ASTM C1715-09
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is suitable for use on walls to determine the ability of masonry wall drainage systems to collect water penetrating the exterior wythe and to direct this water back to the exterior surface of the exterior wythe. Removal of a portion of the interior wall finishes is desirable to observe leakage into backup walls. Even with removal of interior finishes, in many cases it is not practical to observe surfaces behind spandrel beams, columns, or other obstructions. Potential areas where leakage may occur but that are not visible during the test shall be considered when interpreting the results of the test and shall be recorded in the report.
This test method is suitable for use on mock-up walls to determine the performance of masonry wall drainage systems.
This test method is suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of flashing repairs.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a standard procedure for determining the ability of masonry wall drainage systems to collect water that penetrates the exterior masonry wythe during rainstorms and to direct this water back to the exterior surface of the wall.
1.2 This test method is applicable to wall systems that contain an exterior masonry wythe with a drainage space on the interior face of the exterior wythe. It is not applicable to single-wythe drainage walls.
1.3 This test method is not applicable to masonry barrier walls or other masonry walls that are designed without drainage spaces behind the exterior wythe.
1.4 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.
1.5 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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation:C1715–09
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall
Drainage Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1715; 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 E631. For definitions of terms relating to masonry, brick and
clay tile, and concrete masonry units used in this test method,
1.1 This test method describes a standard procedure for
see Terminology C1232.
determining the ability of masonry wall drainage systems to
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
collect water that penetrates the exterior masonry wythe during
3.2.1 back-up wall, n—the portion of the wall system
rainstorms and to direct this water back to the exterior surface
located on the interior side of the drainage space.
of the wall.
3.2.2 drainage space, n—the space located between the
1.2 This test method is applicable to wall systems that
interior face of the exterior wythe of masonry and the exterior
containanexteriormasonrywythewithadrainagespaceonthe
face of the back-up wall or the water-resistive barrier placed on
interior face of the exterior wythe. It is not applicable to
the exterior face of the back-up wall to facilitate the flow of
single-wythe drainage walls.
water to a flashing or water collection system.
1.3 This test method is not applicable to masonry barrier
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The drainage space may contain mate-
walls or other masonry walls that are designed without
rials or components designed to permit water movement.
drainage spaces behind the exterior wythe.
3.2.3 flashing, n—an impervious material placed at speci-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
fied locations in a masonry wall drainage system to collect and
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
direct water penetrating through the exterior wythe of masonry
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
to the exterior face of the exterior wythe of masonry by means
and are not considered standard.
of a weep system.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.4 masonry barrier wall, n—single or multi-wythe ma-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
sonry wall system that does not contain a drainage space
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
directly behind the exterior masonry wythe.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.5 masonry drainage wall, n—masonry wall system
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
designed with a drainage space immediately behind the exte-
2. Referenced Documents
rior masonry wythe that allows water penetrating the masonry
to flow down the drainage space where the water is collected
2.1 ASTM Standards:
and diverted by flashing to the exterior face of the exterior
C1232 Terminology of Masonry
wythe or collected and drained by some other water collection
C1601 Test Method for Field Determination of Water Pen-
system.
etration of Masonry Wall Surfaces
3.2.5.1 Discussion—This wall type includes: masonry cav-
E514 Test Method for Water Penetration and Leakage
ity walls; anchored masonry veneer walls; insulated cavity
Through Masonry
walls; and any other masonry wall systems with a drainage
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
space.
3. Terminology
3.2.6 masonry wall drainage system, n—the drainage space,
the water resistive barrier (where included), the flashing or
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to build-
other water collection devices, and the weep system in a
ing construction used in this test method, see Terminology
masonrydrainagewalldesignedtocollectwaterthatpenetrates
the exterior masonry wythe and direct it back to the exterior
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on
face of the exterior masonry wythe.
Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C15.04 on Research.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—The masonry wall drainage system in-
Current edition approved July 1, 2009. Published July 2009. DOI: 10.1520/
cludes any other devices within the wall system that facilitate
C1715-09.
2 the flow of water within the drainage space and to the weeps or
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
that prevent mortar from blocking weeps.
