SEDL / STP / STP691-EB / STP36097S

New Testing Methods for Sealants

Karpati, KK
Research officer, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ont.

Pages: 12    Published: Jan 1980

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Abstract

A new, performance-oriented testing method has been worked out for sealants used on the outside of buildings. Measurements made of the movements of building joints helped with the development of the method by providing the maximum yearly movements to be expected on joints and the rate at which joints move. The former is connected to the movement capability of the sealant; the latter to the testing rates.

The complex problem of sealant testing was approached by using specimens to model the sealant bead in joints. Through various steps a simple method of characterization was derived based on tensile testing. Cycling tests were studied and the connection found between the proposed tensile test method and cycling strains. This enables design of cycling experiments on a rational basis.

The developed test method is used to evaluate the performance of sealant specimens exposed outdoors. Methods of exposing sealants to outdoor weathering are described.