ASTM C1715

ASTM C1715 – Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems

Description:

Significance and Use

5.1 This test method is suitable for use on walls to determine the ability of masonry wall drainage systems to collect water penetrating the exterior wythe and to direct this water back to the exterior surface of the exterior wythe. Removal of a portion of the interior wall finishes is desirable to observe leakage into backup walls. Even with removal of interior finishes, in many cases it is not practical to observe surfaces behind spandrel beams, columns, or other obstructions. Potential areas where leakage may occur but that are not visible during the test shall be considered when interpreting the results of the test and shall be recorded in the report.

5.2 This test method is suitable for use on mock-up walls to determine the performance of masonry wall drainage systems.

5.3 This test method is suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of flashing repairs.

Scope

1.1 This test method describes a standard procedure for determining the ability of masonry wall drainage systems to collect water that penetrates the exterior masonry wythe during rainstorms and to direct this water back to the exterior surface of the wall.

1.2 This test method is applicable to wall systems that contain an exterior masonry wythe with a drainage zone on the interior face of the exterior wythe. It is not applicable to single-wythe drainage walls.

1.3 This test method is not applicable to masonry barrier walls or other masonry walls that are designed without drainage zones behind the exterior wythe.

1.4 This test method covers the application of the testing using either inch-pound or SI units. The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.