ASTM E2399/E2399M-19

Standard Test Method for Maximum Media Density for Dead Load Analysis of Vegetative (Green) Roof Systems

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method describes simple laboratory methods that provide reproducible measurements of critical media properties, and permit direct comparisons to be made between different media materials.  
5.2 The density of mixed media materials will vary depending on the degree to which they are subjected to compaction and the length of time that the material is allowed to hydrate and subsequently drain. Most green roof media materials have a large capacity to absorb and retain moisture. Furthermore, moisture will drain gradually from the media following a hydration cycle. The maximum media density measured in this procedure approaches the density at the theoretical saturation point.  
5.3 Existing methods for measuring the capillary-moisture relationship for soils (Test Method D2325) rely on sample preparation procedures (Test Methods D698) that are not consistent with the conditions associated with the placement of green roof media materials. This procedure is intended to provide a reproducible laboratory procedure for predicting the maximum media density, moisture content, air-filled porosity, and water permeability under conditions that more closely replicate field conditions on green roofs.  
5.4 The value of this test method to the green roof designer is that it provides an objective measure of maximum probable media density (under drained conditions) for estimating structural loads. It also provides a method for estimating the lower limit for the water permeability of the in-place media. This latter value is important when considering drainage conditions in green roofs. Finally, the maximum media water retention has been shown to be a useful indicator of the moisture retention properties of green roof media.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the maximum media density for purposes of estimating the maximum dead load for green roof assemblies. The method also provides a measure of the moisture content, the air-filled porosity, and the water permeability measured at the maximum media density.  
1.2 This procedure is suitable for green roof media that contain no more than 30 % organic material as measured using the loss on ignition, as described in Test Methods E177, Test Method C. The test specimen should be a bulk oven-dried sample prepared according to Test Methods E177, Test Method A.  
1.3 The maximum media density and associated moisture content measured in this procedure applies to drained conditions near the saturation point.  
1.4 The test method is intended to emulate vertical percolation rates for water in green roofs.  
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.6 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 to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 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-Jan-2019
• ICS: 91.060.20 - Roofs
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.24 - Sustainability

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2399/E2399M-15 - Standard Test Method for Maximum Media Density for Dead Load Analysis of Vegetative (Green) Roof Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2216-19 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E2114-17 - Standard Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D698-12 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft³ (600 kN-m/m³))
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D698-12e1 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft³ (600 kN-m/m³))
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2216-10 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009

Overview

ASTM E2399/E2399M-19, titled Standard Test Method for Maximum Media Density for Dead Load Analysis of Vegetative (Green) Roof Systems, is an internationally recognized testing standard developed by ASTM. This method outlines laboratory procedures to measure properties critical to green roof system design, particularly for dead load analysis. The standard focuses on the reproducible determination of maximum media density, moisture content, air-filled porosity, and water permeability of green roof substrates under controlled, field-replicable conditions.

Green roof assemblies require precise knowledge of the loading characteristics of their vegetative media. This standard offers a scientifically robust approach to estimating maximum probable media density and its impact on structural requirements. It is especially valuable for architects, structural engineers, and building professionals engaged in designing, installing, or maintaining green (vegetative) roofing systems.

Key Topics

• Maximum Media Density: The procedure measures substrate density under conditions simulating full hydration and field compaction-information critical for calculating the maximum dead load imposed on roofing structures.
• Moisture Content: By evaluating the media at near-saturation and drained states, designers obtain realistic expectations of the weight contribution from retained water after rainfall or irrigation cycles.
• Air-Filled Porosity: This key indicator assesses the remaining air space within the green roof substrate, impacting plant health, potential anaerobic conditions, and further water absorption capacity.
• Water Permeability: The standard measures the rate at which water drains through the fully hydrated and compacted media-essential for ensuring adequate green roof drainage.
• Water Retention: Determining maximum media water retention provides important insight into the moisture-holding ability of the media under real conditions.

Applications

ASTM E2399/E2399M-19 is intended for use in a variety of contexts within the green construction and roofing industries:

• Structural Design of Green Roofs: Provides engineers and architects with objective data for calculating dead loads, helping ensure buildings can safely accommodate the weight of saturated, compacted green roof media.
• Media Specification and Comparison: Enables direct, reproducible comparisons between different green roof media to select the most suitable substrate based on density, drainage, and water retention characteristics.
• Code Compliance and Documentation: Supports compliance with building codes and green roof design requirements by furnishing standardized test results on substrate properties.
• Performance and Sustainability Assessments: Facilitates the evaluation of green roof systems’ long-term effectiveness in terms of moisture management, structural impacts, and environmental performance.
• Quality Control: Supports manufacturers and installers in verifying media consistency and performance against internationally accepted benchmarks.

