ASTM E154/E154M-08a(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth Under Concrete Slabs, on Walls, or as Ground Cover
Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth Under Concrete Slabs, on Walls, or as Ground Cover
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 In service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety of conditions, so no one test will provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E241 and Practice C755). Neither will all test methods listed be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures (see 16.2).
4.2 Limitations—Prior to use and in service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety of conditions so no one test will provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E241 and Practice C755). Neither will all tests be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures. Consequently, the tests and required test results shall be agreed upon by the purchaser and the supplier (see 16.2).
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods2 cover the determination of the properties of flexible membranes to be used as vapor retarders in contact with earth under concrete slabs, against walls, or as ground cover in crawl spaces. The test methods are applicable primarily to plastic films and other flexible sheets. The materials are not intended to be subjected to sustained hydrostatic pressure. The procedures simulate conditions to which vapor retarders may be subjected prior to and during installation, and in service.
1.2 The test methods included are:
Section
Water-Vapor Transmission of Material as Received
7
Water-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying and after Long-
Time Soaking
8
Tensile Strength
9
Resistance to Puncture
10
Resistance to Plastic Flow and Elevated Temperature
11
Effect of Low Temperatures on Flexibility
12
Resistance to Deterioration from Organisms and Substances in Con-
tacting Soil
13
Resistance to Deterioration from Petroleum Vehicles for Soil Poisons
14
Resistance to Deterioration from Exposure to Ultraviolet Light
15
Resistance to Flame Spread
16
Report
17
1.3 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 non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 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.
1.5 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
Relations
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: E154/E154M − 08a (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Methods for
Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth Under
Concrete Slabs, on Walls, or as Ground Cover
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E154/E154M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
2 mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
properties of flexible membranes to be used as vapor retarders
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
in contact with earth under concrete slabs, against walls, or as
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ground cover in crawl spaces. The test methods are applicable
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
primarily to plastic films and other flexible sheets. The mate-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
rials are not intended to be subjected to sustained hydrostatic
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
pressure. The procedures simulate conditions to which vapor
retarders may be subjected prior to and during installation, and
2. Referenced Documents
in service.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2 The test methods included are:
C168Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
Section
C755Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for
Water-Vapor Transmission of Material as Received 7
Thermal Insulation
Water-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying and after Long-
Time Soaking 8 D828Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and
Tensile Strength 9
PaperboardUsingConstant-Rate-of-ElongationApparatus
Resistance to Puncture 10
D882Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Resistance to Plastic Flow and Elevated Temperature 11
Effect of Low Temperatures on Flexibility 12 Sheeting
Resistance to Deterioration from Organisms and Substances in Con-
D1709Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film
tacting Soil 13
by the Free-Falling Dart Method
Resistance to Deterioration from Petroleum Vehicles for Soil Poisons 14
Resistance to Deterioration from Exposure to Ultraviolet Light 15
D1985Practice for Preparing Concrete Blocks for Testing
Resistance to Flame Spread 16
Sealants, for Joints and Cracks
Report 17
D2565Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
tended for Outdoor Applications
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
D4397 Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
E84Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
Building Materials
with the standard.
E96/E96MTest Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Materials
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E241Guide for Limiting Water-Induced Damage to Build-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ings
E437Specification for Industrial Wire Cloth and Screens
(Square Opening Series) (Discontinued 2000) Replaced
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
by E 2016 (Withdrawn 2000)
Performance of Buildings and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21
on Serviceability.
CurrenteditionapprovedJuly1,2019.PublishedJuly2019.Originallyapproved
ɛ1
in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E154/E154M–08a (2013) . For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
DOI: 10.1520/E0154_E0154M–08AR19. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Some of these test methods were based originally on Report No. 2040, U.S. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Forest Products Laboratory, and “Vapor Barrier Materials for Use with Slab-On- the ASTM website.
Ground Construction and as Ground Covers in Crawl Spaces,” Publication The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
445-1956, Building Research Advisory Board (currently out-of-print). www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E154/E154M − 08a (2019)
E631Terminology of Building Constructions be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures.
Consequently,thetestsandrequiredtestresultsshallbeagreed
F1249Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate upon by the purchaser and the supplier (see 16.2).
Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated
5. Sampling
Infrared Sensor
5.1 Obtain samples for preparation of test specimens from
3. Terminology
eachofthreeseparaterollsorpackagesofeachtypeofmaterial
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms used in these test being tested. Samples shall be representative of the material
methods, see Terminologies C168 and E631. being tested and shall be of uniform thickness. If the samples
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: areofnonsymmetricalconstruction,designatethetwofacesby
3.2.1 perm, n—the time rate of water vapor migration distinguishing marks and report which side was exposed to a
throughamaterialoraconstructionof1grain/h·ft ·in.mercury specific condition.
(Hg) of vapor pressure difference.
6. Test Specimen
3.2.1.1 Discussion—There are no SI units that can be
combined to give the same mass flow rate as the inch-pound
6.1 The number and size of test specimens of each material
perm without a numerical coefficient. If a specification states
are specified in each test procedure. Great care is required to
that a one perm resistance is required, the same rate of flow
protect the test areas of the specimens against damage or
will be obtained from the following relationships:
contamination.
1 perm = 1 grain/h·ft ·in. Hg Inch-pound units
−12 2
7. Water-Vapor Transmission of Material as Received
= 57.2·10 kg/s·m ·Pa SI (fundamental units)
= 57.2 ng/s·m ·Pa SI (frequently used)
7.1 Significance and Use—Since the water-vapor flow rate
= 0.66 g/24 h·m ·mm Hg SI (deprecated, should not be used)
through a material in service is significant in order for
The perm is a specific rate of vapor flow regardless of the units that were used in
comparisons to be made of performance after specific treat-
measuring the flow rate or in converting them into desired units.
ments of the material, the water-vapor flow rate of the material
3.2.2 water-vapor permeability, n—the time rate of water
as received is needed as a reference value. The as-received
vapor flow through unit area of unit thickness of a flat material
material is presumed to be representative of the material that is
induced by unit vapor pressure difference between two parallel
to be used on the purchaser’s project.
specified surfaces under specific temperature and humidity
7.2 Apparatus—The apparatus and test facilities are de-
conditions.
scribed in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Since vapor flow rate does not vary
directly with thickness for many materials, comparisons of
7.3 Procedure:
vapor flow rates for retarders of various thicknesses should be
7.3.1 Make water-vapor transmission tests on at least three
made on test results of permeance rather than on permeability.
specimens of each material in accordance with Test Methods
E96/E96M or F1249. If the retarder material is coated or
3.2.3 water–vapor permeance, n—the time rate of water
treated on one surface to improve its water-vapor resistance,
vapor flow through unit area of the known thickness of a flat
make the test with this surface toward the water unless
material or a construction normal to two specific parallel
otherwise specified.
surfaces induced by unit vapor pressure difference between the
7.3.2 Where wax seals are used with the wet method, it is
two surfaces under specific temperature and humidity condi-
good procedure to heat the test dishes uniformly to 45°C
tions. While the SI unit is kg/s·m ·Pa, the practical unit is the
[113°F] or slightly warmer before sealing the test sample to
perm (see 3.2.1).
the dish to avoid having the wax become too viscous for good
3.2.4 water-vaportransmission(WVT),n—thesteadywater
sealing.
vapor flow in unit time through unit area of a flat material or a
construction normal to specific parallel surfaces induced by 7.4 Precision and Bias—The statements regarding precision
specific temperatures, pressures, and humidities at each sur- and bias in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249 shall also
face. Units in SI are kilogram per second, square metre, apply to this test method.
(kg/s·m ) [inch-pound, grain per hour, square foot, (grain/
8. Water-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying
h·ft )].
and after Long-Time Soaking
4. Significance and Use
8.1 SignificanceandUse—Afterwater-vaporretardersleave
4.1 In service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety thefactory,theyareexposedtomanyconditionsofwettingand
of conditions, so no one test will provide evaluations related to dryingandmaybesubjectedtoimmersionorpartialimmersion
performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E241 and for various periods. To indicate the potential effect of wetting
Practice C755). Neither will all test methods listed be neces- and drying and relatively long-time exposure to soaking, the
sary in all evaluations for specific exposures (see 16.2). data from these tests will be compared with those of the
material as received.
