ASTM D4073/D4073M-06(2019)e1

Standard Test Method for Tensile-Tear Strength of Bituminous Roofing Membranes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Determining the tensile-tear strength of laboratory and field samples of roofing membranes should be useful in developing performance criteria, and as one basis for comparison of different materials and systems. The effects of temperature, moisture, and aging may be evaluated by appropriate selection of field samples or conditioning of laboratory samples, and tests may be conducted in an environmental chamber.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile-tear strength of bituminous roofing membranes.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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-2018
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.20 - Roofing Membrane Systems

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4073-06(2013) - Standard Test Method for Tensile-Tear Strength of Bituminous Roofing Membranes
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D95-23 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3617/D3617M-16 - Standard Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Built-Up Roof Systems During Application
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D3617/D3617M-07(2015)e1 - Standard Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Built-Up Roof Systems During Application
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D95-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D95-05e1 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM D95-05 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Refers: ASTM D95-99 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Refers: ASTM D95-99e1 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999
• Referred By: ASTM D1970/D1970M-21 - Standard Specification for Self-Adhering Polymer Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Used as Steep Roofing Underlayment for Ice Dam Protection
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019

Overview

ASTM D4073/D4073M-06(2019)e1 is a standard test method published by ASTM International for determining the tensile-tear strength of bituminous roofing membranes. This test method is essential for assessing both laboratory-prepared and field-collected samples, serving as a basis for developing performance criteria for roofing membranes and enabling comparison of different roofing materials and systems. This method assists in evaluating the impact of environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and aging on membrane performance through controlled testing conditions.

Key Topics

• Tensile-Tear Strength Assessment
  Measures the maximum load required to tear a notched specimen of bituminous roofing membrane under controlled strain rates using standardized equipment.

• Sample Selection and Conditioning
  Includes detailed protocols for collecting field samples or preparing laboratory samples, conditioning them at specified temperature and humidity levels to ensure consistency and reliability of results.

• Environmental Testing
  Allows testing under various controlled environmental conditions using an environmental chamber, enabling assessment of material performance in accordance with real-world scenarios.

• Units and Reporting
  Results can be reported in either SI units or inch-pound units, but mixing the two systems is not permitted. Detailed reporting requirements include membrane description, sampling details, conditioning and testing procedures, and measured tensile-tear strengths.

• Safety and Good Practices
  Encourages users to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental measures, and to verify regulatory compliance before application of the test method.

Applications

This ASTM D4073/D4073M standard plays a critical role in quality control and research within the roofing industry. Its applications include:

• Product Development:
  Manufacturers use these test results to develop and refine bituminous roofing membranes, ensuring optimal resistance to tearing under tensile stress.

• Comparative Analysis:
  Enables comparison of various roofing membranes, supporting decision-making in material selection for construction projects.

• Performance Evaluation:
  Offers a reliable method for evaluating the durability and longevity of bituminous roofing membranes exposed to temperature fluctuations, moisture, and aging.

• Specification Compliance:
  Assists specifiers and contractors in verifying that roofing products conform to industry standards and contract requirements.

• Forensic Analysis:
  Useful for investigating roofing system failures by determining if membrane strength meets project or code requirements.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards are frequently referenced or used in conjunction with ASTM D4073/D4073M:

• ASTM D95 - Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation: Used to determine moisture content in samples.
• ASTM D2829/D2829M - Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Existing Built-Up Roof Systems: Provides guidance on collecting field samples.
• ASTM D3617/D3617M - Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Built-Up Roof Systems During Application: Used during installation for sample collection and analysis.
• International Standardization Guidance - Developed in compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade principles for alignment with global best practices.

Practical Value

Implementing the ASTM D4073/D4073M standard ensures consistent and objective measurement of tensile-tear strength in bituminous roofing membranes. Using this test method supports informed selection and warranty of roofing products, promotes durability and safety in building designs, and underpins international trade in roofing materials by harmonizing performance expectations.

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.
´1
Designation: D4073/D4073M −06 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Tensile-Tear Strength of Bituminous Roofing Membranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4073/D4073M; 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.
ε NOTE—Units information was editorially revised in January 2019.
1. Scope the maximum load when notched specimens of specific dimen-
sions are tested to failure at an arbitrary, fixed, tensile strain
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tensile-
rate.
tear strength of bituminous roofing membranes.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
4. Significance and Use
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
4.1 Determining the tensile-tear strength of laboratory and
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
field samples of roofing membranes should be useful in
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
developing performance criteria, and as one basis for compari-
used independently of the other, and values from the two
son of different materials and systems. The effects of
systems shall not be combined.
temperature, moisture, and aging may be evaluated by appro-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
priate selection of field samples or conditioning of laboratory
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
samples, and tests may be conducted in an environmental
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
chamber.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Apparatus
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 5.1 TestingMachine—Universalorstandardtestingmachine
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the with automatic load and strain recording equipment, capable of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- cross-head movement at a constant rate of 2.54 mm/min [0.100
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical in./min].
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 Grips—Self-aligning grips or clamps for holding the test
2. Referenced Documents specimen between the stationary member and the movable
2 member or cross-head of the testing machine. Jaw faces of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
grips shall be 75 mm [3.0 in.] wide by 50 mm [2.0 in.] deep,
D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and
shall provide uniform clamping pressure, and shall prevent
Bituminous Materials by Distillation
slippage of the specimen during test.
D2829/D2829M Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Ex-
isting Built-Up Roof Systems
5.3 Environmental Chamber—An insulated chamber with
D3617/D3617M Practice for Sampling and Analysis of heating and cooling capabilities, designed to enclose the test
Built-Up Roof Systems During Application
specimenandclampssothatthetemperaturemaybecontrolled
during a test.
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The tensile-tear strength of a membrane in both longi-
6. Sampling
tudinal and transverse directions is determined by measuring
6.1 Field Samples—Field samples shall be taken in accor-
dance with Practice D2829/D2829M or D3617/D3617M but of
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D08 on Roofing
a size suitable to provide sufficient material for testing in both
and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.20 on
Roofing Membrane Systems.
the machine and cross-machine directions. In cases where field
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2019. Published January 2019. Originally
applied aggregate is in place, it shall be removed with a hot
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D4073 – 06 (2013).
scraper such as a putty knife without damaging the top felt. In
DOI: 10.1520/D4073_D4073M-06R19E01.
cases where the insulation facer is a part of the membrane
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
system it should be included and so reported.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 6.2 Laboratory Samples:
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D4073/D4073M − 06 (2019)
6.2.1 Condition all components at 23 6 2°C [74 6 4°F] and
...