A European standard “EN 15819 Polymer modified bituminous thick coatings for waterproofing - Reduction of layer thickness when completely dry” describes a procedure for determining the reduction in thickness of polymer modified bituminous thick coatings as a result of drying for waterproofing purposes.
Polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings are paste-like bitumen-based emulsion masses enriched with polymers and can be applied with a palette knife or sprayed. Polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings can be polystyrene-filled or fibre-reinforced and can be both single-component and two-component. The second component can be powder and mineral-based or liquid/paste-like. Due to the possibility of application in thick layers, polymer-modified thick bituminous coatings represent a reliable and safe type of waterproofing with good crack-bridging properties. They are long-lasting waterproofing products that protect building components and contribute to their functionality and value retention. The usability of buildings can be significantly improved through their use and their service life can be significantly extended.
After the test is applied, a decrease in layer thickness is expected. At the end of 28 days, the decrease in layer thickness should be at least 50 percent.
In principle, the reduction of the thickness of the polymer modified bitumen emulsion is the difference between measuring the wet and dry layer thickness under specific conditions on a coated surface.
Major apparatus used in these tests include:
Samples with dimensions of 200 mm × 150 mm × 5 mm are used in the tests.
The ready-to-use bitumen coating should be prepared for testing in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In the case of a two-component emulsion, the bitumen emulsion (component A) and cement (component B) are mixed using a low-speed mixer setting to avoid air entrapment. The frame is fixed to a degreased metal or glass sheet and placed on a horizontal surface. The frame is filled to the top with the mixed coating, taking care not to entrap air. The top of the coating is scraped off with a smoothing trowel so that it is flush with the top of the frame.
Tests should be carried out at a temperature of 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees.
The thickness of the wet layer is determined immediately after the samples have been prepared. A penetrometer is suitable for this purpose. The frame must remain in place to prevent the fresh sample from spreading outwards. The wet thickness is measured at five equally spaced points on each third of the sample, but at least 1 cm from the edges to 0,1 mm. To avoid measurement errors, the test device (e.g. the tip of the penetrometer needle) is cleaned before each measurement. The thickness of the wet layer is the average value of 15 results and rounded to 0,1 mm.
After measuring the thickness of the wet layer, the frame is carefully removed and the sample is stored in a horizontal position for 554 days in a normal climate of 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and 50 percent plus/minus 5 percent relative humidity according to the ISO 28 standard.
After conditioning, the dry thickness of the layer is measured. The thickness of the dry layer should be measured using a vernier caliper that gives a reading of up to 0,1 mm and 12 readings should be taken. The highest and lowest values are ignored and the average value is calculated from the remaining 10 values.
The test result is the reduction in layer thickness relative to the thickness of the wet layer and is expressed as a percentage.
Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the standard “EN 15819 Polymer modified bituminous thick coatings for waterproofing - Reduction of layer thickness when completely dry” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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