ASTM C1523-04

Seals are manufactured in flat extruded shapes and are primarily used to span joint openings. The seal is adhered to construction substrates utilizing a liquid applied adhesive, to seal building openings such as panel joints, metal flashing joints or other joints in place of conventional liquid applied sealants. In actual use, failure of an applied seal in an active joint is usually manifested by cohesive failure of the seal; adhesive failure between the adhesive and the substrate; adhesive failure between the adhesive and the seal; cohesive failure of the substrate or tear propagation parallel to the joint length.

This test method can be used for testing the adhesion of the adhesive to the substrate and to the seal, tensile load at various strains and tear resistance at various strains after the specimens are exposed to wet, cold, hot and artificial weathering conditionings. All or some of these properties are experienced on actual job sites.

FIG. 1 Standard Substrate Test Specimen Assemblies

FIG. 2 Beveled Bridge Joint Configuration

FIG. 3 U-joint Configuration

FIG. 4 Test Specimen Showing 5 mm Cut in the Middle of the Seal for Tear Propagation Testing

Tear propagates perpendicular to the length of the joint as shown above, left; or at any angle leading to the joint wall as shown above, right. In each case tear stops at the joint wall with an intact unbroken joint length on both sides of at least 12.5 mm.

Tear propagates parallel to the joint wall and opens one side or both sides.

1.1 This test method describes a laboratory procedure for measuring modulus, tear, joint movement ability and adhesion properties of applied, Precured Elastomeric Joint Sealants, hereinafter referred to as "applied seal" and if not applied, hereinafter referred to as "seal," on portland cement mortar as a standard substrate and or other substrates. It tests these properties after dry, wet, frozen, heat aged or artificially weather-aged conditionings, or both.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Other values given in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any similar standard published by another committee or organization.