Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Absorption of Hardened Concrete Treated With a Water Repellent Coating

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Researchers in the field of water repellent coatings have recognized the need for a standardized test for determining the performance of water repellents applied to structures in the field. Many coating manufacturer's supply warranties for their products based on maintaining a specific water repellency on concrete. This test method can be used to determine the effective water repellency of the coating by comparing its performance to a control uncoated specimen.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a procedure for the determination of the water absorption by a core of concrete taken from a surface treated with a water repellent.  
1.2 The intended use of the water repellent coating is to reduce the amount of water that absorbs into the substrate.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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
30-Nov-2020

Relations

Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
01-Mar-2019
Effective Date
15-Mar-2018
Effective Date
01-Oct-2016
Effective Date
01-Apr-2016
Effective Date
01-Dec-2013
Effective Date
01-Feb-2012
Effective Date
01-Dec-2011
Effective Date
15-Aug-2011
Effective Date
01-Jun-2011
Effective Date
15-Dec-2010
Effective Date
01-Nov-2006
Effective Date
01-Mar-2006
Effective Date
01-Nov-2005
Effective Date
01-Oct-2005

Overview

ASTM D6489-99(2020), titled Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Absorption of Hardened Concrete Treated With a Water Repellent Coating, is a widely recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This test method provides a systematic procedure to evaluate the water absorption characteristics of hardened concrete that has been treated with a water repellent coating. The primary purpose is to assess how effectively such coatings reduce the ingress of water into concrete, supporting industry stakeholders in verifying product performance and ensuring quality assurance.

Proper water repellent treatment is essential in various construction contexts, as it enhances the durability and lifespan of concrete structures by minimizing water-related deterioration. ASTM D6489 directly addresses this need, offering a reliable approach that benefits researchers, product manufacturers, and facility owners.

Key Topics

  • Purpose and Significance
    The standard outlines a method for measuring how much water a core sample of treated concrete absorbs versus an untreated control. This allows stakeholders to evaluate the efficacy of water repellent coatings under standardized conditions.

  • Test Procedure

    • Concrete specimens (typically cores) are dried, sealed on non-treated surfaces, and weighed.
    • Specimens are immersed in water for a specified period.
    • The weight gain due to water absorption is measured and calculated as a percentage.
    • Comparisons are made between treated and untreated samples.
  • Apparatus and Materials
    The standard specifies essential equipment such as balances, ovens, containers, proper sealing materials, and methods for sample preparation to ensure accuracy and repeatability.

  • Reporting Requirements
    Results should specify specimen details, type of water repellent used, and the measured water absorption. Any deviations from the standard procedure must be clearly documented.

Applications

This standard test method is valuable across various aspects of concrete construction and maintenance, including:

  • Quality Control for Manufacturers
    Water repellent coatings manufacturers can use ASTM D6489 to validate product claims, support warranties, and ensure their products maintain prescribed water repellency levels on concrete.

  • Performance Evaluation by Researchers
    Research institutions and independent laboratories use this standard to compare water absorption in concrete samples treated with different coatings or application methods.

  • Durability Assessment for Infrastructure Owners
    Facility managers and engineers can assess in-situ performance of applied coatings, supporting maintenance decisions for concrete surfaces such as bridges, parking structures, and facades.

  • Specification Compliance in Procurement
    Project specifiers can reference ASTM D6489 in procurement documents to ensure concrete coatings meet industry-recognized standards for water protection.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced in ASTM D6489 and are relevant for broader application and compliance:

  • ASTM C42/C42M - Method for obtaining and testing drilled cores of concrete.
  • ASTM D1193 - Specification for reagent water.
  • ASTM D1763 - Specification for epoxy resins.
  • ASTM D3924 - Standard environment for conditioning and testing paint, varnish, lacquer, and related materials.
  • ASTM E145 - Specification for gravity-convection and forced-ventilation ovens.
  • ASTM E898 - Practice for calibration of non-automatic weighing instruments.

Practical Value

By establishing a consistent, repeatable method to measure water absorption in treated concrete, ASTM D6489 enables the construction sector to improve protection against water ingress, enhance structural durability, and support long-term maintenance planning. Its adoption supports compliance, reliable warranty claims, and concrete surface longevity, making it a critical reference for anyone involved in concrete chemical treatments and preservation.

