ASTM C367/C367M-16(2021)

Standard Test Methods for Strength Properties of Prefabricated Architectural Acoustical Tile or Lay-In Ceiling Panels

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Knowledge of hardness is useful in the development and the quality control of acoustical tile and lay-in ceiling panels. Deviation from an established hardness range will assist in pointing out processing errors or defective raw materials, thereby aiding the maintenance of uniform product quality.  
4.2 This property is also useful in comparing the relative abilities of materials to resist indentations on the panel surface caused by impacts.  
4.3 Since the hardness varies with the thickness, only samples of the same thickness shall be directly compared.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the strength properties of prefabricated architectural acoustical tile or lay-in ceiling panels as follows:    
Tests  
Sections  
Hardness  
4 to 9    
Friability  
10 to 16  
Sag  
17 to 23  
Transverse strength  
24 to 30  
1.2 Not all of the tests described in these test methods are necessary to evaluate any particular product for a specific use. In each instance, it is necessary to determine which properties are required.  
1.3 These test methods specify procedures that are used in product development, manufacturing control, specification acceptance, and service evaluation.  
1.4 Properties determined by these test methods reflect the performance of the materials under the specific conditions of the test, and do not necessarily indicate performance under conditions other than those specified herein.  
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 are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems will result in non-conformance 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: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2020
• ICS: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation
• Technical Committee: E33 - Building and Environmental Acoustics
• Drafting Committee: E33.04 - Application of Acoustical Materials and Systems

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C367/C367M − 16 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Methods for
Strength Properties of Prefabricated Architectural
Acoustical Tile or Lay-In Ceiling Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C367/C367M; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Materials used for absorbing sound generally have a porous, low-density structure. In comparison
with many building materials they are relatively fragile. Materials are available that possess adequate
strengthandstabilityandatthesametimeprovidegoodsoundabsorption.Thetestmethodsdescribed
here cover procedures for evaluating those physical properties related to strength.The methods are of
use in developing, manufacturing, and selecting acoustical tile or lay-in panels.
Keep in mind that a property related to strength is only one of several considerations important in
judging the usefulness of an acoustical material. For example, a material judged to be quite weak by
one of these tests is still desired for other reasons, and with adequate precautions, is shipped and
installed successfully.
1. Scope shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
from the two systems will result in non-conformance with the
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
standard.
strength properties of prefabricated architectural acoustical tile
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
or lay-in ceiling panels as follows:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Tests Sections
Hardness 4 to 9 responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Friability 10 to 16
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Sag 17 to 23
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Transverse strength 24 to 30
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2 Not all of the tests described in these test methods are
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
necessary to evaluate any particular product for a specific use.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
In each instance, it is necessary to determine which properties
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
are required.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.3 These test methods specify procedures that are used in
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
product development, manufacturing control, specification
acceptance, and service evaluation. 2. Referenced Documents
1.4 Properties determined by these test methods reflect the
2.1 ASTM Standards
performance of the materials under the specific conditions of
C634Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
the test, and do not necessarily indicate performance under
Acoustics
conditions other than those specified herein.
3. Terminology
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 Terms defined in Terminology C634.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1.1 acoustical material
each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system
3.1.2 sound absorption
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on
Building and EnvironmentalAcoustics and are the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee E33.04 on Application of Acoustical Materials and Systems. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published February 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C367/C367M–16. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C0367_C0367M-16R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
3.2.1 fissures—irregular depressions of varying lengths 8.3 Record the load shown on the testing machine when the
widths, and depths extending below the basic product face. penetrator reaches the specified depression as the hardness of
the specimen in newtons or pounds-force [newtons].
3.2.2 friable—easily crumbled.
3.2.3 sag—deviation of the acoustical tile or panel at its 9. Report
geometric center from the plane formed by the edges.
