Water Penetration Testing

ASTM C1601 - 11

Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces

Significance and Use
Excessive water penetration of masonry may degrade masonry wall performance with respect to thermal conductivity, durability, efflorescence, staining, corrosion of embedded metal items, and water leakage.

This non-destructive test method contains procedures and equipment requirements to quantitatively determine the surface penetration of water at a single location on a masonry wall and may be used to evaluate masonry walls in-situ or for field mock-up testing. Common applications of this method have been comparison of water penetration rates of walls before and after repairs.

Resistance to water penetration is dependent on materials, workmanship, design, and maintenance. It is the intent of this standard that a sheet of water be developed and maintained on the wall surface during testing.

The C1601 test method determines water penetration of the masonry at its surface. This test is intended for use on any masonry wall surface that can be properly instrumented and tested within the requirements of this standard. This test method evaluates the surface water penetration. The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard.

To learn more about projects utilizing the ASTM C1601 test, please visit our selected Case Studies.