ASTM D5249-10(2021)

Standard Specification for Backer Material for Use with Cold- and Hot-Applied Joint Sealants in Portland Cement Concrete and Asphalt Joints

ABSTRACT
This specification covers backer material, either in rod or strip form, for use with cold- and hot-applied joint sealant in portland-cement concrete or asphalt-pavement joints. Sealant backer material is available in three types: Type I, Type II, and Type III, and serves one or more of the following purposes: (1) limits the amount and depth of sealant applied to a joint, (2) acts as a barrier interface to prevent backside adhesion (bondbreaker), and (3) provides a form to assist the sealant in developing a shape factor. The material shall be easily compressed and installed in the joint reservoir and shall be heat resistant when used with hot-applied sealants. Physical properties of the material shall conform to the specified requirements for (1) density, (2) tensile strength, (3) water absorption, (3) compression deflection force, (4) compression recovery, (5) heat resistance, and (6) maximum shrinkage. The test specimen, test procedure, apparatus, and calculations for the physical properties enumerated are detailed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers backer material for cold- and hot-applied joint sealant for use in portland cement concrete or asphalt pavement joints.  
1.2 This specification establishes basic requirements for sealant backer material, either in rod or strip form, that can withstand the temperature of hot- or cold-applied sealants without excessive deformation.  
1.3 Sealant backer material serves one or more of the following purposes:  
1.3.1 Limits the amount and depth of sealant applied to a joint,  
1.3.2 Acts as a barrier interface to prevent backside adhesion (bond breaker), and  
1.3.3 Provides a form to assist the sealant in developing a shape factor.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information purposes only.  
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. 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-Apr-2021
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.33 - Formed In-Place Sealants for Joints and Cracks in Pavements

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D545-23 - Standard Test Methods for Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers for Concrete Construction (Nonextruding and Resilient Types)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D1622-20 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM D545-19 - Standard Test Methods for Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers for Concrete Construction (Nonextruding and Resilient Types)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1253-14(2019) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Outgassing Potential of Sealant Backing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D545-14 - Standard Test Methods for Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers for Concrete Construction (Nonextruding and Resilient Types)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM C1253-14 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Outgassing Potential of Sealant Backing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM E220-13 - Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM C670-13 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1-13 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C670-10 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1623-09 - Standard Test Method for Tensile and Tensile Adhesion Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Refers: ASTM C1253-93(2009) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Outgassing Potential of Sealant Backing
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM D545-08 - Standard Test Methods for Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers for Concrete Construction (Nonextruding and Resilient Types)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008

Overview

ASTM D5249-10(2021), Standard Specification for Backer Material for Use with Cold- and Hot-Applied Joint Sealants in Portland Cement Concrete and Asphalt Joints, establishes essential requirements for selecting and applying backer materials in construction and repair of concrete and asphalt pavement joints. Developed by ASTM International, this standard details criteria for backer materials used with joint sealants, ensuring performance reliability and longevity in roadway and pavement projects. The standard addresses both rod and strip forms of backer materials, which play a vital role in joint sealing effectiveness by preventing sealant overfill, promoting correct sealant dimensions, and acting as bond breakers to avert adhesion to the joint bottom.

Key Topics

• Types of Backer Materials:

  • Type I: Round rods for use with both cold- and hot-applied sealants.
  • Type II: Sheets or strips, designed for full-depth openings, suitable for both cold- and hot-applied sealants.
  • Type III: Round rods intended specifically for cold-applied sealants.

• Functions of Backer Materials:

  • Limit the depth and amount of sealant applied, avoiding waste and improper cure.
  • Serve as a bond breaker, preventing adhesion on the joint bottom.
  • Support development of the desired sealant shape factor, critical for joint durability.

• Performance Criteria:

  • Materials must exhibit appropriate density, tensile strength, water absorption resistance, compression recovery, and heat resistance (especially for hot-applied sealants).
  • Backer materials should be easily compressible, conforming to joint geometries, and free of contaminants such as oil, water, or debris.

• Installation Considerations:

  • Sizing must account for joint width variations; materials are typically selected 25-35% larger than the joint opening.
  • Proper installation techniques are essential for ensuring continuous contact with joint walls and for achieving effective sealant performance.

