Standard Specification for Asphalt Used in Canal, Ditch, and Pond Lining

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the sampling, testing, and physical requirements of oxidized petroleum asphalt, which when applied in a sufficient thickness over a suitable subgrade and covered with a suitable cover material, will provide a satisfactory waterproof membrane for use as a canal, ditch, and pond lining. The asphalt shall not foam when heated are a specified temperature, when tested using appropriate methods, shall conform accordingly to the following properties: softening point (ring and ball); penetration points; ductility; flash point (Cleveland open cup); solubility in trichloroethylene; and loss in heating.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers an oxidized petroleum asphalt which, when applied in a sufficient thickness over a suitable subgrade and covered with a suitable cover material, will provide a satisfactory waterproof membrane for use as a canal, ditch, and pond lining.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system should be used independently of the other. Combining values in any way may result in nonconformance with the standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Dec-2020

Relations

Effective Date
01-Dec-2023
Effective Date
15-Dec-2019
Effective Date
01-May-2018
Effective Date
01-Jun-2016
Effective Date
01-Jun-2015
Effective Date
01-Jun-2014
Effective Date
01-Jan-2013
Effective Date
01-Nov-2012
Effective Date
01-Jan-2011
Effective Date
01-Jun-2009
Effective Date
01-Jun-2009
Effective Date
01-Jul-2005
Effective Date
01-Jun-2005
Effective Date
10-Dec-2002
Effective Date
10-Sep-2002

Overview

The ASTM D2521/D2521M-76(2021) Standard Specification for Asphalt Used in Canal, Ditch, and Pond Lining establishes guidelines for the sampling, testing, and physical requirements of oxidized petroleum asphalt designed to serve as a waterproof membrane. When applied with appropriate thickness over a suitable subgrade and protected by a cover material, this asphalt is intended to provide effective waterproofing for water containment structures such as canals, ditches, and ponds. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports consistent performance and quality in civil engineering and water management projects, following internationally recognized standardization principles.

Key Topics

  • Material Requirements: Specifies oxidized petroleum asphalt, which must not foam when heated and must meet strict criteria for softening point, penetration, ductility, flash point, solubility, and loss on heating.
  • Testing Procedures: Requires adherence to standardized ASTM test methods for assessing physical properties, including:
    • Softening point (ring and ball method)
    • Penetration at various temperatures
    • Ductility at 25°C (77°F)
    • Flash point (Cleveland open cup)
    • Solubility in trichloroethylene
    • Loss on heating
  • Measurement Units: Allows results to be reported in either SI units or inch-pound units; combining units is not permitted to maintain consistency and accuracy.
  • Quality Assurance: Outlines inspection, rejection, and resubmittal procedures to ensure material compliance and project integrity.
  • Health and Safety: Requires users to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices when applying this standard.

Applications

Asphalt conforming to ASTM D2521/D2521M-76(2021) is critical in the following applications:

  • Canal Lining: Creates durable, waterproof membranes to prevent seepage in irrigation and water conveyance systems.
  • Ditch Lining: Provides reliable lining for drainage and runoff channels, improving longevity and reducing maintenance.
  • Pond Lining: Ensures water retention and reduces leakage in agricultural, ornamental, and industrial ponds.
  • Environmental Protection: Minimizes loss of valuable water resources and protects nearby soil and groundwater from contamination.
  • Water Infrastructure Projects: Supports the development of sustainable water management systems in public works, landscaping, and agriculture.

Related Standards

ASTM D2521/D2521M references several key ASTM standards that provide supporting procedures for sampling and testing:

  • ASTM D5/D5M: Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials
  • ASTM D6/D6M: Test Method for Loss on Heating of Oil and Asphaltic Compounds
  • ASTM D92: Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
  • ASTM D113: Test Method for Ductility of Asphalt Materials
  • ASTM D140/D140M: Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
  • ASTM D2042: Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in Trichloroethylene

These referenced standards ensure that all aspects of asphalt used in canal, ditch, and pond lining undergo consistent and recognized evaluations, resulting in high-quality membrane construction and long-term project reliability.

Keywords: bituminous materials, canal lining, ditch lining, membrane asphalt, waterproofing, water containment, oxidized asphalt, ASTM standards, water infrastructure.

