ASTM E874-19

Standard Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The formation of reproducible, durable-adhesive bonds in structural units requires great care in the selection of materials, the preparation of the surfaces of the parts to be bonded, and the performance of the steps in the bonding process. Experience has shown that adhesive bonding carried out in accordance with this practice produces relatively reproducible bonds.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the materials, processes, and quality controls to be used in the manufacture of adhesive-bonded, aluminum-faced, nonmetallic-honeycomb-core sandwich panels for tactical shelters.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address 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: 30-Jun-2019
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.53 - Materials and Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E874-11 - Standard Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1749-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2004-18 - Standard Test Method for Facing Cleavage of Sandwich Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C297/C297M-16 - Standard Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM C297/C297M-15 - Standard Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• 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 E866-11 - Standard Specification for Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1826-11 - Standard Specification for Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1749-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM B209-10 - Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2004-10 - Standard Test Method for Facing Cleavage of Sandwich Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM C297/C297M-04(2010) - Standard Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E990-09 - Standard Specification for Core-Splice Adhesive for Honeycomb Sandwich Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E864-08 - Standard Practice for Surface Preparation of Aluminum Alloys to be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008

Overview

ASTM E874-19: Standard Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels outlines the essential materials, processes, and quality controls required for manufacturing aluminum-faced, nonmetallic-honeycomb-core sandwich panels, primarily used in tactical and relocatable shelters. Developed by ASTM International, this standard establishes a comprehensive framework to ensure reproducible and durable adhesive bonds, supporting the integrity and reliability of structural panels in demanding environments.

This international standard is intended to provide manufacturers, engineers, and quality control professionals with best practices for production, inspection, and validation of bonded sandwich panels. It highlights the significance of careful material selection, proper surface preparation, and thorough process control to achieve high-quality, long-lasting panel constructions.

Key Topics

• Material Selection: Specifies requirements for aluminum facings per ASTM B209, nonmetallic honeycomb cores as per ASTM E1091, structural adhesives (ASTM E865, E990), and corrosion-inhibiting primers (ASTM E866). All materials must be handled to prevent contamination and degradation.
• Environmental Controls: Mandates assembly areas with strict temperature, humidity, and particulate limits, including continuous monitoring and calibration, to safeguard bonding processes against environmental contamination.
• Surface Preparation: Details procedures for preparing aluminum surfaces according to ASTM E864 to ensure optimal adhesive performance.
• Bonding Operations: Stipulates the use of calibrated pressure equipment capable of maintaining specific temperature and pressure profiles, with traceable records to ensure reproducible results.
• Quality Assurance & Testing: Covers regular process control specimens, peel strength and flatwise tensile tests (ASTM D1781, C297/C297M, E2004) to verify bond integrity, alongside visual inspections for defects, dimensional checks, and nondestructive evaluation methods such as tapping tests.
• Inspection & Traceability: Requires marking every panel with distinct identifiers and diligent recordkeeping for materials and adhesive lots. Panels must meet strict defect and flatness tolerances.
• Workmanship and Storage: Provides guidance on handling, storing, and reworking panels to maintain quality until installation.

Applications

• Tactical Shelter Panels: Essential for field-deployed military shelters, providing strength, lightweight construction, and thermal efficiency through bonded sandwich panels.
• Rigid Wall Relocatable Structures: Used in temporary buildings where structural integrity, durability, and rapid deployment are critical.
• Industrial and Commercial Sandwich Panels: Applicable wherever high-performance bonded panels are required for enclosures, containerized systems, or portable buildings.

Practical application of this standard ensures that shelter panels demonstrate consistent adhesive bond performance, mechanical strength, and longevity in service, making them reliable for use in defense, disaster relief, and temporary infrastructure projects.