Applications

ASTM D5249-10(2021) applies to a range of pavement projects where joint sealant backers are essential for surface integrity, durability, and maintenance:

• Roadways and Highways: Used in both new construction and repair of contraction, expansion, and other joint types in portland cement concrete and asphalt pavements.
• Airport Runways and Taxiways: Ensures effective joint sealing in high-traffic, high-stress environments.
• Parking Lots and Industrial Yards: Enhances sealant performance in joints subjected to thermal, moisture, and loading variation.
• Bridge Decks and Reinforced Concrete Structures: Optimizes protection against water ingress and freeze-thaw cycles.

Utilizing specified backer materials according to ASTM D5249 ensures sealant efficiency, reduces maintenance frequency, and supports compliance with best practices in pavements engineering.

Related Standards

Key ASTM standards referenced in ASTM D5249-10(2021) for backer material properties, testing, and terminology include:

• ASTM C670: Precision and Bias Statements for Construction Materials Testing.
• ASTM C1016: Determination of Water Absorption of Sealant Backing (Joint Filler) Material.
• ASTM C1253: Outgassing Potential of Sealant Backing.
• ASTM D545: Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers for Concrete Construction.
• ASTM D1622: Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics.
• ASTM D1623: Tensile and Tensile Adhesion Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics.
• ASTM D5535: Terminology Relating to Formed-in-Place Sealants for Joints and Cracks in Pavements.

By adhering to ASTM D5249-10(2021) along with these related standards, engineers, contractors, and infrastructure managers can ensure quality and consistency in pavement joint installations, enhancing both safety and service life.

