ASTM E2359/E2359M-13(2023)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Field Pull Testing of an In-Place Exterior Insulation and Finish System Clad Wall Assembly
Standard Test Method for Field Pull Testing of an In-Place Exterior Insulation and Finish System Clad Wall Assembly
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this test method is to assess the installation adequacy and the overall effects of service-related deterioration (moisture, etc.) on the EIFS wall assembly as opposed to small localized areas of degradation. Resistance to pull testing as determined by this test is used as one of the factors in evaluating the EIFS assembly on a specific project. The values obtained by this test method are not purported to be representative of the actual wind load capacity or other structural properties of a specific EIFS clad wall installation, but may be helpful in assessing such load capacities.
4.2 Since this test is used for field evaluation of existing facilities, load results obtained from this test must be interpreted based on sound engineering practice, applicable building regulations, and codes having jurisdiction. It is the discretion of the test specifier to directly utilize the results derived by this test method, or else to utilize the test results with an appropriate factor of safety to obtain acceptable working loads for each project.
4.3 This method is intended for use on test specimens occurring or installed on existing buildings. The loss of outward wind load resistance of an EIFS wall assembly after exposure to moisture and other weather conditions may compromise the ability of the cladding or other wall components to perform adequately in place. This test method does not provide any means by which the test results may be generalized to the larger wall area. Such efforts should be based on experience and engineering judgement.
4.4 The manner in which the test load is applied may affect the load capacity obtained from using this test method. A discussion of various load application techniques and their effects is given in Appendix X1.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the resistance of a section of the exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) to outward loads imposed on an existing exterior wall assembly that has been in place on the building for an unspecified period of time. It is destructive in nature within the localized areas tested and requires appropriate repair of the EIFS cladding and sheathing once the test procedure has been completed. This test procedure utilizes mechanical methods to obtain information, which may be helpful in evaluating the natural application of negative wind loads on the EIFS assembly. Some variability of results should be anticipated within the wall assembly tested due to differences in installation procedures, exposure, or abuse subsequent to application.
1.2 This test method is suitable for use on cladding assemblies that have been in place a short time (new construction), as well as for longer periods in order to evaluate detrimental effects on the EIFS lamina, insulation attachment, substrate integrity, and attachments after exposure to weather and other environmental conditions. It is not intended to evaluate the performance of structural framing. Test results on any particular building may be highly variable depending on specimen location and condition, and are subject to interpretation by the test specifier.
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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, or equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1: Due to variations in exposure and construction assemblies, field specimens se...
General Information
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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: E2359/E2359M − 13 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Field Pull Testing of an In-Place Exterior Insulation and
Finish System Clad Wall Assembly
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2359/E2359M; 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 appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and to
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the
use.
resistance of a section of the exterior insulation and finish
system (EIFS) to outward loads imposed on an existing NOTE 1—Due to variations in exposure and construction assemblies,
field specimens selected for testing utilizing this test method may
exterior wall assembly that has been in place on the building
experience sudden failure and release of the imposed loads. See Note 7 for
for an unspecified period of time. It is destructive in nature
further information.
within the localized areas tested and requires appropriate repair
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
of the EIFS cladding and sheathing once the test procedure has
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
been completed. This test procedure utilizes mechanical meth-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ods to obtain information, which may be helpful in evaluating
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the natural application of negative wind loads on the EIFS
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
assembly. Some variability of results should be anticipated
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
within the wall assembly tested due to differences in installa-
tion procedures, exposure, or abuse subsequent to application.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This test method is suitable for use on cladding assem-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
blies that have been in place a short time (new construction), as
D3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Ma-
well as for longer periods in order to evaluate detrimental
terials
effects on the EIFS lamina, insulation attachment, substrate
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
integrity, and attachments after exposure to weather and other
E2110 Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Sys-
environmental conditions. It is not intended to evaluate the
tems (EIFS)
performance of structural framing. Test results on any particu-
E2128 Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building
lar building may be highly variable depending on specimen
Walls
location and condition, and are subject to interpretation by the
2.2 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE):
test specifier.
SEI/ASCE 7-05, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Other Structures
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
3. Terminology
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
3.1 For general terminology regarding EIFS and building in
used independently of the other, and values from the two
general, see Terminology E2110 (for EIFS terms) and Termi-
systems shall not be combined.
nology E631 (for buildings in general).
