ASTM F2659-10
(Guide)Standard Guide for Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter
Standard Guide for Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Moisture in concrete floor slabs affects the performance of flooring systems such as resilient, wood, and textile floor coverings and coatings. Manufacturers of such systems generally require moisture testing be performed before installation of coverings on floor slabs and screeds. The measurement of sub-surface comparative moisture condition in the upper 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) stratum of a concrete slab with a non-destructive moisture meter is one such method.
Excessive moisture in floor slabs after installation can cause floor covering system failures such as delamination, bonding failure, deterioration of finish flooring and coatings, and microbial growth.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide focuses on obtaining the comparative moisture condition within the upper 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) stratum in concrete, gypsum, anhydrite floor slabs and screeds for field tests. Due to the wide variation of material mixtures and additives used in floor slabs and screeds, this methodology may not be appropriate for all applications. See 1.2 through 1.8 and Section 11. Where appropriate or when specified use further testing as outlined in Test Methods F1869, F2170 or F2420 before installing a resilient floor covering.
1.2 This guide is intended for use to determine if there are moisture-related conditions existing on, or in, the floor slabs that could adversely impact the successful application and performance of resilient flooring products.
1.3 This guide may be used to aid in the diagnosis of failures of installed resilient flooring.
1.4 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with meter manufacturer’s operation instructions and interpretive data where available.
1.5 Where possible, or when results need to be quantified use this standard guide to determine where additional testing such as Test Methods F1869, F2170, or F2420 as specified to characterize the floor slab and the test area environment for moisture, humidity and temperature conditions.
1.6 This guide may not be suitable for areas that have surface applied moisture migration systems, curing compounds or coatings that cannot be removed or cleaned off sufficiently to allow the moisture to move upwards through the slab. For a floor slab of 6 in. (150 mm) plus thickness, low porosity slabs, slabs with no vapor retarder installed, and slabs where the above surface environmental conditions can have a greater than normal influence on the moisture reduction gradient of the floor slab or screed, consider Test Method F2170 (below surface in situ rh method) as a more suitable test method under these circumstances.
1.7 This guide is not intended to provide quantitative results as a basis for acceptance of a floor for installation of moisture sensitive flooring finishes systems. Test Methods F1869, F2170, or F2420 provide quantitative information for determining if moisture levels are within specific limits. Results from this guide do not provide vital information when evaluating thick slabs, slabs without effective vapor retarders directly under the slab, lightweight aggregate concrete floors, and slabs with curing compound or sealers on the surface.
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.9 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warnings are given in Section 7.
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Designation: F2659 − 10
StandardGuide for
Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition
of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and
Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2659; 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 1.7 This guide is not intended to provide quantitative results
as a basis for acceptance of a floor for installation of moisture
1.1 This guide focuses on obtaining the comparative mois-
sensitive flooring finishes systems. Test Methods F1869,
ture condition within the upper 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) stratum in
F2170,or F2420 provide quantitative information for deter-
concrete, gypsum, anhydrite floor slabs and screeds for field
mining if moisture levels are within specific limits. Results
tests. Due to the wide variation of material mixtures and
from this guide do not provide vital information when evalu-
additivesusedinfloorslabsandscreeds,thismethodologymay
ating thick slabs, slabs without effective vapor retarders di-
not be appropriate for all applications. See 1.2 through 1.8 and
rectlyundertheslab,lightweightaggregateconcretefloors,and
Section 11. Where appropriate or when specified use further
slabs with curing compound or sealers on the surface.
testing as outlined in Test Methods F1869, F2170 or F2420
before installing a resilient floor covering. 1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
1.2 This guide is intended for use to determine if there are
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
moisture-related conditions existing on, or in, the floor slabs
and are not considered standard.
that could adversely impact the successful application and
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
performance of resilient flooring products.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.3 This guide may be used to aid in the diagnosis of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
failures of installed resilient flooring.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.4 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warnings
meter manufacturer’s operation instructions and interpretive
are given in Section 7.
data where available.
