ASTM D6383/D6383M-99(2021)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Time-to-Failure (Creep-Rupture) of Adhesive Joints Fabricated from EPDM Roof Membrane Material
Standard Practice for Time-to-Failure (Creep-Rupture) of Adhesive Joints Fabricated from EPDM Roof Membrane Material
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 An important factor affecting the performance of seams of EPDM membranes is their ability to remain bonded over the membrane's expected service life. Time-to-failure tests provide a means of characterizing the behavior of joints under constant load over time.
Note 1: Table 1 is based on the results of an industry government consortium study on creep-rupture resistance (time-to-failure) of EPDM adhesive joints.4,5 Referral to Footnotes 4 and 5 provides typical time-to-failure data, developed under the conditions in Table 1, for EPDM joints fabricated in the laboratory with non-reinforced EPDM roof membrane material, butyl-based tapes, and liquid adhesives. It is noted that the peel load specified in this practice is 9.8 N [2.2 lbf]. The peel load under which the tests described in Footnotes 4 and 5 were conducted was 9.3 N [2.1 lbf]. A load of 9.8 N [2.2 lbf] corresponds to 1 kgf [2.2 lbf], and dead weights of 1-kg [2.2-lbm] mass are available through laboratory equipment supply houses. Similarly, a load of 29.4 N [6.6 lbf] corresponds to a dead weight of 3-kg [6.6-lbm] mass.
5.2 Time-to-failure tests complement other mechanical tests such as strength for characterizing joints of EPDM roof membranes, and can be incorporated in specifications for adhesives for joining EPDM roof membrane material.
5.3 This practice, which is specific to EPDM joints, complements Test Method D5405/D5405M that provides general requirements for the preparation and creep-rupture testing of joints fabricated from any nonbituminous organic roof membrane material.
5.4 Laboratory experience in conducting time-to-failure tests of joints EPDM roof membranes has shown that specimens are less creep-resistant under peel loading than under shear loading. Consequently, the majority of the tests stipulated in this practice are performed under peel loading.
5.5 This practice does not develop time-to-failure data on all environmental conditions to which EPDM adhesive seams can be subjec...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers sample preparation temperatures, test parameters, and specimen exposure conditions that are applicable when Test Method D5405/D5405M is used for conducting time-to-failure (creep-rupture) tests of adhesive joints fabricated from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) roof membrane material.
1.2 This practice is applicable to joints fabricated in the laboratory from EPDM roof membrane materials and adhesives received from suppliers, and to joints prepared from EPDM seams sampled from field installations.
1.3 The joints are bonded using preformed tape or liquid-based adhesives, and EPDM roof membrane materials that are non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced, and fabric backed. Primers are also used as recommended for the specific adhesive.
1.4 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of this practice.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
1.7 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-Nov-2021
- Technical Committee
- D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
- Drafting Committee
- D08.18 - Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2008
Overview
ASTM D6383/D6383M-99(2021) – Standard Practice for Time-to-Failure (Creep-Rupture) of Adhesive Joints Fabricated from EPDM Roof Membrane Material specifies procedures for evaluating the durability of adhesive joints using ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) roof membrane materials. This standard practice is crucial for determining the expected service life of EPDM membrane seams under long-term load and for characterizing how environmental factors and bonding materials affect seam performance.
These time-to-failure (creep-rupture) tests provide vital data for manufacturers, contractors, and quality control personnel to ensure the longevity and quality of roofing systems employing EPDM membranes.
Key Topics
- Scope and Applicability: Covers sample preparation, test parameters, and exposure conditions for laboratory and field-fabricated EPDM adhesive joints, including both tape and liquid adhesives.
- Test Methods: Describes preparation of specimens, application of peel and shear loads, artificial environmental exposures (heat, humidity, freeze-thaw), and time-to-failure procedures.
- Creep-Rupture Testing: Focuses on measuring the time it takes for adhesive joints in EPDM roofing membranes to fail under constant stress, providing insights into long-term seam durability.
- Complementary Practices: Designed to be used with ASTM D5405/D5405M, which outlines general requirements for nonbituminous organic roof membrane joints.
- Practical Notes: Outlines that test values must be reported separately in SI and inch-pound units, and users must follow appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices.
