ASTM D5957-98(2021)

Standard Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Installations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide describes the techniques used to test for watertightness of waterproofing installations on horizontal services having a slope not greater than 20 mm/m (2 % slope) (1/4 in./ft). See also ACI 515.  
5.2 The structural capacity of the substrate to which the waterproofing system is to be installed should be reviewed by a licensed structural engineer to verify that the loads associated with the use of procedures described in this guide do not exceed code and design restrictions. Lateral loads will be imposed on curbs or walls used for containment of the water during the test procedures and their effect should be accounted for. The effects of equipment, planters, or other movable objects present within the test area should be considered.
Note 1: Potable water weighs approximately 1000 kg/cubic m (62.3 lb per cubic ft) at 22 °C (71.6 °F) or 1 g/cm2/cm depth (5.19 lb/ft2 per in. depth).  
5.3 This guide describes a procedure to test for watertightness of waterproofing installations under ponded water with a short-term hydrostatic head measuring not more than 100 mm (4 in.).
Note 2: Increasing the amount of water forming a hydrostatic head beyond 100 mm (4 in.) of water may be considered provided the impact of increased loads on the substrate has been reviewed and approved by a licensed structural engineer.  
5.4 For the purposes of this guide, the installation of the waterproofing membrane and flashing should be completed and the materials fully cured. Manufacturers should specify a minimum time period for materials to cure prior to performing flood test, however, no testing should be performed during the first 24 h following installation of system materials (48 h min if materials are installed at a time when ambient temperatures are below 10 °C (50 °F)).  
5.5 The additional loads imposed upon the structure during the test period will affect the deflection of structural items. The effects shall be analyzed by a licensed structural engineer prior to p...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides the user with a method for testing the watertightness of waterproofing installations applied to horizontal surfaces having a slope not greater than 20 mm/m (2 % slope) (1/4 in. per ft).  
1.2 This guide is intended for waterproofing installation on parking garages and plaza deck type applications over habitable spaces or on elevated structures, but is not intended for use on building roofing systems. Applicable waterproofing membrane installations that may be tested using this guide are fully adhered or bonded sheet membranes, liquid or fluid-applied membranes, or loose-laid sheet membranes.  
1.3 The procedures presented here are not intended for use on those waterproofing installation applications that are for long-term water storage or continuously submerged environments, such as swimming pools, fountains, tank liners with hydrostatic pressure, or water storage units (storage period greater than 48 h).  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 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: 30-Nov-2021
• ICS: 91.090 - External structures
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.22 - Waterproofing and Dampproofing Systems

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1079-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1079-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1079-18e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1079-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1079-13e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1079-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1079-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1079-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM D1079-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1079-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1079-07a - Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1079-07 - Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1079-06 - Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1079-05a - Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1079-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing, Waterproofing, and Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2005

Overview

ASTM D5957-98(2021) - Standard Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Installations - provides essential guidance for verifying the watertightness of horizontal waterproofing systems under ponded water conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is specifically applicable to horizontal surfaces such as parking garages, plaza decks, and other elevated structures with a slope of no more than 20 mm/m (2% or 1/4 in. per ft). The guide outlines procedures for short-term ponding (not exceeding 100 mm or 4 inches of water depth) to ensure systems are water-tight before exposure to service conditions.

This ASTM waterproofing test standard is not intended for building roofs, long-term water storage, or continuously submerged environments (such as pools or tanks). ASTM D5957 is a key quality assurance tool to help owners, designers, and contractors validate the proper installation and durability of waterproofing membranes.

Key Topics

• Scope and Use Cases

  • Applicable to horizontal surfaces with low slopes (≤ 2%)
  • Designed for plaza decks, parking garages, and occupied spaces beneath elevated slabs
  • Not suitable for roofing systems, permanent water storage, or submerged installations

• Watertightness Testing Procedures

  • Pre-test inspection: Confirm waterproofing membrane and flashings are completely cured per manufacturer requirements
  • Use of ponded water up to a 100 mm (4 in.) hydrostatic head for 24 to 72 hours
  • Temporary containment assemblies are used to section off the test area and are constructed without damaging the membrane
  • Drains within test areas are temporarily blocked to prevent water loss through the drainage system

