ASTM C1306/C1306M-08(2023)

Standard Test Method for Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance of a Liquid-Applied Waterproofing Membrane

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used as a screening tool to determine the hydrostatic pressure to which a liquid-applied waterproofing membrane may be subjected without failing when stretched over a crack in the substrate. This test method discriminates between a membrane that is very resistant to hydrostatic pressure and one that is not. Because of the variability inherent in this test method, it is not recommended that this test method be used to set a numerical standard for hydrostatic pressure resistance. No prediction of durability at lower hydrostatic pressures can be made when using the results of this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for determining the resistance of a waterproofing membrane to hydrostatic pressure.  
1.2 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.  
1.3 There are no ISO standards similar or equivalent to this ASTM standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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: 31-Aug-2023
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.22 - Waterproofing and Dampproofing Systems

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C1375-00(2020) - Standard Guide for Substrates Used in Testing Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM C717-19 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-18 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C717-17a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-17 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-16a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-16 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-14a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C1375-00(2014) - Standard Guide for Substrates Used in Testing Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-13 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM C717-12b - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-11a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2011

Overview

ASTM C1306/C1306M-08(2023) is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the hydrostatic pressure resistance of liquid-applied waterproofing membranes. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a laboratory procedure to evaluate how well a waterproofing membrane withstands water pressure, particularly when applied across substrate cracks. The method plays a crucial role in the screening and comparison of waterproofing membranes used in various construction and civil engineering applications, supporting product selection and quality control.

This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing, specifically Subcommittee D08.22 on Waterproofing and Dampproofing Systems.

Key Topics

• Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance: The test method exposes the membrane to steadily increasing hydrostatic pressure until failure, observing the pressure level at which resistance is overcome.
• Test Specimen Preparation: The membrane is applied to mortar or other substrates, with curing and conditioning requirements to ensure consistent results.
• Crack Coverage Evaluation: Simulates real-world service conditions by testing membrane performance over intentionally introduced substrate cracks.
• Screening Tool: Designed as a comparative method rather than setting specific pass/fail criteria or numerical thresholds for hydrostatic pressure resistance.
• Repeatability and Reproducibility: Addresses inherent variability, providing data for comparing membrane performance within or across laboratories.
• Unit Standards: Specifies that either SI units or inch-pound units may be used, but not mixed.
• Safety and Environmental Guidance: Reminds users to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices during testing.

Applications

ASTM C1306/C1306M-08(2023) is widely used in the construction industry and by membrane manufacturers to assess the suitability and durability of liquid-applied waterproofing membranes. Key applications include:

• Product Development and Quality Control: Enables manufacturers and developers of waterproofing membranes to benchmark new or existing materials for hydrostatic pressure resistance in a controlled laboratory setting.
• Specification and Procurement: Assists architects, engineers, and specifiers in selecting membranes that demonstrate effective water resistance, particularly in applications where cracks or movement may occur in the substrate.
• Performance Evaluation: Provides valuable comparison data when selecting products for below-grade waterproofing, decks, roofs, tunnels, and other structures susceptible to water intrusion.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports documentation requirements for building codes, construction contracts, and industry best practices, even though it does not establish pass/fail performance criteria.
• Research and Development: Serves as a basis for research on new formulations and the long-term performance and behavior of waterproofing systems under hydrostatic stress.

Related Standards

While ASTM C1306/C1306M-08(2023) is unique-with no directly comparable ISO or other standards as of its latest revision-other relevant ASTM standards referenced within or useful in conjunction with this test method include:

• ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• ASTM C1375: Guide for Substrates Used in Testing Building Seals and Sealants

Professionals seeking to develop comprehensive waterproofing solutions may consult these standards for definitions, substrate preparation, and overall best practices.

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Keywords: ASTM C1306, hydrostatic pressure resistance, liquid-applied waterproofing membrane, waterproofing test, membrane testing, construction standards, building envelope, laboratory test method, waterproofing membrane performance.

