ASTM C1601 - Testing Water Penetration of Masonry Walls

The ASTM C1601-10 Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surface is a standard that describes procedures to quantitatively determine the surface penetration of water at a single location along a masonry wall. The ASTM C1601 was derived from the laboratory version, the ASTM E514 - Standard Test Method For Water Penetration And Leakage Through Masonry. The ASTM E514 is used to evaluate materials, coatings, and wall design in a controlled environment.

About the ASTM C1601

The test chamber is a rectangular chamber with a minimum area of 12 sf. This chamber is attached to the wall system using mechanical fasteners and sealant to prevent loss of water and maintain proper air pressure. Water is delivered via a single line of spray nozzles placed 1 inch apart across the top of the test chamber. This creates a sheet flow condition (continuous film of water) during testing. Water is pumped from the reservoir at a pre-specified flow rate (typically 3.4 gal/sf/h) while at the same time static pressure is applied and maintained at 10lbs/sf. These parameters simulate conditions equivalent to 62.5 mph winds and 5 ½ inches of rain per hour. Alternate testing conditions may be used based on local climatological data. The test duration is 4 hours after 30 minutes of pre-conditioning to calibrate flow rates and stabilize the system.

Common uses:

• Repair comparisons – determine the effectiveness of repairs or new coatings 
• Determine water penetration rate through defective wall systems 
• Assess existing wall systems
• Litigation support 
• Evaluate material compatibility 
• Mock-up testing for conceptual wall systems 
• Quality control testing (new construction) 

Typical testing conditions: 

• Air pressure: 10 psf 
• Water application: 3.4 gal/ft2/h 
• Pre-conditioning: 30 minutes 
• Test duration: 4 hours 

Variations - test may be altered based on local considerations: 

• Standard test method – 10 psf (62.5 mph wind) 
• Alternate test – 5 psf (45 mph wind) 
• Alternate test – No wind 

Project example:

Building Diagnostics Group, Inc. (BDG) was retained to determine the effectiveness of a penetrating sealer used on a cast-in-place concrete masonry parking structure. The architect wanted to compare the untreated walls to walls treated with the sealer.

To mount the test chamber, we applied three types of perimeter sealant along the face of the test chamber; a firm caulk cord, soft butyl glazing tape, and finally a heavy bead of Dow Corning® 795 to the inside edge. Once the sealants are in place we secured the chamber to the wall and allowed it to cure overnight.

The following day we connected the reservoir, blower, and drain pump to the chamber. We then began the 30 minutes of pre-conditioning. This allowed us to check the entire system for leaks and adjust the pressure and flow to the testing specifications. It is extremely important to maintain a consistent “sheet flow” across the entire test specimen. After 30 minutes, we began the testing by documenting the water level in the reservoir. During the 4 hours we documented changes in flow patterns, water flow rates, air pressure fluctuations, and monitored the water level. At the end of the testing we determined the amount of water absorbed through the wall system by measuring the remaining water in the reservoir, plus the amount of water added, and subtracted our beginning level. In this case, our bare wall absorbed an average of 0.74 gal/h for a total of 2.958 U.S. gallons.

The ASTM C1601 offers no guidance to acceptable levels of water loss but many still refer to the Monk. C. B., Jr. Adaptions and Additions to ASTM Test Method E514 (Water Permeance of Masonry) for Field Conditions chart below.

Water Intrusion Rate Gal/Hr	Rating
< 0.375	Excellent
0.375 – 0.5	Average
0.5 – 1.0	Questionable
> 1.0	Poor

Interpreting water loss data for masonry walls (Monk, 1982)

Based on the above table, the untreated wall was “questionable”. After the sealer was applied, we returned to the same test area and performed the same testing procedures. This time the wall absorbed about 0.261 gal/h for a total of 1.046 U.S. gallons. The sealer significantly reduced the amount of water absorption.

Building Diagnostics Group, Inc. (BDG) is committed to our clients by continuously investing in the development of high-quality testing equipment. Our equipment is calibrated to each specific testing standard for accurate results. Additionally, our field consultants are properly trained and knowledgeable of all testing standards. Our new heavy-duty ASTM C1601 chamber system took over a year to perfect, its design saves hours of set-up time and is consistent in providing reliable data.

If you are looking for a reputable second or third party testing company to perform accurate professional testing, provide concise reports, and help you through the entire process, contact BDG today. We provide testing services throughout the United States from our headquarters located in Atlanta, GA.

For more information please visit our water infiltration webpage HERE.

Spring time is the best time for an IR Roof Inspection

As winter starts to fade, the days get warmer and the nights stay cool. These conditions are ideal for infrared roof inspections. Cool nights and warm bright days provides some of the largest temperature differentials of the year. These large temperature swings provide ideal conditions for infrared work. Not only for roofs but most all exterior infrared services.

Infrared roof inspections work on the principle that different materials in the roof have different thermal masses. In the daytime, the sun heats the roof structure. After the sun sets, the roof begins to cool. If there is a leak in the roofing membrane, the insulation inside the roof will become wet. The wet insulation has a higher thermal mass than the rest of the dry roof structure. Because of the difference, the “wet” areas will maintain heat energy longer than other areas, providing the infrared thermographer with a clear picture of the damaged areas.

For more information on roof surveys or other services visit our website: HERE 

Infrared Thermography for Exterior Surveys

BDG was recently in Orlando, FL performing infrared thermography (IR) due diligence services for one of our engineering clients. We perform these services routinely for large multi-family acquisitions. IR is a great tool to evaluating the condition of exterior cladding. It allows us to rapidly identify hidden water damage without destructive testing. This protects potential buyers from unforeseen repairs due to hidden water damage. We have been performing these services nationwide for almost 10 years. Our findings can be used during final negotiations to allow credits or a substantial discount based on our findings. 

It this case, we found numerous areas of anomalies that indicate sub-sheathing water damage. Further testing revealed significant sheathing damage that will cost the potential buyers thousands of dollars in repairs. 

RS

Brick Masonry Testing using the ASTM C1715-10 method

The ASTM C1715-10 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems is a standard procedure for determining the ability of a masonry wall drainage system to collect water that penetrates the exterior wythe during rainstorms and direct this water back to the exterior via weep drainage systems. This test procedure requires drilling small ½-inch holes in the exterior brick façade. Plastic tubing is then inserted to the inside edge of the brick wall system. Water is then applied at a low-volume consistent flow into each of the holes. During the test we document the ability or inability of water to exit the wall system via the weep drainage holes. This testing can be used to identify failures in the flashing systems, document cause & origin of water infiltration, determine the effectiveness of thru-wall flashing repairs, or quality assurance for new construction. Quality assurance testing is especially useful during the commissioning of a new building.


To learn more about the ASTM C1715-10 test, visit our webpage HERE


RS

ASTM ribbon window testing in Orlando, FL

BDG was recently in Orlando at a new medical facility performing quality assurance testing on a newly installing ribbon window system. The windows were tested utilizing the ASTM E1105 standard as a part of a quality assurance program specified by the owner. In addition to BDG performing this third party testing, the contractor is performing their own in-house hose nozzle testing. We don't see that too often! This is the second phase of testing. With the exception of a few minor issues, the ribbon window system has passed all of the testing. We will be back in early June to perform the final phase of testing.



RS

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