Specifications and Use of Standardized Test Methods for the Evaluation of Water Penetration Resistance of Masonry

Provider: Mason Contractors Association of America
Discipline: Codes & Standards
Credits: 1.00

Masonry is one of the oldest and most sought after building materials by building owners for new building construction. Masonry can serve as both finish and structure and is therefore extremely versatile adding both beauty and strength to the structure. Water penetration and leakage through masonry façade systems is the single most prominent cause of owner complaints and litigation related to masonry construction. Proper specification of masonry materials, details coupled with a well defined quality assurance program and field performance testing as part of building envelope commissioning can minimize customer complaints and claims related to façade leakage and ensure a successful completed project. Topics discussed include including water penetration resistance testing of construction mock-ups and work in progress during the construction process.

This session will:

• Demonstrate standard ASTM test methods for the evaluation of water penetration resistance of masonry and façade construction.
• Discuss specification methods to correctly implement standard test methods to evaluate construction mock-ups and work in progress during construction;
• Define criteria for frequency of testing to reasonably ensure quality requirements while minimizing testing costs.
• Discuss acceptance and rejection criteria for mock-up evaluation and field production testing.
• Explore alternate nonstandard test methods that are useful in evaluating water penetration problems and isolating water leakage paths in completed projects.

• Be able to take the concepts discussed and begin applying them to working projects or use them in an overall building envelope commissioning program that includes masonry construction.
• Gain a working knowledge of ASTM test methods for the evaluation of water penetration resistance of masonry and façade construction.
• Have a working knowledge of specification methods to correctly implement standard test methods to evaluate construction mock-ups and work in progress during construction.
• Have a working knowledge of the criteria for frequency of testing to reasonably ensure quality requirements while minimizing testing costs.
• Know how to define acceptance and rejection criteria for mock-up evaluation and field production testing.

For more information please visit www.masoncontractors.org or contact Mason Contractors Association of America at 800-536-2225.

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