Applications
The standard is widely applicable across the roofing and waterproofing industry to:
- Manufacturers of EPDM membranes and adhesives – for product development, specification, and certification.
- Contractors and roofing professionals – to ensure installation practices yield reliable, long-lasting seams.
- Quality Control – supporting routine testing of supplied adhesives and membrane seams, both from factory and field samples.
- Comparative Analysis – enabling benchmarking of different adhesives (tape vs. liquid) and preparation conditions for optimal seam performance.
- Research – allowing for evaluation of new adhesive technologies or modified EPDM materials regarding their resistance to long-term loading and environmental exposure.
Typical use cases include specification compliance during manufacturing, field acceptance of installed systems, warranty validation, and troubleshooting of installed EPDM roofing where seam durability may be questioned.
Related Standards
- ASTM D5405/D5405M: Test Method for Conducting Time-to-Failure (Creep-Rupture) Tests of Joints Fabricated from Nonbituminous Organic Roof Membrane Material.
- ASTM D907: Terminology of Adhesives.
- ASTM D1079: Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing.
- SPRI Recommended Laboratory Test Methods: For liquid and tape adhesives used to splice single-ply membranes.
Practical Value
Implementing ASTM D6383/D6383M ensures:
- Reliable service life predictions for EPDM roof membrane seams.
- Evidence-based selection of adhesives and adhesives systems for specified applications.
- Improved endurance of roofing installations through systematic laboratory and field specimen evaluation.
- Enhanced durability by understanding effects of different preparation temperatures and environmental exposures on seam performance.
- Industry alignment, as this standard was developed in line with international principles of standardization set by the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
By following ASTM D6383/D6383M, stakeholders can reduce the risk of premature seam failures, optimize material selection, and support robust warranties for building owners-all vital in modern flat roofing applications where EPDM continues to be a popular, high-performance solution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D6383/D6383M-99(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Time-to-Failure (Creep-Rupture) of Adhesive Joints Fabricated from EPDM Roof Membrane Material". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 An important factor affecting the performance of seams of EPDM membranes is their ability to remain bonded over the membrane's expected service life. Time-to-failure tests provide a means of characterizing the behavior of joints under constant load over time. Note 1: Table 1 is based on the results of an industry government consortium study on creep-rupture resistance (time-to-failure) of EPDM adhesive joints.4,5 Referral to Footnotes 4 and 5 provides typical time-to-failure data, developed under the conditions in Table 1, for EPDM joints fabricated in the laboratory with non-reinforced EPDM roof membrane material, butyl-based tapes, and liquid adhesives. It is noted that the peel load specified in this practice is 9.8 N [2.2 lbf]. The peel load under which the tests described in Footnotes 4 and 5 were conducted was 9.3 N [2.1 lbf]. A load of 9.8 N [2.2 lbf] corresponds to 1 kgf [2.2 lbf], and dead weights of 1-kg [2.2-lbm] mass are available through laboratory equipment supply houses. Similarly, a load of 29.4 N [6.6 lbf] corresponds to a dead weight of 3-kg [6.6-lbm] mass. 5.2 Time-to-failure tests complement other mechanical tests such as strength for characterizing joints of EPDM roof membranes, and can be incorporated in specifications for adhesives for joining EPDM roof membrane material. 5.3 This practice, which is specific to EPDM joints, complements Test Method D5405/D5405M that provides general requirements for the preparation and creep-rupture testing of joints fabricated from any nonbituminous organic roof membrane material. 5.4 Laboratory experience in conducting time-to-failure tests of joints EPDM roof membranes has shown that specimens are less creep-resistant under peel loading than under shear loading. Consequently, the majority of the tests stipulated in this practice are performed under peel loading. 5.5 This practice does not develop time-to-failure data on all environmental conditions to which EPDM adhesive seams can be subjec... SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers sample preparation temperatures, test parameters, and specimen exposure conditions that are applicable when Test Method D5405/D5405M is used for conducting time-to-failure (creep-rupture) tests of adhesive joints fabricated from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) roof membrane material. 1.2 This practice is applicable to joints fabricated in the laboratory from EPDM roof membrane materials and adhesives received from suppliers, and to joints prepared from EPDM seams sampled from field installations. 1.3 The joints are bonded using preformed tape or liquid-based adhesives, and EPDM roof membrane materials that are non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced, and fabric backed. Primers are also used as recommended for the specific adhesive. 