ASTM D5893/D5893M-16(2021)

Standard Specification for Cold-Applied, Single-Component, Chemically Curing Silicone Joint Sealant for Portland Cement Concrete Pavements

ABSTRACT
This specification covers two types of cold applied, single component, chemically curing silicone sealants that are based on polymers of polysiloxane structures, and are intended for use in sealing joints and cracks in Portland cement concrete highway and airfield pavements. This specification does not address the properties required of sealants for use in areas of Portland cement concrete pavements subject to jet fuel or other fuel spillage, such as vehicle or aircraft refueling and maintenance areas, or a combination thereof. Type NS (non-sag) sealant resists sagging after application in horizontal joints and requires tooling or forming into the joint to achieve the desired application configuration. Type SL (self-leveling) sealant, on the other hand, has sufficient flow characteristics to form a smooth and level surface in horizontal joints without tooling or forming after application. Specimens shall be sufficiently sampled for testing, and shall conform accordingly to the following requirements: cure evaluation; rheological properties; extrusion rate; tack-free time; effects of heat aging; non-immersed, water-immersed, and oven-aged bond characteristics; hardness; flow characteristics; rubber properties in tension such as ultimate elongation and tensile stress; and effects of accelerated weathering.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers cold-applied, single-component, chemically curing silicone sealants that are based on polymers of polysiloxane structures and are intended for use in sealing joints and cracks in portland cement concrete highway and airfield pavements. The specification includes both non-sag and self-leveling types of sealants.  
1.1.1 This specification does not purport to cover the properties required of sealants for use in areas of portland cement concrete pavements subject to jet fuel or other fuel spillage, such as vehicle or aircraft refueling and maintenance areas, or a combination thereof.  
1.2 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 nonconformance with the standard.  
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 9, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Appendix X1.  
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-Apr-2021
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.33 - Formed In-Place Sealants for Joints and Cracks in Pavements

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D5329-20 - Standard Test Methods for Sealants and Fillers, Hot-Applied, for Joints and Cracks in Asphalt Pavements and Portland Cement Concrete Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C639-15(2020) - Standard Test Method for Rheological (Flow) Properties of Elastomeric Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1985-13(2019) - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Blocks for Testing Sealants, for Joints and Cracks
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1183/C1183M-13(2018) - Standard Test Method for Extrusion Rate of Elastomeric Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5329-16 - Standard Test Methods for Sealants and Fillers, Hot-Applied, for Joints and Cracks in Asphalt Pavements and Portland Cement Concrete Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5329-15 - Standard Test Methods for Sealants and Fillers, Hot-Applied, for Joints and Cracks in Asphalt Pavements and Portland Cement Concrete Pavements
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM C639-15 - Standard Test Method for Rheological (Flow) Properties of Elastomeric Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C792-15 - Standard Test Method for Effects of Heat Aging on Weight Loss, Cracking, and Chalking of Elastomeric Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2202-00(2014) - Standard Test Method for Slump of Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1985-13 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Blocks for Testing Sealants, for Joints and Cracks
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM C1183/C1183M-13 - Standard Test Method for Extrusion Rate of Elastomeric Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C639-01(2011) - Standard Test Method for Rheological (Flow) Properties of Elastomeric Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C661-06(2011) - Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric-Type Sealants by Means of a Durometer
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5249-10 - Standard Specification for Backer Material for Use with Cold- and Hot-Applied Joint Sealants in Portland-Cement Concrete and Asphalt Joints
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM C793-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated Weathering on Elastomeric Joint Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010

Overview

ASTM D5893/D5893M-16(2021) is the internationally recognized standard specification for cold-applied, single-component, chemically curing silicone joint sealants intended for use in sealing joints and cracks in Portland cement concrete pavements. Developed by ASTM International, this specification is relevant to concrete highway and airfield pavements, ensuring reliable, long-term sealing solutions that accommodate environmental conditions and pavement movement.

This standard specifies two types of silicone sealants:

• Type NS (Non-sag): Resistant to sagging, requires tooling or forming after application.
• Type SL (Self-leveling): Flows smoothly to a level finish without additional tooling.

Important note: The specification does not address sealants used in areas exposed to jet fuel or other fuel spills, such as maintenance or refueling zones.

