ASTM C1699-09(2015)

Standard Test Method for Moisture Retention Curves of Porous Building Materials Using Pressure Plates

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this test is to obtain, by means of a specified laboratory procedure, the values of the equilibrium moisture content at higher RH levels ((≈ 95 to 100%). These values are used either as means to characterize the material or as material characteristics needed as input to appropriate computer models that can simulate wetting or drying potential of individual building materials or material assemblies under specified environmental conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method specifies a laboratory procedure for the determination of the water retention curve (or moisture storage capacity) of porous building materials at very high relative humidity (RH) levels (≈ 95 to 100% RH) corresponding to the capillary moisture region of the sorption isotherm. This is achieved by using the pressure plate test apparatus. This technique was originally developed to study soil moisture content and eventually had been adapted to building construction materials.  
1.2 At higher RH levels (≈ 95 to 100% RH) of the sorption isotherm (see Test Method C1498), use of climatic chamber is not an option. This technique uses overpressure to extract water out of the pore structure of porous materials until equilibrium between the moisture content in the specimens and the corresponding overpressure is achieved. Using the pressure plate extractors, equilibrium can only be reached by desorption.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2015
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.33 - Insulation Finishes and Moisture

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C1699 − 09 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Method for
Moisture Retention Curves of Porous Building Materials
Using Pressure Plates
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1699; 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 D2325 Test Method for Capillary-Moisture Relationships
for Coarse- and Medium-Textured Soils by Porous-Plate
1.1 This test method specifies a laboratory procedure for the
Apparatus (Withdrawn 2007)
determination of the water retention curve (or moisture storage
D3152 Test Method for Capillary-Moisture Relationships
capacity) of porous building materials at very high relative
for Fine-Textured Soils by Pressure-Membrane Apparatus
humidity (RH) levels (≈ 95 to 100% RH) corresponding to the
(Withdrawn 2007)
capillary moisture region of the sorption isotherm. This is
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psy-
achieved by using the pressure plate test apparatus. This
chrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Tem-
technique was originally developed to study soil moisture
peratures)
content and eventually had been adapted to building construc-
tion materials.
3. Terminology
1.2 At higher RH levels (≈ 95 to 100% RH) of the sorption
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
isotherm (see Test Method C1498), use of climatic chamber is
3.1.1 desorption isotherm—the sorption isotherm measured
not an option. This technique uses overpressure to extract
exclusively during the hygroscopic desorption process started
water out of the pore structure of porous materials until
from the condition of full water saturation of the material.
equilibrium between the moisture content in the specimens and
3.1.2 sorption isotherm—relationship between the relative
the corresponding overpressure is achieved. Using the pressure
humidity (see Test Method E337) and the equilibrium moisture
plate extractors, equilibrium can only be reached by desorp-
content of the material, at a specified temperature.
tion.
3.1.3 pressure-plate facility—Heavy steel vessel capable of
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
holding different pressure levels.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1.4 moisture content, by mass—mass of water retained in
standard.
the specimen divided by the dry mass of the specimen.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 The purpose of this test is to obtain, by means of a
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
specified laboratory procedure, the values of the equilibrium
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
moisture content at higher RH levels ((≈ 95 to 100%). These
values are used either as means to characterize the material or
2. Referenced Documents
as material characteristics needed as input to appropriate
2.1 ASTM Standards:
computer models that can simulate wetting or drying potential
C1498 Test Method for Hygroscopic Sorption Isotherms of
of individual building materials or material assemblies under
Building Materials
specified environmental conditions.
5. Apparatus
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
5.1 Pressure vessel—Heavy-duty steel vessels of approxi-
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation
mately 305 mm in diameter and about 75 mm or 250 mm high
Finishes and Moisture.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published August 2015. Originally
with heavy top lid tightly-held against O-ring gasket by
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as C1699–09. DOI:
clamping bolts (see Fig. 1).
10.1520/C1699-09R15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1699 − 09 (2015)
FIG. 1 Pressure Plate Test Apparatus
5.2 Porous ceramic plates—This is the plate upon which the 6.2 A minimum of five specimens shall be tested in each
specimens sit and is composed of microscopic pores allowing pressure environment. The test procedure, as specified below,
only water to flow through it. The plate assembly is exposed to and the precision of weighing shall be applied to each
an overpressure that can be adjusted, while the other side of the specimen.
plate is always at atmospheric pressure resulting in a pressure
difference over the plate and the specimens. 7. Preparations of Test Specimens
5.3 Balance—An analytical balance capable of weighing 7.1 Dry specimens in oven to constant weight (see Note 1).
within 1 mg shall be used. The accuracy of the balance shall be
7.2 Measure and record dry specimen dimensions.
at least 6 0.1 percent of the total specimen weight.