1.4 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of this practice. 1.5 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. 1.6 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. 1.7 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 An important factor affecting the performance of seams of EPDM membranes is their ability to remain bonded over the membrane's expected service life. Time-to-failure tests provide a means of characterizing the behavior of joints under constant load over time. Note 1: Table 1 is based on the results of an industry government consortium study on creep-rupture resistance (time-to-failure) of EPDM adhesive joints.4,5 Referral to Footnotes 4 and 5 provides typical time-to-failure data, developed under the conditions in Table 1, for EPDM joints fabricated in the laboratory with non-reinforced EPDM roof membrane material, butyl-based tapes, and liquid adhesives. It is noted that the peel load specified in this practice is 9.8 N [2.2 lbf]. The peel load under which the tests described in Footnotes 4 and 5 were conducted was 9.3 N [2.1 lbf]. A load of 9.8 N [2.2 lbf] corresponds to 1 kgf [2.2 lbf], and dead weights of 1-kg [2.2-lbm] mass are available through laboratory equipment supply houses. Similarly, a load of 29.4 N [6.6 lbf] corresponds to a dead weight of 3-kg [6.6-lbm] mass. 5.2 Time-to-failure tests complement other mechanical tests such as strength for characterizing joints of EPDM roof membranes, and can be incorporated in specifications for adhesives for joining EPDM roof membrane material. 5.3 This practice, which is specific to EPDM joints, complements Test Method D5405/D5405M that provides general requirements for the preparation and creep-rupture testing of joints fabricated from any nonbituminous organic roof membrane material. 5.4 Laboratory experience in conducting time-to-failure tests of joints EPDM roof membranes has shown that specimens are less creep-resistant under peel loading than under shear loading. Consequently, the majority of the tests stipulated in this practice are performed under peel loading. 5.5 This practice does not develop time-to-failure data on all environmental conditions to which EPDM adhesive seams can be subjec... SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers sample preparation temperatures, test parameters, and specimen exposure conditions that are applicable when Test Method D5405/D5405M is used for conducting time-to-failure (creep-rupture) tests of adhesive joints fabricated from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) roof membrane material. 1.2 This practice is applicable to joints fabricated in the laboratory from EPDM roof membrane materials and adhesives received from suppliers, and to joints prepared from EPDM seams sampled from field installations. 1.3 The joints are bonded using preformed tape or liquid-based adhesives, and EPDM roof membrane materials that are non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced, and fabric backed. Primers are also used as recommended for the specific adhesive. 1.4 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of this practice. 1.5 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. 1.6 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. 1.7 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.
ASTM D6383/D6383M-99(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.060.20 - Roofs. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D6383/D6383M-99(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1079-20, ASTM D1079-18e1, ASTM D1079-18, ASTM D1079-16, ASTM D1079-13e1, ASTM D1079-13, ASTM D907-12a, ASTM D907-12, ASTM D907-11a, ASTM D5405/D5405M-98(2011)e1, ASTM D907-11, ASTM D1079-10, ASTM D1079-09, ASTM D907-08b, ASTM D907-08a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D6383/D6383M-99(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D6383/D6383M − 99 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Time-to-Failure (Creep-Rupture) of Adhesive Joints
Fabricated from EPDM Roof Membrane Material
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6383/D6383M; 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 practice covers sample preparation temperatures, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
test parameters, and specimen exposure conditions that are D907Terminology of Adhesives
applicable when Test Method D5405/D5405M is used for D1079Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
conducting time-to-failure (creep-rupture) tests of adhesive D5405/D5405M Test Method for Conducting Time-to-
joints fabricated from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer Failure (Creep-Rupture) Tests of Joints Fabricated from
(EPDM) roof membrane material. Nonbituminous Organic Roof Membrane Material
2.2 SPRI Document:
1.2 This practice is applicable to joints fabricated in the
SPRIRecommended Laboratory Test Methods for Liquid
laboratory from EPDM roof membrane materials and adhe-
andTapeAdhesivesUsedtoSpliceSingle-PlyMembranes
sives received from suppliers, and to joints prepared from
EPDM seams sampled from field installations.
