ASTM D1670/D1670M-11(2018)

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Designation: D1670/D1670M − 11 D1670/D1670M − 11 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Failure End Point in Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of
Bituminous Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1670/D1670M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the use of a spark generating apparatus for determination of failure due to cracking of bituminous
materials undergoing accelerated or outdoor weathering on electrically conductive backings.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
D1669D1669/D1669M Practice for Preparation of Test Panels for Accelerated and Outdoor Weathering of Bituminous Coatings
D4798D4798/D4798M Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials
(Xenon-Arc Method)
D4799D4799/D4799M Practice for Accelerated Weathering Test Conditions and Procedures for Bituminous Materials
(Fluorescent UV, Water Spray, and Condensation Method)
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Dry, weathered, bituminous-coated test panels are grounded and a feeler electrode is passed over the back of a linagraphic
or ultra high sensitivity thermal fax paper placed on the bituminous surface with the emulsion side down. Photocopies are made
of the front side of the paper on which the spots caused by the sparks appear. The photographs are covered with an acrylic grid
and the number of squares containing the spark records are counted and reported. Sparking in 26 or more grid squares is
representative of failure.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The extent of cracking or pitting of bituminous films is a measure of the extent of deterioration due to weathering. Failure
due to cracking is more accurately determined electrically than visually.
4.2 Failure determined by this test method will depend not only on the characteristics of the bituminous material and the extent
of weathering, but also on the film thickness, and the amount and type of mineral filler present.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.02 on Steep
Roofing Products and Assemblies.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2011Nov. 1, 2018. Published January 20112December 2018. Originally approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as
ε1
D1670 – 04D1670/D1670M – 11.(2011) . DOI: 10.1520/D1670_D1670M-11.10.1520/D1670_D1670M-11R18.
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D1670/D1670M − 11 (2018)
4.3 Tests on a similar material of known weathering characteristics (a control) exposed at the same time as the test material is
strongly recommended as a check on the validity of the test results.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Any Spark-Generating Apparatus —Fig. 1 is an example of an acceptable configuration for the test feeler. Other
configurations are not prohibited, subject to the following conditions:
3 1
5.1.1 The cross-dimension of the wire loop is to be 50 6 5 mm [1 ⁄4 6 ⁄8 in.].
5.1.2 The device is capable of delivering a 5-kV peak voltage and of operating at 60 Hz.
5.2 Photographic Equipment—A supply of sheets of matte surface, regular weight, photocopy paper or linagraphic paper cut
to the dimensions of the test panel, developer, and fixing chemicals.
5.3 Counting Grid, as shown in Fig. 2. Photocopy the grid on a transparency film that is suitable for use with plain paper copiers.
Trim the outside edges to the exact dimensions of the test panel making sure that the grid and the bituminous film on the test panel
are aligned.
3 7
Outside dimensions, mm [in.] 69.8 by 149.1 [2 ⁄4 by 5 ⁄8 ] or
panel size
7 7
Grid dimensions, mm [in.] 47.6 by 123.8 [1 ⁄8 by 4 ⁄8 ]
Number of squares in grid 260 (10 by 26)
Size of squares, mm [in.] 4.76 [ ⁄16 ]
6. Test Specimens
6.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon, test specimens shall be prepared in accordance with Practice D1669D1669/D1669M.
7. Calibration of the Spark-Generating Apparatus
7.1 Voltage—Calibrate the peak voltage of the spark generator to 5 6 0.5 kV according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
FIG. 1 Feeler
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is Electrotechnic Model BD-40B Spark Generator, available from Electro-Technic Products
Co., 4642 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60642. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the respons
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