9.1 The report shall include the following:
9.1.1 Identification of the test material,
9.1.2 Method of conditioning including time of
HARDNESS
conditioning, temperature, °F or [°C] , and relative humid-
ity,%,
4. Significance and Use
9.1.3 Statement describing whether the finished or unfin-
4.1 Knowledgeofhardnessisusefulinthedevelopmentand
ishedsurfacewastestedandwhetherthefaceorthebackofthe
the quality control of acoustical tile and lay-in ceiling panels.
specimen was tested,
Deviation from an established hardness range will assist in
9.1.4 Average thickness for the five specimens, in. or [mm],
pointing out processing errors or defective raw materials,
9.1.5 Individual thicknesses for each of the five specimens,
thereby aiding the maintenance of uniform product quality.
in. or [mm],
9.1.6 Average hardness for the five specimens, lbf or [N],
4.2 This property is also useful in comparing the relative
and
abilities of materials to resist indentations on the panel surface
9.1.7 Individual hardness for each of the five specimens, lbf
caused by impacts.
or [N].
4.3 Since the hardness varies with the thickness, only
samples of the same thickness shall be directly compared.
FRIABILITY
10. Significance and Use
5. Apparatus
10.1 The friability test measures the susceptibility of an
5.1 Testing Machine—Any standard mechanical or hydrau-
acoustical product to edge and corner damage sustained during
lic testing machine capable of applying and measuring the
shipping, handling, and installing. Products that are friable and
requiredloadwithinanaccuracyof 61%shallbeused.Itshall
soft will erode considerably when subjected to rough treat-
be equipped with a 2.00 in. [50.8 mm] diameter metal ball, or
ment.
hemispherically shaped penetrator that bears upon the speci-
men surface.
11. Apparatus
11.1 Balance, accurate to within 0.5% of the weight of the
6. Test Specimens
smallest specimen tested.
6.1 Cut five 4 by 4in. [100 by 100 mm] specimens from a
11.2 Testing Container, consisting of an oak box with inside
single tile or panel. Cut the five specimens from representative
3 1
dimensions of 7 ⁄4 in. [200 mm] square by 7 ⁄2 in. [190 mm]
areas of the tile or ceiling panel.
deep and fitted with a cover on one end for inserting and
removing the specimens. The box shall be mounted so that it
7. Conditioning
can be rotated at 60 62 r/min on a horizontal axis that is
7.1 The strength properties of acoustical materials often perpendicular to its square dimension.
depend on the moisture content at the time of the test. 3 1
11.3 Red or White Oak Cubes,24, ⁄4 6 ⁄32in.[19 61mm]
Therefore,conditionmaterialsfortestunder“roomconditions”
on an edge, having a specific gravity of 0.65 6 0.02.
toconstantweight(within 61%)inanatmospheremaintained
11.3.1 Number each group of wood cubes 1 to 24. At the
at a relative humidity of 50 6 2%, and a temperature of 73 6
end of every 600-revolution test period, remove one “used”
2°F [23 6 1°C]. State in the test report any departure from this
cube (follow the number sequence and remove and discard the
recommended condition.
oldestcube)andreplacewithacorrespondingnumbered“new”
cube. In this manner, cube wear is eliminated as an uncon-
8. Procedure
trolled variable in the test method. When the corners of the
wood cubes have been worn so that the radius of curvature is
8.1 Place the specimen in the conditioning chamber and let
greater than ⁄16 in. [1.5 mm] or the cubes have become altered
it remain until equilibrium is obtained.
so as not to be comparable with new cubes, they shall be
8.2 Place the specimen on a flat surface under the loading
discarded and new ones used. A conventional machinist’s
penetrator of the test machine. Force the penetrator into the
radius gage shall be used for checking the cube edge wear.
specimen 0.25 6 0.01 in. [6.5 6 0.3 mm] below the original
11.4 Timer, consisting of a watch or clock capable of
surface (Note 1) at a rate of 0.10 in./min [2.5 mm/min].
measuring intervals of 10 min within 6 5.0 s.
NOTE 1—The original surface is defined as the point where the
penetrator first contacts the specimen. 12. Test Specimens
8.2.1 When possible, the penetrator shall bear between 12.1 Cut twelve 1 by 1in. [25 by 25mm] square specimens
perforations or fissures when testing perforated or fissured from a single tile or panel. The specimen thickness is equal to
material. the tile or panel thickness.