Related Standards

• ASTM B209: Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
• ASTM E1091: Specification for Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Use in Shelter Panels
• ASTM E864: Practice for Surface Preparation of Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded
• ASTM E865: Specification for Structural Film Adhesives
• ASTM E866/E1826: Specifications for Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primers
• ASTM E990: Specification for Core-Splice Adhesive
• ASTM D1781: Climbing Drum Peel Test Method
• ASTM C297/C297M: Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions
• MIL-STD-105: Sampling Procedures and Inspection by Attributes
• Fed. Std. No. 209: Clean Room and Work Station Requirements

By following ASTM E874-19 and these associated standards, organizations can assure the production of high-quality, durable adhesive-bonded panels tailored for demanding structural applications.

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: E874 − 19
Standard Practice for
Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic
Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E874; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber 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 E865Specification for Structural Film Adhesives for Hon-
eycomb Sandwich Panels
1.1 This practice describes the materials, processes, and
E866 Specification for Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive
quality controls to be used in the manufacture of adhesive-
Primer forAluminumAlloys to BeAdhesively Bonded in
bonded, aluminum-faced, nonmetallic-honeycomb-core sand-
Honeycomb Shelter Panels
wich panels for tactical shelters.
E990Specification for Core-Splice Adhesive for Honey-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
comb Sandwich Structural Panels
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
E1091Specification for Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Use in Shelter Panels
and are not considered standard.
E1749Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable
1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety
Shelters
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility E1826Specification for Low Volatile Organic Compound
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
(VOC) Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Alumi-
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli- num Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
E2004TestMethodforFacingCleavageofSandwichPanels
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
2.2 Military Standard:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
MIL-STD-105Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspec-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tion by Attributes
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2.3 Federal Standard:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Fed. Std. No. 209 Clean Room and Work Station
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Requirements, Controlled Environment
2. Referenced Documents
3. Terminology
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms related to
B209Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
building construction used in this practice, refer to Terminol-
Sheet and Plate
ogy E631, and for general terms related to rigid wall relocat-
C297/C297MTest Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of
able shelters, refer to Terminology E1749.
Sandwich Constructions
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D1781Test Method for Climbing Drum Peel for Adhesives
3.2.1 excessive corrosion, n—surface corrosion that is not
E631Terminology of Building Constructions
removed by cleaning as described in Practice E864.
E864Practice for Surface Preparation of Aluminum Alloys
to Be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb Shelter Panels
3.2.2 gouge, n—a surface defect in which material has been
removed and that causes a decrease in strength in a highly
stressed area.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Perfor-
mance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.53 on
3.2.3 nominal pressure, n—the intended operating pressure.
Materials and Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures.
3.2.4 nominal temperature, n—the intended operating tem-
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E874–11. DOI: perature.
10.1520/E0874–19.
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 Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
the ASTM website. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E874 − 19
3.2.5 tapping test, n—anondestructiveevaluationprocedure and other areas of potential contamination.All air furnished to
for detecting panel delamination in which the outer skin of the this area shall be filtered, and compressed air used shall be
panels is tapped with a hammer or coin. oil-free.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Changes in acoustic emissions result-
6. Apparatus
ing from tapping can be associated with delamination and
nondelaminated sections of panel. 6.1 Pressure Equipment—Pressure equipment for bonding
ofshelterpanelsshallbelargeenoughtopermitthebondingof
4. Significance and Use