2. Referenced Documents
1.5 Where possible, or when results need to be quantified
use this standard guide to determine where additional testing 2.1 ASTM Standards:
such as Test Methods F1869, F2170,or F2420 as specified to D4259 Practice for Abrading Concrete
characterize the floor slab and the test area environment for F1869 Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission
moisture, humidity and temperature conditions. Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium
Chloride
1.6 This guide may not be suitable for areas that have
F2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in
surfaceappliedmoisturemigrationsystems,curingcompounds
Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
orcoatingsthatcannotberemovedorcleanedoffsufficientlyto
F2420 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity on
allow the moisture to move upwards through the slab. For a
the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs Using Relative
floor slab of 6 in. (150 mm) plus thickness, low porosity slabs,
Humidity Probe Measurement and Insulated Hood (With-
slabs with no vapor retarder installed, and slabs where the
drawn 0)
abovesurfaceenvironmentalconditionscanhaveagreaterthan
normalinfluenceonthemoisturereductiongradientofthefloor
NOTE 1—Also see Related Documents section at the end of this
standard.
slab or screed, consider Test Method F2170 (below surface in
situ rh method) as a more suitable test method under these
circumstances.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF06onResilientFloor Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.40 on Practices. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved July 1, 2010. Published September 2010. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/F2659-10. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2659 − 10
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 dew point, n—dew point temperature is the tempera-
ture at which condensation begins. It is the temperature at
whichairmustbecooledinordertoreachsaturation(assuming
air pressure and moisture content are constant).
3.1.2 moisture content (MC), n—moisture content tests
indicate the moisture content in the slab at the time of the test.
This can be defined as the mass of moisture per unit mass of
NOTE 1—Not to scale.
dry material, for example:
FIG. 1 Typical Non-destructive Electronic Moisture Meter for Con-
crete
Wet weight 2 Dry weight
Dry weight
.
sub-surfacecomparativemoistureconditionintheupper1.0in.
3.1.3 relative humidity, n—ratio of the amount of water
(25.4 mm) stratum of a concrete slab with a non-destructive
vaporactuallyintheaircomparedtotheamountofwatervapor
moisture meter is one such method.
required for saturation at that particular temperature and
5.2 Excessive moisture in floor slabs after installation can
pressure, expressed as a percentage.
cause floor covering system failures such as delamination,
3.1.4 service temperature and relative humidity, n—the
bonding failure, deterioration of finish flooring and coatings,
average ambient air temperature and relative humidity that
and microbial growth.
typically will be found in the buildings occupied spaces during
5.3 5.3 Comparative moisture content tests indicate the
normal use.
moisture in the slab, which is usually referenced to the
3.1.5 vapor emission, n—moisture vapor emission is used to
percentage of dry weight. That is:
define the amount of water vapor emitting from the concrete
Wet weight 2 Dry weight
floor slab when using the Anhydrous Calcium Chloride test.
Dry weight
This is usually expressed in lb/1000 ft during a 24-h period.
Results indicate conditions at the time of the test.
4. Summary of Guide
5.4 Methods of meter calibration and factors affecting
4.1 Procedure: equilibration are described in Section 8.
4.1.1 This guide covers a procedure in which a purpose-
6. Apparatus for Non-Destructive Moisture Meter
made and calibrated electronic moisture meter is used in
Testing Procedure
conjunctionwithinterpretivemethodsprovidedbymeterorthe
meter manufacturer, or both, to determine the comparative
6.1 An electrical impedance moisture meter specifically
moisture content in the upper 1 in. (25.4 mm) stratum of
developed and calibrated for the non-destructive measurement
concrete and other floor slabs and screeds by non-destructively
of the comparative moisture condition in concrete flooring
measuring the electrical ac impedance.
slabs.
4.2 Principles of Operation:
6.2 The moisture meter should have a clear display giving
4.2.1 The electrical impedance of a material varies in
readings of the moisture condition for concrete and other floor
proportiontoitscomparativemoisturecondition.Theelectrical
slabs in meaningful and interpretable units of measurement.
impedance of the floor slab directly under the footprint of the
6.3 The moisture meter should be placed in direct contact
instrument is measured by creating an alternating electric field
with the surface of the bare clean concrete in accordance with
that penetrates the material under test. The small alternating
the meter manufacturer’s recommendations. Direct contact
current flowing through the field is inversely proportional to
between the instrument and the concrete itself is required so
the impedance of the material. The instrument determines the
that there is no loss of signal sensitivity, which could occur as
current’s amplitude and thus derives the moisture value. (See
the sensing signals pass through the thickness of covering or
Fig. 1). Classifications of meters using this technology are
coating materials on the material (floor slab) being tested.
impedance, capacitance based and electrical field change
6.4 The moisture meter should be capable of sending
detecting devices.
non-destructive signals through the surface into the concrete
4.2.2 The depth of the signal penetration will vary depend-
slab without damage. Examples of suitable meters are illus-
ing on the material and moisture content of the material being
trated in Appendix Appendix X2.
tested. It generally varies from 0.5 to 1.0 in. (12.7 to 25.4 mm).
