ASTM C1400-01(2007)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Reduction of Efflorescence Potential in New Masonry Walls
Standard Guide for Reduction of Efflorescence Potential in New Masonry Walls
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This guide provides information that, if implemented, will reduce efflorescence potential in new masonry walls. However, its implementation will not always completely prevent efflorescence.
This guide may be augmented by related information contained in the appendixes of Specification C 270, the additional material listed at the end of this specification, and other publications.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers methods for reducing efflorescence potential in new masonry walls.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:C1400–01 (Reapproved 2007)
Standard Guide for
Reduction of Efflorescence Potential in New Masonry Walls
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1400; 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 3.2.2.1 Discussion—The color of stains produced by acid-
soluble vanadium compounds in clay masonry is usually
1.1 This guide covers methods for reducing efflorescence
yellow or green. The color of stains produced by acid-soluble
potential in new masonry walls.
manganese compounds is usually brown or gray.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
4. Significance and Use
information only.
4.1 This guide provides information that, if implemented,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
will reduce efflorescence potential in new masonry walls.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
However, its implementation will not always completely pre-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
vent efflorescence.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.2 This guide may be augmented by related information
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
contained in the appendixes of Specification C270, the addi-
2. Referenced Documents tional material listed at the end of this specification, and other
publications.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C43 Terminology of Structural Clay Products
5. Principles of Efflorescence
C67 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and
5.1 Efflorescence is directly related to the quantity of
Structural Clay Tile
water-soluble compounds within, or exposed to, the wall; and
C270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
to the quantity of water exposed to these compounds. Since
C1180 Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
neither water nor water-soluble compounds can be completely
C1209 Terminology of Concrete Masonry Units and Re-
eliminated from an exterior masonry wall, the potential for
lated Units
efflorescence is reduced by reducing water-soluble compounds
C1232 Terminology of Masonry
and water within the wall.
3. Terminology 5.2 While water penetration is reduced through proper
design and construction, water can penetrate into masonry
3.1 Definitions:
walls through cracks and separations in the surface and the top
3.1.1 Terminology defined in Terminologies C43, C1180,
of the wall. It can penetrate voids in the mortar joints or the
C1209, and C1232 shall apply in this guide.
interface between the unit and mortar, and, to a lesser degree
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
through the masonry units and the hardened mortar.
3.2.1 cryptoflorescence, n—a crystalline deposit of water-
5.3 If a significant amount of water penetrates the wall, the
soluble compounds in the pores of masonry
water will dissolve water-soluble compounds that may exist in
3.2.2 efflorescence, n—a crystalline deposit, usually white,
the masonry units, mortar components, grout, admixtures or
of water-soluble compounds on the surface of masonry.
other secondary sources, and may deposit them on the exterior
surface of the masonry when it migrates to the wall surface
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured
through evaporation. Deposits may also form within the
Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.05 on Masonry
masonry resulting in cryptoflorescence.
Assemblies.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2007. Published January 2008. Originally
5.4 The most common efflorescence deposits contain two or
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as C1400 – 01. DOI:
more of the following: potassium, sodium, calcium, sulfates,
10.1520/C1400-01R07.
2 carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides, and hydroxides.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 5.5 Some water-soluble compounds deposited on the sur-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
face of masonry can chemically react to form compounds that
the ASTM website.
are not water-soluble. Calcium carbonate (CaCO ) deposits on
Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
masonry are a fairly common example. They are a result of
on www.astm.org.
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C1400–01 (2007)
reaction between the efflorescence compound calcium hydrox- 6.3 Water that penetrates a masonry wall is quickly drained
ideandcarbondioxideafterthecalciumhydroxideisdeposited out of the wall by:
on the surface of the masonry and is exposed to the air.
6.3.1 Unobstructed drainage in air space of drainage walls.
5.6 Under some circumstances, particularly when exterior
6.3.2 Functional, unpunctured flashing and weep holes at
coatings are present, efflorescence compounds can be depos-
base of wall above grade; above openings in wall, shelf angles,
ited below the surface of the masonry units. This condition is
lintels, wall-roofing intersections, chimneys, and bay windows,
called cryptoflorescence. When cryptoflorescence occurs, the
and below window sills and copings. The flashing should be
forces resulting from its confinement can cause disintegration
extended beyond the exterior face of the wall. The flashing
of the masonry surfaces.
should have end dams at its discontinuous ends, and properly
sealed splices and laps at its joints.
6. Reduction of Efflorescence Potential in New Masonry
6.4 Contactbetweendissimilarmasonryunitsisavoidedby:
Walls
6.4.1 The use of cavity walls with unobstructed 2 in. (50
6.1 Efflorescence on a new masonry wall is reduced when
mm) minimum drainage air space to separate the exterior
water penetration of the wall is minimized; when water that
masonry wythe from the backup wall consisting of a dissimilar
penetrates or condens
...
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