the total panel in one step. The manufacturer shall provide
4.1 The formation of reproducible, durable-adhesive bonds
calibration and test data demonstrating that the temperature on
in structural units requires great care in the selection of
thetwofacingsofpressplatensduringlaminationwillbeequal
materials, the preparation of the surfaces of the parts to be
and uniform within 4% of their nominal temperature. The
bonded, and the performance of the steps in the bonding
pressure equipment used for curing the panels shall be capable
process. Experience has shown that adhesive bonding carried
of applying greater than 20 psi (138 kPa) and 300°F (150°C)
out in accordance with this practice produces relatively repro-
over the entire panel surface. Platens shall be flat to within
ducible bonds.
0.002 in./ft (0.17 mm/m). The pressure equipment shall be
equipped with temperature and pressure recorders and controls
5. Facilities
thataccuratelycontrolheat-uprate,pressureapplication,dwell
5.1 Panel-Assembly-Layup Area—The panel-assembly-
time, cool down (when required), and pressure removal. The
lay-upareaisanenclosed,environmentallycontrolledareathat
pressure equipment shall also be equipped with suitable
is continuously controlled for temperature, relative humidity,
devices (for example, caul sheets) that facilitate moving the
and concentration of airborne particles. The environmentally
panel layup into the press without misaligning the layup.
controlled area shall be maintained at a temperature of
6.1.1 Calibrations, Temperature and Pressure
75 610°F (24 66°C) and not more than 50% relative
Requirements, and Controls—Gages shall be calibrated every
humidity. The temperature and relative humidity shall be
six months by an accredited independent laboratory or by the
recorded continuously. All incoming and recirculated air shall
manufacturer if approved by the purchaser. The latest calibra-
be filtered to control airborne particles. The air handling
tion certificate shall be attached to the equipment near each
equipmentshallprovideatleastfiveairchangesperhourinthe
gage. It shall be demonstrated that the actual bonding pressure
environmentally controlled area. The filters shall ensure that
is within 10% of the nominal pressure. It shall also be
the particle count within the environmentally controlled area
demonstrated that the average temperatures of the top and
3 6 3
will not exceed 200000 particles/ft (7×10 particles/m)of
bottom panel facings during the bonding process are equal and
size 1 µm and larger. The air pressure differential between the
uniform to within 4% of the nominal temperature. Thermo-
environmentally controlled area and adjacent areas shall be
couples placed at each corner and at the center of each facing
monitored continuously and recorded at least twice weekly.
shallbeusedtodemonstratetheuniformityofthetemperature.
Theairpressureintheenvironmentallycontrolledareashallbe
Compliance of the equipment with these requirements shall be
maintainedabovethatofadjacentareasbyaminimumof0.015
verified at intervals not exceeding six months. A permanent
in. H O (3.7 Pa). The particle count shall be monitored in
record of the pressure, time, and temperature measurements
accordance with Fed.Std.No.209. The recorders shall be
during bonding shall be maintained. All calibrations must be
calibrated every six months. The environmentally controlled
traceabletotheNationalInstituteofStandardsandTechnology
areashallbeconspicuouslyidentifiedatallentrancesas limited
(NIST).
access. Unnecessary traffic within the environmentally con-
6.2 Testing Equipment—The supplier shall have available
trolled area shall not be permitted. Eating and smoking within
sufficient testing equipment to ensure that all process-control
the environmentally controlled area shall not be permitted and
specimen preparation and testing required by this practice can
the environmentally controlled area shall be so posted. All
be accomplished without unnecessarily delaying production.
materials, tools, and equipment used in the environmentally
Allcalibrationsoftestequipmentrequiredbythispracticeshall
controlled area shall be clean, low shed, and free of lint, oil,
be traceable to NIST.
and grease.The application of oil, grease, mold release agents,
or other possible contaminants within the environmentally
7. Materials
controlled area shall be prohibited. The interior, exposed
7.1 Materials shall be as specified herein or as specified in
surfaces of the environmentally controlled area shall be non-
the contract.All materials shall be stored and handled in such
shedding and easily cleaned. The floor shall be sealed and
manner as to provide adequate protection against degrading
cleaned daily to minimize dust generation. No preparations
environments and mechanical damage.
such as insertion of foam into honeycomb core, or cleaning
other than by filtered vacuum, shall take place in the environ-
7.2 Aluminum:
mentally controlled area. No core cutting shall be allowed in
7.2.1 Facings—The facings shall be aluminum alloy con-
theenvironmentallycontrolledareaotherthanthatrequiredfor
forming to Specification B209 and shall be certified as com-
integral-panel cutouts involving total thickness of the core to
plyingwiththealloy,temper,andthicknessrequirementsofthe
precut skin openings, core repair, or minor trimming.