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
12.2 If the friability of original edges is of importance, to 90 6 3°F [23.0 to 32.0 6 1.5°C], and relative humidities of
separate tests shall be run on 1 by 1in. [25 by 25mm] 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 6 2%. The chamber shall be equipped
specimens having one or two original edges. with suitable recording equipment to record wet- and dry-bulb
temperatures (or dry bulb and relative humidity). This equip-
13. Conditioning
ment shall be checked periodically and calibrated with a
psychrometer that shall also be used to establish the test
13.1 Maintain standard conditions as described in 7.1 dur-
conditions.
ing preparation and testing of specimens.
18.2 Sample Test Frames and Racks, fabricated from non-
14. Procedure
ferrous metal, such as aluminum, and of suitable linear
14.1 Weigh the twelve specimens and record the combined dimensions as shown in Fig. 1. Frames shall be constructed of
1 1
weight to the nearest 0.1 g. ⁄4 by 1 ⁄2 in. [6 by 38 by 38-mm] angle with miter-cut corners.
Inside surfaces of corners shall be welded and ground smooth.
14.2 Place the 12 specimens and the 24 oak cubes in the
Framesshallbefabricatedsotheyarelevelandsquare.Overall
testing container. Close the top of the testing container and
insidedimensionsoftheframesshallbesuchthatthepanelsdo
rotate the container about its axis at a speed of 60 rpm for two
not touch the vertical edges of the frame if they expand under
10 min periods.At the end of each 10 min period, remove the
prolonged exposure to conditions of high humidity.
specimens from the box and determine the percentage of mass
18.2.1 Racks shall be constructed of a convenient design to
loss, due to pulverization and breakage. In the case of badly
hold one or more test frames in a horizontal plane; however, a
abraded specimens, remove up to twelve of the largest pieces
sufficient distance shall be maintained between frames to
remaining and weigh these for the determination. In rare cases,
permit adequate circulation of the test atmosphere and permit
no pieces may remain from an individual specimen. In this
test measurements without moving panels.
case, the weight loss shall be reported as 100%.
18.3 Zero-Plane Plate—In the event that measurements are
15. Calculation
made using the zero-plane plate, means of zeroing the dial
indicator (see 18.3.1), a zero-plane plate fabricated of ⁄4 in.
15.1 Calculate the percent mass loss for the 10 min and 20
[6-mm] thick by 3 in. [80 mm] wide steel or aluminum stock,
min periods to two significant figures using Eq 1
shallbeprovided.Thelengthoftheplateshallbe ⁄4in.[6mm]
mass loss,% 5 @~M 2 M !/M #·100 (1)
1 2 1
less than the inside width of the test frame.
18.3.1 Inthecaseofpanelswithawidthof24in.[610mm]
M 5 originalmass,g,and
or less, an alternative means of zeroing the sag bar dial
M 5 massafter10minperiodandmassafter20minperiod.
indicator shall be used. This consists of placing a zero-plane
16. Report plate in the test specimen frame parallel with the shortest
member of the frame, and centered in the longest member of
16.1 The report shall include the following:
theframe.Thesagbaristhenplacedbeneaththeframeandthe
16.1.1 Identification of the test material,
dial gage is adjusted to read zero at the plane of the specimen
16.1.2 Method of conditioning including time of
surface.
conditioning, temperature, °F or [°C] , and relative humid-
18.4 Sag Bar, equipped with a dial or digital gage indicator
ity,%, and
having a minimum movement of 1 in. [25 mm] calibrated in
16.1.3 Percentage mass loss for the 10 and 20 min periods.
increments of 0.001 in. [0.025 mm] or less.The indicator shall
SAG
be equipped with a 0.50in. [13 mm] diameter pressure foot.
The bar shall be equipped with individually adjustable feet
17. Significance and Use
having ⁄4in. [20 mm] diameter bearing surfaces. The distance
17.1 This test method is for the purpose of determining the
between centers of the bearing surfaces shall be equal to the
sag properties of ceiling tile or panels under various conditions
nominal width of the test panel or tile. Fig. 2 shows a suitable
of humidity exposure. Tiles or panels of various sizes can be
sag bar design including spacing between bearing surfaces.
tested by using appropriately sized supporting frames.
