ASTM Standards for Vapor Barriers/Vapor Retarders
Below is a description of a variety of ASTM standard specifications and the liners that meet those classifications.ASTM E84-Polyethylene Liners (Plastic Sheeting) That Were Tested
In brief, ASTM E84 tests the comparative surface burning behavior of exposed building materials such as walls and ceilings. The test is conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated exposed face down to the ignition source. The purpose of this test method is to determine the relative burning behavior of the material by observing the flame spread along the specimen. Flame spread and smoke developed index are reported.
Polyethylene sheeting that passes ASTM E84 are:
Poly Scrim 6FR, 8FR, 10FR, 12 FR PVC, 14FR,
ASTM E-84 or NFPA 701-04 Test 1 or 2- What's the difference? Click here.
ASTM E96- Water Vapor Transfer Test Method
In brief, ASTM E96 test for reliable values of water vapor transfer (WVT) through permeable and semi-permeable materials, such as plastic sheeting. A permeance value obtained under one set of test conditions may not indicate the value under a different set of conditions.
Polyethylene sheeting that passes ASTM E96 are:
Poly Scrim 6, 6FR, 8LD, 8FR,8HD, 10FR, 10, 12, 14, 14FR,15, 20,
ASTM D7003- Tensile Properties of Reinforced Geomembranes
ASTM D7003 evaluates strip tensile properties of reinforced geomembranes for the purposes of quality control, quality assurance and research. In order to evaluate the full contribution of the reinforcement, testing is performed parallel to the directions of reinforcement. This method is an index test and is not intended for design purposes.
ASTM D7004- Grab Strength of Reinforced Plastics
ASTM D7004 evaluates grab tensile properties of reinforced geomembranes for the purposes of quality control, quality assurance and research. In order to evaluate the full contribution of the reinforcement, testing is performed parallel to the directions of reinforcement. This method is an index test and is not intended for design purposes.
ASTM D4533 Trapezoid Tear Test of Scrim Reinforced Plastic Sheeting
ASTM D4533 is the trapezoid tear method test that produces tension along a reasonably defined course such that the tear propagates across the width of the plastic sheeting. The maximum trapezoid tearing strength is reached when the resistance to further reorientation is greater than the force required to rupture one or more fibers simultaneously.
Scrim Reinforced Plastic Sheeting that passes the ASTM D4533:
ASTM D2582-Tear Test after a puncture for tear resistance
ASTM D2582 looks at the tear resistance of plastic sheeting when it is exposed to sharp objects that can puncture the sheeting. The test is the puncture-propagation of tear test which measures the resistance of a material to snagging, and to dynamic puncture and propagation of that puncture resulting in a tear. Failures due to snagging occur in a variety of end uses, including tarpaulins.
Experience has shown that for many materials puncture does not contribute significantly to the force value determined, due to the sharpness of the propagating probe used. However, comparing the results of prepunctured test specimens with normal nonpunctured specimens will give an indication of the extent of any puncture resistance in the reported result.
String reinforced tarps/liners that were tested for the ASTM D2582:
ASTM E1745- Vapor retarder in contact with soil- underslab vapor barrier
The ASTM E1745 specification covers flexible, plastic sheeting to be used as vapor retarders in contact with soil or granular fill under concrete slabs. The specified tests are conducted on new materials and materials that have been conditioned or exposed to simulate potential service conditions. The membranes are classified and tested into 3 classes:
- water vapor permeance
- tensile strength
- puncture resistance
Under special conditions, the material shall also conform to the required flame spread, permeance after soil poison petroleum vehicle exposure, and permeance after exposure to ultraviolet light.