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.

Designation: E514/E514M − 20

Standard Test Method for

Water Penetration and Leakage Through Masonry1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E514/E514M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* C1232 Terminology for Masonry

2
1.1 This laboratory test method provides a procedure for C1601 Test Method for Field Determination of Water Pen-
determining the resistance to water penetration and leakage etration of Masonry Wall Surfaces
through unit masonry subjected to wind-driven rain. This test 2.2 The Masonry Society Standards:4
method is not identical to and the results are not the same as TMS 402 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Struc-
field standard Test Method C1601. This test method measures tures
through-wall water penetration, whereas Test Method C1601 TMS 602 Specifications for Masonry Structures
only measures surface water penetration.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1.1 dampness, n—visual change in the appearance of a
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
material due to the presence of water.
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance 3.1.2 surface water penetration, n—passage of water
with the standard. through the exterior face of the masonry.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.3 through-wall water penetration, n—passage of water
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the through a wall and appearance of the water on the interior face
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- of the masonry.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.1.4 water penetration, n—water that passes into or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. through the masonry.
For a specific hazard statement, see Section 6. 3.1.5 wind-driven rain, n—rain water that is directed against
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- the surface of the wall by wind.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- refer to Terminology C1232.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 This test method provides information that aids in
2. Referenced Documents evaluating the effect of four principal variables: materials,
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 coatings, wall design, and workmanship.
C270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry 4.2 Water penetration and leakage through masonry is
significantly affected by air pressure in the test chamber. Data
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on from tests made at different pressures are not comparable.
Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C15.04 on Research. 4.3 The performance of a masonry wall is a function of
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally materials, construction, wall design, and maintenance. In
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E514/E514M – 14a.
DOI: 10.1520/E0514_E0514M-20.
service the performance will also depend on the rigidity of
2
This test method is based upon those used by the National Bureau of Standards supporting structure and on the resistance of components to
and described in NBS Report BMS7, “Water Permeability of Masonry Walls,” 1933, deterioration by various causes, such as corrosion, vibration,
and NBS Report BMS82, “Water Permeability of Walls Built of Masonry Units,” thermal expansion and contraction, curing, and others. It is
1942.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or impossible to simulate the complex conditions encountered in
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
4
the ASTM website. Published by The Masonry Society, www.masonrysociety.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 E514/E514M − 20
service, such as variations in wind velocity, negative pressure, 5. Apparatus
and lateral or upward moving air and water. Factors such as
5.1 Test Chamber—Use a test chamber similar to that shown
location, exposure, and wall openings should be considered.
in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Provide an opening with a minimum area
4.4 Given the complexity of variables noted above, this test of 1.08 m2 [12 ft2]. For example, 900 mm [36 in.] wide and
method establishes comparative behavior between various 1200 mm [48 in.] high is suitable. Line the edges of the
masonry wall constructions in a given laboratory. chamber in contact with the specimen with a closed-cell
4.5 Even when a single laboratory tests the same wall compressible gasket material or appropriate sealant. Provide an
design utilizing the same wall materials and the same construc- observation port in the face of the chamber. Provide a 19.0-mm
tion practices, variables such as the level of skill of the mason [3⁄4-in.] diameter corrosion-resistant spray pipe with a single
building the specimen, the temperature and humidity in the line of 1.0-mm [0.04-in.] diameter holes spaced 25.0 mm
laboratory at the time of construction, curing of the specimen, [1 in.] apart.
the moisture contents of the materials used to build the
5.2 Fixtures and Appurtenances to Chamber—Fixtures and
specimen, and even the use or lack of use of a lime and water
appurtenances to the chamber shall include an air line with
wash on the back of the specimen can affect the results of the
manometer, a water line with valves, a flow meter and
test making reliable comparisons dubious. For these reasons
manometer and a water drain pipe at the bottom of the
and the multi-variables listed in 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3, a meaningful,
useful, absolute wall leakage rating standard is impractical and chamber. Position the water spray pipe so that the water
discouraged. impinges the specimen not more than 75.0 mm [3.00 in.] below
the top of the test chamber.
4.6 This test method is similar to but distinct from field Test
Method C1601. This standard is a laboratory test method NOTE 1—A drain pipe that discharges into a reservoir equipped with an
designed to test laboratory fabricated wall specimens and adjustable depth air outlet pipe and top baffles has been found to reduce
surge.
measures the water that has penetrated into and through the
masonry specimen and is collected. Test Method C1601 is a 5.3 Manometer—Measure the air pressure in the chamber
field test method designed to test in-situ walls and measures using a manometer or other device capable of measuring air
water penetration of the masonry at its surface. Results from pressures of at least 51 mm [2.0 in.] of water (71.7 kPa
Test Method C1601 and Test Method E514/E514M are not the [10.4 psf]) to an accuracy of 2.5 mm [0.1 in.] or 3.6 kPa [0.52
same. psf]. Connect the manometer or other device to the chamber

