives for architectural panels, bridge components, and infrastructure reinforcements.
- Research and Development: Providing comparative performance data to optimize material selection and joining techniques for new composite products.
By applying this standard, manufacturers and engineers can:
- Select the most suitable adhesives for specific FRP combinations
- Establish reliable performance baselines for quality control
- Compare the effectiveness of different FRP surface treatments
Related Standards
ASTM D5868 references and complements several related standards, including:
- ASTM D1002: Test Method for Apparent Shear Strength of Single-Lap-Joint Adhesively Bonded Metal Specimens by Tension Loading, focused on metal-to-metal joints.
- ASTM D2093: Practice for Preparation of Surfaces of Plastics Prior to Adhesive Bonding, which provides detailed preparation procedures.
- ASTM D3163: Test Method for Determining Strength of Adhesively Bonded Rigid Plastic Lap-Shear Joints in Shear by Tension Loading.
- ASTM D4896: Guide for Use of Adhesive-Bonded Single Lap-Joint Specimen Test Results, offering additional guidance on interpretation of results.
- ASTM D5573: Practice for Classifying Failure Modes in Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic (FRP) Joints.
- SAE J1525: Lap Shear Test for Automotive-Type Adhesives for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Bonding.
Practical Value
Using ASTM D5868-01(2023) ensures reliable adhesive bond evaluation in FRP applications, enabling informed decisions in material selection, process development, and quality assurance. Its adoption supports product durability, safety, and compliance with international best practices and trade requirements.
Buy Documents
ASTM D5868-01(2023) - Standard Test Method for Lap Shear Adhesion for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Bonding
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

Smithers Quality Assessments
US management systems and product certification.
DIN CERTCO
DIN Group product certification.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D5868-01(2023) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Lap Shear Adhesion for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Bonding". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Due to the increased use of adhesively-bonded FRP as a result of the inherent advantages afforded by bonded rather than mechanically-fastened joints (particularly the alleviation of stress risers and stress cracking), there is a need for tests by which joints of various FRP substrates and adhesives may be compared. This test method is intended to meet such a need. 5.2 Additional information on significance and use may be found in Guide D4896. SCOPE 1.1 This test method describes a lap shear test for use in measuring the bonding characteristics of adhesives for joining fiber reinforced plastics to themselves and to metals. The method is applicable to random and fiber oriented FRP. 1.2 This test method is intended to complement Test Method D1002 and extend the application to single-lap shear adhesive joints of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) adherends. This test method is useful for generating comparative apparent shear strength data for joints made from a number of FRP materials, providing a means by which FRP surface treatments may be compared. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Due to the increased use of adhesively-bonded FRP as a result of the inherent advantages afforded by bonded rather than mechanically-fastened joints (particularly the alleviation of stress risers and stress cracking), there is a need for tests by which joints of various FRP substrates and adhesives may be compared. This test method is intended to meet such a need. 5.2 Additional information on significance and use may be found in Guide D4896. SCOPE 1.1 This test method describes a lap shear test for use in measuring the bonding characteristics of adhesives for joining fiber reinforced plastics to themselves and to metals. The method is applicable to random and fiber oriented FRP. 1.2 This test method is intended to complement Test Method D1002 and extend the application to single-lap shear adhesive joints of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) adherends. This test method is useful for generating comparative apparent shear strength data for joints made from a number of FRP materials, providing a means by which FRP surface treatments may be compared. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D5868-01(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.180 - Adhesives. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D5868-01(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D5573-99(2019), ASTM D1002-10(2019), ASTM D2093-03(2017), ASTM D4896-01(2016), ASTM E4-14, ASTM D5573-99(2012), ASTM D907-12a, ASTM D907-12, ASTM D907-11a, ASTM D2093-03(2011), ASTM D907-11, ASTM E4-10, ASTM E4-09a, ASTM E4-09, ASTM E4-08. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D5868-01(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5868 − 01 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Lap Shear Adhesion for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
Bonding
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5868; 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 D1002 Test Method for Apparent Shear Strength of Single-
Lap-Joint Adhesively Bonded Metal Specimens by Ten-
1.1 This test method describes a lap shear test for use in
sion Loading (Metal-to-Metal)
measuring the bonding characteristics of adhesives for joining
D2093 Practice for Preparation of Surfaces of Plastics Prior
fiber reinforced plastics to themselves and to metals. The
to Adhesive Bonding
method is applicable to random and fiber oriented FRP.
D3163 Test Method for Determining Strength ofAdhesively
1.2 ThistestmethodisintendedtocomplementTestMethod
Bonded Rigid Plastic Lap-Shear Joints in Shear by Ten-
D1002 and extend the application to single-lap shear adhesive
sion Loading
joints of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) adherends. This test
D4896 Guide for Use ofAdhesive-Bonded Single Lap-Joint
method is useful for generating comparative apparent shear
Specimen Test Results
strength data for joints made from a number of FRP materials,
D5573 Practice for Classifying Failure Modes in Fiber-
providing a means by which FRP surface treatments may be
Reinforced-Plastic (FRP) Joints
compared.
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Test-
ing Machines
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 2.2 SAE Standard:
SAE J1525 Lap Shear Test for Automotive-Type Adhesives
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Bonding
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Adhesive terminology for this test method is covered in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Terminology D907.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 This test method describes a procedure for the testing of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
lap shear bond strengths, using composite materials not rec-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ommended in Test Method D3163 such as FRP.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 Due to the increased use of adhesively-bonded FRPas a
result of the inherent advantages afforded by bonded rather
2. Referenced Documents
than mechanically-fastened joints (particularly the alleviation
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of stress risers and stress cracking), there is a need for tests by
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
which joints of various FRP substrates and adhesives may be
compared. This test method is intended to meet such a need.
5.2 Additional information on significance and use may be
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D14 on
found in Guide D4896.
AdhesivesandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD14.40onAdhesivesfor
Plastics.
6. Interference
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5868 – 01 (2014).
6.1 Apparent shear strength may be affected by substrate
DOI: 10.1520/D5868-01R23.
properties, such as moisture absorption and strength.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth
the ASTM website. Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5868 − 01 (2023)
7. Apparatus
7.1 Testing Machine, conforming to the requirements and
having the capabilities of the machine in Practices E4 with
self-aligning grips capable of securely grasping the specimen
throughout the test without allowing the specimen to slip.
8. Procedure
...




Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...