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
operations, or equipment. This standard does not purport to
3.2.1 face delamination, n—failure mode by which the face
address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is
of the sheathing loses bond or delaminates from the sheathing
the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
core, either partially or fully.
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.58 contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
on Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E2359/E2359M – 13 Available from American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander
(2018). DOI: 10.1520/E2359_E2359M–13R23. Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2359/E2359M − 13 (2023)
3.2.2 fastener pull-out from stud, n—failure mode by which hydraulic units are also acceptable, provided they are capable
fastener releases from the substrate. of applying consistent, uniform load. It is intended that the pull
test frame be easily transportable and relocated so that it can be
3.2.3 fastener pull-through, n—failure mode by which the
readily used on saw-horses, scaffolding, or a swing-stage. An
head of the fastener pulls through the sheathing, insulation, or
example of an acceptable test frame is shown in Fig. 1.
substrate.
5.3 Electronic load cell with digital force gage having a
3.2.4 lamina release, n—failure mode by which the EIFS
capacity of at least 4450 N [1000 lbf], and an accuracy of
base coat and finish coat release their bond to the underlying
62 %.
thermal insulation board layer.
5.4 610 mm by 610 mm [24 in. by 24 in.] wooden pull test
3.2.5 thermal insulation board failure, n—cohesive failure
modules comprised of 19 mm [ ⁄4 in.] thick plywood bonding
within the thermal insulation board.
panels (one for each specimen intended for testing), and one
4. Significance and Use 19 mm [ ⁄4 in.] thick plywood bolting panel, which is moved
from specimen-to-specimen. As each specimen is prepared for
4.1 The purpose of this test method is to assess the instal-
testing the bonding panels and bolting panels shall be fastened
lation adequacy and the overall effects of service-related
together using twelve (12) 5.5 mm ((#12) or [0.215 in.])
deterioration (moisture, etc.) on the EIFS wall assembly as
diameter by 38 mm [1 ⁄2 in.] long wood screws or lag bolts
opposed to small localized areas of degradation. Resistance to
installed in a prescribed pattern. See Figs. 2-5. Adhere one
pull testing as determined by this test is used as one of the
19 mm [ ⁄4 in.] thick bonding panel to the surface of the EIFS
factors in evaluating the EIFS assembly on a specific project.
in place at each specimen location. For testing purposes,
The values obtained by this test method are not purported to be
temporarily fasten the bolting panel at each adhered bonding
representative of the actual wind load capacity or other
plate in succession with appropriate hardware, immediately
structural properties of a specific EIFS clad wall installation,
prior to testing.
but may be helpful in assessing such load capacities.
NOTE 2—Screw hole locations for both the bonding panels and the
4.2 Since this test is used for field evaluation of existing
bolting panel must align for proper attachment; use bolting panel as a
facilities, load results obtained from this test must be inter-
drilling template to achieve consistent screw locations and alignment on
preted based on sound engineering practice, applicable build-
all bonding panels.
ing regulations, and codes having jurisdiction. It is the discre-
5.5 Miscellaneous bolts and connection hardware.
tion of the test specifier to directly utilize the results derived by
this test method, or else to utilize the test results with an
6. Test Specimen
appropriate factor of safety to obtain acceptable working loads
6.1 Sampling locations and number of specimens shall be
for each project.
specified by the user. Primarily, this test method is intended to
4.3 This method is intended for use on test specimens
implement qualitative evaluation techniques that lead to an
occurring or installed on existing buildings. The loss of
accumulation of information in an orderly and efficient manner
outward wind load resistance of an EIFS wall assembly after
in accordance with procedures prescribed within Guide E2128.
exposure to moisture and other weather conditions may com-
If a hybrid method using a combination of qualitative and
promise the ability of the cladding or other wall components to
quantitative evaluation techniques is desired by the test
perform adequately in place. This test method does not provide
specifier, then a random number generator method may be
any means by which the test results may be generalized to the
utilized to establish locations of test specimens required to
larger wall area. Such efforts should be based on experience
represent the entire building population. Include additional test
and engineering judgement.
specimens at locations of suspected or potential problems, such
as below window corners, at wall base, and so forth.
4.4 The manner in which the test load is applied may affect
the load capacity obtained from using this test method. A
NOTE 3—For the hybrid method using a combination of qualitative and
discussion of various load application techniques and their
quantitative evaluation techniques, a selection method based on Practice
effects is given in Appendix X1.
D3665 may be utilized for this purpose.