• Structural Considerations

  • The structural load capacity of the substrate and containment assemblies must be reviewed by a qualified structural engineer to ensure testing does not exceed design limits
  • Lateral and vertical loads, as well as movable objects within the test area, should be evaluated for their impact during testing

• Observation and Reporting

  • Continuous monitoring for leaks during the test period
  • Detailed documentation, including water depths, locations of containment, test intervals, site conditions, and any repairs made

• Safety and Environmental Practices

  • Address all safety, health, and environmental concerns prior to testing
  • Avoid testing during periods of expected freezing temperatures or rainfall to prevent erroneous results

Applications

ASTM D5957 flood testing is fundamental in the construction and maintenance of waterproofed horizontal surfaces, ensuring long-term protection for structures and occupants beneath. Typical applications include:

• Parking Garages: Flood testing verifies that waterproofing membranes prevent water intrusion, protecting vehicles and structural components.
• Plaza Decks: Ensures watertight performance above habitable spaces, such as commercial or residential areas.
• Elevated Walkways and Terraces: Confirms integrity of waterproofing before installation of finishing materials or landscaping.

This guide promotes quality assurance and risk mitigation by detecting leaks or installation faults before a structure is put into use, thereby reducing the potential for costly repairs and occupant complaints.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1079 - Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• ACI 515 - Guide to the Use of Waterproofing, Dampproofing, Protective, and Decorative Barrier Systems for Concrete

These related documents provide supplementary terminology and design considerations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of waterproofing system evaluation and application. For project teams working with horizontal waterproofing installations, using ASTM D5957 alongside these references ensures compliance with best practices and international standards.

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Keywords: ASTM D5957, flood testing, waterproofing installations, watertightness, plaza deck, parking garage waterproofing, horizontal surfaces, hydrostatic head test, containment assemblies, ASTM waterproofing standard.