Key Topics

• Material Characteristics: The standard defines requirements for uniform consistency, cure characteristics, and long-term storage in the manufacturer's original containers.
• Physical Properties: Includes detailed criteria for cure evaluation, rheological properties, extrusion rate, tack-free time, heat aging, bond characteristics (including non-immersed, water-immersed, oven-aged), hardness, flow, ultimate elongation, tensile stress, accelerated weathering, and resilience.
• Sampling and Testing: Specifies procedures for sample collection, preparation, conditioning, and laboratory testing under defined atmospheric conditions.
• Application Guidelines: Provides recommendations for joint preparation, equipment usage, and sealant application for both new construction and resealing projects.
• Safety and Marking: Outlines user responsibilities regarding safety, health, labeling, handling, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Applications

ASTM D5893/D5893M-16(2021) is widely utilized in infrastructure and construction projects where durable, flexible joint sealing of Portland cement concrete pavements is essential. Key applications include:

• Highway and Road Pavements: Ensures longevity and watertightness of expansion joints and cracks, reducing maintenance and improving ride quality.
• Airfield Pavements: Provides essential sealing performance for runways, taxiways, and aprons, accommodating both climate-induced movement and heavy traffic loads.
• Concrete Resealing Projects: Offers performance standards when resealing joints in existing pavements to extend service life and maintain pavement integrity.
• Cold-Applied Repair and Maintenance: Enables year-round application without heating, enhancing worksite safety and reducing environmental impact.

The specification guides both product manufacturers and contractors in selecting the right silicone sealant type and verifying its performance through standardized testing. Meeting ASTM D5893/D5893M assures compliance with industry best practices, improves project outcomes, and enhances pavement life cycle.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality assurance and performance, practitioners should consider the following related ASTM standards:

• ASTM C639: Rheological (Flow) Properties of Elastomeric Sealants
• ASTM C661: Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric-Type Sealants
• ASTM C679: Tack-Free Time of Elastomeric Sealants
• ASTM C792: Effects of Heat Aging on Elastomeric Sealants
• ASTM C793: Effects of Accelerated Weathering on Elastomeric Joint Sealants
• ASTM C1183/C1183M: Extrusion Rate of Elastomeric Sealants
• ASTM D412: Tension Properties of Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
• ASTM D5249: Backer Material for Use with Joint Sealants in Pavements
• ASTM D5329: Sealants and Fillers for Asphalt and Portland Cement Concrete Pavements

By adhering to ASTM D5893/D5893M-16(2021) and these related standards, stakeholders ensure high-performance, durable joint sealing solutions that meet rigorous international quality, safety, and performance benchmarks in cement concrete pavement construction and maintenance.

