ASTM C1715/C1715M-22

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Designation: C1715/C1715M − 21 C1715/C1715M − 22
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall
Drainage Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1715/C1715M; 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*
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.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
C1601 Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces
E514/E514M Test Method for Water Penetration and Leakage Through Masonry
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.04 on Research.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021June 1, 2022. Published December 2021June 2022. Originally approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 20152021 as
C1715 – 15.C1715 – 21. DOI: 10.1520/C1715_C1715M-21.10.1520/C1715_C1715M-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1715/C1715M − 22
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to building construction used in this test method, see Terminology E631. For
definitions of terms relating to masonry, brick and clay tile, and concrete masonry units used in this test method, see Terminology
C1232.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 back-up wall, n—the portion of the wall system located on the interior side of the drainage zone.
3.2.2 drainage zone, n—the region located between the interior face of the exterior wythe of masonry and the exterior face of the
back-up wall or the water-resistive barrier placed on the exterior face of the back-up wall to facilitate the flow of water to a flashing
or water collection system.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
The drainage zone often includes other components such as rigid insulation in addition to devices that facilitate the flow of water
or prevent mortar from blocking the weeps.
3.2.3 flashing, n—an impervious material placed at specified locations in a masonry wall drainage system to collect and direct
water penetrating through the exterior wythe of masonry to the exterior face of the exterior wythe of masonry by means of a weep
system.
3.2.4 masonry barrier wall, n—single or multi-wythe masonry wall system that does not contain a drainage zone directly behind
the exterior masonry wythe.
3.2.5 masonry drainage wall, n—masonry wall system designed with a drainage zone immediately behind the exterior masonry
wythe that allows water penetrating the masonry to flow down the drainage zone where the water is collected and diverted by
flashing to the exterior face of the exterior wythe or collected and drained by some other water collection system.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
This wall type includes: masonry cavity walls; anchored masonry veneer walls; insulated cavity walls; and any other masonry wall
systems with a drainage zone.
3.2.6 masonry wall drainage system, n—the drainage zone, the water resistive barrier (where included), the flashing or other water
collection devices, and the weep system in a masonry drainage wall designed to collect water that penetrates the exterior masonry
wythe and direct it back to the exterior face of the exterior masonry wythe.
3.2.7 masonry wall system, n—all components of an exterior wall including the exterior masonry wythe, wall ties or anchors, the
drainage system (if included), the back-up wall, insulation, and wall finishes.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—
By definition in this standard, a masonry wall system shall consist of at least an exterior masonry wythe exposed to weather.
3.2.8 water leakage, n—penetration of water beyond the innermost plane bounding the masonry wall drainage system or water
penetration below or behind flashings.
3.2.9 water collection system, n—a trough system or similar system at the base of a drainage zone or a portion of that trough
system, used in place of flashing, intended to collect any water that penetrates the exterior wythe of masonry and direct that water
to a drainage system.
3.2.10 water resistive barrier, n—a coating or membrane on the exterior surface of the back-up wall that is intended to prevent
water, which has penetrated the exterior masonry wythe and has bridged the air space, from reaching the surface of the back-up
wall and to direct this water into the flashing or water collection system below.
3.2.11 weep system, n—a series of openings, tubes, wicks, vents, or other devices at the top surface of the flashing that facilitate
the flow of water that collects on the flashing back to the exterior surface of the wall.
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4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method introduces water directly into the masonry wall drainage system through holes drilled in the exterior masonry
wythe. Water is introduced along the interior face of the exterior masonry wythe by means of hoses at each entry point. These hoses
are connected to a common water source. The flow rates are controlled by flow regulators attached to each of the entry point hoses
or to a manifold that distributes water uniformly to multiple hoses. This standard sets limits for several parameters to control the
velocity and volume of the water at points of entry as well as limits on the maximum spacing of entry points to provide uniform
distribution of water along the interior face of the exterior masonry wythe. Interior and exterior observations are performed before,
during, and after the test to detect water leakage and to observe the discharge of water to the exterior.
5. 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.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Major Components:
6.1.1 Water Source—a source of potable water under pressure such as the local pressurized water supply, a water supply connected
to a pump, or water from an elevated storage tank.
6.1.2 Flow Meter—a device capable of measuring the water flow with sufficient accuracy to meet the permitted variations listed
in Section 7. The flow meter shall be either integral with or following the flow regulator. Flow meters are connected to each water
entry point (Type l as shown in Fig. 1). If all water entry points are located within 13 mm [0.5 in.] from the average height of water
entry points, the flow meter is permitted to be attached to a distribution manifold connected to multiple entry points (Type 2 as
shown in Fig. 2) provided the top of the distribution manifold is located at least 250 mm [10 in.] below the lowest entry point,
the entry point hoses are the same length (within 25 mm [1.0 in.]), and the entry points are evenly spaced (within 10 % of average
spacing).