For additional details and technical requirements, consult ASTM International or the full text of ASTM D2521/D2521M-76(2021).

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D2521/D2521M-76(2021) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Asphalt Used in Canal, Ditch, and Pond Lining". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers the sampling, testing, and physical requirements of oxidized petroleum asphalt, which when applied in a sufficient thickness over a suitable subgrade and covered with a suitable cover material, will provide a satisfactory waterproof membrane for use as a canal, ditch, and pond lining. The asphalt shall not foam when heated are a specified temperature, when tested using appropriate methods, shall conform accordingly to the following properties: softening point (ring and ball); penetration points; ductility; flash point (Cleveland open cup); solubility in trichloroethylene; and loss in heating. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers an oxidized petroleum asphalt which, when applied in a sufficient thickness over a suitable subgrade and covered with a suitable cover material, will provide a satisfactory waterproof membrane for use as a canal, ditch, and pond lining. 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system should be used independently of the other. Combining values in any way may result in nonconformance with the standard. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT This specification covers the sampling, testing, and physical requirements of oxidized petroleum asphalt, which when applied in a sufficient thickness over a suitable subgrade and covered with a suitable cover material, will provide a satisfactory waterproof membrane for use as a canal, ditch, and pond lining. The asphalt shall not foam when heated are a specified temperature, when tested using appropriate methods, shall conform accordingly to the following properties: softening point (ring and ball); penetration points; ductility; flash point (Cleveland open cup); solubility in trichloroethylene; and loss in heating. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers an oxidized petroleum asphalt which, when applied in a sufficient thickness over a suitable subgrade and covered with a suitable cover material, will provide a satisfactory waterproof membrane for use as a canal, ditch, and pond lining. 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system should be used independently of the other. Combining values in any way may result in nonconformance with the standard. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D2521/D2521M-76(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D2521/D2521M-76(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D140/D140M-16(2023), ASTM D5/D5M-19a, ASTM D6/D6M-95(2018), ASTM D140/D140M-16, ASTM D140/D140M-15, ASTM D140/D140M-14, ASTM D5/D5M-13, ASTM D92-12a, ASTM D6/D6M-95(2011)e1, ASTM D140/D140M-09, ASTM D2042-09, ASTM D92-05a, ASTM D92-05, ASTM D92-02b, ASTM D92-02a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D2521/D2521M-76(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D2521/D2521M − 76 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Asphalt Used in Canal, Ditch, and Pond Lining
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2521/D2521M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
D2042 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in
1.1 This specification covers an oxidized petroleum asphalt
Trichloroethylene or Toluene
which, when applied in a sufficient thickness over a suitable
D2398 Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen in
subgrade and covered with a suitable cover material, will
Ethylene Glycol (Ring-and-Ball) (Withdrawn 1984)
provide a satisfactory waterproof membrane for use as a canal,
ditch, and pond lining.
3. Physical Requirements
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 The asphalt shall not foam when heated to 205 °C
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
[400 °F], and shall conform to the requirements prescribed in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
Table 1.
system should be used independently of the other. Combining
3.2 At the purchaser’s option, phosphorus pentoxide (P O )
values in any way may result in nonconformance with the 2 5
may be specified as a catalyst or blowing aid in the preparation
standard.
of the membrane asphalt.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Sampling and Test Methods
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Sample the material and determine the properties enu-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
merated in this specification in accordance with the following
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
methods:
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.1 Sampling—Practice D140/D140M.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.2 Softening Point—Test Method D2398.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.3 Penetration—Test Method D5/D5M.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1.4 Ductility—Test Method D113.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.5 Flash Point—Test Method D92.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.6 Solubility in Trichloroethylene—Test Method D2042.
4.1.7 Loss on Heating—Test Method D6/D6M.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Inspection
D5/D5M Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Mate-
5.1 Inspection of the material shall be agreed upon between
rials
the purchaser and the seller as part of the purchase contract.
D6/D6M Test Method for Loss on Heating of Oil and
Asphaltic Compounds
6. Rejection and Resubmittal
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland
6.1 Failure to conform to any of the requirements prescribed
Open Cu
...

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