7.3 For vacuum saturation (see Note 2), follow steps 7.3.1 to
5.4 Drying oven—A ventilated drying oven, capable of
7.3.3
maintaining the required drying temperature within 62K for
7.3.1 Place them in a vacuum chamber (that is, desiccator
temperatures less than 75°C and 64K for temperatures above
equipped with outflow knob and connected to vacuum pump)
75°C , and a relative humidity of less than 10%, shall be used.
and evacuate for 24 hours. This ensures that no air remains in
In warm-humid laboratory environment or at low drying
the pores when specimens are being saturated.
temperatures, it will be necessary to provide a supply of dried
7.3.2 Evacuate distilled water by pumping air out for 1 to 2
air to achieve the less than 10 % relative humidity specification
hours.
in the drying oven.
7.3.3 Use this water to saturate the specimens under
vacuum. The assembly remains under vacuum for at least 3
5.5 Desiccator equipped with outflow knob—Used as a
days or until no air bubbles are observed. Keep the specimens
vacuum chamber to remove air (that is, evacuate) from the
fully submerged in the vacuum chamber until ready for
water and evacuate specimens.
measurement. This minimizes the amount of drying that can
5.6 Kaolin paste and acetate fabric—This clay paste en-
occur.
sures good hydraulic contact between plate/specimen. The
7.4 For capillary saturation (see Note 3), specimens shall be
acetate fabric prevents contamination of the specimens by the
immersed completely in distilled water (kept at room tempera-
clay.
ture) until a constant weight is attained.
5.7 Pressure source—Compressed air or nitrogen in
7.5 Soak the porous ceramic plate(s) in distilled water for a
cylinders, or high-pressure air compressor.
minimum of 8 hours.
5.8 Pressure manifold—Assembly of conduits and valves
7.6 Prepare the kaolin paste (see Note 4) by mixing 125g of
regulating the air supplied to the extractors.
kaolin powder with 150g distilled water and apply it directly
onto the saturated plate.
6. Test Specimens
2 7.7 Cover the paste with a layer of acetate cloth to prevent
6.1 A test specimen shall be cut to approximately 15 cm
the kaolin from sticking to the specimens.
and have a thickness as minimal as possible (≈ 5mm, depend-
ing on the structure of the material) to reduce the time to reach 7.8 Remove excess water off specimen surfaces by patting
equilibrium. on a damp sponge and record specimen masses.
C1699 − 09 (2015)
7.9 Press each specimen firmly on the acetate cloth ensuring 8.8 After all pressure plate measurements are completed,
good contact and also removal of any air bubbles underneath. place specimens in oven and dry to constant weight. This final
dry mass (m ) is used to calculate moisture contents.
7.10 Close the pressure plate extra
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1699 − 09 C1699 − 09 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Method for
Moisture Retention Curves of Porous Building Materials
Using Pressure Plates
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1699; 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
1.1 This test method specifies a laboratory procedure for the determination of the water retention curve (or moisture storage
capacity) of porous building materials at very high relative humidity (RH) levels (≈ 95 to 100% RH) corresponding to the capillary
moisture region of the sorption isotherm. This is achieved by using the pressure plate test apparatus. This technique was originally
developed to study soil moisture content and eventually had been adapted to building construction materials.
1.2 At higher RH levels (≈ 95 to 100% RH) of the sorption isotherm (see Test Method C1498), use of climatic chamber is not
an option. This technique uses overpressure to extract water out of the pore structure of porous materials until equilibrium between
the moisture content in the specimens and the corresponding overpressure is achieved. Using the pressure plate extractors,
equilibrium can only be reached by desorption.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1498 Test Method for Hygroscopic Sorption Isotherms of Building Materials
D2325 Test Method for Capillary-Moisture Relationships for Coarse- and Medium-Textured Soils by Porous-Plate Apparatus
(Withdrawn 2007)
D3152 Test Method for Capillary-Moisture Relationships for Fine-Textured Soils by Pressure-Membrane Apparatus (Withdrawn
2007)
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 desorption isotherm—the sorption isotherm measured exclusively during the hygroscopic desorption process started from
the condition of full water saturation of the material.