5.2 Primer Application Area—The primer-application area
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
shallbeseparatedfromthecleaningtanks,manufacturingarea, Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20899, http://www.nist.gov.
E874 − 19
shelter specification. Facings shall be free of excessive framing members shall be bonded to the facings with the
corrosion, oil canning (snap-buckling), dents, gouges, or other structural film adhesive specified in 7.4.
defects that may adversely affect the structural integrity of a
8.3 Preparation of Aluminum Facings and Edge Closures—
bonded panel. The manufacturer’s certification or reports of
All cutting, trimming, and sizing of the facings and edge
tests for mechanical properties and chemical composition shall
closures shall be made prior to surface preparation or on the
be included with each shipment.
panel following completion of the bonding operation. The
7.2.2 Preparation of Aluminum-Alloy Parts for Bonding—
faying surfaces of all aluminum parts which are to be bonded
The aluminum-alloy parts used in the manufacture of honey-
shall be prepared in accordance with Practice E864 and
comb panels shall be prepared for bonding in accordance with
Specification E866 or Specification E1826. All aluminum for
Practice E864.
bondedpanelsshallbeplacedinprimerapplicationareawithin
7.3 Honeycomb Core—The honeycomb-core material shall
⁄2 h after completion of the cleaning process.
be as specified in the shelter specification and shall meet the
8.4 Preparation of Honeycomb Core—Honeycomb that is
requirements of Specification E1091. It shall be stored in its
not to be filled with plastic foam shall be cleaned of dust with
shipping container in a segregated area away from traffic
dry, oil-free, filtered, compressed air or vacuumed prior to
congestion until processing for panel layup.
delivery to the panel-assembly-lay-up area. When the cells of
7.4 Adhesives—The structural film and core splice adhe-
the honeycomb core are filled with plastic foam, the surface of
sives shall conform to Specifications E865 and E990, respec-
the installed foam shall be at least ⁄16 in. (1.5 mm) below the
tively. They shall be stored in accordance with the manufac-
surface of the honeycomb on both surfaces, and all bonding
turer’s recommendation.
surfaces shall be freed from foam dust and contaminants by
7.4.1 Qualification of Adhesive System—The panel manu-
vacuuming.Whenapanelrequiresmorethanonesheetofcore,
facturer is responsible for ensuring that the adhesive system
the seam between pieces shall be spliced so that uniformity of
used in the manufacture of panels under this practice is
thickness is maintained across the seam. The core-splicing
qualified to meet Specifications E865 and E990.
material shall conform to Specification E990 and must be
impermeabletowaterandserveasabarriertowatermigration.
7.5 Primer—The adhesive primer shall conform to Specifi-
The core-splicing method and adhesive used shall be such that
cation E866.
the shear strength of the splice shall be equal to or greater than
7.6 Thermal Barriers—Thermal barriers shall conform to
the core-shear strength. Any crushed corners and edges of the
the purchaser’s requirements.
core sheets shall be removed and the sheet resquared prior to
NOTE1—Thermalbarriersarebondedbetweentheskinandmetal-edge splicing and lamination.Where the shelter design requires that
members to prevent a thermal short between exterior and interior skins.
all framing members be bonded simultaneously with panel
bonding, the core shall fit into the panel lay-up such that the
8. Panel Construction
gapbetweenthecoreandtheframingmembersisnomorethan
0.125 in. (3.2 mm) from the framing members. The volatile
8.1 The alloy, temper, and thickness of the facings, edge
contentofthehoneycombcore(includingmoisture)atthetime
closure details, core type, and the weights and sizes of the
of panel-assembly lay-up shall not exceed 2% by mass when
panels shall be as specified in the design specification. Panels
tested in accordance with 10.4.2.
shall not have any defects, bulges, depressions, or dents with
2 2
anareagreaterthan8in. (5200mm )ordeeperthan0.040in.
8.5 Application of Primer and Adhesive—The prepared
(1.0 mm). The total allowable area of defects per panel shall
aluminum facings and framing members shall be free of
not exceed 0.1% of panel area per side. Panels exceeding
contaminants before application of the primer and the adhe-
0.1%defectareamaybesubjectedtoreworkprocedureagreed
sive. Application of primer shall be carried out in the primer
upon between the manufacturer and the customer. Panels shall
application area. Parts requiring identification shall be marked
not be bowed or warped nor shall there be any deviation from
withinksormethodsapprovedforbonding.Thefayingsurface
total flatness of the panel greater than 0.016 in./ft (1.3 mm/m).
of each facing prior to and following the application of primer
The allowable deviation from flatness (warpage) shall be
shallexhibituniformpropertiesasdeterminedbySpecification
determined by applying a straight-edge, as specified in 10.6.1,
E866 or Specification E1826 depending upon which primer is
against the concave side of the panel with the opposite side
beingused.Theprocedures,equ
...

