Excessive moisture infiltration poses significant challenges in the building materials industry. Structural damage, mold growth, compromised insulation efficiency, condensation problems, and moisture-related health issues are problems that not only impact the performance and durability of structures but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of occupants.
ASTM F3010-18 Standard Practice for Two-Component Resin Based Membrane-forming Moisture Mitigation Systems for use Under Resilient Floor Coverings is a standard practice for two-component resin-based membrane-forming moisture mitigation systems for use under resilient floor coverings. It covers the method of tests required before application, properties, substrate preparation, membrane application, and performance of these systems on high moisture concrete substrates.
The two-component resin-based membrane-forming moisture mitigation systems covered by ASTM F3010-18 must meet the following properties:
ASTM E96-22ae1 Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials is a vital test method due to its ability to provide standardized measurements of a material’s water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) by way of perm rating (grains/h/ft2/in). This standard test facilitates accurate comparisons between different materials and guarantees that they meet the specified WVTR requirements for their intended applications. The purpose of this testing is to evaluate the performance of a coating simulating actual application on a concrete substrate. By adhering to ASTM E96, manufacturers and users can confidently select materials that meet the necessary moisture control criteria, ensuring optimal performance and preventing potential issues.
ASTM E96 encompasses different test methods that can be used to measure WVTR. ASTM E96 – Procedure B, water method, is the most common test procedure. CTLGroup uses 1-in. thick concrete “mini-slabs” to simulate real-world concrete for tests that can be accomplished within a reasonable time. Specimens are prepared by applying products at the manufacturer’s instructions for application to concrete substrates. The concrete “mini slabs” simulate floor slabs that have been cured, dried, and abrasively cleaned just as a floor slab would be for coating.
CTLGroup prepares concrete at approximately 0.6 water-cement ratio to simulate real-world, moderately high permeability concrete floor slabs. Products are applied to four identical specimens (3 over water, 1 over air) using one type of concrete mixture at an agreed-upon day after concrete batching. The concrete slabs are sealed to specially designed stainless steel pans containing deionized water. The specimens are placed in an environmental chamber with strictly controlled temperature and humidity (73±1°F and 50±2% RH) and airflow meeting ASTM E96-22ae1 requirements, and then weighed periodically until a constant moisture transmission rate is established.
Two-part epoxy moisture suppression testing ASTM F3010
ASTM D7234-22 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings on Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers provides guidelines and procedures for the measurement of pull-off adhesion strength of coatings on a variety of substrates. The adhesion strength of coatings is an essential parameter to evaluate their durability, performance, and quality. The purpose of including this testing in ASTM F3010 is to evaluate the bond strength of a coating on concrete after moisture exposure.
ASTM D7234-22 focuses on measuring the pull-off adhesion strength of a coating system from a substrate. The standard itself encompasses a broad range of coatings, including paints, varnishes, lacquers, and similar organic coatings, applied on different materials such as metals, concrete, plastics, and wood. For the purposes of qualifying a material for ASTM F3010-18, the epoxy membrane is adhered to a concrete substrate. The adhesion strength is crucial in determining the coating’s ability to adhere firmly to the substrate, preventing premature failure, delamination, and corrosion. The test is typically performed over time at two ages, anywhere from 30- 60 days or 60-120 days.
The ASTM D7234-22 standard outlines the apparatus and procedure required to perform the pull-off adhesion test. The primary equipment used is a portable adhesion tester consisting of a loading fixture, actuator, pressure gauge, and a hydraulic pump. The test involves applying a perpendicular force to the coating using a loading fixture, gradually increasing the force until the coating either detaches or reaches the maximum specified force.
To ensure accuracy and repeatability, the standard provides specific guidelines regarding the preparation of the test surface, including cleaning, roughening, and conditioning, depending on the substrate and coating system. It also specifies the size and shape of the loading fixture and the number of pull-off tests to be performed per area.
ASTM D7234-22 emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection and analysis. The standard provides guidelines for recording the maximum force applied, the size of the loading fixture, and other relevant information. The pull-off adhesion strength is typically reported in units of megapascals (MPa) or pounds per square inch (psi) and should be accompanied by information on the substrate, coating type, and any observed coating failures.
If the epoxy membrane passes both ASTM E-96 and ASTM D7234 and satisfies the other parameters stated in the standard for qualification, a letter can be written stating that the coating has passed the required testing and satisfies the requirements as stated in ASTM F3010-18. This information can now be included in the data sheets from the manufacturer that product has been tested and adheres to the standard, which can set it apart from similar products that look the same and sound the same, but don’t qualify for the standard. This is important for designers, specifiers, and installers who may be required to use a moisture suppression system that follows ASTM F3010-18.
If you’re looking to measure your building materials to see if they qualify for ASTM F3010-18 or if you need other building materials testing services, CTLGroup’s laboratories are accredited to perform nearly 200 ASTM & AASHTO procedures.
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