ASTM D5385/D5385M-20

Standard Test Method for Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance of Waterproofing Membranes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method tests the hydrostatic resistance of a waterproofing membrane and can be used to compare the hydrostatic resistance of waterproofing membranes.  
3.2 No correlation has been established between the performance in this test method and that in the field.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method measures the hydrostatic resistance of a waterproofing membrane under controlled laboratory conditions. This test method is not suitable for systems that rely on confinement of the seams by the backfill since backfill is not part of this test method.  
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 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.  
1.4 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-Sep-2020
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.22 - Waterproofing and Dampproofing Systems

Overview

ASTM D5385/D5385M-20, titled Standard Test Method for Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance of Waterproofing Membranes, establishes procedures for determining the hydrostatic resistance of waterproofing membranes under standardized laboratory conditions. Developed by ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing, this test method is internationally recognized and follows World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of technical standards. Its primary value lies in providing a consistent, comparative approach to evaluate the water resistance capabilities of various membrane products, supporting quality assurance and product development for the construction, civil engineering, and waterproofing industries.

Key Topics

• Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance: Measures a waterproofing membrane’s capacity to withstand water pressure without leaking.
• Laboratory Test Conditions: The procedure is carried out in a controlled environment, maintaining precise temperature and humidity parameters for both sheet and liquid-applied systems.
• Test Apparatus: Utilizes a hydrostatic testing chamber, specialized clamping brackets, gaskets, pressure regulators, and standard concrete substrate blocks.
• Sample Preparation: Membranes are installed on pre-conditioned concrete blocks according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring standardized sample handling.
• Data Reporting: Test results include pressure resistance expressed in kPa (or psi), converted to equivalent water head, and details all relevant test conditions and deviations.

Applications

Organizations engaged in the design, manufacture, or quality control of waterproofing systems benefit from this standard for multiple applications:

• Product Comparison: Enables manufacturers and specifiers to compare the hydrostatic resistance of different waterproofing membranes objectively.
• R&D Support: Provides key performance data during new product development or for improving existing systems.
• Quality Assurance: Used in internal QA/QC programs to verify consistency and reliability of membrane performance during routine production.
• Specification Compliance: Assists engineers, architects, and contractors in selecting waterproofing products that meet specific performance criteria for hydrostatic resistance.
• Educational and Technical Reference: Serves as a resource in specifying, testing, and validating waterproofing systems for use in construction and civil engineering projects.

Important Note: While ASTM D5385/D5385M-20 is valuable for laboratory comparison of product properties, no direct correlation is established between laboratory performance and actual field performance. This standard is not suitable for systems that rely on backfill confinement, as such field conditions are not replicated in the test setup.

Related Standards

For comprehensive assessment and selection of waterproofing membranes, the following related ASTM standards may also be relevant:

• ASTM D1970 - Standard Specification for Self-Adhering Polymer Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Used as Waterproofing Membrane
• ASTM D4068 - Standard Specification for Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) Sheeting for Concealed Water-Containment Membrane
• ASTM D6134 - Standard Specification for Vulcanized Rubber Sheet Waterproofing Membrane
• ASTM D751 - Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics (which includes fabric waterproofing tests)
• ASTM D5957 - Standard Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Membranes

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM D5385/D5385M-20 enables stakeholders to:

• Make data-driven choices in membrane selection for building waterproofing
• Support regulatory compliance and best practices in construction
• Improve risk management by selecting robust products for water-critical applications

Keywords: hydrostatic pressure resistance, waterproofing membrane, ASTM D5385/D5385M-20, laboratory test, construction waterproofing, membrane comparison, quality assurance, water barrier testing, building standards

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:D5385/D5385M −20
Standard Test Method for
Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance of Waterproofing
Membranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5385/D5385M; 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 No correlation has been established between the perfor-
mance in this test method and that in the field.
1.1 This test method measures the hydrostatic resistance of
a waterproofing membrane under controlled laboratory condi-
4. Apparatus
tions. This test method is not suitable for systems that rely on
4.1 Hydrostatic Testing Equipment, including a chamber
confinement of the seams by the backfill since backfill is not
(Fig. 1), a clamping bracket (Fig. 2), and the gasket and
part of this test method.
fasteners to form the completed assembly (Fig. 3).
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
4.2 Conditioning Room, with forced-air circulation, large
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
enough to condition, prepare, and test samples while maintain-
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
ing temperature within a maximum variation of 62°C[64 °F]
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
from the test temperature.
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
with the standard.
4.3 Source of Compressed Air, with pressure up to 690 kPa
[100 psi] and with an air pressure controller to regulate the air
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
in 103-kPa [15-psi] increments.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.4 Cut Off Saw, equipped with a diamond or masonry
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
blade, to prepare precast concrete blocks for testing substrates.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.5 Silicone Vacuum Grease.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3 3
4.6 Precast Concrete Patio Blocks, 2000 kg⁄m [125 lb⁄ft ]
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
minimum density, 14.5 MPa [2100 psi] minimum compressive
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- strength, smooth surfaced, 191 6 12 by 394 6 12 by 57 6
1 1 1 1 1 1
6mm[7 ⁄2 6 ⁄2 by 15 ⁄2 6 ⁄2 by 2 ⁄4 6 ⁄4 in.].
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Test Substrate Preparation
2. Terminology
5.1 Cut a kerf approximately 3.2 mm [ ⁄8 in.] wide and
44 mm [1 ⁄4 in.] deep lengthwise down the center of a precast
2.1 Definitions:
concrete patio block described in 4.6.
2.1.1 post-formed crack—for the purposes of this test
method, one that forms and widens behind the waterproofing
5.2 Cut a kerf in at least three blocks for each membrane to
membrane after it has been applied and cured.
be tested, and condition the blocks at the test temperature of 23
6 2 °C [73 6 4 °F] for at least 24 h. Testing at alternate
3. Significance and Use
temperatures is permitted. Any deviation in test temperature
must be indicated in the report.
3.1 This test method tests the hydrostatic resistance of a
waterproofing membrane and can be used to compare the 5.3 Condition all other materials necessary for the system to
hydrostatic resistance of waterproofing membranes.
be tested at the test temperature for at least 4 h.
6. Sample Preparation
6.1 Prime, surface condition, or otherwise prepare the sur-
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D08 on Roofing
and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.22 on
face of the block (opposite to the kerf) to receive the
Waterproofing and Dampproofing Systems.
membrane, as recommended by the manufacturer of the
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally
system. Permit the primer to dry or cure for the minimum time
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5385/D5385M – 93
ɛ1
(2014) . DOI: 10.1520/D5385_D5385M-20. recommended by the manufacturer.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5385/D5385M−20
FIG. 1 Chamber
FIG. 2 Clamping Bracket
FIG. 3 Completed Assembly
6.2 For sheet-applied membranes, cut and install the mem- center of the kerf in the other side of the blocks. The edges of
brane over the prepared block, with a lap of the width the lapped sheets shall extend beyond the block edges for a
recommended by the manufacturer perpendicular to and in the minimum of 6 mm [ ⁄4 in.].
...