5. Significance and Use 7. Hazards
5.1 Moisture in concrete floor slabs affects the performance 7.1 Silica and Asbestos Warning—Do not sand, dry sweep,
of flooring systems such as resilient, wood, and textile floor drill, saw, bead blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize
coverings and coatings. Manufacturers of such systems gener- existing resilient flooring, backing, lining felt, paint, asphaltic
allyrequiremoisturetestingbeperformedbeforeinstallationof cutback adhesives, or other adhesives. These products may
coverings on floor slabs and screeds. The measurement of containasbestosfibersorcrystallinesilica.Avoidcreatingdust.
F2659 − 10
Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. 9.4 Prior to moisture testing the concrete, the surface of the
Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly test area shall be clean and free of any covering, coatings,
increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively adhesive residue, finishes, dirt, curing compounds, or other
certain that the product is non-asbestos-containing material, substances. Non-chemical methods for removal, such as abra-
presume that it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that sive cleaning or bead blasting, including methods described in
the material be tested to determine asbestos content. The Practice D4259 may be used on existing slabs with deleterious
Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s (RFCI) recommended residues to achieve an appropriate state for testing. Surface
work practices for removal of existing resilient floor coverings preparation shall take place as follows:
should be consulted for a defined set of instructions addressed
9.5 Concrete slabs covered by existing resilient floor cov-
to the task of removing all resilient floor covering structures.
erings must have such coverings and all three-dimensional
7.1.1 Various federal, state, and local government laws have
adhesive removed, and the test area should be exposed to
regulations covering the removal of asbestos-containing mate-
conditions specified in 9.1 for a minimum of 24 h prior to
rials. If considering the removal of resilient flooring or asphal-
cleaning and testing.
tic cut–back adhesive that contains or presumes to contain
9.6 Remaining adhesive or other deleterious residues, or
asbestos, review and comply with the applicable regulations.
both, or concrete slabs that have never hosted resilient floor
7.2 Lead Warning—Certain paints may contain lead. Expo-
coverings must be cleaned of all substances as noted in 9.4.
suretoexcessiveamountsofleaddustpresentsahealthhazard.
Such cleaning may take place immediately prior to testing.
Refer to applicable federal, state, and local laws and guidelines
Removal of any floor covering or adhesive shall be carried out
for hazard identification and abatement of lead-based paint
in accordance with RFCI recommended work practices for the
published by the US Department of Housing and Urban
removal of resilient floor coverings.
Development regarding appropriate methods for identifying
9.7 Moisture meters for concrete normally have their initial
lead-based paint and removing such paint, and any licensing,
calibration based on clean and bare concrete.
certification, and training requirements for persons performing
lead abatement work.
9.8 Removalofanyexistingfloorcoveringoradhesiveshall
be accomplished using approved OSHA work practices. For
8. Calibration
removableofanyexistingflooringoradhesivesstrictlyobserve
8.1 Moisture Measurement meters should be manufactured
Section7andanyotherappropriatesafetyandhealthpractices.
with traceable calibration procedures and have manufacturer’s
certification, or documentation, available stating the range of
10. Procedure
calibration and the accuracy of the meter. Moisture Meters
10.1 Follow the instrument manufacturer’s instructions.
should be initially calibrated at a minimum of two points.
Typically, power up the moisture meter, place the meter on the
8.2 The Moisture Meter should be of a design that the user
bare and clean concrete slab with its sensors firmly pressed
can check the calibration.
down giving direct contact with the surface of the floor slab.
Concrete moisture meters that have spring-loaded contacts
8.3 Check calibration within 30 days before use by using
incorporated in the electrodes or sensor should be pressed
guidelines or equipment, or both, supplied or recommended by
down onto the surface of the area being tested so that these
the manufacturer of the moisture meter. If the as-found
contacts are fully compressed when taking measurements.
readings differ from the nominal readings by more than the
tolerances as laid down by the manufacturer, then the meter
10.2 With the meter switched on, an electric field penetrates
manufacturer or its approved recalibration service provider
the slab. The current flowing through this field is determined
should recalibrate the meter before it is used.
and converted to a comparative or percentage moisture content
reading, which is instantly displayed on the instrument dial.
9. Pre-test Conditioning and Preparation
10.3 Wherecoveredfloorslabsarebeingtested,allcovering
9.1 The floor slab shall be at service temperature and the
materials, adhesive residue, curing compound, sealers, paints
occupied air space above the floor slab shall be at service
etc., shall be removed to expose an area of clean bare concrete
temperature and relative humidity expected under normal use
so that the electrodes, when positioned for testing, are in direct
for at least 48 h prior to moisture content testing. If this is not
contact with the clean surface of the floor slab. See 9.4 and 9.5.
possiblethenthetestshouldbeconductedwithconditionsat75
10.4 Readings typically
...
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