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
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C1715–09
3.2.7 masonry wall system, n—all components of an exte- 6. Apparatus
rior wall including the exterior masonry wythe, wall ties or
6.1 Major components:
anchors, the drainage system (if included), the back-up wall,
6.1.1 Water Source—a source of potable water under pres-
insulation, and wall finishes.
sure such as the local pressurized water supply, a water supply
3.2.7.1 Discussion—By definition in this standard, a ma-
connected to a pump, or water from an elevated storage tank.
sonry wall system shall consist of at least an exterior masonry
6.1.2 Flow Meter—a device capable of measuring the water
wythe exposed to weather.
flow with sufficient accuracy to meet the permitted variations
3.2.8 water leakage, n—penetration of water beyond the
listed in Section 7. The flow meter shall be either integral with
innermostplaneboundingthemasonrywalldrainagesystemor
or following the flow regulator. Flow meters are connected to
water penetration below or behind flashings.
each water entry point (Type l as shown in Fig. 1). If all water
3.2.9 water collection system, n—a trough system or similar
entry points are located within 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) from the
system at the base of a drainage space or a portion of that
average height of water entry points, the flow meter is
trough system, used in lieu of flashing, intended to collect any
permittedtobeattachedtoadistributionmanifoldconnectedto
water that penetrates the exterior wythe of masonry and direct
multiple entry points (Type 2 as shown in Fig. 2) provided the
that water to a drainage system.
top of the distribution manifold is located at least 10 in. (254
3.2.10 water resistive barrier, n—acoatingormembraneon
mm) below the lowest entry point, the entry point hoses are the
the exterior surface of the back-up wall that is intended to
samelength(within1.0in.(25.4mm)),andtheentrypointsare
prevent water, which has penetrated the exterior masonry
evenly spaced (within 10 % of average spacing).
wythe and has bridged the air space, from reaching the surface
NOTE 1—Using separate flow meters and flow regulators attached to
of the back-up wall and to direct this water into the flashing or
each entry point allows adjustment of the spacing, height, and flow rates
water collection system below.
at the entry points based on the tributary area of the wall represented by
3.2.11 weep system, n—a series of openings, tubes, wicks,
each entry point. When using a manifold attached to a single flow meter
vents, or other devices at the top surface of the flashing that
and flow regulator, the spacing, height, and flow rates at each entry point
facilitate the flow of water that collects on the flashing back to
supplied by the manifold must be approximately equal. To ensure that the
flowratesfromtheentrypointhosesarewithinthespecifiedtolerance,the
the exterior surface of the wall.
heights of the entry points above the flow meter need to be approximately
4. Summary of Test Method equal, the lowest entry point must exceed the minimum height above the
distribution manifold, and the length of each hose need to be approxi-
4.1 This test method introduces water directly into the
mately equal. Conformance to the specified tolerance is verified during
masonry wall drainage system through holes drilled in the
calibration.
exterior masonry wythe. Water is introduced along the interior
6.1.3 Flow Regulator—a valve, either integral with the flow
face of the exterior masonry wythe by means of hoses at each
meters or separate, to control the rate of water flow.
entry point. These hoses are connected to a common water
6.1.4 Entry Point Hoses—hoses attached directly to the
source. The flow rates are controlled by flow regulators
flow meter or to a distribution manifold for the purpose of
attached to each of the entry point hoses or to a manifold that
supplying water into the masonry wall drainage system. The
distributes water uniformly to multiple hoses. This standard
diameter of these hoses shall be large enough to ensure that the
sets limits for several parameters to control the velocity and
exterior face of the water flow shall extend no farther than 0.25
volume of the water at points of entry as well as limits on the
in. (6.4 mm) horizontally beyond the end of the hose at a
minimum number and maximum spacing of entry points to
distance of 20 in. (508 mm) below the end of the hose (Fig. 3).
provide uniform distribution of water along the interior face of
the exterior masonry wythe. Interior and exterior observations NOTE 2—High velocity water leaving small diameter hoses may cause
water to project beyond the interior face of the exterior wythe. This
are performed before, during, and after the test to detect water
requirement is intended to ensure that water will flow down the interior
leakage and to observe the discharge of water to the exterior.
surface of the exterior wythe.
