ASTM D173/D173M-03(2018)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Bitumen-Saturated Cotton Fabrics Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
Standard Specification for Bitumen-Saturated Cotton Fabrics Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
ABSTRACT
This specification covers woven cotton fabrics saturated with either asphalt or coal-tar intended for use with asphalt based plying cement (such as mopping asphalts or appropriate solvent bearing asphaltic compounds), coal-tar based plying cement (such as coal-tar pitch or other appropriate solvent bearing coal-tar compounds), or appropriate solvent bearing bituminous materials in the construction of roofing and waterproofing systems. The dry cotton fabric shall be thoroughly and uniformly saturated with bitumen by passing the fabric through the saturant or by spraying with saturant, calendering in the presence of heat, and then cooling before winding on a core. Products shall be sampled, tested, and adhere accordingly to specified physical (breaking load in both the warp and fill directions, and pliability), and dimensional (mass, width, thread count, moisture, and ash content) property requirements. The finished product shall not crack nor be so sticky as to cause tearing or other damage upon being unrolled at a given temperature.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers woven cotton fabrics saturated with either asphalt or coal-tar pitch intended to be used with asphalts conforming to Specifications D312/D312M or D449/D449M, coal-tar pitches conforming to Specification D450/D450M, or appropriate solvent bearing bituminous materials in the construction of roofing and waterproofing systems.
1.1.1 Asphalt-saturated cotton fabric shall be used with asphalt base plying cement; typical ones are mopping asphalts conforming to Specifications D312/D312M or D449/D449M or appropriate solvent bearing asphaltic compounds.
1.1.2 Coal-tar-saturated cotton fabric shall be used with coal-tar based plying cements; a typical one is coal-tar pitch conforming to Specification D450/D450M or appropriate solvent bearing coal-tar compounds.
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 shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.3 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-Jun-2018
- Technical Committee
- D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
- Drafting Committee
- D08.04 - Felts, Fabrics and Bituminous Sheet Materials
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2008
Overview
ASTM D173/D173M-03(2018) is the internationally recognized standard specification for bitumen-saturated cotton fabrics used in roofing and waterproofing systems. Issued by ASTM International, this specification establishes the requirements for the production, physical properties, and use of woven cotton fabrics saturated with either asphalt or coal-tar pitch. These fabrics are fundamental components in bituminous roofing underlayment and waterproofing systems, providing reinforcement and enhancing the durability of roofing and waterproof layers. The standard is critical for manufacturers, contractors, and quality assurance teams aiming to ensure compliance, performance, and longevity in roofing and waterproofing projects.
Key Topics
- Material Compatibility: Specifies requirements for using bitumen-saturated cotton fabric with asphalt-based or coal-tar-based plying cements in compliance with ASTM specifications (such as D312/D312M, D449/D449M for asphalt; D450/D450M for coal-tar pitch).
- Manufacturing Process: Outlines processes to achieve thorough and uniform saturation of cotton fabrics with bitumen, using methods such as immersion, spraying, or calendering, followed by cooling and winding.
- Physical and Dimensional Properties: Establishes minimum thresholds for breaking load (warp and fill directions), pliability, mass, width, thread count, moisture, and ash content to ensure product quality and performance.
- Workmanship and Appearance: Requires the finished fabric to be free from defects, have uniform smoothness, and maintain porosity to allow cement penetration while prohibiting the use of interfering substances.
- Testing and Inspection: References test methods for sampling, testing, and verifying compliance; provides guidelines for rejection and redress.
- Packaging and Marking: Sets requirements for marking, packaging integrity, roll construction, and material splices to ensure traceability and prevent product damage during handling.
Applications
Bitumen-saturated cotton fabrics specified under ASTM D173/D173M-03(2018) are vital for:
- Roofing Systems: Used as reinforcement layers in multi-ply built-up roofing systems, enhancing strength and resistance against weathering, mechanical stress, and thermal cycling.
- Waterproofing Membranes: Applied in below-grade and above-grade waterproofing, including foundations, tunnels, and retaining walls, where prevention of water ingress is essential.
- Repair and Maintenance: Utilized in roof repairs and patching, where compatibility with asphalt or coal-tar based cements is crucial for effective adhesion and water resistance.