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:D5249 −10 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Backer Material for Use with Cold- and Hot-Applied Joint
Sealants in Portland Cement Concrete and Asphalt Joints
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5249; 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers backer material for cold- and
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
hot-applied joint sealant for use in portland cement concrete or
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
asphalt pavement joints.
C1016 Test Method for Determination of Water Absorption
1.2 This specification establishes basic requirements for
of Sealant Backing (Joint Filler) Material
sealant backer material, either in rod or strip form, that can
C1253 Test Method for Determining the Outgassing Poten-
withstand the temperature of hot- or cold-applied sealants
tial of Sealant Backing
without excessive deformation.
D545 Test Methods for Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers
for Concrete Construction (Nonextruding and Resilient
1.3 Sealant backer material serves one or more of the
Types)
following purposes:
D1622 Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular
1.3.1 Limits the amount and depth of sealant applied to a
Plastics
joint,
D1623 Test Method for Tensile and Tensile Adhesion Prop-
1.3.2 Acts as a barrier interface to prevent backside adhe-
erties of Rigid Cellular Plastics
sion (bond breaker), and
D5535 Terminology Relating to Formed-in-Place Sealants
1.3.3 Provides a form to assist the sealant in developing a
for Joints and Cracks in Pavements (Withdrawn 2009)
shape factor. E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E220 Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Comparison Techniques
as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information
purposes only.
3. Terminology
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
3.1 For definitions, refer to Terminology D5535.
test methods described in this specification. This standard does
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, 4. Classification
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
4.1 Sealant backer material is available in three types:
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
4.1.1 Type 1, shall be round rods of various diameters
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
intended for use with cold- and hot-applied sealants.
limitations prior to use.
4.1.2 Type 2, shall be sheets or strips of various thicknesses,
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
laminated or skived by the manufacturer but capable of being
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
field laminated and used with cold- and hot-applied sealants.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.3 Type 3, shall be round rods of various diameters
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
limited for use with cold-applied sealants.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.2 Type 1 and Type 3 rod materials are intended for use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
primarily where there is a reservoir, either already existing or
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.33 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Formed In-Place Sealants for Joints and Cracks in Pavements. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D5249 – 10 (2016). The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D5249-10R21. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5249−10 (2021)
formed, such as a contraction joint, where the rod will limit the where:
sealant depth and prevent the sealant from bonding to the
WA = water absorption by volume, %,
bottom of the joint reservoir (bond breaker) thus eliminating
W = weightofwaterabsorbedfromtestsmadeaccordingto
bottom-side adhesion.
Test Methods D545,g,and
t = thickness of 4 in. by 4 in. specimen, inches.
4.3 Type 2 strip material is intended primarily for use where
there is an opening the full depth of the pavement, such as an 9.1.2 For the purposes of this calculation,1gof water
expansionjointforwhichitisdesirabletohaveafillermaterial
occupies 0.061 in. at test conditions.
completely fill the opening and prevent or minimize the
9.2 Density—Tests for density of Types 1 and 3 materials
accumulation of water or incompressible materials below the
shallbemadeinaccordancewithTestMethodD1622.Testsfor
sealant.
density of Type 2 material shall be made in accordance with
Test Methods D545.
5. Ordering Information
9.3 Tensile Strength—Tests for tensile strength of Types 1
5.1 Types1,2,and3backermaterialareavailableinarange
and 3 materials shall be made in accordance with Test Method
of sizes, lengths, and diameters; they are available on reels, in
D1623.
coils, or in straight lengths. Consult the manufacturer for
9.4 Compression Deflection and Recovery—Type 2 material
information on how to order.
shall be tested in accordance withTest Methods D545.Types 1
5.2 Backer material must be ordered by diameter or size in
and3materialsshallbetestedinaccordancewiththefollowing
relation to the joint opening, usually 25 to 35 % larger than the
procedure.
joint width.
9.4.1 Significance and Use—This test method covers a
procedure for measuring the force necessary to compress the
6. Materials
backer material, and the percentage recovery of original
6.1 Sealant backer material shall be easily compressed and
dimensions after removal of the compression load.
installed in the joint reservoir. This material shall be heat
9.4.2 Apparatus:
resistant when used with hot-applied sealants.
9.4.2.1 An apparatus shall be provided having a flat com-
pression plate larger than the specimen to be tested, connected
7. Physical Properties
to a force measuring device, and mounted in such a manner
7.1 Physical properties of the sealant backer material shall
that the specimen can be deflected (compressed) at a speed of
conform to the requirements of Table 1.
0.5 to 2 in./min. The apparatus shall be arranged to support the
specimen on a level horizontal plate. The apparatus shall be
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
capable of measuring the distance between the movable plate
8.1 The product shall be clean and free of scale or foreign
and the stationary plate.
matter, oil, or water which could wipe off on a joint sidewall
9.4.2.2 Calipers, capable of measuring 0.001 in.
and interfere with the proper cure or adhesion of the sealant.
9.4.3 Test Specimens:
9.4.3.1 Test specimens shall be 6 6 0.125 in. lengths of the
9. Test Methods
backer material.
9.1 Water Absorption—Tests for water absorption of the
9.4.3.2 Each test requires a minimum effective area of
Types 1 and 3 backing material shall be made in accordance
3.0 in. . When the effective area of a single length is less than
withTestMethodC1016,ProcedureB.Type2materialshallbe
3 in. , multiple lengths shall be used in a single test. When
tested in accordance with Test Methods D545.
rod-shaped backer material is less than ⁄4 in. in diameter,
9.1.1 For Type 2 material:
multiple lengths are required for each test (see Table 2).
9.4.4 Number of Test Specimens—Test three specimens for
W 3100
WA 5 (1)
each sample. The values reported shall be the mean of those
262t
observed.
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements BrownandSharpModel579-1orequivalenthasbeenfoundsuitable.Ifyouare
aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Interna-
Property Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
tional Headquarters.Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting
3 3
Density, lb/ft (kg/m ), max 6 (96.1) 4 (64.1) 6 (96.1)
of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
Tensile strength, psi (kgf/cm ), 20 (1.41) N/A 20 (1.41)
min
Water absorption, by volume, 0.5 0.5 0.5 TABLE 2 Multiple Specimen Requirements for Rod-Shaped
%, max
Backer Materials for Compression Recovery Testing
25 % Compression deflection 15 (1.06) 15 (1.06) 15 (1.06)
2 Specimens Required for Each
force, psi (kgf/cm ), max
Rod Diameter
Test
Compression recovery, %, min 90 90 90
Heat resistance, °F 392 ± 5 392± 5 N/A ⁄4 in. or larger 1
3 5
°C 200 ± 2.8 200 ± 2.8 N/A ⁄8 to ⁄8 in. 2
Maximum shrinkage, % 10 % 10 % N/A < ⁄8 in. 3
D5249−10 (2021)
9.4.5 Procedure: 9.5 Heat Resistance for Types
...