Significance and Use

Use this test method to obtain a quantitative value indicating the rate of moisture vapor emission from the surface of a concrete floor and whether or not that floor is acceptable to receive resilient floor covering. The moisture vapor emission rate only reflects the condition of the concrete floor at the time of the test. All concrete subfloors emit some amount of moisture in vapor form. Concrete moisture emission is a natural process driven by environmental conditions. All floor coverings are susceptible to failure from excessive moisture vapor emissions. The moisture vapor emitted from a concrete slab is measured in pounds. This measurement is the equivalent weight of water evaporating from 1000 ft ² of concrete surface in a 24 h period. The calcium chloride moisture test has been the industry standard for making this determination and is a practical, well-established and accepted test of dynamic moisture. It will produce quantified results directly applicable to flooring manufacturer's specifications. The results obtained reflect the condition of the concrete floor surface at the time of testing and may not indicate future conditions.

1. Scope

:

1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination of the rate of moisture vapor emitted from below-grade, on-grade, and above-grade (suspended) bare concrete floors.

1.2 This test shall not be used to evaluate the rate of moisture vapor emitted by lightweight or gypsum concrete floors containing lightweight aggregate.

1.3 This test shall not be used to evaluate moisture vapor emissions over coatings on concrete or through reactive penetrants or over patching or leveling compounds.

1.4 This quantity of moisture shall be expressed as the rate of moisture vapor emission, measured in pounds of moisture over a 1000 ft ² area during a 24-h period.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 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 and health practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E1745 Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs

E1993 Specification for Bituminous Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs

F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings

Resilient Floor Covering Institute Standard

Military Standard

ICRI Guide

Keywords

anhydrous calcium chloride; moisture vapor emission rate; quantitative calcium chloride; resilient flooring: Vapor phase analysis/processing; Anhydrous calcium chloride; Calcium chloride; Flooring/floor covering systems (concrete); Moisture analysis--building materials/applications; Moisture analysis--concrete; Resilient flooring; RMA referee test;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.100.30 (Concrete and concrete products); 91.060.30 (Ceilings. Floors. Stairs)

DOI: 10.1520/F1869-11

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM F1869