NOTE 1—Using separate flow meters and flow regulators attached to each entry point allows adjustment of the spacing, height, and flow rates at the entry
points based on the tributary area of the wall represented by each entry point. When using a manifold attached to a single flow meter and flow regulator,
the spacing, height, and flow rates at each entry point supplied by the manifold must be approximately equal. To ensure that the flow rates from the entry
point hoses are within the specified tolerance, the heights of the entry points above the flow meter need to be approximately equal, the lowest entry point
must exceed the minimum height above the distribution manifold, and the length of each hose need to be approximately equal. Conformance to the
specified tolerance is verified during calibration.
6.1.3 Flow Regulator—a valve, either integral with the flow meters or separate, to control the rate of water flow.
6.1.4 Entry Point Hoses—hoses attached directly to the flow meter or to a distribution manifold for the purpose of supplying water
into the masonry wall drainage system. The diameter of these hoses shall be large enough to ensure that the exterior face of the
water flow shall extend no farther than 6 mm [0.25 in.] horizontally beyond the end of the hose at a distance of 500 mm [20 in.]
below the end of the hose (Fig. 3).
NOTE 2—High velocity water leaving small diameter hoses may cause water to project beyond the interior face of the exterior wythe. This requirement
is intended to ensure that water will flow down the interior surface of the exterior wythe.
6.1.5 Distribution Manifold—a series of pipes, tees, elbows, machined distribution block, and other plumbing connections used
to distribute water from the water source to each of the water entry points.
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FIG. 1 Flow Meter Connected to Each Entry Point (Type 1)
FIG. 2 Flow Meter Connected to Multiple Entry Points (Type 2)
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FIG. 3 Entry Point Hose
6.1.6 Graduated Cylinder—a clear plastic or glass cylinder which is sealed at one end and contains graduations to measure
quantities of water with an accuracy of 1 mL [0.034 oz].
6.1.7 Entry Point—a hole drilled through a mortar head joint in the exterior wythe of masonry through which water is directed
into the drainage zone during the test. Drill entry point holes at a 30 6 5° angle downward (Fig. 4).
NOTE 3—The 30° downward angle is intended to prevent water from flowing back to the exterior through the entry points during the test.
7. Calibration
7.1 Verify the ability of the test apparatus to meet the applicable requirements by setting up and testing the apparatus in a
laboratory. Perform the calibration after initial fabrication and if any change has been made or damage has occurred to the test
apparatus. Verify three test levels during each calibration: the highest flow rate at which the apparatus is designed to operate, the
lowest flow rate at which the apparatus is designed to operate, and the midpoint between these two test flow rates.
NOTE 4—To ensure that the apparatus is performing correctly in the field, verification of performance is required after the apparatus is set up. See 10.4.
7.2 Position the ends of the water entry hoses at the specified angle listed in 6.1.7 (Fig. 4).
7.3 Check the horizontal projection of water flow from the end of at least one of the hoses to demonstrate that the hose conforms
to the requirements of 6.1.4. Locate the measurement device a minimum of 500 mm [20 in.] below the hose. The measurement
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FIG. 4 Entry Point with Hose Inserted
device is used to measure the distance from a point directly below the lower edge of the tip of the water entry hose to the outer
edge of the water flow within an accuracy of 1 mm [0.04 in.], as shown in Fig. 3. The exterior face of the water flow shall extend
no farther than 6 mm [0.25 in.] horizontally beyond the end of the hose. Perform this check at the maximum flow rate at which
the water entry hose will be used.
7.4 For an apparatus that uses a flow meter and flow regulator attached to a distribution manifold connected to multiple entry
points (Type 2), calibrate the apparatus by setting up the system in a laboratory so that the water entry points are located at the
same level (within 2 mm [0.08 in.]) except that one entry point is positioned 13 mm [0.5 in.] above the average level and one entry
point is positioned 13 mm [0.5 in.] below the average level. Set the height between the average level of the entry points and the
top of the flow meter at the specified minimum level specified in 6.1.2.
NOTE 5—Laboratory studies have been performed with up to six entry points. Experience in the field has shown that distribution manifolds can supply
adequate water flow to up to six entry point hoses to meet the calibration requirements of this standard.
7.5 Verify the flow rate at each entry point in either the Type 1 or the Type 2 apparatus using a graduated cylinder by
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