Related Standards

Professionals using ASTM E2399/E2399M-19 may also reference these related ASTM standards and documents:

• ASTM D698 – Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort
• ASTM D2216 – Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM E177 – Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E631 – Terminology of Building Constructions
• ASTM E691 – Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• ASTM E2114 – Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings

Incorporating ASTM E2399/E2399M-19 into green roof system planning and verification ensures that structural loads are accurately calculated and that the roof media supports long-term, sustainable performance. This test method elevates quality assurance, risk management, and design confidence in green building projects involving vegetative roofing systems.

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: E2399/E2399M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Maximum Media Density for Dead Load Analysis of
Vegetative (Green) Roof Systems
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE2399/E2399M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
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 mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the
maximum media density for purposes of estimating the maxi-
2. Referenced Documents
mum dead load for green roof assemblies. The method also
2.1 ASTM Standards:
provides a measure of the moisture content, the air-filled
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
porosity, and the water permeability measured at the maximum
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
media density.
kN-m/m ))
1.2 This procedure is suitable for green roof media that
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
contain no more than 30 % organic material as measured using
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
the loss on ignition, as described in Test Methods E177, Test
D2325 Test Method for Capillary-Moisture Relationships
Method C. The test specimen should be a bulk oven-dried
for Coarse- and Medium-Textured Soils by Porous-Plate
sample prepared according toTest Methods E177,Test Method
Apparatus (Withdrawn 2007)
A.
D2947/D2947M Test Method for Screen Analysis of Asbes-
1.3 The maximum media density and associated moisture
tos Fibers
content measured in this procedure applies to drained condi-
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
tions near the saturation point.
Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
1.4 The test method is intended to emulate vertical perco-
ASTM Test Methods
lation rates for water in green roofs.
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
E2114 Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Perfor-
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
mance of Buildings
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
3. Terminology
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.1 For terms related to building construction, refer to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Terminology E631.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and to
3.1.2 For terms related to sustainability relative to the
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
performance of buildings, refer to Terminology E2114.
use.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.1 air-filled porosity—the air-filled porosity, also known
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
as void ratio or non-capillary porosity, is a measure of the air
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
volume remaining in a sample after it has been compacted to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the maximum media density and when the moisture content
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D08 on Roofing For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.24 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Sustainability. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2005. Last previously approved in 2015 as E2399/E2399M – 15. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/E2399_E2399M-19. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2399/E2399M − 19
equals the maximum media water retention. In this method, the 5. Significance and Use
air-filled porosity does not include closed-cell particle porosity
5.1 This test method describes simple laboratory methods
or porosity that is unavailable to be filled by water when the
that provide reproducible measurements of critical media
sample is immersed.
properties, and permit direct comparisons to be made between
3.2.1.1 Discussion—This property has two important appli-
different media materials.
cations:
5.2 The density of mixed media materials will vary depend-
(1) Itisanindicatoroftheviabilityofmediatosupportplants
ing on the degree to which they are subjected to compaction
when it is wet. Materials with low air-filled porosity may tend
and the length of time that the material is allowed to hydrate
toward anoxic conditions when wet, and
and subsequently drain. Most green roof media materials have
(2) This is the volume available for water to fill after the
a large capacity to absorb and retain moisture. Furthermore,
maximum media water retention is satisfied. This volume of
moisture will drain gradually from the media following a
water may contribute to the live load of the green roof system.
hydration cycle. The maximum media density measured in this
3.2.2 maximum media density—the density of a mixed
procedure approaches the density at the theoretical saturation
media material determined after it has been subjected to a
point.