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.
´1
Designation: D5385/D5385M − 93 (Reapproved 2014) D5385/D5385M − 20
Standard Test Method for
Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance of Waterproofing
Membranes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5385/D5385M; 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.
ε NOTE—Units information was editorially corrected in May 2014.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method measures the hydrostatic resistance of a waterproofing membrane under controlled laboratory conditions.
This test method is not suitable for systems that rely on confinement of the seams by the backfill since backfill is not part of this
test method.
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 non-conformancenonconformance with the standard.
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 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. Terminology
2.1 Definitions:
2.1.1 post-formed crack—for the purposes of this test method, one that forms and widens behind the waterproofing membrane after
it has been applied and cured.
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method tests the hydrostatic resistance of a waterproofing membrane and can be used to compare the hydrostatic
resistance of waterproofing membranes.
3.2 No correlation has been established between the performance in this test method and that in the field.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.22 on
Waterproofing and Dampproofing Systems.
Current edition approved May 1, 2014Oct. 1, 2020. Published May 2014October 2020. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20062014 as
ɛ1
D5385 – 93 (2006).D5385/D5385M – 93 (2014) . DOI: 10.1520/D5385_D5385M-93R14E01.10.1520/D5385_D5385M-20.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5385/D5385M − 20
4. Apparatus
4.1 Hydrostatic Testing Equipment, including a chamber (Fig. 1), and a clamping bracket (Fig. 2), and the gasket and fasteners
to form the completed assembly (Fig. 3).
4.2 Conditioning Room, with forced air circulation to maintain a temperature of 2 to 7°C [35 to 45°F] for testing sheet systems,
18 to 24°C [65 to 75°F] for liquid-applied systems, and large enough to condition, prepare, and test samples.forced-air circulation,
large enough to condition, prepare, and test samples while maintaining temperature within a maximum variation of 62 °C [64 °F]
from the test temperature.
4.3 Source of Compressed Air, with pressure up to 690 kPa [100 psi] and with an air pressure controller to regulate the air in
103-kPa [15-psi] increments.
4.4 Cut Off Saw, equipped with a diamond or masonry blade, to prepare precast concrete blocks for testing substrates.
4.5 Clock—Either a common time piece or a 1-h interval timer.
4.5 Silicone Vacuum Grease.
3 3
4.6 Precast-Concrete Precast Concrete Patio Blocks, 125-lb/ft2000 kg ⁄m [125 lb ⁄ft ] minimum density, 2100-psi 14.5 MPa
1 1 1
[2100 psi] minimum compressive strength, smooth surfaced, 191 6 12 by 394 by 51 mm 6 12 by 57 6 6 mm [7 ⁄2 6 ⁄2 by 15 ⁄2
1 1 1
6 ⁄2 by 2 ⁄4 6 ⁄4 in.].
5. Test Substrate Preparation
1 3
5.1 Cut an approximately 3.2-mm a kerf approximately 3.2 mm [ ⁄8-in.] wide kerf 44 mm in.] wide and 44 mm [1 ⁄4 in.] deep
1 1
lengthwise down the center of a 191 by 394 by 51-mm [7precast concrete patio block described in ⁄2 4.6by 15. ⁄2 by 2-in.] concrete
block.
5.2 Cut a kerf in at least three blocks for each systemmembrane to be tested, and condition the blocks at the test temperature of
23 6 2 °C [73 6 4 °F] for at least 24 h. Testing at alternate temperatures is permitted. Any deviation in test temperature must be
indicated in the report.
5.3 Condition all other materials necessary for the system to be tested at the test temperature for at least 4 h.
6. Sample Preparation
6.1 Prime, surface condition, or otherwise prepare the surface of the block to (opposite to the kerf) to receive the membrane, as
recommended by the manufacturer of the system. Permit the primer to dry or cure for the minimum time recommended by the
manufacturer.
FIG. 1 Chamber
D5385/D5385M − 20
FIG. 2 Clamping Bracket
FIG. 3 Completed Assembly
6.2 For single-ply sheet samples, sheet-applied membranes, cut and install the membrane over the prepared block, with a lap of
the width recommended by the manufacturer perpendicular to and in the center of the kerf in the other side of th
...