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: E874 − 11 E874 − 19
Standard Practice for
Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic
Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E874; 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
1.1 This practice describes the materials, processes, and quality controls to be used in the manufacture of adhesive-bonded,
aluminum-faced, nonmetallic-honeycomb-core sandwich panels for tactical shelters.
1.2 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.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address 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 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B209 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
C297/C297M Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of Sandwich Constructions
D1781 Test Method for Climbing Drum Peel for Adhesives
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E864 Practice for Surface Preparation of Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb Shelter Panels
E865 Specification for Structural Film Adhesives for Honeycomb Sandwich Panels
E866 Specification for Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb
Shelter Panels
E990 Specification for Core-Splice Adhesive for Honeycomb Sandwich Structural Panels
E1091 Specification for Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Use in Shelter Panels
E1749 Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
E1826 Specification for Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Aluminum Alloys
to Be Adhesively Bonded
E2004 Test Method for Facing Cleavage of Sandwich Panels
2.2 Military Standards:Standard:
MIL-STD-105 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
2.3 Federal Standards:Standard:
Fed. Std. No. 209 Clean Room and Work Station Requirements, Controlled Environment
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.53 on Materials and
Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2011July 1, 2019. Published October 2011August 2019. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20102011 as
E874 – 10a.E874–11. DOI: 10.1520/E0874-11.10.1520/E0874–19.
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’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA
19111-5098, http://dodssp.daps.dla.mil.19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E874 − 19
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms related to building construction used in this practice, refer to Terminology
E631, and for general terms related to rigid wall relocatable shelters, refer to Terminology E1749.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 excessive corrosion, n—surface corrosion that is not removed by cleaning as described in Practice E864.
3.2.2 gouge, n—a surface defect in which material has been removed and that causes a decrease in strength in a highly stressed
area.
3.2.3 nominal pressure, n—the intended operating pressure.
3.2.4 nominal temperature, n—the intended operating temperature.
3.2.5 tapping test, n—a nondestructive evaluation procedure for detecting panel delamination in which the outer skin of the
panels is tapped with a hammer or coin.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
Changes in acoustic emissions resulting from tapping can be associated with delamination and nondelaminated sections of panel.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The formation of reproducible, durable-adhesive bonds in structural units requires great care in the selection of materials,
the preparation of the surfaces of the parts to be bonded, and the performance of the steps in the bonding process. Experience has
shown that adhesive bonding carried out in accordance with this practice produces relatively reproducible bonds.
5. Facilities
5.1 Panel-Assembly-Layup Area—The panel-assembly-lay-up area is an enclosed, environmentally controlled area that is
continuously controlled for temperature, relative humidity, and concentration of airborne particles. The environmentally controlled
area shall be maintained at a temperature of 75 6 10°F (24 6 6°C)75 6 10 °F (24 6 6 °C) and not more than 50 % relative
humidity. The temperature and relative humidity shall be recorded continuously. All incoming and recirculated air shall be filtered
to control airborne particles. The air handling equipment shall provide at least five air changes per hour in the environmentally
controlled area. The filters shall ensure that the particle count within the environmentally controlled area will not exceed 200 000
3 6 3
particlesparticles/ft⁄ft (7 × 10 particles/m ) of size 1 μm and larger. The air pressure differential between the environmentally
controlled area and adjacent areas shall be monitored continuously and recorded at least twice weekly. The air pressure in the