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ASTM D6489-99(2020) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Absorption of Hardened Concrete Treated With a Water Repellent Coating

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D6489-99(2020) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Absorption of Hardened Concrete Treated With a Water Repellent Coating". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Researchers in the field of water repellent coatings have recognized the need for a standardized test for determining the performance of water repellents applied to structures in the field. Many coating manufacturer's supply warranties for their products based on maintaining a specific water repellency on concrete. This test method can be used to determine the effective water repellency of the coating by comparing its performance to a control uncoated specimen. SCOPE 1.1 This test method provides a procedure for the determination of the water absorption by a core of concrete taken from a surface treated with a water repellent. 1.2 The intended use of the water repellent coating is to reduce the amount of water that absorbs into the substrate. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.4 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. 1.5 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Researchers in the field of water repellent coatings have recognized the need for a standardized test for determining the performance of water repellents applied to structures in the field. Many coating manufacturer's supply warranties for their products based on maintaining a specific water repellency on concrete. This test method can be used to determine the effective water repellency of the coating by comparing its performance to a control uncoated specimen. SCOPE 1.1 This test method provides a procedure for the determination of the water absorption by a core of concrete taken from a surface treated with a water repellent. 1.2 The intended use of the water repellent coating is to reduce the amount of water that absorbs into the substrate. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.4 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. 1.5 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 D6489-99(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D6489-99(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E898-20, ASTM E145-19, ASTM C42/C42M-18, ASTM C42/C42M-16, ASTM D3924-16, ASTM E898-88(2013), ASTM C42/C42M-12, ASTM E145-94(2011), ASTM C42/C42M-11, ASTM D3924-80(2011), ASTM C42/C42M-10a, ASTM E145-94(2006), ASTM D1193-06, ASTM D1763-00(2005), ASTM E898-88(2005). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D6489-99(2020) 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: D6489 − 99 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Water Absorption of Hardened Concrete
Treated With a Water Repellent Coating
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6489; 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 E898 Practice for Calibration of Non-Automatic Weighing
Instruments
1.1 This test method provides a procedure for the determi-
nation of the water absorption by a core of concrete taken from
3. Summary of Test Method
a surface treated with a water repellent.
3.1 The specimen is dried to a constant weight and the
1.2 The intended use of the water repellent coating is to
portions of the specimen not treated with the water repellent
reduce the amount of water that absorbs into the substrate.
are sealed with an impervious sealing material. The specimens
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the are weighed and immersed in water. The specimens are
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information removed from the water, weighed, and a percent water absorp-
only. tion is calculated.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 Researchers in the field of water repellent coatings have
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
recognized the need for a standardized test for determining the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
performance of water repellents applied to structures in the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
field. Many coating manufacturer’s supply warranties for their
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
products based on maintaining a specific water repellency on
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
concrete. This test method can be used to determine the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
effective water repellency of the coating by comparing its
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
performance to a control uncoated specimen.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Apparatus and Materials
2. Referenced Documents 5.1 Balance, having a capacity of not less than 4000 g (8.81
lb) and a sensitivity of 0.1 g (0.0002 lb) as tested in accordance
2.1 ASTM Standards:
with Test Method E898.
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
5.2 Hot Plate, capable of at least 149°C (300°F).
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
5.3 Metal Pan, at least 20.3 cm long by 15.2 cm wide and
D1763 Specification for Epoxy Resins
5.1 cm deep (8 in. long by 6 in. wide and 2 in. deep), suitable
D3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
to melt the wax or mix the epoxy.
tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
5.4 Brush, Duck Tape.
Materials
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
5.5 Container, suitable for holding the water to immerse the
Ventilation Ovens specimens.
5.6 Forced Draft Oven, Type IIA or IIB, as defined in
Specification E145.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
5.7 Reagent Water, as defined by Type IV of Specification
Subcommittee D01.47 on Concrete, Stone and Masonry Treatments.
D1193.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D6489 – 99 (2012).
5.8 Sealing Material, having very low permeability to
DOI: 10.1520/D6489-99R20.
water. Sealing material must meet the requirements of Section
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
6.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. NOTE 1—Sealing materials that in general meet the requirements that
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6489 − 99 (2020)
are defined in Specification D1763, Type I, Grade 1, (two component
two to three revolutions, or brush on the sealing material. Be
epoxies, epichlorohydrin/Bisphenol A and polyamine + Bisphenol A) or
carefulnottogetanyofthesealingmaterialonthetreatedface.
waxes used in the investment casting industry. Paraffin waxes are not
8.7 Remove the specimen from the sealing material and
acceptable.
place treated specimen face up on a firm surface.
6. Sealing Material
8.8 Repeat 8.5 and 8.6 after 3 min have elapsed.
6.1 Use hardened concrete specimens as described in 7.1.
8.9 Carefully remove the duct tape from the specimen.
6.2 Follow the procedures of Section 8, except for 8.4 and
8.10 Using a brush apply sealing material to any pin holes
8.5. Instead use the sealing material to completely seal the
or holidays that appear in the coating. Allow some o
...

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