- Quality Assurance: Provides a quality benchmark for procurement, inspection, and acceptance of materials used in construction projects requiring reliable moisture barriers.
These properties make bitumen-saturated cotton fabric a preferred choice for demanding roofing and waterproofing applications, where product performance and compliance to specification are critical.
Related Standards
For comprehensive roofing and waterproofing system design and quality control, practitioners should also refer to:
- ASTM D312/D312M - Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing
- ASTM D449/D449M - Specification for Asphalt Used in Dampproofing and Waterproofing
- ASTM D450/D450M - Specification for Coal-Tar Pitch Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
- ASTM D146/D146M - Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Bitumen-Saturated Felts and Woven Fabrics
- ASTM D1079 - Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
- ASTM D3775 - Test Method for End and Pick Count of Woven Fabrics
Compliance with ASTM D173/D173M-03(2018) and these related standards ensures optimal material performance, system longevity, and adherence to international best practices in roofing and waterproofing projects.
Keywords: bitumen-saturated cotton fabric, roofing, waterproofing, ASTM D173, asphalt roofing fabrics, coal-tar pitch, bituminous membranes, roofing standard, waterproofing membranes, roofing materials specification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D173/D173M-03(2018) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Bitumen-Saturated Cotton Fabrics Used in Roofing and Waterproofing". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers woven cotton fabrics saturated with either asphalt or coal-tar intended for use with asphalt based plying cement (such as mopping asphalts or appropriate solvent bearing asphaltic compounds), coal-tar based plying cement (such as coal-tar pitch or other appropriate solvent bearing coal-tar compounds), or appropriate solvent bearing bituminous materials in the construction of roofing and waterproofing systems. The dry cotton fabric shall be thoroughly and uniformly saturated with bitumen by passing the fabric through the saturant or by spraying with saturant, calendering in the presence of heat, and then cooling before winding on a core. Products shall be sampled, tested, and adhere accordingly to specified physical (breaking load in both the warp and fill directions, and pliability), and dimensional (mass, width, thread count, moisture, and ash content) property requirements. The finished product shall not crack nor be so sticky as to cause tearing or other damage upon being unrolled at a given temperature. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers woven cotton fabrics saturated with either asphalt or coal-tar pitch intended to be used with asphalts conforming to Specifications D312/D312M or D449/D449M, coal-tar pitches conforming to Specification D450/D450M, or appropriate solvent bearing bituminous materials in the construction of roofing and waterproofing systems. 1.1.1 Asphalt-saturated cotton fabric shall be used with asphalt base plying cement; typical ones are mopping asphalts conforming to Specifications D312/D312M or D449/D449M or appropriate solvent bearing asphaltic compounds. 1.1.2 Coal-tar-saturated cotton fabric shall be used with coal-tar based plying cements; a typical one is coal-tar pitch conforming to Specification D450/D450M or appropriate solvent bearing coal-tar compounds. 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 shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.3 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 woven cotton fabrics saturated with either asphalt or coal-tar intended for use with asphalt based plying cement (such as mopping asphalts or appropriate solvent bearing asphaltic compounds), coal-tar based plying cement (such as coal-tar pitch or other appropriate solvent bearing coal-tar compounds), or appropriate solvent bearing bituminous materials in the construction of roofing and waterproofing systems. The dry cotton fabric shall be thoroughly and uniformly saturated with bitumen by passing the fabric through the saturant or by spraying with saturant, calendering in the presence of heat, and then cooling before winding on a core. Products shall be sampled, tested, and adhere accordingly to specified physical (breaking load in both the warp and fill directions, and pliability), and dimensional (mass, width, thread count, moisture, and ash content) property requirements. The finished product shall not crack nor be so sticky as to cause tearing or other damage upon being unrolled at a given temperature. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers woven cotton fabrics saturated with either asphalt or coal-tar pitch intended to be used with asphalts conforming to Specifications D312/D312M or D449/D449M, coal-tar pitches conforming to Specification D450/D450M, or appropriate solvent bearing bituminous materials in the construction of roofing and waterproofing systems. 1.1.1 Asphalt-saturated cotton fabric shall be used with asphalt base plying cement; typical ones are mopping asphalts conforming to Specifications D312/D312M or D449/D449M or appropriate solvent bearing asphaltic compounds. 1.1.2 Coal-tar-saturated cotton fabric shall be used with coal-tar based plying cements; a typical one is coal-tar pitch conforming to Specification D450/D450M or appropriate solvent bearing coal-tar compounds. 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 shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.3 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 D173/D173M-03(2018) 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 D173/D173M-03(2018) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D173/D173M-03(2011)e1, ASTM D1079-20, ASTM D1079-18e1, ASTM D1079-18, ASTM D450/D450M-07(2018), ASTM D312/D312M-16, ASTM D1079-16, ASTM D312/D312M-15, ASTM D1079-13e1, ASTM D1079-13, ASTM D450/D450M-07(2013)e1, ASTM D3775-12, ASTM D1079-10, ASTM D1079-09, ASTM D3775-08. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D173/D173M-03(2018) 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:D173/D173M −03 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Bitumen-Saturated Cotton Fabrics Used in Roofing and
Waterproofing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D173/D173M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
This standard replaces Federal Specification SS-C-450.