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: C1306/C1306M − 08 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance of a Liquid-Applied
Waterproofing Membrane
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1306/C1306M; 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. Terminology
1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for 3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology C717 for definitions
determining the resistance of a waterproofing membrane to of technical terms used in this test method.
hydrostatic pressure.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.2 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not
aware of any comparable standards published by other orga- 4.1 This test method is conducted in two stages. In the first
stage, the test membrane is subjected to hydrostatic pressure
nizations.
that is increased steadily over an 8 h period until the specimen
1.3 There are no ISO standards similar or equivalent to this
fails or the maximum pressure is achieved. In the second part
ASTM standard.
of the test, three more specimens are subjected to hydrostatic
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
pressure that is increased slowly from 50 % of the failure value
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
to failure in 2.5 psi increments every two to three days.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
5. Significance and Use
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
5.1 This test method is used as a screening tool to determine
with the standard.
the hydrostatic pressure to which a liquid-applied waterproof-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ing membrane may be subjected without failing when stretched
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
over a crack in the substrate. This test method discriminates
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
between a membrane that is very resistant to hydrostatic
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
pressure and one that is not. Because of the variability inherent
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
in this test method, it is not recommended that this test method
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
be used to set a numerical standard for hydrostatic pressure
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
resistance. No prediction of durability at lower hydrostatic
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
pressures can be made when using the results of this test
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
method.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Comparison to Other Standards
6.1 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not
2. Referenced Documents
2 aware of any comparable standards published by other orga-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
nizations.
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
C1375 Guide for Substrates Used in Testing Building Seals
7. Apparatus and Materials
and Sealants
7.1 Test Apparatus, made of Schedule 80 PVC pipe pieces
and constructed as shown in Fig. 1.
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
7.2 Masking Tape.
Waterproofing and Dampproofing Systems.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally 7.3 TFE-Fluorocarbon or Polyethylene Spacers, three, 51
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C1306/C1306M – 08
by 19 by 3 mm [2 by 0.75 by 0.125 in.].
ɛ1
(2016) . DOI: 10.1520/C1306_C1306M-08R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 7.4 Circulating Hot-Air Oven.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
7.5 Source of Regulated Compressed Air, capable of at least
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 45 psig.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1306/C1306M − 08 (2023)
9.2 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and
preparing membrane materials for testing.
9.3 When a primer is required by the membrane
manufacturer, use the primer as instructed by the membrane
manufacturer.
10. Procedure
10.1 Application of the Membrane to the Test Substrate:
10.1.1 Prepare four specimens. One will be used for the
rapid screening test and the others will be used for the
long-term test.
10.1.2 Measure the thickness of each block to the nearest
0.025 mm [0.001 in.] using vernier calipers. Record this value.
10.1.3 For self-leveling membrane materials, lay the bound
blocks on a sand bed and level them. Apply 50 mm [1 in.] wide
masking tape around the perimeter of the joined test substrates
so that approximately half of the width of the tape protrudes
above the test surface on all four sides to form a dam. Add
sufficient material to yield a dry film thickness of 1.5 6 0.1 mm
[0.060 6 0.005 in.]. Check the coating thickness with a wet
film gage. The film thickness may be built up in several coats
if specified by the manufacturer.
10.1.4 For non-sag materials, stretch a rubber band around
the perimeter of the substrate to keep the joint closed. Apply a
film of membrane at a dry film thickness of 1.5 6 0.1 mm
NOTE 1—All parts made of schedule 80 PVC. [0.060 6 0.005 in.]. Ensure that the material is a uniform
thickness by using a draw-down bar or similar device.
FIG. 1 Testing Apparatus
10.1.5 Allow the membrane to cure one week at room
temperature and 50 % relative humidity followed by one week
in an oven at 70 °C [158 °F]. Remove the test specimens from
7.6 Epoxy Cement, with gap filling capability, or non-sag
construction mastic. the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature for at
least 1 h. Lay the specimens with membrane surface down on
7.7 Sealing Gaskets, eight, 102 mm [4 in.] outside diameter
release paper.
by 57 mm [2.25 in.] inside diameter by 6 mm [0.25 in.] thick
10.1.6 Using vernier calipers, carefully measure the thick-
made of very soft rubber.
ness of the substrate-membrane composite on either side of the
7.8 Vernier Calipers.
joint. Measure to the nearest 0.025 mm [0.001 in.]. Avoid
stretching or tearing the membrane while measurin
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