RILEM Water Absorption Test Procedures

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Author Message Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, MAI Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 323 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Tuesday, September 05, 2006 - 12:31 pm:    I've been given the test results for water absorption based on the RILEM Test Method 11.4. The test was conducted by the water repellent manufacturer. However, I have a concern, not about the results, but the procedures and recording methods used (which may affect the results). My understanding of the RILEM tube method is that a series of measurements are taken over various time periods in a single test location (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 60 minutes). The test location must also be exactly identified, and the tests need to include joints. Also, the tube should be filled to the 0.0 mL mark. The test results I received indicated they only filled the tube to the 2 mL level, did not identify the exact locations (only which elevation) and gave results only after the 15-minute time period. Plus, there is no indication that any joints were tested. Most of the test "locations" had no loss at 15 minutes, and some had 0.5 to 0.75 mL loss at 15 minutes. Yet, the report indicated that the "RILEM test performed well and building looks good." I would hope the test performed well, but did the building's masonry surfaces with applied water repellent perform well? That's the real question. Does this sound right to anybody? Does anybody have a copy of the actual test method procedures they'd be willing to share (assuming no copyright, of course)? Thanks! Tobin Oruch, CDT Senior Member Username: oruch Post Number: 33 Registered: 04-2003 Posted on Tuesday, September 05, 2006 - 02:45 pm:    RILEM discussed in ASTM C 1519 Standard Practice for Evaluating Durability of Building Construction Sealants by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures. If you don't have access maybe Googling will give info...