ASTM C520-15(2020)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Density of Granular Loose Fill Insulations
Standard Test Methods for Density of Granular Loose Fill Insulations
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Method A will be used primarily as a manufacturing quality control and field test method without the need for conditioning. For more accurate research purposes, conditioning shall be specified.
4.2 Method B will be used, when specified, to determine the density at which insulation properties such as thermal resistance and placement coverage are to be determined.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are applicable to granular loose fill insulation materials such as vermiculite and perlite. They are used for other insulation materials with similar flow and settling properties.
1.2 Method A shall be used to determine bulk density.
1.3 Method B shall be used to determine design density and, with Method A, is used to calculate percent loss of volume due to settling.
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, 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
- 29-Feb-2020
- Technical Committee
- C16 - Thermal Insulation
- Drafting Committee
- C16.32 - Mechanical Properties
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2010
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2008
Overview
ASTM C520-15(2020), Standard Test Methods for Density of Granular Loose Fill Insulations, provides standardized procedures to determine both the bulk density and the design density of granular loose fill insulation materials. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports quality control and performance assessment for insulation materials commonly used in building construction, such as vermiculite and perlite, as well as other materials with similar flow and settling characteristics.
These test methods ensure consistency, reliability, and safety in evaluating the density characteristics of insulation products, which are critical factors influencing their thermal insulation properties and installation performance.
Key Topics
Scope and Applicability
- Addresses granular loose fill insulation products, specifically vermiculite and perlite.
- Suitable for other granular insulation materials with similar physical properties and settling behavior.
Test Methods
- Method A (Bulk Density):
- Used mainly for routine manufacturing quality control and field testing.
- Determines the as-received bulk density without prior conditioning.
- Method B (Design Density):
- Applied as required to establish design density, which reflects the product’s properties under specified conditions.
- Used alongside Method A to calculate volume loss due to settling.
- Method A (Bulk Density):
Measurement and Calculations
- Describes sampling, handling, and calculation procedures for accurate and repeatable results.
- Guidelines for required apparatus, including specimen containers, tapping hammer, and optional blowing machine, are provided.
Units
- Inch-pound units are the standard; SI conversions are provided for reference.
Safety and Compliance
- Emphasizes user responsibility for adhering to all safety, health, and environmental requirements.
- Developed per internationally recognized standards for trade and technical compliance.
Applications
ASTM C520 is vital to several stakeholders in the construction and insulation materials industry:
- Manufacturers:
- Utilize the bulk density test (Method A) for in-process and final product quality control.
- Ensure consistency of loose fill insulation products from batch to batch.
- Contractors and Installers:
- Use the standard to verify insulation density during and after installation, impacting thermal performance and system durability.
- Building Inspectors and Regulatory Authorities:
- Reference test results to assess code compliance and performance claims in building projects.
- Researchers and Product Developers:
- Apply Method B for precise studies on insulation properties such as thermal resistance, coverage, and settling behavior.
- Use density data to optimize material formulations and installation procedures.
Related Standards
- ASTM C168: Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
- ASTM C390: Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
Other related topics include thermal resistance testing, settling percentage calculations, and material specification standards for construction insulation.
Keywords: ASTM C520, loose fill insulation, density testing, bulk density, design density, vermiculite, perlite, insulation quality control, thermal insulation standards, construction materials testing, granular insulation, volume loss, ASTM test methods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C520-15(2020) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Methods for Density of Granular Loose Fill Insulations". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Method A will be used primarily as a manufacturing quality control and field test method without the need for conditioning. For more accurate research purposes, conditioning shall be specified. 4.2 Method B will be used, when specified, to determine the density at which insulation properties such as thermal resistance and placement coverage are to be determined. SCOPE 1.1 These test methods are applicable to granular loose fill insulation materials such as vermiculite and perlite. They are used for other insulation materials with similar flow and settling properties. 1.2 Method A shall be used to determine bulk density. 1.3 Method B shall be used to determine design density and, with Method A, is used to calculate percent loss of volume due to settling. 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, 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Method A will be used primarily as a manufacturing quality control and field test method without the need for conditioning. For more accurate research purposes, conditioning shall be specified. 4.2 Method B will be used, when specified, to determine the density at which insulation properties such as thermal resistance and placement coverage are to be determined. SCOPE 1.1 These test methods are applicable to granular loose fill insulation materials such as vermiculite and perlite. They are used for other insulation materials with similar flow and settling properties. 1.2 Method A shall be used to determine bulk density. 1.3 Method B shall be used to determine design density and, with Method A, is used to calculate percent loss of volume due to settling. 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, 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.