5. Significance and Use
6.1.5 Distribution Manifold—a series of pipes, tees, elbows
and other plumbing connections used to distribute water from
5.1 This test method is suitable for use on walls to deter-
the water source to each of the water entry points.
mine the ability of masonry wall drainage systems to collect
water penetrating the exterior wythe and to direct this water 6.1.6 Graduated Cylinder—a clear plastic or glass cylinder
which is sealed at one end and contains graduations to measure
back to the exterior surface of the exterior wythe. Removal of
a portion of the interior wall finishes is desirable to observe quantities of water with an accuracy of 0.034 oz (1 mL).
6.1.7 Entry Point—a hole drilled through a mortar head
leakage into backup walls. Even with removal of interior
joint in the exterior wythe of masonry through which water is
finishes, in many cases it is not practical to observe surfaces
directed into the drainage space during the test. Drill entry
behind spandrel beams, columns, or other obstructions. Poten-
point holes at a 30 6 5° angle downward (Fig. 4).
tial areas where leakage may occur but that are not visible
during the test shall be considered when interpreting the results
NOTE 3—The 30° downward angle is intended to prevent water from
of the test and shall be recorded in the report.
flowing back to the exterior through the entry points during the test.
5.2 This test method is suitable for use on mock-up walls to
7. Calibration
determine the performance of masonry wall drainage systems.
5.3 This test method is suitable for evaluating the effective- 7.1 Verify the ability of the test apparatus to meet the
ness of flashing repairs. applicable requirements by setting up and testing the apparatus
C1715–09
FIG. 1 Flow Meter Connected to Each Entry Point (Type 1)
FIG. 2 Flow Meter Connected to Multiple Entry Points (Type 2)
C1715–09
FIG. 3 Entry Point Hose
in a laboratory. Perform the calibration after initial fabrication points are located at the same level (within 0.08 in. (2 mm))
and at least once per year. Verify three test levels during each except that one entry point is positioned 0.5 in. (12.7 mm)
calibration: the highest flow rate at which the apparatus is abovetheaveragelevelandoneentrypointispositioned0.5in.
designed to operate, the lowest flow rate at which the apparatus (12.7 mm) below the average level. Set the height between the
is designed to operate, and the midpoint between these two test average level of the entry points and the top of the flow meter
flow rates. at the specified minimum level specified in 6.1.2.
7.2 Position the ends of the water entry hoses at the 7.5 Verify the flow rate at each entry point in either the
specified angle listed in 6.1.7 (Fig. 4). Type 1 or the Type 2 apparatus using a graduated cylinder by
7.3 Check the horizontal projection of water flow from the collecting water for a minimum of 30 s after the system has
end of at least one of the hoses to demonstrate that the hose been operating for a minimum of 5 min. The measured flow
conformstotherequirementsof6.1.4.Locatethemeasurement rate at any entry point hose shall not vary more than 25 % from
device a minimum of 20 in. (508 mm) below the hose. The the test flow rate at each entry point. The total flow rate,
measurement device is used to measure the distance from a determined by adding the flow rates from each of the entry
point directly below the lower edge of the tip of the water entry point hoses, shall not vary more than 15 % from the test flow
hose to the outer edge of the water flow within an accuracy of rate at each entry point multiplied by the total number of entry
0.04 in. (l mm), as shown in Fig. 3. The exterior face of the points.
water flow shall extend no farther than 0.25 in. (6.4 mm)
8. Weather Conditions
horizontally beyond the end of the hose. Perform this check at
the maximum flow rate at which the water entry hose will be 8.1 Conduct test when the temperatures of the exterior air
used. and of the exterior surface of the masonry are not less than
7.4 For an apparatus that uses a flow meter and flow 40°F (5°C).
regulator attached to a distribution manifold connected to 8.2 Conduct test when the surface of the wall is visibly dry
multiple entry points (Type 2), calibrate the apparatus by orincludeinthereportthelocationandtheextentormagnitude
setting up the system in a laboratory so that the water entry ofmoisturepresentonorwithinthetestwallwithphotographs,
C1715–09
FIG. 4 Entry Point with Hose Inserted
moisture measurements, drawings or notes so that any change 9.5 Attach the distribution manifolds, flow meters, and flow
in the moisture throughout the test is visible. regulators beneath the water entry points.
9.6 Insert entry point hoses into the holes at each water
9. Preparation of Test Apparatus
entry point. Hold the hoses at least 0.375 in. (9.5 mm) back
9.1 Install entry points
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