19. Test Specimens
17.2 The test method will provide both the initial reading in
reference to the plane of the edge support system and the total 19.1 Test specimens shall be full-size tile or panels as
humidity-induced sag. shipped for installation in the field.
17.3 This test method is not designed to establish the
20. Conditioning
expected performance of the ceiling panels under field condi-
20.1 Condition specimens as described in 7.1 prior to
tions of use, but only the sag properties for the specific
placing in the controlled atmosphere chamber for sag testing.
temperature, humidity, exposure time, and mounting condi-
tions used in the test.
21. Procedure
18. Apparatus
21.1 Adjust the chamber controls to provide one of the
18.1 Controlled-Atmosphere Chamber (Environmental temperature and humidity conditions selected from those listed
Chamber),capableofoperatingatadry-bulbtemperatureof73 in 18.1.
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
FIG. 1 Sag Test Frame
Panel Minimum Linear Dimension,
Dimension A, in. [mm]
in. [mm]
12 [305] 6 [150]
24 [610] 12 [305]
48 [1220] 24 [610]
60 [1525] 30 [760]
FIG. 2 Sag Bar
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
21.2 Place the sag bar on a flat surface, such as a rigid 23.1.4 Temperature, °F or [°C] , and relative humidity, % at
aluminum bar of a length appropriate to the size of the sag bar the test c
...

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: C367/C367M − 16 C367/C367M − 16 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Methods for
Strength Properties of Prefabricated Architectural
Acoustical Tile or Lay-In Ceiling Panels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C367/C367M; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Materials used for absorbing sound generally have a porous, low-density structure. In comparison
with many building materials they are relatively fragile. Materials are available that possess adequate
strength and stability and at the same time provide good sound absorption. The test methods described
here cover procedures for evaluating those physical properties related to strength. The methods are of
use in developing, manufacturing, and selecting acoustical tile or lay-in panels.
Keep in mind that a property related to strength is only one of several considerations important in
judging the usefulness of an acoustical material. For example, a material judged to be quite weak by
one of these tests is still desired for other reasons, and with adequate precautions, is shipped and
installed successfully.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the strength properties of prefabricated architectural acoustical tile or lay-in
ceiling panels as follows:
Tests Sections
Hardness 4 to 9
Friability 10 to 16
Sag 17 to 23
Transverse strength 24 to 30
1.2 Not all of the tests described in these test methods are necessary to evaluate any particular product for a specific use. In each
instance, it is necessary to determine which properties are required.
1.3 These test methods specify procedures that are used in product development, manufacturing control, specification acceptance,
and service evaluation.
1.4 Properties determined by these test methods reflect the performance of the materials under the specific conditions of the test,
and do not necessarily indicate performance under conditions other than those specified herein.
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
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E33.04 on Application of Acoustical Materials and Systems.
Current edition approved May 1, 2016Jan. 1, 2021. Published June 2016February 2021. Originally approved in 1955. Last previous edition approved in 20092016 as
C367/C367M – 09.C367/C367M – 16. DOI: 10.1520/C0367_C0367M-16.10.1520/C0367_C0367M-16R21.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two
systems will result in non-conformance 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
3. Terminology
3.1 Terms defined in Terminology C634.
3.1.1 acoustical material
3.1.2 sound absorption
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 fissures—irregular depressions of varying lengths widths, and depths extending below the basic product face.
3.2.2 friable—easily crumbled.
3.2.3 sag—deviation of the acoustical tile or panel at its geometric center from the plane formed by the edges.
HARDNESS
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Knowledge of hardness is useful in the development and the quality control of acoustical tile and lay-in ceiling panels.
Deviation from an established hardness range will assist in pointing out processing errors or defective raw materials, thereby aiding
the maintenance of uniform product quality.
4.2 This property is also useful in comparing the relative abilities of materials to resist indentations on the panel surface caused
by impacts.
4.3 Since the hardness varies with the thickness, only samples of the same thickness shall be directly compared.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Testing Machine—Any standard mechanical or hydraulic testing machine capable of applying and measuring the required load
within an accuracy of 61 % shall be used. It shall be equipped with a 2.00 in. [50.8 mm] diameter metal ball, or hemispherically
shaped penetrator that bears upon the specimen surface.