ASTM C520-15(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C520-15(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C520-15, ASTM C168-24, ASTM C390-08(2024), ASTM C390-08(2019), ASTM C168-18, ASTM C168-17, ASTM C168-15a, ASTM C168-15, ASTM C390-08(2013), ASTM C168-13, ASTM C168-10, ASTM C168-08b, ASTM C168-08a, ASTM C168-08, ASTM C390-08e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C520-15(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: C520 − 15 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Methods for
Density of Granular Loose Fill Insulations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C520; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
3.1 The definitions of terms used in this method shall be in
1.1 These test methods are applicable to granular loose fill
accordance with Terminology C168.
insulation materials such as vermiculite and perlite. They are
used for other insulation materials with similar flow and
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
settling properties.
3.2.1 bulk density—the density of the granular material is
determined in accordance with Method A. No conditioning is
1.2 Method A shall be used to determine bulk density.
required unless specified. The density is determined for the
1.3 Method B shall be used to determine design density and,
material as received. The voids incorporated during the place-
with MethodA, is used to calculate percent loss of volume due
ment procedure are included.
to settling.
3.2.2 design density—the density of the conditioned granu-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
lar material, determined in accordance with Method B. The
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
normal voids incorporated during the placement and subse-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
quent procedures are included.
and are not considered standard.
3.2.3 percent volume loss—the loss in volume between the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
as received bulk density and the design density determined by
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
induced settling procedures or specified conditioning, or both,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
expressed as a percent.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 Method A will be used primarily as a manufacturing
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
quality control and field test method without the need for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
conditioning. For more accurate research purposes, condition-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ing shall be specified.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.2 Method B will be used, when specified, to determine the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
density at which insulation properties such as thermal resis-
tance and placement coverage are to be determined.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation 5.1 Bulk Density Container—A lightweight rigid box with
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
interior length, width, and depth of 12.0 6 0.1 in. (3.05 6 3
Insulation Lots
mm). Scales or balances with an accuracy of at least1%ofthe
specimen weight shall be used.
5.2 Design Density Sample Container—The specimen con-
1 1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
tainer shall be made of nominal ⁄2 in. (13 mm) thick construc-
Thermal Insulation and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on
tiongradeplywoodandtwo48-in.(1220mm)longsectionsof,
Mechanical Properties.
nominal 2 by 8-in. (51 by 203 mm) lumber.The 2 by 8 sections
Current edition approved March 1, 2020. Published March 2020. Originally
of wood and plywood shall be used to provide inside container
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C520 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/C0520-15R20.
dimensions of 14. 5 6 – 0.1 in. (368 6 –3 mm) by 48 6 0.1
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
in. (1.22 m 6 0.003 m) by 7.5 6 0.1 in. (191 mm 6 3 mm).
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
The inside dimensions of the specimen container shall be used
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. to calculate the volume of the container.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C520 − 15 (2020)
5.3 Screed—A suitable piece of wood, metal, or plastic at 8.1.1 Remove approximately one cubic foot of insulation to
least 20 in. (508 mm) long with a thin straight edge suitable for be tested from the shipping container in such a way to provide
leveling the loose, granular material.
a representative distribution of particle size and weight.
8.1.2 Fill the bulk density specimen container described in
5.4 Tapping Hammer and Frame—This shall include a
standard 7 ⁄2-lb (3.4 kg) sledge hammer. The total length of the 5.1 to overflowing with a shovel or scoop, discharging the
handle shall be approximately 34 in. (864 mm). A ⁄4-in. insulation from a height not to exceed 2 in. (51 mm) above the
(6-mm) hole is drilled through the handle to provide a pivot
top of the container. Take care to prevent, so far as possible,
1 1
point 32 ⁄8 6 ⁄8 in. (816 mm 6 3 mm) from the center line of
seg
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