4.2 Limitations—Prior to use and in service, vapor retarders
may be exposed to a variety of conditions so no one test will 8.2 Apparatus:
provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures 8.2.1 Controlled-Temperature Vessels, of suitable size for
(refer to Guide E241 and Practice C755). Neither will all tests soaking specimens and equipped with a temperature controller
E154/E154M − 08a (2019)
actuated by a thermostat. The controller shall be of a type that 9.3 Procedure:
will maintain temperature in the vessels between 22 and 24°C 9.3.1 Cut ten specimens, 25 m [1 in.] wide and 203 mm [8
[72 and 75°F]. If space permits, the test chamber used for the
in.]long,ineachprincipaldirection(crosswiseandlengthwise)
water-vapor transmission tests may be used to hold soaking of the sample.
pans in place of the thermostatically controlled vessel.
9.3.2 Immerse in potable water controlled at a temperature
8.2.2 Oven or Drying Chamber, for drying test specimens, between 22 and 24°C [72 and 75°F] for seven days in such a
thermostatically controlled at a temperature between 60 and
manner that water has free access to all surfaces and edges of
62°C [140 and 144°F]. the specimens.
8.2.3 Water-Vapor TransmissionApparatus,asprescribedin 9.3.3 Remove the specimens from the water one at a time,
Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249.
lightly blot the free water from both surfaces, and immediately
8.2.4 Mandrel—A round metal bar or rod 25 mm [1 in.] in determine the tensile strength and elongation at maximum
diameter and approximately 460 mm [18 in.] long. load. If the vapor retarder is an unreinforced plastic sheet, test
according to Test Method D882. If the vapor retarder is
8.3 Procedure:
reinforced or contains fiber, test according to Test Method
8.3.1 Cut three specimens, 305 by 305 mm [12 by 12 in.] of
D828. If necessary to prevent slippage during the test, line the
the material to be tested.
jaws of the clamp with emery cloth or other rough material.
8.3.2 Immerse the specimens in potable water kept at a
Average the ten readings, crosswise and lengthwise, respec-
temperature between 22 and 24°C [72 and 75°F] for 16 h
tively.
(overnight). Then dry the specimens in an oven kept between
9.4 Precision and Bias—The statements on reproducibility
60 and 62°C [140 and 144°F] for 8 h. Repeat the wetting and
drying cycle for a total of five cycles (Monday through Friday) in Test Methods D828 or D882 shall also apply to this test
method.
to be followed by immersing the specimens in water over the
weekend (64 h). Repeat the wetting and drying cycle five more
10. Resistance to Puncture
days and immerse the specimens in water for a period of 16 ⁄2
days (weekend plus two weeks). Dry the specimens between
10.1 Significance and Use:
60and62°C[140and144°F]andthenconditiontoaconstant
10.1.1 One of the major stresses to which sheet materials
weight in the chamber where water-vapor transmission tests
used as vapor retarders are subjected is puncture. These data
are made.
may be used to evaluate the resistance to one type of puncture
8.3.3 Cut the specimens into halves parallel to the machine
force on different materials to be considered for a specific
direction (the long direction as taken from the roll or package).
construction.
Bend one of the halves of each specimen with one surface up
10.1.2 The falling dart test in the paragraph on Impact
andtheotherspecimenwiththeoppositesurfaceupatanangle
Resistance of Specification D4397 may be used to evaluate
of 90° over a 25 mm [1 in.] diameter mandrel in a period of 2
puncture resistance of the material. (See Test Methods D1709
sorlessatatemperaturebetween22and24°C[72and75°F].
also.)
Record evidence of cracking or delamination.
10.2 Apparatus:
8.3.4 Cutspecimensforthewater-vaportransmissiontestso
10.2.1 A Square Mounting Frame, of wood, metal, or rigid
that the full bent portion is installed in the center of the pan
plastic254by254mm[10by10in.]outsidewitha152by152
withthesurfacethatwasconcaveatthetimeofbendingfacing
mm[6by6in.]centralopening,consistingoftwopartsthatare
the water. Determine water-vapor transmission in accordance
held together with eight thumbscrews on each side. The
with Section 7.
thicknessofwoodorplasticshallbe32mm[1 ⁄4in.];ofmetal,
8.4 Precision and Bias—The statements regarding precision
10 mm [ ⁄8 in.]. The contact areas of each part shall be faced
and bias in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249 shall also
with well-adhered Grade No. 80 sandpaper to prevent slippage
apply to this test method.
of the sheet under test (see Fig. 1).
10.2.2 SteelCylinder,solid,25mm[1in.]
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.