specific amount of compaction and hydrated by immersion to
5.3 Existing methods for measuring the capillary-moisture
simulate prolonged exposure to both foot traffic and rainfall.
relationship for soils (Test Method D2325) rely on sample
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The maximum media density applies to
preparation procedures (Test Methods D698) that are not
drained conditions.
consistent with the conditions associated with the placement of
3.2.3 maximum media water retention—the quantity of wa-
green roof media materials. This procedure is intended to
ter held in a media at the maximum media density, measured in
provide a reproducible laboratory procedure for predicting the
volume percent.
maximum media density, moisture content, air-filled porosity,
3.2.3.1 Discussion—This is useful measure of the capacity and water permeability under conditions that more closely
of a media to hold water under drained conditions.
replicate field conditions on green roofs.
3.2.4 saturation point—the moisture content at which the 5.4 The value of this test method to the green roof designer
soil tension in the mixed media is zero, but a free water surface
is that it provides an objective measure of maximum probable
has not developed. media density (under drained conditions) for estimating struc-
3.2.4.1 Discussion—The saturation point represents the tural loads. It also provides a method for estimating the lower
limit for the water permeability of the in-place media. This
theoretical maximum moisture content that a material can
contain in a drained state. latter value is important when considering drainage conditions
ingreenroofs.Finally,themaximummediawaterretentionhas
3.2.5 water permeability—the coefficient, which when mul-
been shown to be a useful indicator of the moisture retention
tiplied by the hydraulic gradient will yield the apparent
properties of green roof media.
velocity with which water, at 68°F [20°C] will move through a
cross-section of media.
6. Apparatus
3.2.5.1 Discussion—The conditions created in this method
6.1 Apparatus—contains the following:
apply to freely-drained media where the free water surface is
6.1.1 Cylindrical stainless steel container: inside dimen-
level with the upper surface of the media layer (such as,
sions 6.5 in. [16.5 cm] high with a 6-in. [15.2 cm] inside
impending accumulation of water above the surface of the
diameter and 125 ⁄16-in. [4.75-mm] perforations in the bottom.
media).
The hole pattern is not significant, provided the holes are
distributed evenly across the bottom of the cylinder. The
4. Summary of Test Method
toleranceforthecylinderdimensionsshallbeplusorminus0.1
4.1 This test method involves compressing a moist sample
in. [2.5 mm].
of a media into a perforated mold using specified compaction
6.1.2 U.S. #30 [0.6 mm] sieve disc, 5.8-in. [14.7-cm]
developedusingaProctorhammer.Thesampleissubsequently
diameter.
immersed in a water bath for 24 hours to promote full
6.1.3 Steel disk plate, 5.8-in. [14.7-cm] diameter.
hydration of the material. After allowing the sample to drain
6.1.4 Proctor hammer: 10 lb [4.54 kg], with fall height of 18
briefly, its density and moisture content are determined using
in. [45.7 cm].
standard gravimetric procedures. This procedure also includes
6.1.5 Scale, accurate to 0.0035 oz [0.1 g] and capacity of at
methods for estimating: (1) the water permeability using a
least 11 lb [5 kg].
pseudo-constant head procedure, and (2) the air-filled porosity.
6.1.6 Drying dish.
4.2 This test method involves measuring the density of the 6.1.7 Plastic water immersion bath with minimum immer-
sion depth of 8 in. [20.3 cm].
media after the sample has been allowed to drain for 2 h. This
measurement is the maximum media density.The 2-h measure- 6.1.8 Drain stand.
ment is valuable to the green roof designer, since it is directly 6.1.9 Filter fabric disk, 5.8-in. [14.7-cm] diameter, for
comparable to media densities determined using the most covering the upper surface of the sample within the test
cylinder.
common international procedures for establishing green roof
dead load values. 6.1.10 4-in. [10-cm] concrete cubes (for use as weights).
E2399/E2399M − 19
6.1.11 Measuring scale, supported by a circular wire stand, 8.1.6 Place the cylinder in the immersion bath and slowly
with marks at 1.5 and 2.0 in. [3.8 and 5.0 cm]. fill with water to a depth of 0.5 in. [1.25 cm] over the top of the
6.1.12 Thermometer. sample. As required, fill to maintain the water level. Maintain
6.1.13 Calibrated 8 fluid oz [250 mL] volumetric flask with the temperature of the bath at 68°F 6 5°F [20 6 2.75°C].
wide neck.
8.1.7 Remove the cylinder after 24 hours of immersion.
6.1.14 Hot plate.
Place on the drain stand and allow to drain for 120 min. Wipe
6.1.15 Hot mitts.
the outside of the container dry and remove the blocks and
upper sieve disc. Do not remove the fabric. Weigh the cylinder
7. Conditioning
with the contained sample.
8.1.8 Compute the sample weight, W , by subtracting the
7.1 The procedure requires a damp sample. If the sample is
received in a dry condition, it must be moistened. The initial combinedweightofthecontainerandbottomsievedisc.Check
moisture content, M, of the sample shall be not less than 10 % the final sample thickness, H, and record changes from the
i
and not more than 25 %, by weight. initial height. This thickness will be used in the subsequent
determination of water permeability and maximum media
7.2 Determine the as-received moisture content of the
density. Compute the final sample volume, V, and record.
sample according to Test Method E691.
8.1.9 Return the cylinder to the drain stand. Place the
7.3 If the as-received moisture content of the sample
...

