ASTM D4798/D4798M-11(2021)

Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Xenon-Arc Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Tests conducted according to this practice are used to compare the weathering characteristics of bituminous materials versus a control material of known outdoor durability. It is not possible to establish a single relationship that is applicable to all materials between time in accelerated tests conducted according to this practice and time in natural weathering because (1) there are geographical climatic variations, local weather variations, and variations in local pollutants, and (2) the relation between accelerated and natural weathering is material dependent with differences in acceleration factors between materials as well as for different formulations of the same material. Guide G141 provides guidance regarding variability in outdoor and accelerated weathering tests and about the use of control materials.  
Note 1: It is recommended that outdoor weathering be used to validate the laboratory accelerated test in terms of performance ranking.
Note 2: This practice can be used for other than bituminous materials, but the significance and use have not been evaluated.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers test conditions and procedures for xenon-arc exposures according to Practices G151 and G155 for bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials. (See Terminology G113.)  
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: 31-Dec-2020
• ICS: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.02 - Steep Roofing Products and Assemblies

Relations

• Refers: ASTM G147-17 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM G113-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1669/D1669M-07(2013)e1 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Test Panels for Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1670/D1670M-11 - Standard Test Method for Failure End Point in Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1670/D1670M-04(2011)e1 - Standard Test Method for Failure End Point in Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011
• Refers: ASTM G151-10 - Standard Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM G141-09 - Standard Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing on Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Refers: ASTM G151-09 - Standard Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM G113-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM G147-09 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM G113-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Refers: ASTM G169-01(2008)e1 - Standard Guide for Application of Basic Statistical Methods to Weathering Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM G113-06e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM G113-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM G151-06 - Standard Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006

Overview

ASTM D4798/D4798M-11(2021): Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials (Xenon-Arc Method) provides standardized guidance for conducting accelerated weathering tests on bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials using a xenon-arc light source. Developed by ASTM Committee D08, this international standard aims to facilitate consistent evaluation of weathering resistance by simulating long-term outdoor exposure under controlled laboratory conditions.

This practice is applicable for comparing the degradation and durability of bituminous materials to a control sample with known outdoor performance. While it provides a reliable laboratory method, it acknowledges that differences in climate, pollutants, and material formulations prevent a universal correlation between accelerated and natural weathering outcomes.

Key Topics

• Accelerated Weathering Methods: Outlines procedures for exposing bituminous specimens to cycles of light, temperature, and water using xenon-arc apparatus, following either Cycle A or Cycle B regimes.
• Test Specimen Preparation: Recommends specimen preparation according to ASTM standards (e.g., D1669/D1669M), with bituminous coatings applied to aluminum panels or similar substrates.
• Equipment and Apparatus: Requires xenon-arc devices compliant with Practices G151 and G155, using appropriate filters and radiometers for precise monitoring of irradiance and environmental parameters.
• Water Purity: Emphasizes the use of ultra-pure water for spray cycles to avoid surface staining or deposits that could affect test results.
• Reporting and Results: Specifies details to include in test reports, such as cycle types, irradiance levels, panel temperatures, and any humidity or air temperature control settings.
• Evaluation of Specimens: Describes visual and quantitative methods for assessing material changes, such as surface degradation, physical property alterations, or comparative performance ranking against a control.

Applications

The primary value of ASTM D4798/D4798M is in its ability to:

• Enable manufacturers and researchers to evaluate and compare the weathering durability of bituminous roofing, shingles, waterproofing membranes, and similar products.
• Support product development by identifying degradation rates and common failure modes under accelerated conditions, helping to optimize material formulations.
• Provide a standardized benchmark for quality control processes, contract specifications, and regulatory compliance within the roofing and waterproofing industries.
• Help validate laboratory test results against actual outdoor weathering behavior by recommending the use of outdoor exposure as a performance check.

While the procedure is designed specifically for bituminous materials, its methodology may be adapted to other nonmetallic construction products, though its effectiveness for such applications has not been fully established in the standard.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards are referenced or closely related to ASTM D4798/D4798M, including:

• ASTM G151: Practice for exposing nonmetallic materials in accelerated test devices using laboratory light sources.
• ASTM G155: Practice for operating xenon-arc light apparatus for exposure of nonmetallic materials.
• ASTM D1669/D1669M: Practice for preparation of test panels for accelerated and outdoor weathering of bituminous coatings.
• ASTM D1670/D1670M: Test method for failure end point in accelerated and outdoor weathering of bituminous materials.
• ASTM G113: Terminology relating to natural and artificial weathering tests of nonmetallic materials.
• ASTM G141: Guide for addressing variability in exposure testing.
• ASTM G147: Practice for conditioning and handling of nonmetallic materials for weathering tests.
• ASTM G169: Guide for application of statistical methods to weathering test results.

Adhering to ASTM D4798/D4798M helps organizations achieve improved reliability, reproducibility, and global recognition for the weathering performance characteristics of their bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials.