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: D5893/D5893M −16 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Cold-Applied, Single-Component, Chemically Curing
Silicone Joint Sealant for Portland Cement Concrete
Pavements
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5893/D5893M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers cold-applied, single- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
component, chemically curing silicone sealants that are based C639Test Method for Rheological (Flow) Properties of
onpolymersofpolysiloxanestructuresandareintendedforuse Elastomeric Sealants
C661Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric-
in sealing joints and cracks in portland cement concrete
highway and airfield pavements. The specification includes Type Sealants by Means of a Durometer
C679Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Elastomeric Seal-
both non-sag and self-leveling types of sealants.
ants
1.1.1 This specification does not purport to cover the
C792TestMethodforEffectsofHeatAgingonWeightLoss,
properties required of sealants for use in areas of portland
Cracking, and Chalking of Elastomeric Sealants
cement concrete pavements subject to jet fuel or other fuel
C793Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated
spillage, such as vehicle or aircraft refueling and maintenance
Weathering on Elastomeric Joint Sealants
areas, or a combination thereof.
C1183/C1183MTest Method for Extrusion Rate of Elasto-
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
meric Sealants
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
D412TestMethodsforVulcanizedRubberandThermoplas-
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
tic Elastomers—Tension
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
D618Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
D1985Practice for Preparing Concrete Blocks for Testing
with the standard.
Sealants, for Joints and Cracks
D2202Test Method for Slump of Sealants
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
D5249Specification for Backer Material for Use with Cold-
test methods portion, Section 9, of this specification: This
and Hot-Applied Joint Sealants in Portland Cement Con-
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
crete and Asphalt Joints
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
D5329Test Methods for Sealants and Fillers, Hot-Applied,
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
for Joints and Cracks in Asphalt Pavements and Portland
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
Cement Concrete Pavements
regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary
D5535Terminology Relating to Formed-in-Place Sealants
statements are given in Appendix X1.
for Joints and Cracks in Pavements (Withdrawn 2009)
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3. Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology D5535 for defini-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical tions of the following terms used in this specification: backer
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. material, chemically curing sealant, joint, and sealant.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D04 on Road For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.33 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Formed In-Place Sealants for Joints and Cracks in Pavements. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D5893/D5893M–16. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D5893_D5893M-16R21. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5893/D5893M − 16 (2021)
4. Classification 6.6 Bond—The sealant shall be tested in accordance with
9.6 at −29 6 1°C [−20 6 2°F] for five complete cycles of
4.1 Sealants meeting the requirements of this specification
100% extension each. All three specimens shall meet the
shall be classified according to type as one of the following:
following requirements for bond:
4.1.1 Type NS (Non-Sag)—Asingle-component sealant that
6.6.1 Non-Immersed—No specimen shall develop any
resists sagging after application in horizontal joints and re-
crack, separation, or other opening in the sealant or between
quires tooling or forming into the joint to achieve the desired
the sealant and the concrete test blocks.
application configuration.
6.6.2 Water-Immersed—No specimen shall develop any
4.1.2 Type SL (Self-Leveling)—A single-component sealant
crack, separation, or other opening in the sealant or between
that is self-leveling and has sufficient flow characteristics to
the sealant and the concrete test blocks.
form a smooth and level surface in horizontal joints without
6.6.3 Oven-Aged—No specimen shall develop any crack,
tooling or forming after application.
separation, or other opening in the sealant or between the
sealant and the concrete test blocks.
5. General Requirements
6.7 Hardness:
5.1 The sealant shall be a uniform mixture with a consis-
6.7.1 When tested in accordance with Test Method C661
tency that is appropriate for application to joints in portland