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:D5957 −98 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Guide for
Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Installations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5957; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This guide provides the user with a method for testing 2.1 ASTM Standards:
the watertightness of waterproofing installations applied to D1079 Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
horizontal surfaces having a slope not greater than 20 mm/m 2.2 ACI Document:
(2 % slope) ( ⁄4 in. per ft). ACI 515 Guide to the Use of Waterproofing, Dampproofing,
Protective, and Decorative Barrier Systems for Concrete
1.2 This guide is intended for waterproofing installation on
parking garages and plaza deck type applications over habit-
3. Terminology
ablespacesoronelevatedstructures,butisnotintendedforuse
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to roofing and
on building roofing systems. Applicable waterproofing mem-
waterproofing, see Terminology D1079.
brane installations that may be tested using this guide are fully
adhered or bonded sheet membranes, liquid or fluid-applied 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
membranes, or loose-laid sheet membranes.
3.2.1 sacrificial sheet—a material used to form a temporary
seal between a containment assembly and the waterproofing
1.3 The procedures presented here are not intended for use
system. The material used for a sacrificial sheet shall not cause
on those waterproofing installation applications that are for
damage nor be detrimental to the primary system.
long-term water storage or continuously submerged
environments, such as swimming pools, fountains, tank liners
4. Summary of Guide
with hydrostatic pressure, or water storage units (storage
4.1 This guide uses a series of temporary containment
period greater than 48 h).
assemblies of pond water on horizontal surfaces to determine
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
the watertightness of waterproofing installations.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
4.2 The area to be tested is subdivided as required by the
only.
containment assemblies, and drains within the subdivided area
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
are temporarily blocked to prevent water leakage into the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
drainage system.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.3 Water is ponded in the subdivided area and maintained
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
for a minimum period of 24 h. The space below the test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
location is monitored for leakage during the test period.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Significance and Use
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 This guide describes the techniques used to test for
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
watertightness of waterproofing installations on horizontal
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
services having a slope not greater than 20 mm/m (2 % slope)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
( ⁄4 in./ft). See also ACI 515.
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.22 on Water- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
proofing and Dampproofing Systems. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5957 – 98 (2013). Available fromAmerican Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
DOI: 10.1520/D5957-98R21. Hills, MI 48333.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5957−98 (2021)
5.2 The structural capacity of the substrate to which the tight for the service life of the system, based upon the observed
waterproofing system is to be installed should be reviewed by performance of the system under ponded water for a limited
a licensed structural engineer to verify that the loads associated period of time.
with the use of procedures described in this guide do not
6. Materials
exceed code and design restrictions. Lateral loads will be
imposed on curbs or walls used for containment of the water 6.1 Drain Plugs—Pneumatically inflatable devices consist-
during the test procedures and their effect should be accounted ing of a rubber ball, draw chain and ring, and preset, built-in
pressure relief valve; compression plugs having a screw
for. The effects of equipment, planters, or other movable
objects present within the test area should be considered. mechanism; or other standard plumbing fixtures.
6.2 Standard Air Pressure Hand Pump with Hose—Pressure
NOTE1—Potablewaterweighsapproximately1000kg/cubicm(62.3lb
2 2
per cubic ft) at 22 °C (71.6 °F) or 1 g/cm /cm depth (5.19 lb/ft per in.
gauge is optional.
depth).
6.3 Vertical-Sided Shallow Pan.
5.3 This guide describes a procedure to test for watertight-
6.4 Containment Assemblies—Assemblies to form tempo-
ness of waterproofing installations under ponded water with a
rary dams can be constructed using one or more of the
short-term hydrostatic head measuring not more than 100 mm
following materials. Refer to Figs. 1-4 for examples of
(4 in.).
constructed containment assemblies.
NOTE 2—Increasing the amount of water forming a hydrostatic head
6.4.1 Nominal 50 mm (2 in.) thick by 100 or 150 mm (4 or
beyond 100 mm (4 in.) of water may be considered provided the impact
6 in.) wide wood members,
of increased loads on the substrate has been reviewed and approved by a
6.4.2 Polyethylene film having a minimum thickness of 6
licensed structural engineer.
mils,
5.4 For the purposes of this guide, the installation of the
6.4.3 Sandbags,
waterproofingmembraneandflashingshouldbecompletedand
6.4.4 Duct tape,
the materials fully cured. Manufacturers should specify a
6.4.5 Waterproofing membrane materials,
minimum time period for materials to cure prior to performing
6.4.6 Adhesives and sealants,
flood test, however, no testing should be performed during the
6.4.7 Scale or similar measuring device, and
first 24 h following installation of system materials (48 h min
6.4.8 Extruded or expanded polystyrene insulation boards,
if materials are installed at a time when ambient temperatures
approximately 30 cm (12 in.) wide.
are below 10 °C (50 °F)).
6.5 Garden Hoses or Firehoses—Standard size.
5.5 The additional loads imposed upon the structure during
NOTE 3—If firehoses are used, then set the hose of a flow disperser such
the test period will affect the deflection of structural items. The
that the nozzle and initial flow are not in direct contact with the
effects shall be analyzed by a licensed structural engineer prior
membrane.
to placement of additional loads. Critical locations shall be
6.6 Plastic Bucket—Standard wash bucket with bottom
monitored during the duration of the test period.
panel removed. Four holes measuring approximately 25.4 mm
5.6 This guide is not recommended to be used if freezing
(1 in.) diameter equally spaced around the bucket at approxi-
temperatures are expected to occur during the test period.
mately 25.4 mm (1 in.) from the bottom.
Ponded water can freeze and become adhered to the water-
proofing system, resulting in pulling or tearing of the flashings 7. Procedure
away from the substrate or may break interior corners.
7.1 Testing should be performed only after waterproofing
5.7 The intent of this guide is to provide a measure of membrane and flashings are inspected and any deficiencies
confidence of the waterproofing installation to remain water- repaired.
FIG. 1 Containment Assembly—Option No. 1
D5957−98 (2021)
FIG. 2 Containment Assembly—Option No. 2
FIG. 3 Containment Assembly—Option No. 3
FIG. 4 Containment Assembly—Option No. 4
7.2 Testing prior to installation of drainage layer, protection adhered portion, leaving the adhered portion in place unless
layer, pavers, or overburden. (See also Appendix X1.) otherwise required by the membrane manufacturer.
7.4.3 Containment assemblies also may consist of materials
7.3 If a protection layer is required prior to flood testing, it
that
...