6. Test Specimens
6.1 Cut five 4 by 4 in. [100 by 100 mm] specimens from a single tile or panel. Cut the five specimens from representative areas
of the tile or ceiling panel.
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 the ASTM website.
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
7. Conditioning
7.1 The strength properties of acoustical materials often depend on the moisture content at the time of the test. Therefore, condition
materials for test under “room conditions” to constant weight (within 61 %) in an atmosphere maintained at a relative humidity
of 50 6 2 %, and a temperature of 73 6 2°F [23 6 1°C]. State in the test report any departure from this recommended condition.
8. Procedure
8.1 Place the specimen in the conditioning chamber and let it remain until equilibrium is obtained.
8.2 Place the specimen on a flat surface under the loading penetrator of the test machine. Force the penetrator into the specimen
0.25 6 0.01 in. [6.5 6 0.3 mm] below the original surface (Note 1) at a rate of 0.10 in./min [2.5 mm/min].
NOTE 1—The original surface is defined as the point where the penetrator first contacts the specimen.
8.2.1 When possible, the penetrator shall bear between perforations or fissures when testing perforated or fissured material.
8.3 Record the load shown on the testing machine when the penetrator reaches the specified depression as the hardness of the
specimen in newtons or pounds-force [newtons].
9. Report
9.1 The report shall include the following:
9.1.1 Identification of the test material,
9.1.2 Method of conditioning including time of conditioning, temperature, °F or [°C] , and relative humidity, %,
9.1.3 Statement describing whether the finished or unfinished surface was tested and whether the face or the back of the specimen
was tested,
9.1.4 Average thickness for the five specimens, in. or [mm],
9.1.5 Individual thicknesses for each of the five specimens, in. or [mm],
9.1.6 Average hardness for the five specimens, lbf or [N], and
9.1.7 Individual hardness for each of the five specimens, lbf or [N].
FRIABILITY
10. Significance and Use
10.1 The friability test measures the susceptibility of an acoustical product to edge and corner damage sustained during shipping,
handling, and installing. Products that are friable and soft will erode considerably when subjected to rough treatment.
11. Apparatus
11.1 Balance, accurate to within 0.5 % of the weight of the smallest specimen tested.
3 1
11.2 Testing Container, consisting of an oak box with inside dimensions of 7 ⁄4 in. [200 mm] square by 7 ⁄2 in. [190 mm] deep
and fitted with a cover on one end for inserting and removing the specimens. The box shall be mounted so that it can be rotated
at 60 62 r/min on a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to its square dimension.
3 1
11.3 Red or White Oak Cubes, 24, ⁄4 6 ⁄32 in. [19 6 1 mm] on an edge, having a specific gravity of 0.65 6 0.02.
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
11.3.1 Number each group of wood cubes 1 to 24. At the end of every 600-revolution test period, remove one “used” cube (follow
the number sequence and remove and discard the oldest cube) and replace with a corresponding numbered “new” cube. In this
manner, cube wear is eliminated as an uncontrolled variable in the test method. When the corners of the wood cubes have been
worn so that the radius of curvature is greater than ⁄16 in. [1.5 mm] or the cubes have become altered so as not to be comparable
with new cubes, they shall be discarded and new ones used. A conventional machinist’s radius gage shall be used for checking the
cube edge wear.
11.4 Timer, consisting of a watch or clock capable of measuring intervals of 10 min within 6 5.0 s.
12. Test Specimens
12.1 Cut twelve 1 by 1 in. [25 by 25 mm] square specimens from a single tile or panel. The specimen thickness is equal to the
tile or panel thickness.
12.2 If the friability of original edges is of importance, separate tests shall be run on 1 by 1 in. [25 by 25 mm] specimens having
one or two original edges.
13. Conditioning
13.1 Maintain standard conditions as described in 7.1 during preparation and testing of specimens.
14. Procedure
14.1 Weigh the twelve specimens and record the combined weight to the nearest 0.1 g.
14.2 Place the 12 specimens and the 24 oak cubes in the testing container. Close the top of the testing container and rotate the
container about its axis at a speed of 60 rpm for two 10 min periods. At the end of each 10 min period, remove the specimens from
the box and determine the percentage of mass loss, due to pulverization and breakage. In the case of badly abraded specimens,
remove up to twelve of the largest pieces remaining and weigh these for the determination. In rare cases, no pieces may remain
from an individual specimen. In this case, the weight loss shall be reported as 100 %.
