ASTM D4263-83(2018)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method
Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 Capillary moisture in the concrete may be detrimental to the performance of certain coating systems that cannot tolerate moisture on or within the surface boundary.
2.2 This test method is used prior to the application of coatings on concrete.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to indicate the presence of capillary moisture in concrete.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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. For specific caution statements, see Section 4.
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-Jul-2018
- Technical Committee
- D33 - Protective Coating and Lining Work for Power Generation Facilities
- Drafting Committee
- D33.05 - Application and Surface Preparation
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Referred By
ASTM D5107-03(2022) - Standard Practice for Preparatory Surface Cleaning of Architectural Sandstone - Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Referred By
ASTM D4261-05(2018) - Standard Practice for Surface Cleaning Concrete Masonry Units for Coating - Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Referred By
ASTM F710-22 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring - Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2018
Overview
ASTM D4263-83(2018), titled Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method, is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This test method serves to determine the presence of capillary moisture in concrete surfaces, especially before the application of coatings that are sensitive to moisture. Proper assessment of moisture content in concrete is a critical factor influencing the performance and durability of protective coating systems.
This standard is widely referenced in construction and maintenance projects where concrete coatings or floor coverings are to be applied, and where moisture-related failures could create significant practical and financial risks.
Key Topics
- Capillary Moisture Detection: The plastic sheet method provides a simple, qualitative means to indicate whether moisture is present on or near the concrete surface.
- Test Procedure: The method involves tightly taping a transparent polyethylene sheet (approximately 18 by 18 inches, 4 mils thick) over the concrete surface. After a minimum of 16 hours, both the underside of the sheet and the concrete are visually inspected for signs of moisture.
- Qualitative Results: The method identifies the presence or absence of capillary moisture rather than quantifying its amount.
- Sampling Guidance: For comprehensive results, testing is advised every 500 square feet (46 m²) of surface area or at every 10 feet (3 m) of vertical rise, starting near the floor.
- Environmental Conditions: The test should be conducted under ambient and surface conditions suitable for coating application, avoiding direct sunlight or heat that could distort results.
- Reporting: The results are reported as simply moisture “present” or “absent.”
Applications
The ASTM D4263-83(2018) standard is particularly invaluable in the following scenarios:
- Coating and Flooring Projects: Used prior to applying coatings, sealers, adhesives, or flooring systems that are moisture-sensitive, ensuring that the concrete substrate is suitable for successful installation.
- Remediation and Maintenance: Assists facility managers, contractors, and inspectors in diagnosing existing coating failures potentially caused by moisture.
- Quality Control: Serving as a verification step during new construction and renovations to assure stakeholders that environmental prerequisites for coatings are met.
- Specification Compliance: Many project specifications reference this standard as a precondition for material warranties and to minimize risks linked to delamination, blistering, or other moisture-related issues.
Use of ASTM D4263-83(2018) contributes to improved long-term performance, reliability, and cost efficiency of flooring and coating installations over concrete by proactively managing moisture risks.
Related Standards
For comprehensive moisture evaluation and surface preparation, the following standards are commonly referenced alongside ASTM D4263-83(2018):
- ASTM F2170: Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
- ASTM F1869: Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride
- ASTM D4541: Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
- ASTM D4258: Standard Practice for Surface Cleaning Concrete for Coating
Each of these standards addresses different aspects of concrete preparation, moisture measurement, or coating evaluation, and can be used to supplement the qualitative results supplied by the ASTM D4263 plastic sheet method.
Employing ASTM D4263-83(2018) strengthens confidence in the readiness of concrete substrates for coatings, reduces the risk of costly failures, and supports adherence to industry best practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D4263-83(2018) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 2.1 Capillary moisture in the concrete may be detrimental to the performance of certain coating systems that cannot tolerate moisture on or within the surface boundary. 2.2 This test method is used prior to the application of coatings on concrete. SCOPE 1.1 This test method is used to indicate the presence of capillary moisture in concrete. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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. For specific caution statements, see Section 4. 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 2.1 Capillary moisture in the concrete may be detrimental to the performance of certain coating systems that cannot tolerate moisture on or within the surface boundary. 2.2 This test method is used prior to the application of coatings on concrete. SCOPE 1.1 This test method is used to indicate the presence of capillary moisture in concrete. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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. For specific caution statements, see Section 4. 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 D4263-83(2018) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.080.40 - Concrete structures. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D4263-83(2018) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D4263-83(2012), ASTM D5107-03(2022), ASTM D5295/D5295M-18, ASTM C1471/C1471M-22, ASTM D4260-23, ASTM D3805/D3805M-16(2023), ASTM F2419-11(2021), ASTM D6237-19, ASTM D4261-05(2018), ASTM D4258-23, ASTM F710-22, ASTM D5498-12a(2018), ASTM C1848-17a(2023). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D4263-83(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: D4263 − 83 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet
Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4263; 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.
1. Scope 4. Cautions
1.1 This test method is used to indicate the presence of
4.1 This test method shall be conducted when the surface
capillary moisture in concrete.
temperature and ambient conditions are within the established
parameters for application of the coating system.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.2 Avoid direct sunlight, direct heat, or damage to the
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
plastic sheet, as such treatment affects the reliability of the
and are not considered standard.
results.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Procedure
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 Tape a segment of plastic sheet, approximately 18 by 18
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
in. (457 by 457 mm), tightly to the concrete surface making
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sure that all edges are sealed.
For specific caution statements, see Section 4.
5.2 Allow the plastic sheet to remain in place a minimum of
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
16 h.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.3 After the allowed time has elapsed, remove the plastic
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
sheet and visually inspect the underside of the sheet and the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
concrete surface of the patch for the presence of moisture.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.4 Sampling:
2 2
5.4.1 Floors—One test area per 500 ft (46 m ) or portion
2. Significance and Use
thereof, of surface areas unless otherwise specified.
2.1 Capillary moisture in the concrete may be detrimental to
2 2
5.4.2 Walls and Ceilings—One test area per 500 ft (46 m )
the performance of certain coating systems that cannot tolerate
or portion
...
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