ASTM E514/E514M-20 PDF Download

ASTM E514/E514M-20 is a standard test method that focuses on evaluating the water penetration and leakage through masonry. It provides valuable information on the impact of various factors such as materials, coatings, wall design, and workmanship on the performance of masonry walls.

The standard emphasizes the influence of air pressure in the test chamber on water penetration and leakage and states that data from tests conducted at different pressures cannot be compared. It also acknowledges that the performance of a masonry wall depends on several factors, including the rigidity of the supporting structure, resistance to deterioration, and external conditions such as wind velocity and exposure.

Given the complexity of variables involved, the standard aims to establish a comparative behavior between different masonry wall constructions in a controlled laboratory setting. However, it cautions that even with identical testing conditions, factors like the skill level of the mason, laboratory conditions, curing, and moisture content of materials can affect the results, making reliable comparisons challenging. Therefore, achieving a meaningful and absolute wall leakage rating standard is considered impractical and discouraged.

Furthermore, the standard highlights the distinction between this laboratory test method (ASTM E514/E514M-20) and the field test method (ASTM C1601). While the laboratory test measures water penetration and leakage through laboratory-fabricated wall specimens, the field test only measures surface water penetration of in-situ walls. The results obtained from these two methods are not the same.