ASTM C1601

The ASTM C 1601 - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces covers the field determination of water penetration of masonry wall surface(s) under specific water flow rate and air pressure conditions. Surface penetration is defined as the amount of water passing through the wall surface exposed to testing per unit time per unit area. This is not directly comparable to overall water penetration and leakage, in which area is typically defined as the amount of water traveling completely through the masonry system.

The outer wall surface of a masonry wall will experience water penetration when subjected to wind-driven rain. The resistance to water penetration is dependent on materials, workmanship, design, and maintenance. This test is similar to the laboratory version, the ASTM E 514. The ASTM C 1601 determines water penetration of the masonry at its surface. The ASTM E 514 measures the water that has penetrated into and through the masonry system and is collected. Direct comparison of results from this test method and the ASTM C 1601 is inappropriate.

The testing chamber (see diagram below) is a rectangular chamber with a minimum area of 12SF. It is attached to the wall system using metal frame mounts and rubber seals to prevent loss of water and maintain proper air pressure. The chamber has a single line of spray nozzles placed 1 inch apart. This creates a sheet flow condition during testing. Water is then pumped from the reservoir at a pre-specified flow rate (usually 3.4 gal/sf/h), while a pressure is maintained at 10 lbs/sf. Alternate testing conditions may be used based on local climatological data.

The test duration shall be not less than 4 hours after a preconditioning period. Preconditioning is designed to adjust water and air flow adequately prior to the actual testing. During the testing, observations and measurements are recorded.

• Note initial water flow, air pressure, and water level in reservoir (at the beginning).

• Record water flow patterns.

• Record water flow, air pressure, and water level at 5-minute intervals.

• Record the amount and time of which water is added to the reservoir.

• Note all visible lateral and vertical leakage and patterns of leakage.

• Note all interruptions during testing.

After testing calculations are made to determine water loss, all data is included in the final report document.

The ASTM C 1601 is a fairly complicated test when performed to exact specification details. Many times testing parameters can be changed without compromising the integrity of the test data. Due to the amount and size of our test equipment, we typically only perform the ASTM C 1601 in the southeastern United States. Please contact us to discuss equipment mobilization if you are outside this area.

Building Diagnostics Group, Inc. (BDG) utilizes professional testing equipment that is calibrated to each specific testing standard for accurate results. Our field consultants are properly trained and knowledgeable of all testing standards. BDG has extensive knowledge of most building systems and specializes in forensic water intrusion investigations. This allows us not only to properly test fenestrations on new construction projects, but if there is a test failure, we can pinpoint the cause of the failure and provide accurate recommendations to achieve successful testing results. Failures during quality assurance (new construction) testing can result in unnecessary delays that impact your bottom line.

If you are looking for a reputable second or third party testing company to perform accurate professional testing, provide concise reports, and help you through the entire process, contact Building Diagnostics Group, Inc. (BDG) today. We provide testing services throughout the United States from our headquarters located in Atlanta, GA.

To request a proposal for services, contact us at RFP@buildingdiagnosticsgroup.com or call 888.317.4568.