15. Calculation
15.1 Calculate the percent mass loss for the 10 min and 20 min periods to two significant figures using Eq 1
mass loss, %5 @~M 2 M !/M #·100 (1)
1 2 1
M 5 original mass, g, and
M 5 mass after 10 min period and mass after 20 min period.
16. Report
16.1 The report shall include the following:
16.1.1 Identification of the test material,
16.1.2 Method of conditioning including time of conditioning, temperature, °F or [°C] , and relative humidity, %, and
16.1.3 Percentage mass loss for the 10 and 20 min periods.
SAG
17. Significance and Use
17.1 This test method is for the purpose of determining the sag properties of ceiling tile or panels under various conditions of
humidity exposure. Tiles or panels of various sizes can be tested by using appropriately sized supporting frames.
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
17.2 The test method will provide both the initial reading in reference to the plane of the edge support system and the total
humidity-induced sag.
17.3 This test method is not designed to establish the expected performance of the ceiling panels under field conditions of use,
but only the sag properties for the specific temperature, humidity, exposure time, and mounting conditions used in the test.
18. Apparatus
18.1 Controlled-Atmosphere Chamber (Environmental Chamber), capable of operating at a dry-bulb temperature of 73 to 90 6
3°F [23.0 to 32.0 6 1.5°C], and relative humidities of 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 6 2 %. The chamber shall be equipped with suitable
recording equipment to record wet- and dry-bulb temperatures (or dry bulb and relative humidity). This equipment shall be checked
periodically and calibrated with a psychrometer that shall also be used to establish the test conditions.
18.2 Sample Test Frames and Racks, fabricated from nonferrous metal, such as aluminum, and of suitable linear dimensions as
1 1
shown in Fig. 1. Frames shall be constructed of ⁄4 by 1 ⁄2 in. [6 by 38 by 38-mm] angle with miter-cut corners. Inside surfaces
of corners shall be welded and ground smooth. Frames shall be fabricated so they are level and square. Overall inside dimensions
of the frames shall be such that the panels do not touch the vertical edges of the frame if they expand under prolonged exposure
to conditions of high humidity.
18.2.1 Racks shall be constructed of a convenient design to hold one or more test frames in a horizontal plane; however, a
sufficient distance shall be maintained between frames to permit adequate circulation of the test atmosphere and permit test
measurements without moving panels.
FIG. 1 Sag Test Frame
C367/C367M − 16 (2021)
18.3 Zero-Plane Plate—In the event that measurements are made using the zero-plane plate, means of zeroing the dial indicator
(see 18.3.1), a zero-plane plate fabricated of ⁄4 in. [6-mm] thick by 3 in. [80 mm] wide steel or aluminum stock, shall be provided.
The length of the plate shall be ⁄4 in. [6 mm] less than the inside width of the test frame.
18.3.1 In the case of panels with a width of 24 in. [610 mm] or less, an alternative means of zeroing the sag bar dial indicator
shall be used. This consists of placing a zero-plane plate in the test specimen frame parallel with the shortest member of the frame,
and centered in the longest member of the frame. The sag bar is then placed beneath the frame and the dial gage is adjusted to
read zero at the plane of the specimen surface.
18.4 Sag Bar, equipped with a dial or digital gage indicator having a minimum movement of 1 in. [25 mm] calibrated in increments
of 0.001 in. [0.025 mm] or less. The indicator shall be equipped with a 0.50 in. [13 mm] diameter pressure foot. The bar shall be
equipped with individually adjustable feet having ⁄4 in. [20 mm] diameter bearing surfaces. The distance between centers of the
bearing surfaces shall be equal to the nominal width of the test panel or tile. Fig. 2 shows a suitable sag bar design including
spacing between bearing surfaces.
19. Test Specimens
19.1 Test specimens shall be full-size tile or panels as shipped for installation in the field.
20. Conditioning
20.1 C
...