6.2 Locate metal studs within wall system (or else fastener
5. Apparatus
heads at wood-framed system) using rebar locator or metal
5.1 Electronic rebar locator or metal detector sensitive detector, and determine elevation or height of the specimen.
enough to locate metal studs or fasteners of the underlying
6.3 For stud spacing less than 610 mm [24 in.] (on center),
structural framing through the EIFS assembly.
mark 610 mm by 610 mm [24 in. by 24 in.] outline on the
5.2 Pull test frame fabricated from metal or wood, as surface of EIFS that is centered over two adjacent studs. For
required, with capability of applying a concentric pull force to stud spacing 610 mm [24 in.] and greater, mark an outline on
the test module and distributing reaction force on adjacent wall the EIFS surface that is 610 mm [24 in.] high and with a width
components. Pull test frame shall be provided, as a minimum, equal to the stud spacing plus 75 mm [3 in.], which is centered
with a worm-gear winch and a nylon strap or wire rope capable over two adjacent studs. If foam fasteners are present or
of applying load to test module in controlled manner with suspected within the EIFS clad wall assembly, locate the heads
incrementally increasing load intensities. Alternative means of of foam fasteners using a rebar locator, then arrange bonding
applying a consistent load using electro-servo motors or panel in manner that evenly distributes the load across the test
E2359/E2359M − 13 (2023)
FIG. 1 Pull Test Frame
E2359/E2359M − 13 (2023)
FIG. 4 Plywood Assembly
FIG. 2 Bonding panel
FIG. 5 Detail of Bonding and Bolting Panel with Bolt in Center
Hole
FIG. 3 Bolting Panel
specimen and mark the outline on the EIFS surface. At each cement; temporarily support test module in place on the wall as
outline marked on the wall, carefully cut through the EIFS
required. Allow an adequate time for curing of the adhesive
lamina, thermal insulation board, and sheathing substrate, considering effect of temperature on cure time of adhesive.
being careful to avoid excessive vibration during specimen
NOTE 5—Alternative adhesives may be used that are not detrimental to
preparation that may adversely affect test results. Efforts
the lamina or underlying foam insulation system.
should also be made to avoid cutting or damaging the wall
studs. 7. Procedure
7.1 Obtain information regarding the cladding assembly
NOTE 4—For EIFS cladding applied directly to a masonry substrate,
1 1
saw blade depth should be set to extend 3 mm [ ⁄8 in.] to 6 mm [ ⁄4 in.] into
design wind pressure (DWP) utilized during original construc-
the masonry.
tion of the building, or else otherwise determine an appropriate
6.4 Adhere one 19 mm [ ⁄4 in.] thick, 610 mm [24 in.] cladding DWP for comparative purposes using local building
square plywood bonding panel to the previously cut EIFS codes or SEI/ASCE 7-05 analytical procedures. Establish
surface (centered) at designated test location using polyester initial load at approximately ten percent (10 %) of cladding
adhesive, adhesive expanding foam, or quick-reaction epoxy design wind pressure.
E2359/E2359M − 13 (2023)
7.2 Align the bolting panel, with appropriate pull hardware specimen may fail transitioning from one sustained load to the
inserted through center hole, onto the previously adhered next higher step loading increment.
bonding panel and securely fasten bolting panel to bonding
NOTE 8—Once the next load increment is applied, it is common for the
panel with prescribed screws or lag bolts.
load to begin to slowly decrease, due to deformation of thermal insulation
board and elongation of test hardware.
NOTE 6—If required, replace previously used screws with fresh ones as
NOTE 9—For EIFS cladding applied directly to a masonry substrate,
Phillips head slots become worn or damaged.
adhesion of the lamina to the foam or foam to the masonry may exceed the
7.3 Place bearing plates of pull test frame on wall and center capacity of the load cell and force gage. If during load application the
maximum capacity of the load measurement device is approached, the
over previously adhered bonding panel with bolting panel
load should be temporarily released and the measuring device removed to
attached. Fasten wire rope attachment hardware to the test
avoid damage to the unit. A decision should be made by the test specifier
module hardware, with load cell mounted in-line with pull
whether to retain the specimen on the wall and repair accordingly, or else
force mechanism in a manner that will measure force loads.
to continue the test to destruction (without load measurement) and repair
the entire opening thus created.
See Fig. 6.
7.6 After completion of pull testing, examine test specimen
NOTE 7—Use saw-horse, scaffolding deck, or swing-stage rails to
temporarily support pull test frame until sufficient load is
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