ASTM E154

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 E 241 and Practice C 755). Neither will all test methods listed be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures (see 16.2).

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 E 241 and Practice C 755). 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).

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:

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 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.

2. Referenced Documents

C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C755 Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
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
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
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
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials

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; Microbiological examination--paints/related coatings; Temperature tests--building materials; Tensile properties/testing--building materials/applications; Admixtures (soil); Concrete construction materials/applications; Concrete slabs; Crawl spaces; Decay resistance; Deterioration; Deterioration resistance; Ground covers; Incubation room; Low-temperature testing; Microbiological examination; Mixed pigments; Plastic flow resistance; Potting soil; Puncture testing; Soil; Soil burial test; Vapor barriers; Water vapor transmission (WVT); Wet tensile strength; ICS Number Code 91.100.30

Citing ASTM Standards

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