ASTM C1521 : 19(2020)

Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesion of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant Joints

Standard Details

1.1 This practice describes destructive and non-destructive procedures.

1.2 The destructive procedure stresses the sealant in such a way as to cause either cohesive or adhesive failure of the sealant or cohesive failure of the substrate where deficient substrate conditions exist. The objective is to characterize the adhesive/cohesive performance of the sealant on the specific substrate by applying a strain that correlates to the strain that the sealant bead may experience when subjected to its maximum published movement capability, when known; or a reasonable strain when the movement capability is unknown. It is possible that the strain applied to the sealant bead may result in no failure of the sealant or the substrate, failure of a deficient substrate before effecting a failure in the sealant, or a failure of the sealant.

Note 1: The destructive procedure requires immediate repair of the sealant bead. Appropriate materials and equipment should be available for this purpose.

Note 2: Sealant formulations may fail in cohesion or adhesion when properly installed, and evaluated by this method. The sealant manufacturer should be consulted to determine the appropriate guidelines for using this method.

1.3 The non-destructive procedure places strain on the sealant and a stress on the adhesive bond. Though termed non-destructive, this procedure may result in an adhesive failure of a deficient sealant bead, but should not cause a cohesive failure in the sealant. The results of this procedure should be either adhesive failure or no failure.

Note 3: The non-destructive procedure may require immediate repair of the sealant bead, if sealant failure is experienced. Appropriate materials and equipment should be available for this purpose.

1.4 The non-destructive procedure can be used for continuous inspection of 100 % of the sealant bead(s), or for any areas where deficient conditions, which are inconsistent with the practices of Guide C1193, are suspected.

1.5 The committee with jurisdiction over this practice is not aware of any comparable practices published by other organizations or committees.

1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International StandardDetails, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.