3. Terminology
1.3 The joints are bonded using preformed tape or liquid-
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
based adhesives, and EPDM roof membrane materials that are
practice, refer to Terminologies D907 and D1079.
non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced, and fabric backed.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Primers are also used as recommended for the specific adhe-
3.2.1 creep-rupture test—a test that measures the time-to-
sive.
failure of a specimen subjected to a constant load; progressive
1.4 Thispracticecontainsnotesthatareexplanatoryandare
specimen deformation may also be measured.
not part of the mandatory requirements of this practice.
3.2.2 failure—rupture of the bond resulting in complete
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
separation of its adherents under the test conditions; or,
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
alternatively, rupture of the membrane material away from the
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
bonded section of the test specimen (that is, material rupture).
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
3.2.3 time-to-failure—the period of time beginning when a
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
joint specimen is placed under load and ending when failure
with the standard.
occurs.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Practice
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Adhesive joints are prepared in the laboratory at ambi-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ent and low temperatures using tape or liquid adhesives and
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
EPDM roof membrane material. Creep-rupture tests are then
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
conducted in accordance with Test Method D5405/D5405M
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
before and after subjecting these joints to artificial exposure in
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the laboratory. The loads are applied in either peel or shear
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
configurations at ambient and elevated temperatures. Table 1
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
summarizes the preparation temperatures, test parameters, and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 2
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD08onRoofingand For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.18 on Nonbi- contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
tuminous Organic Roof Coverings. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D6383/D6383M–99 AvailablefromSinglePlyRoofingInstitute(SPRI),77RumfordAve.,Suite3B,
(2015). DOI: 10.1520/D6383_D6383M-99R21. Waltham, MA 02453.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6383/D6383M − 99 (2021)
TABLE 1 Summary of the Sample Preparation Temperature, Test Parameters, and Exposure Conditions Incorporated in the Practice
Sample Test Parameters
Sample
Preparation Artificial Exposure Before Testing
Set
Temperature Temperature Loading Load Conditions
Number
°C °F °C °F Peel N lbf
1 23 73 23 73 Peel 9.8 2.2 None
2 23 73 70 158 Peel 9.8 2.2 None
3 −4 25 23 73 Peel 9.8 2.2 None
4 23 73 23 73 Peel 9.8 2.2 Heat: 90 °C [194 °F] for 90 days
5 23 73 23 73 Peel 9.8 2.2 Dry heat, wet heat, and freeze-thaw
cycling according to SPRI procedure
(see 9.1.2)
6 23 73 23 73 Shear 29.4 6.6 None
7 23 73 70 158 Shear 29.4 6.6 None
exposureconditionsincorporatedinthispractice.Alternatively, 5.4 Laboratory experience in conducting time-to-failure
adhesive joints are prepared from EPDM seams sampled from tests of joints EPDM roof membranes has shown that speci-
roofs in service, and then subjected directly to creep-rupture mens are less creep-resistant under peel loading than under
testing. shearloading.Consequently,themajorityofthetestsstipulated
in this practice are performed under peel loading.
5. Significance and Use
5.5 Thispracticedoesnotdeveloptime-to-failuredataonall
environmental conditions to which EPDM adhesive seams can
5.1 An important factor affecting the performance of seams
ofEPDMmembranesistheirabilitytoremainbondedoverthe be subjected in service.
membrane’sexpectedservicelife.Time-to-failuretestsprovide
6. Test Specimen
a means of characterizing the behavior of joints under constant
load over time.
6.1 Laboratory Specimens—Prepare peel specimens and
shear specimens as described in Section 8 of Test Method
NOTE 1—Table 1 is based on the results of an industry government
consortium study on creep-rupture resistance (time-to-failure) of EPDM D5405/D5405M. Table 1 lists the seven sample sets for which
4,5
adhesive joints. Referral to Footnotes 4 and 5 provides typical time-to-
specimens are prepared.
failure data, developed under the conditions in Table 1, for EPDM joints
6.1.1 Peel Specimen Dimensions—The dimensions of the
fabricated in the laboratory with non-reinforced EPDM roof membrane
peel specimens shall be 125 by 25 mm [5 by 1 in.] 6 2%.The
material, butyl-based tapes, and liquid a
...
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