at−29 6 1°C [−20 6 2°F], using a TypeA-2 durometer, the
cement concrete pavements through pressure-fed application
hardness shall not exceed 25.
unitsorbyhandcaulkingguns.Thesealantshallcurebymeans
6.7.2 When tested at standard laboratory conditions and in
of a chemical reaction of the components to form an elasto-
accordance with Test Method C661 at 23 6 2°C [73.4 6
meric seal that seals joints in concrete throughout repeated
3.6°F], using a Type 00 durometer, the hardness shall not be
cycles of thermal expansion and contraction and against the
less than 30.
infiltration of moisture and incompressibles.
6.8 Flow—When tested in accordance with 9.8 at 93.3 6
5.2 When stored in the original, unopened containers at
1°C [200 6 2°F] for 72 h 6 30 min, there shall be no flow.
conditionsrecommendedbythemanufacturer,thesealantshall
6.9 Rubber Properties in Tension:
be capable of meeting the specification requirements for at
6.9.1 Ultimate Elongation—When tested at standard labo-
least six months after the original purchase.
ratory conditions and in accordance with Test Methods D412
5.3 After specified curing in the laboratory, the color of the
using Die C, at 23 6 2°C [73.4 6 3.6°F], and using a 500 6
cured sealant shall be as agreed upon by the purchaser and the
20 mm/min [20 6 2 in./min] elongation rate, the ultimate
manufacturer.
elongation of the sealant shall not be less than 600%.
5.4 The sealant is intended for use in appropriately
6.9.2 Tensile Stress at 150 % Elongation—When tested at
prepared, clean, dry, and frost-free portland cement concrete
standard laboratory conditions and in accordance with Test
joints or cracks in new pavements or pavements that are being
Methods D412 using Die C, at 23 6 2°C [73.4 6 3.6°F], and
resealed.
usinga500 620mm/min[20 62in./min]elongationrate,the
tensile stress at 150% elongation shall not exceed 310 kPa
6. Physical Requirements
[45psi].
6.1 Cure Evaluation—The sealant shall cure throughout a
6.10 Effects of Accelerated Weathering—After 5000 h of
12.7 by 12.7-mm [0.5 by 0.5-in.] cross section within 21 days
exposure in accordance with 9.10, the sealant shall not flow,
when evaluated in accordance with 9.1. At 21 days 64hof
show tackiness, the presence of an oil-like film, or reversion to
curing, the sealant shall not show the presence of any uncured
a mastic-like substance, form surface blisters either intact or
material, as indicated by sealant that has not changed from a
broken, form internal voids, or have surface crazing, chalking,
liquid to a solid state.
cracking, hardening, or loss of rubber-like properties. The
sealant shall not experience any cracking or crazing when
6.2 Rheological Properties:
subjected after weathering to bending at –26 6 –2°C [–15 6
6.2.1 When tested in accordance with Test Method D2202,
3.6°F] as described in Test Method C793. Evidence of
Type NS sealant shall not slump more than 7.6 mm [0.30 in.].
physical change in the surface of the material by visual and
6.2.2 WhentestedinaccordancewithTestMethodC639for
tactile examination shall constitute failure of this test. The
Type I sealant, Type SL sealant shall exhibit a smooth, level
acceleratedweatheringtestshallberepeatedeveryfiveyearsor
surface with no indication of bubbling.
when a formula change is made.
6.3 Extrusion Rate—When tested in accordance with Test
6.11 Resilience—When tested in accordance with 9.11, the
Method C1183/C1183M forType S sealants, the extrusion rate
resilience of the sealant shall not be less than 75%.
shall not be less than 20 mL/min [1.22 in. /min].
6.4 Tack-Free Time—The sealant shall be tack-free, with no
7. Sampling
transferofthesealanttothepolyethylene,whentestedat5h 6
7.1 Samplesmaybetakenattheplantorwarehousepriorto
10 min in accordance with Test Method C679.
delivery or at the time of delivery, at the option of the
6.5 Effects of Heat Aging—The sealant shall not lose more purchaser. If sampling is conducted prior to shipment, the
than 10% of its original weight or show any cracking or inspector representing the purchaser shall have free access to
chalking when tested in accordance with Test Method C792. the material to be sampled. The inspector shall be afforded all
D5893/D5893M − 16 (2021)
reasonable facilities for inspection and sampling that shall be 9.1.2 Significance and Use—This test method determines
conducted so as not to interfere unnecessarily with the opera- that the sealant is cured throughout to a solid form in the
tion of the works. allotted time so that further testing can be completed.
9.1.3 Procedure—Make and cure one bond sample, as
7.2 Samples for testing shall consist of not less than 3.78 L
specifiedin9.6.4,atlaboratorystandardconditionsfor21days
[1 gal] of the sealant. If the sealant is supplied in cartridges, a
+ 4 h. To aid with specimen curing, spacers may be removed
sufficient number of cartridges shall be obtained at random to
prior to reaching the specified cure time, provided that the
provide at least 3.78 L [1 gal]. If the sealant is supplied in
sealanthascuredsufficientlysothatnodamageordistortionof