environmentally controlled area shall be maintained above that of adjacent areas by a minimum of 0.015 in. H O (3.7 Pa). The
particle count shall be monitored in accordance with Fed. Std. No. 209. The recorders shall be calibrated every six months. The
environmentally controlled area shall be conspicuously identified at all entrances as limited access. Unnecessary traffic within the
environmentally controlled area shall not be permitted. Eating and smoking within the environmentally controlled area shall not
be permitted and the environmentally controlled area shall be so posted. All materials, tools, and equipment used in the
environmentally controlled area shall be clean, low shed, and free of lint, oil, and grease. The application of oil, grease, mold
release agents, or other possible contaminants within the environmentally controlled area shall be prohibited. The interior, exposed
surfaces of the environmentally controlled area shall be nonshedding and easily cleaned. The floor shall be sealed and cleaned daily
to minimize dust generation. No preparations such as insertion of foam into honeycomb core, or cleaning other than by filtered
vacuum, shall take place in the environmentally controlled area. No core cutting shall be allowed in the environmentally controlled
area other than that required for integral-panel cutouts involving total thickness of the core to precut skin openings, core repair,
or minor trimming.
5.2 Primer Application Area—The primer-application area shall be separated from the cleaning tanks, manufacturing area, and
other areas of potential contamination. All air furnished to this area shall be filtered, and compressed air used shall be oil-free.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Pressure Equipment—Pressure equipment for bonding of shelter panels shall be large enough to permit the bonding of the
total panel in one step. The manufacturer shall provide calibration and test data demonstrating that the temperature on the two
facings of press platens during lamination will be equal and uniform within 4 % of their nominal temperature. The pressure
equipment used for curing the panels shall be capable of applying greater than 20 psi (138 kPa) and 300°F (150°C)300 °F (150 °C)
over the entire panel surface. Platens shall be flat to within 0.002 in./ft (0.17 mm/m). The pressure equipment shall be equipped
with temperature and pressure recorders and controls that accurately control heat-up rate, pressure application, dwell time, cool
down (when required), and pressure removal. The pressure equipment shall also be equipped with suitable devices (for example,
caul sheets) that facilitate moving the panel layup into the press without misaligning the layup.
6.1.1 Calibrations, Temperature and Pressure Requirements, and Controls—Gages shall be calibrated every six months by an
accredited independent laboratory or by the manufacturer if approved by the purchaser. The latest calibration certificate shall be
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attached to the equipment near each gage. It shall be demonstrated that the actual bonding pressure is within 10 % of the nominal
pressure. It shall also be demonstrated that the average temperatures of the top and bottom panel facings during the bonding process
are equal and uniform to within 4 % of the nominal temperature. Thermocouples placed at each corner and at the center of each
facing shall be used to demonstrate the uniformity of the temperature. Compliance of the equipment with these requirements shall
be verified at intervals not exceeding six months. A permanent record of the pressure, time, and temperature measurements during
bonding shall be maintained. All calibrations must be traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
6.2 Testing Equipment—The supplier shall have available sufficient testing equipment to ensure that all process-control
specimen preparation and testing required by this practice can be accomplished without unnecessarily delaying production. All
calibrations of test equipment required by this practice shall be traceable to NIST.
7. Materials
7.1 Materials shall be as specified herein or as specified in the contract. All materials shall be stored and handled in such manner
as to provide adequate protection against degrading environments and mechanical damage.
7.2 Aluminum:Aluminum:
7.2.1 Facings—The facings shall be aluminum alloy conforming to Specification B209 and shall be certified as complying with
the alloy, temper, and thickness requirements of the shelter specification. Facings shall be free of excessive corrosion, oil canning
(snap-buckling), dents, gouges, or other defects that may adversely affect the structural integrity of a bonded panel. The
manufacturer’s certification or reports of tests for mechanical properties and chemical composition shall be included with each
