1. Scope
1.1 These test methods 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 Contacting 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 acceptable metric units shall be considered standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) 
The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C755 Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
D828 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation Apparatus
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D1709 Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method
D1985 Practice for Preparing Concrete Blocks for Testing Sealants, for Joints and Cracks
D2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications
D4397 Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
E241 Guide for Limiting Water-Induced Damage to Buildings
E437 Specification for Industrial Wire Cloth and Screens (Square Opening Series) (Discontinued 2000) Replaced by E 2016
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
F1249 Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor
Index Terms
earth covers; flame-spread resistance; low-temperature flexibility; plastic-flow resistance; puncture-resistance testing; soil contact testing; tensile testing; ultraviolet light resistance; water-vapor retarder; water-vapor transmission testing; Admixtures (soil); Concrete construction materials/applications; Concrete slabs; Crawl spaces; Decay resistance; Deterioration; Deterioration resistance; Ground covers; Incubation room; Low-temperature testing; Microbiological examination; Microbiological examination--paints/related coatings; Mixed pigments; Plastic flow resistance; Potting soil; Puncture testing; Soil; Soil burial test; Temperature tests--building materials; Tensile properties/testing--building materials/applications; Vapor barriers; Water vapor transmission (WVT); Wet tensile strength;
DOI: 10.1520/E0154-99
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