18.9-L[5-gal] or 207.9-L[55-gal] containers, the sample shall
thesealantoccurs.After21daysofcuring,within+4h,remove
beobtainedfromanunopenedcontainer.Thecontainershallbe
all spacers and other non-adherent surfaces from the sealant.
opened and any surface covering removed to expose the
Removethesealantfromtheconcreteblocksurfacesbyslicing
sealant.The required amount of sealant shall be removed from
cleanly along each concrete-sealant bonding surface with a
the container quickly and placed in a container that will
knife or blade. This produces a sealant portion that has a 12.7
minimize exposure of the sealant to air. The sample container
by 12.7-mm [0.5 by 0.5-in.] cross-sectional area and is
shall be compatible with the sealant. Use of a liner inside the
50.8mm [2 in.] in length. Immediately slice this sealant
container may assist in minimizing air exposure. The sample
portion in half to produce two sealant portions that are
container shall be completely filled in a manner that excludes
25.4mm [1in.] long. Immediately examine the 12.7 by
air entrapment and then sealed. A metal can with a double
12.7-mm [0.5 by 0.5-in.] surfaces of the sealant that were
friction lid lined with a polyethylene bag meets these require-
exposed by slicing and the bottom of the sealant portion that
ments. After obtaining the sample from containers, any lining
wasincontactwiththespacersorabasesheetforthepresence
or covering shall be replaced to prevent exposure of the
of uncured material, as indicated by sealant that has not
material remaining in the container to air. The container lids
changed from a liquid to a solid state. The presence of any
shall be replaced tightly.
uncured sealant shall constitute failure of this evaluation.
9.1.4 Precision and Bias—No information is presented
7.3 When the sample (other than those in cartridges) for
about precision or bias of this test method for cure evaluation
testing is opened to begin laboratory testing, it shall be
since the result is nonquantitative.
examined for the presence of cured material. Any skins of
cured sealant shall be removed from the sample. The material
9.2 Rheological Properties:
tested shall not contain any cured portions. If sufficient
9.2.1 Type NS Sealant—Test Method D2202.
quantities of uncured sealant cannot be obtained from the
9.2.2 Type SL Sealant—Test Method C639, Type I sealant.
sample, or if cured portions of sealant are noted within the
9.3 Extrusion Rate—Test Method C1183/C1183M, Type S
sample(otherthansurfaceskins),thesampleshallbediscarded
sealant.
and a new sample obtained.
9.4 Tack-Free Time—Test Method C679.
7.4 After opening and examination of the test sample, all
9.5 Effects of Heat Aging—Test Method C792.
test specimens shall be prepared without delay to minimize
curing of the sample. The sample should be handled in a
9.6 Bond:
manner that minimizes air exposure while preparing test
9.6.1 Scope—This is a test method for evaluating bond
specimens. If any cured material skins form on the sample
performance.
while preparing test specimens, the cured material shall be
9.6.2 Significance and Use—This test method provides a
removed prior to preparing additional specimens.
way to determine bond and movement capability.
9.6.3 Concrete Block Preparation—Prepare concrete test
8. Standard Conditions
blocks in accordance with Practice D1985. If desired, blocks
may be cut in half to produce blocks that are 25.4 by 25.4 by
8.1 Standard Conditions for Laboratory Tests—The labora-
76.2 mm [1 by 1 by 3 in.].
tory atmospheric conditions, to be referred to as standard
9.6.3.1 Prepare, store, and clean the blocks in accordance
conditions, shall be 23 6 2°C [73.4 6 3.6°F] and 50 6 10%
with the procedure of Test Methods D5329 for bond, non-
relative humidity as described in Practice D618. Condition the
immersed.After the specified scrubbing and blotting, place the
sealant sample to be tested for at least 24 h at standard
blocks on their 25.4 by 50.8-mm [1 by 2-in.] or 25.4 by
conditions prior to opening and beginning any tests.
25.4-mm[1by1-in.]ends,andallowthemtodryfor16to24h
NOTE 1—The positive and negative variations specified along with the at standard laboratory conditions.
temperature and relative humidity settings are the maximum allowed
9.6.4 Specimen Preparation—Prepare three test specimens
operational fluctuations from the set points under equilibrium conditions.
for each bond evaluation. Assemble each test specimen using
They do not imply that the set points can be higher or lower than those
two prepared concrete test blocks. Assemble the blocks with
specified.
their 50.8 by 76.2-mm [2 by 3-in.] or 25.4 by 76.2-mm [1 by
3-in.] surfaces facing, using appropriate spacers to form a
9. Test Methods
cavityinwhichthesealantisplacedbetweentheblocks,which
9.1 Cure Evaluation:
is 12.70 + 0.13 mm wide by 12.70 + 0.13 mm deep by 50.80
9.1.1 Scope—Thistestmethoddeterminesthatthesealantis + 0.13 mm long [0.500 + 0.005 in. wide by 0.500 + 0.005 in.
cured to a solid form. deep and 2.000 + 0.005 in.] long. Use adhesive tape, rubber
D5893/D5893M − 16 (2021)
bands, or clamps to ho
...