1. Scope D146/D146M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing
Bitumen-Saturated Felts and Woven Fabrics for Roofing
1.1 This specification covers woven cotton fabrics saturated
and Waterproofing
with either asphalt or coal-tar pitch intended to be used with
D312/D312M Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing
asphalts conforming to Specifications D312/D312M or D449/
D449/D449M Specification forAsphalt Used in Dampproof-
D449M, coal-tar pitches conforming to Specification D450/
ing and Waterproofing
D450M, or appropriate solvent bearing bituminous materials in
D450/D450M Specification for Coal-Tar Pitch Used in
the construction of roofing and waterproofing systems.
Roofing, Dampproofing, and Waterproofing
1.1.1 Asphalt-saturated cotton fabric shall be used with
D1079 Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
asphalt base plying cement; typical ones are mopping asphalts
D3775 Test Method for End (Warp) and Pick (Filling) Count
conforming to Specifications D312/D312M or D449/D449M
of Woven Fabrics
or appropriate solvent bearing asphaltic compounds.
1.1.2 Coal-tar-saturated cotton fabric shall be used with
3. Terminology
coal-tar based plying cements; a typical one is coal-tar pitch
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
conforming to Specification D450/D450M or appropriate sol-
specification, refer to Terminology D1079.
vent bearing coal-tar compounds.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
4. Materials and Manufacture
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
4.1 In the process of manufacture, the dry cotton fabric shall
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
be thoroughly and uniformly saturated with bitumen.This shall
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
be accomplished by passing the fabric through the saturant or
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
by spraying with saturant, calendering in the presence of heat,
with the standard.
and then cooling before winding on a core.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.2 If fabric with a selvage is used, the selvage shall not be
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
more than 16 mm [ ⁄8 in.] wide.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.3 The fabric shall be woven entirely from cotton fibers,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
but customary sizing materials not exceeding 8 % by weight of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the moisture-free cotton shall be permitted to be used.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Physical Properties
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 The material shall conform to the physical requirements
prescribed in Table 1 and the dimensions and masses pre-
scribed in Table 2.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on
Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.04
5.2 The finished product shall not crack nor be so sticky as
on Felts, Fabrics and Bituminous Sheet Materials.
to cause tearing or other damage upon being unrolled at
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published July 2018. Originally approved
ɛ1 temperatures between 10 and 60°C [50 and 140°F].
in 1923. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D173/D173M – 03 (2011) .
DOI: 10.1520/D0173_D0173M-03R18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.1 The meshes of the fabric shall not be completely closed
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. or sealed by the process of saturation. There shall be sufficient
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D173/D173M−03 (2018)
TABLE 1 Physical Properties of Saturated Cotton Fabrics
7.2 Determine the pliability of the saturated fabric at 0°C
Property Requirement [32°F] by bending over a 1.6-mm [ ⁄16-in.] diameter mandrel
A
Breaking load at 21.1°C [70°F], both warp and fill 8.76 [50]
through an arc of 180° in
...
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