Tear test.

(a) General. The tear test must be conducted for the qualification of all flexible intermediate bulk container design types.

(b) Special preparation for the tear test. The flexible intermediate bulk container must be filled to not less than 95 percent of its capacity and to its maximum net mass, the load being evenly distributed.

(c) Test method. Once the intermediate bulk container is placed on the ground, a 100-mm (4-inch) knife score, completely penetrating the wall of a wide face, is made at a 45° angle to the principal axis of the intermediate bulk container, halfway between the bottom surface and the top level of the contents. The intermediate bulk container must then be subjected to a uniformly distributed superimposed load equivalent to twice the maximum net mass. The load must be applied for at least five minutes. An intermediate bulk container which is designed to be lifted from the top or the side must, after removal of the superimposed load, be lifted clear of the floor and maintained in that position for a period of five minutes.

(d) Criterion for passing the test. The intermediate bulk container passes the tear test if the cut does not propagate more than 25 percent of its original length.