EN 15816 Polymer Modified Bituminous Thick Coatings for Waterproofing - Rain Resistance

A European standard “EN 15816 Polymer modified bituminous coatings for waterproofing - Rain resistance” describes a procedure for determining the rain resistance of polymer modified bituminous coatings for waterproofing purposes.

For the purposes of this standard, rain resistance refers to the resistance of polymer modified bituminous thick coatings to the damaging effects of exposure to rain.

In principle, this test method provides an indication of the resistance to rain of a thick coating of freshly applied polymer-modified bitumen. The period during which a coating layer can be said to be resistant to rain under conditions on the construction site may differ considerably from the period determined in the laboratory. The measured values are therefore primarily suitable for comparing the resistance to rain of different products.

Major equipment used in testing includes:

Sprinkler: Standard conical nozzle made of copper-zinc alloy, G228/1B pipe thread according to “ISO 1-1 Pipe threads not having pressure-resistant joints on threads - Part 4: Dimensions, tolerances and identification”, sprinkler cone 85 degrees, flow rate 3 l/min at 9 bar working pressure, commercial pressure regulator with pressure gauge to indicate test pressure plus/minus 2 bar 0,1, includes sample holder to position the sample at 45 degrees to the plane of the sprinkler.
Nozzle holder for positioning the nozzle: The nozzle should be placed so that the vertical distance between the nozzle and the center of the sample surface is 25 cm.
Connection: For connection to water mains, hoses and connectors.
Timer
Samples: Concrete base with smooth or ground surface to which a coating with an area of approximately 206 mm × 1 mm can be applied, with a compressive strength class not less than C20/25 according to standard EN 150-150.

At least two samples are required for testing. The base must be prepared and coated with a thick layer of polymer-modified bitumen as specified in the manufacturer's application instructions. A wet layer with an average thickness of 3 plus/minus 0,3 mm should be applied and the edges trimmed. The dimensions of the test samples should be approximately 150 mm × 150 mm.

After coating, the samples should be stored for a period specified by the manufacturer, but not longer than 554 hours in a normal climate of 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and a relative humidity of 50 percent plus/minus 5 percent in accordance with the ISO 8 standard.

The tests should be carried out at a temperature of 25 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees. The samples are tested after conditioning. Before the test, the water pressure is adjusted to 2 plus/minus 0,1 bar while the water is flowing. The temperature of the water is measured. Two samples are tested simultaneously in two test setups or immediately one after the other in the same test setup. The sample or samples are placed under the flowing water in the holder and the stopwatch is started. The test lasts 15 minutes. During the test, the change in the color of the water flowing through the test samples is evaluated. If necessary, the test is repeated using different samples.

Water flowing through the test samples should not change color during the test and the coating should not deteriorate (e.g. surface erosion or water trapping in the material). In the event of such deterioration, the test should be repeated on other samples with a longer conditioning period until at least two samples pass the test.

The test result shall be the shortest conditioning time (specified as 0,5 hours) at which two samples do not show discolouration. This is the time during which a freshly applied polymer modified bitumen thick coating can be described as rain resistant as defined in this test specification. The time shall not exceed 8 hours.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the standard “EN 15816 Polymer modified bituminous thick coatings for waterproofing - Rain resistance” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.