ASTM C1601-20 PDF Download

ASTM C1601-20 is a standard test method that provides procedures and equipment requirements for quantitatively determining the surface penetration of water at a single location on a masonry wall. It is a non-destructive test method that aims to assess the water penetration of masonry wall surfaces, rather than determining the overall water penetration and leakage of a masonry system.

Excessive water penetration of masonry can have detrimental effects on the thermal conductivity, durability, efflorescence, staining, corrosion of embedded metal items, and water leakage of the wall. This test method can be used to measure the rate of surface water penetration for in-situ masonry and field mockups. It is commonly applied to compare the water penetration rates of walls before and after repairs or to test the effectiveness of coatings. The standard also provides alternative procedures to simulate the effect of local climatology on water penetration.

It is important to note that the resistance to water penetration of masonry walls depends on various factors including materials, workmanship, design, and maintenance. Some wall types are designed to accommodate large volumes of water penetration through properly installed drainage systems. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the overall wall system when using this standard to avoid incorrect conclusions regarding performance.

The test method aims to develop and maintain a sheet of water on the wall surface during testing. However, in certain cases where the masonry surface texture or the application of a coating prevents the consistent formation of a sheet of water, the results of the test may be inaccurate. The standard highlights that this test method is similar to but distinct from the laboratory test method ASTM E514/E514M, which measures water penetration into and through laboratory fabricated wall specimens, while ASTM C1601-20 measures only surface water penetration of in-situ walls.