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: E2399/E2399M − 15 E2399/E2399M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Maximum Media Density for Dead Load Analysis of
Vegetative (Green) Roof Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2399/E2399M; 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 covers a procedure for determining the maximum media density for purposes of estimating the maximum
dead load for green roof assemblies. The method also provides a measure of the moisture content, the air-filled porosity, and the
water permeability measured at the maximum media density.
1.2 This procedure is suitable for green roof media that contain no more than 30 % organic material as measured using the loss
on ignition, as described in Test Methods E177, Test Method C. The test specimen should be a bulk oven-dried sample prepared
according to Test Methods E177, Test Method A.
1.3 The maximum media density and associated moisture content measured in this procedure applies to drained conditions near
the saturation point.
1.4 The test method is intended to emulate vertical percolation rates for water in green roofs.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.6 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and to determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3 3
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600 kN-m/m ))
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2325 Test Method for Capillary-Moisture Relationships for Coarse- and Medium-Textured Soils by Porous-Plate Apparatus
(Withdrawn 2007)
D2947D2947/D2947M Test Method for Screen Analysis of Asbestos Fibers
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E2114 Terminology for Sustainability Relative to the Performance of Buildings
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.24 on
Sustainability.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015Feb. 1, 2019. Published July 2015February 2019. Originally approved in 2005. Last previously approved in 20112015 as
E2399 – 11.E2399/E2399M – 15. DOI: 10.1520/E2399_E2399M-15.10.1520/E2399_E2399M-19.
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
E2399/E2399M − 19
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For terms related to building construction, refer to Terminology E631.
3.1.2 For terms related to sustainability relative to the performance of buildings, refer to Terminology E2114.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 air-filled porosity—the air-filled porosity, also known as void ratio or non-capillary porosity, is a measure of the air volume
remaining in a sample after it has been compacted to the maximum media density and when the moisture content equals the
maximum media water retention. In this method, the air-filled porosity does not include closed-cell particle porosity or porosity
that is unavailable to be filled by water when the sample is immersed.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
This property has two important applications:
(1) It is an indicator of the viability of media to support plants when it is wet. Materials with low air-filled porosity may tend
toward anoxic conditions when wet, and
(2) This is the volume available for water to fill after the maximum media water retention is satisfied. This volume of water may
contribute to the live load of the green roof system.
3.2.2 maximum media density—the density of a mixed media material determined after it has been subjected to a specific
amount of compaction and hydrated by immersion to simulate prolonged exposure to both foot traffic and rainfall.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
The maximum media density applies to drained conditions.
3.2.3 maximum media water retention—the quantity of water held in a media at the maximum media density, measured in
volume percent.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
This is useful measure of the capacity of a media to hold water under drained conditions.
3.2.4 saturation point—the moisture content at which the soil tension in the mixed media is zero, but a free water surface has
not developed.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—
The saturation point represents the theoretical maximum moisture content that a material can contain in a drained state.
3.2.5 water permeability—the coefficient, which when multiplied by the hydraulic gradient will yield the apparent velocity with
which water, at 68°F [20°C] will move through a cross-section of media.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
The conditions created in this method apply to freely-drained media where the free water surface is level with the upper surface
of the media layer (such as, impending accumulation of water above the surface of the media).
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method involves compressing a moist sample of a media into a perforated mold using specified compaction
developed using a Proctor hammer. The sample is subsequently immersed in a water bath for 24 hours to promote full hydration
of the material. After allowing the sample to drain briefly, its density and moisture content are determined using standard