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: D4798/D4798M − 11 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for
Bituminous Materials (Xenon-Arc Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4798/D4798M; 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 ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing
1.1 This practice covers test conditions and procedures for
of Nonmetallic Materials
xenon-arcexposuresaccordingtoPracticesG151andG155for
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials. (See Termi-
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
nology G113.)
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials inAccel-
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
G155 Practice for Operating XenonArc LightApparatus for
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
G169 Guide for Application of Basic Statistical Methods to
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
Weathering Tests
with the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Thin films of bitumen are uniformly applied to alumi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
num panels. Shingles and similar products are cut to size and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
exposed to specified cycles of temperature, light, and water. A
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
choice of two test cycles is given along with options for
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
determining the period of exposure and evaluating results.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 Tests conducted according to this practice are used to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
comparetheweatheringcharacteristicsofbituminousmaterials
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
versus a control material of known outdoor durability. It is not
possible to establish a single relationship that is applicable to
2. Referenced Documents
2 all materials between time in accelerated tests conducted
2.1 ASTM Standards:
according to this practice and time in natural weathering
D1669/D1669M Practice for Preparation of Test Panels for
because (1) there are geographical climatic variations, local
Accelerated and OutdoorWeathering of Bituminous Coat-
weather variations, and variations in local pollutants, and (2)
ings
the relation between accelerated and natural weathering is
D1670/D1670M Test Method for Failure End Point in Ac-
material dependent with differences in acceleration factors
celerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Materi-
between materials as well as for different formulations of the
als
same material. Guide G141 provides guidance regarding vari-
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
ability in outdoor and accelerated weathering tests and about
the use of control materials.
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD08onRoofingand
NOTE1—Itisrecommendedthatoutdoorweatheringbeusedtovalidate
Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.02 on Steep
the laboratory accelerated test in terms of performance ranking.
Roofing Products and Assemblies.
NOTE 2—This practice can be used for other than bituminous materials,
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published January 2021. Originally
but the significance and use have not been evaluated.
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D4798/D4798M – 11
(2016). DOI: 10.1520/D4798_D4798M-11R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5. Apparatus
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.1 The xenon-arc apparatus used shall conform to the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. requirements defined in Practices G151 and G155.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4798/D4798M − 11 (2021)
5.2 Filters—Daylight filter as described in Practice G155. 340 nm at 0.35 W/(m ·nm) and operating according to the
conditions described in Cycle A or Cycle B. Unless otherwise
5.3 Radiometer—The use of a radiometer to monitor and
specified, place specimens in an exposure area where irradi-
control the amount of radiant energy received at the specimen
ance is at least 90 % of the maximum irradiance measured
is required. The use of the radiometer shall comply with the
within the exposure area. In devices with rotating specimen
requirements in Practice G151.
racks, fill any empty spaces with blank metal panels in order to
6. Test Specimens
properly maintain the conditions within the exposure area.
6.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon, test specimens shall be
NOTE 3—Information about the exposure areas that meet the 90 %
3 7
approximately 70 by 150 mm [2 ⁄4 by 5 ⁄8 in.]. Bituminous
irradiance uniformity requirement is available from the manufacturers of
the exposure devices.
materials with adequate flow resistance shall be applied as
uniform coatings on aluminum panels in accordance with
7.3.1 During equilibrium operation, the maximum allow-
Practice D1669/D1669M. Fabricated materials such as bitumi-
able deviation from the desired irradiance at 340 nm is
nous roofing, shingles, and similar products shall be cut to size 2
60.02 W⁄(m ·nm) and the maximum allowable deviation from
and their weather surfaces exposed. Bituminous materials that
the desired uninsulated black panel temperature is 62.5 °C.
are too flexible to sustain their own weight when exposed in a
During equilibrium conditions, when the meter or sensor
vertical position are permitted to be mounted on aluminum
indicating irradiance or black panel temperature shows a value
panels using stainless steel or other non-rusting clips.
that is outside the limits described above, discontinue the test
6.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, expose at least three rep-
and correct the cause of the problem before continuing.
licate specimens of each test and control material.
7.3.1.1 Cycle A-1—51 min light-only exposure with device
6.1.2 Other test specimen sizes are permitted to be used to
programmed to produce an uninsulated black panel tempera-
provide sufficient material for post-exposure testing when
ture of 60 °C at equilibrium conditions. This is followed by a
desired.
9-min period with the light on and with water sprayed on the
6.1.3 Follow the procedures described in Practice G147 for
front of the specimens.
identification, conditioning, and handling of specimens of test
7.3.1.2 Cycle A-2—The same as Cycle A-1, except that
and control materials before, during, and after exposure.
water is sprayed on both the front and back surfaces of the
6.1.4 Do not mask the face of a specimen for the purpose of
specimens.
showing on one panel the effects of various exp
...