3.1.2 sorption isotherm—relationship between the relative humidity (see Test Method E337) and the equilibrium moisture
content of the material, at a specified temperature.
3.1.3 pressure-plate facility—Heavy steel vessel capable of holding different pressure levels.
3.1.4 moisture content, by mass—mass of water retained in the specimen divided by the dry mass of the specimen.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The purpose of this test is to obtain, by means of a specified laboratory procedure, the values of the equilibrium moisture
content at higher RH levels ((≈ 95 to 100%). These values are used either as means to characterize the material or as material
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation Finishes
and Moisture.
Current edition approved May 1, 2009May 1, 2015. Published August 2009August 2015. Originally approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 20082009 as
C1699–08.–09. DOI: 10.1520/C1699-09.10.1520/C1699-09R15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1699 − 09 (2015)
characteristics needed as input to appropriate computer models that can simulate wetting or drying potential of individual building
materials or material assemblies under specified environmental conditions.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Pressure vessel—Heavy-duty steel vessels of approximately 305 mm in diameter and about 75 mm or 250 mm high with
heavy top lid tightly-held against O-ring gasket by clamping bolts (see Fig. 1).
5.2 Porous ceramic plates—This is the plate upon which the specimens sit and is composed of microscopic pores allowing only
water to flow through it. The plate assembly is exposed to an overpressure that can be adjusted, while the other side of the plate
is always at atmospheric pressure resulting in a pressure difference over the plate and the specimens.
5.3 Balance—An analytical balance capable of weighing within 1 mg shall be used. The accuracy of the balance shall be at least
6 0.1 percent of the total specimen weight.
5.4 Drying oven—A ventilated drying oven, capable of maintaining the required drying temperature within 62K for
temperatures less than 75°C and 64K for temperatures above 75°C , and a relative humidity of less than 10%, shall be used. In
warm-humid laboratory environment or at low drying temperatures, it will be necessary to provide a supply of dried air to achieve
the less than 10 % relative humidity specification in the drying oven.
5.5 Desiccator equipped with outflow knob—Used as a vacuum chamber to remove air (that is, evacuate) from the water and
evacuate specimens.
5.6 Kaolin paste and acetate fabric—This clay paste ensures good hydraulic contact between plate/specimen. The acetate fabric
prevents contamination of the specimens by the clay.
5.7 Pressure source—Compressed air or nitrogen in cylinders, or high-pressure air compressor.
5.8 Pressure manifold—Assembly of conduits and valves regulating the air supplied to the extractors.
6. Test Specimens
6.1 A test specimen shall be cut to approximately 15 cm and have a thickness as minimal as possible (≈ 5mm, depending on
the structure of the material) to reduce the time to reach equilibrium.
6.2 A minimum of five specimens shall be tested in each pressure environment. The test procedure, as specified below, and the
precision of weighing shall be applied to each specimen.
7. Preparations of Test Specimens
7.1 Dry specimens in oven to constant weight (see Note 1).
7.2 Measure and record dry specimen dimensions.
7.3 For vacuum saturation (see Note 2), follow steps 7.3.1 to 7.3.3
7.3.1 Place them in a vacuum chamber (that is, desiccator equipped with outflow knob and connected to vacuum pump) and
evacuate for 24 hours. This ensures that no air remains in the pores when specimens are being saturated.
7.3.2 Evacuate distilled water by pumping air out for 1 to 2 hours.
FIG. 1 Pressure Plate Test Apparatus
C1699 − 09 (2015)
7.3.3 Use this water to saturate the specimens under vacuum. The assembly remains under vacuum for at least 3 days or until
no air bubbles are observed. Keep the specimens fully submerged in the vacuum chamber until ready for measurement. This
minimizes the amount of drying that can occur.
7.4 For capillary saturation (see Note 3), specimens shall be immersed completely in distilled water (kept at room temperature)
until a constant weight is attained.
7.5 Soak the porous ceramic plate(s) in distilled water for a minimum of 8 hours.
7.6 Prepare the kaolin paste (see Note 4) by mixing 125g of kaolin powder with 150g distilled water and apply it directly onto
the saturated plate.
7.7 Cover the paste with a layer of acetate cloth to prevent the kaolin from sticking to the specimens.
7.8 Remove excess water off specimen surfaces by patting on a damp sponge and record specimen masses.
7.9 Press each specimen firmly on the acetate cloth ensuring good contact and also removal of any air bubbles underneath.
7.10 Close the pressure plate extractor lid after ensuring good connection of the out
...