gravimetric procedures. This procedure also includes methods for estimating: (1) the water permeability using a pseudo-constant
head procedure, and (2) the air-filled porosity.
4.2 This test method involves measuring the density of the media after the sample has been allowed to drain for 2 h. This
measurement is the maximum media density. The 2-h measurement is valuable to the green roof designer, since it is directly
comparable to media densities determined using the most common international procedures for establishing green roof dead load
values.
E2399/E2399M − 19
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method describes simple laboratory methods that provide reproducible measurements of critical media properties,
and permit direct comparisons to be made between different media materials.
5.2 The density of mixed media materials will vary depending on the degree to which they are subjected to compaction and the
length of time that the material is allowed to hydrate and subsequently drain. Most green roof media materials have a large capacity
to absorb and retain moisture. Furthermore, moisture will drain gradually from the media following a hydration cycle. The
maximum media density measured in this procedure approaches the density at the theoretical saturation point.
5.3 Existing methods for measuring the capillary-moisture relationship for soils (Test Method D2325) rely on sample
preparation procedures (Test Methods D698) that are not consistent with the conditions associated with the placement of green roof
media materials. This procedure is intended to provide a reproducible laboratory procedure for predicting the maximum media
density, moisture content, air-filled porosity, and water permeability under conditions that more closely replicate field conditions
on green roofs.
5.4 The value of this test method to the green roof designer is that it provides an objective measure of maximum probable media
density (under drained conditions) for estimating structural loads. It also provides a method for estimating the lower limit for the
water permeability of the in-place media. This latter value is important when considering drainage conditions in green roofs.
Finally, the maximum media water retention has been shown to be a useful indicator of the moisture retention properties of green
roof media.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Apparatus—contains the following:
6.1.1 Cylindrical stainless steel container: inside dimensions 6.5 in. [16.5 cm] high with a 6-in. [15.2 cm] inside diameter and
125 ⁄16-in. [4.75-mm] perforations in the bottom. The hole pattern is not significant, provided the holes are distributed evenly
across the bottom of the cylinder. The tolerance for the cylinder dimensions shall be plus or minus 0.1 in. [2.5 mm].
6.1.2 U.S. #30 [0.6 mm] sieve disc, 5.8-in. [14.7-cm] diameter.
6.1.3 Steel disk plate, 5.8-in. [14.7-cm] diameter.
6.1.4 Proctor hammer: 10 lb [4.54 kg], with fall height of 18 in. [45.7 cm].
6.1.5 Scale, accurate to 0.0035 oz [0.1 g] and capacity of at least 11 lb [5 kg].
6.1.6 Drying dish.
6.1.7 Plastic water immersion bath with minimum immersion depth of 8 in. [20.3 cm].
6.1.8 Drain stand.
6.1.9 Filter fabric disk, 5.8-in. [14.7-cm] diameter, for covering the upper surface of the sample within the test cylinder.
6.1.10 4-in. [10-cm] concrete cubes (for use as weights).
6.1.11 Measuring scale, supported by a circular wire stand, with marks at 1.5 and 2.0 in. [3.8 and 5.0 cm].
6.1.12 Thermometer.
6.1.13 Calibrated 8 fluid oz [250 mL] volumetric flask with wide neck.
6.1.14 Hot plate.
6.1.15 Hot mitts.
7. Conditioning
7.1 The procedure requires a damp sample. If the sample is received in a dry condition, it must be moistened. The initial
moisture content, M , of the sample shall be not less than 10 % and not more than 25 %, by weight.
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7.2 Determine the as-received moisture content of the sample according to Test Method E691.
7.3 If the as-received moisture content of the sample is less than 10%10 % moisture content by weight, adjust by adding water
and incorporate by gently mixing. If the as-received moisture content of the sample is greater than 25 % moisture content by
weight, allow the sample to air-dry until the moisture content is reduced to within the appropriate range. After moistening or
air-drying, allow the sample to stand in an airtight container for 3 hours before continuing the procedure. Re-measure the percent
moisture content (Test Method E691) to confirm that the appropriate moisture range has been achieved and record as M .
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8. Procedure
8.1 General:
8.1.1 Place one of the sieve discs inside the cylinder to cover the perforations. Weigh the cylinder and disc together, and record.
Fill the cylinder with the sample material to a height of 4.75 to 5.5 in. [12 to 14 cm]. The quantity of material added should be
sufficient to produce a sample height of approximately 4 in. [10 cm] after being compressed.
8.1.2 Cover the contained material with the steel plate and compress with 6 blows of
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