shipment.
7.2.2 Preparation of Aluminum-Alloy Parts for Bonding—The aluminum-alloy parts used in the manufacture of honeycomb
panels shall be prepared for bonding in accordance with Practice E864.
7.3 Honeycomb Core—The honeycomb-core material shall be as specified in the shelter specification and shall meet the
requirements of Specification E1091. It shall be stored in its shipping container in a segregated area away from traffic congestion
until processing for panel layup.
7.4 Adhesives—The structural film and core splice adhesives shall conform to Specifications E865 and E990, respectively. They
shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
7.4.1 Qualification of Adhesive System—The panel manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the adhesive system used in
the manufacture of panels under this practice is qualified to meet Specifications E865 and E990.
7.5 Primer—The adhesive primer shall conform to Specification E866.
7.6 Thermal Barriers—Thermal barriers shall conform to the purchaser’spurchaser’s requirements.
NOTE 1—Thermal barriers are bonded between the skin and metal-edge members to prevent a thermal short between exterior and interior skins.
8. Panel Construction
8.1 The alloy, temper, and thickness of the facings, edge closure details, core type, and the weights and sizes of the panels shall
be as specified in the design specification. Panels shall not have any defects, bulges, depressions, or dents with an area greater than
2 2
8 in. (5200 mm ) or deeper than 0.040 in. (1.0 mm). The total allowable area of defects per panel shall not exceed 0.1 % of panel
area per side. Panels exceeding 0.1 % defect area may be subjected to rework procedure agreed upon between the manufacturer
and the customer. Panels shall not be bowed or warped nor shall there be any deviation from total flatness of the panel greater than
0.016 in./ft (1.3 mm/m). The allowable deviation from flatness (warpage) shall be determined by applying a straight-edge, as
specified in 10.6.1, against the concave side of the panel with the opposite side lying on a flat surface and measuring the maximum
gap between the straightedge and the panel.
8.2 Edge Closures and Framing Members—These shall be as specified in the shelter-design specification. On pre-existing
designs, process the material in accordance with pre-existing design configuration/specification requirements unless otherwise
directed by the procuring activity. When the aluminum edge closures are to be bonded, they shall be treated in accordance with
Practice E864. When the shelter design requires the edge closures and framing members to be bonded simultaneously with panels
bonding, the edge closures and framing members shall be bonded to the facings with the structural film adhesive specified in 7.4.
8.3 Preparation of Aluminum Facings and Edge Closures—All cutting, trimming, and sizing of the facings and edge closures
shall be made prior to surface preparation or on the panel following completion of the bonding operation. The faying surfaces of
all aluminum parts which are to be bonded shall be prepared in accordance with Practice E864 and Specification E866 or
Specification E1826. All aluminum for bonded panels shall be placed in primer application area within ⁄2 h after completion of
the cleaning process.
8.4 Preparation of Honeycomb Core—Honeycomb that is not to be filled with plastic foam shall be cleaned of dust with dry,
oil-free, filtered, compressed air or vacuumed prior to delivery to the panel-assembly-lay-up area. When the cells of the honeycomb
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070,20899, http://www.nist.gov.
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core are filled with plastic foam, the surface of the installed foam shall be at least ⁄16 in. (1.5 mm) below the surface of the
honeycomb on both surfaces, and all bonding surfaces shall be freed from foam dust and contaminants by vacuuming. When a
panel requires more than one sheet of core, the seam between pieces shall be spliced so that uniformity of thickness is maintained
across the seam. The core-splicing material shall conform to Specification E990 and must be impermeable to water and serve as
a barrier to water migration. The core-splicing method and adhesive used shall be such that the shear strength of the splice shall
be equal to or greater than the core-shear strength. Any crushed corners and edges of the core sheets shall be removed and the sheet
resquared prior to splicing and lamination. Where the shelter design requires that all framing members be bonded simultaneously
with panel bonding, the core shall fit into the panel lay-up such that the gap between the core and the framing members is no more
than 0.125 in. (3.2 mm) f
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