FIG. 1 Isometric Projection of Testing Chamber

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 E514/E514M − 20

FIG. 2 General Arrangement of Water Penetration Testing Chamber System

away from the air inlet so that the air flow will not significantly 8.3 Building Wall Specimens—Construct the specimen us-
influence the pressure reading. ing methods and workmanship being considered for the work
5.4 Other equipment includes devices for handling the (Note 2). Build the wall specimen on an inverted steel channel
specimen and measuring time, water quantities, temperature, section as shown in Fig. 2 (Note 3). Also, as shown in Fig. 2,
and humidity. build a lower flashing and upper water trough as described in
8.3.1 and 8.3.2.
6. Hazards NOTE 2—Standards for masonry construction are contained in the
following documents: TMS 402 Building Code Requirements for Ma-
6.1 The use of this test method will require careful design sonry Structures and TMS 602 Specifications for Masonry Structures.
consideration of both air chamber and support of the wall NOTE 3—The top of the wall may require bracing to be stable.
system to avoid possible injury due to equipment or specimen 8.3.1 Install a lower flashing into a mortar joint that is at
failure. least one course below the upper water trough. Pass the lower
flashing completely through the wall, upturn it on the chamber
7. Temperature and Humidity Conditions side, and seal with a bead of caulk. Project this lower flashing
7.1 Maintain the air in the laboratory at a temperature of 24 out from the backside of the wall with a u or v profile designed
6 8°C [75 6 15°F] and a relative humidity of 55 6 25 %. to funnel water that passes through the bottom of the wall into
a collection device.
8. Test Specimens 8.3.2 Install an upper water trough in the bed joint imme-
8.1 Masonry Materials—Masonry and associated materials diately below the bottom of the test chamber. Project the upper
shall be representative of the construction or the materials that water trough no more than 25 mm [1.0 in.], or no more than the
are being considered. Precondition all materials by storing in thickness of a face shell, into a mortar joint on the backside of
laboratory environment for not less than 5 days before use. the wall. Project this upper water trough out from the backside
of the wall with a u or v profile designed to funnel water that
8.2 Size of Test Walls—The height and length of the speci- penetrates through the wall above the trough into a separate
men shall provide a minimum of 1.08 m2 [12 ft2] exposed to collection device.
the test, plus at least a 200-mm [8-in.] overlap on all edges. The
minimum height or length of the specimen shall be 1.22 m [4 8.4 Number of Specimens—Test at least 3 specimens.
ft]. The length of the specimen shall be such that at least one 8.5 Storage of Specimens—Retain specimens in the labora-
head joint in each course of masonry is exposed to the test. tory during storage enclosed in an impervious plastic wrap

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 E514/E514M − 20
immediately after construction and cured in this manner for 7 design, and workmanship.
days. After 7 days, remove the wrap and continue curing for at
least 7 more days in laboratory air. 10. Record of Observation
10.1 During the 4 h of testing, make observations at 30-min
9. Procedure intervals. If testing is extended beyond 4 h, establish observa-
9.1 Apply a 10-mm [3⁄8-in.] minimum thick coat of mortar tion intervals beyond 4 h as required to document specimen
parging to all exposed surfaces of the specimen except the back performance. Record the following:
side of the wall and the area enclosed by the test chamber. 10.1.1 Time of appearance of dampness on back of speci-
9.1.1 For walls constructed with solid units and for walls men.
constructed with hollow units which are filled solid with grout 10.1.2 Time of appearance of first visible water on the back
or other materials, apply a minimum 10 mm [3⁄8 in.] thick coat of the specimen.
of mortar parging to the top surface of the specimen. For walls 10.1.3 Area of dampness on back of wall expressed as a
with open cells or cavities, seal an impervious material such as percent of the chamber area.
a transparent plastic sheet capable of withstanding the test 10.1.4 Total water collected from the upper water trough.
pressure to the top of the wall to prevent evaporation or air 10.1.5 Total water collected from the lower flashing.
movement through the top of the wall. If the top covering is
removed to permit viewing or photographing inside these void 11. Retesting
spaces, do not remove for longer than 10 min per hour of 11.1 If required, return the specimens to storage and retest at
testing. age 28 days or later and re-evaluate.
NOTE 4—Historically, 10 mm [3⁄8 in.] thick mortar parging has been
used as an air and moisture barrier on all exposed surfaces except the 12. Report
backside of the wall and the area enclosed by the test chamber. Alternative 12.1 Report the following information:
coating materials may be used if they provide resistance to movement of 12.1.1 Description of all materials including coatings, ma-
air and moisture that is the same as or greater than the mortar parging.
Research has found that typical parge coats of Specification C270 sonry units, mortar materials, and composition of mortar used
proportioned mortars have air permeances in the approximate range of 7.5 to construct the wall specimens, and their properties as
× 10-4 to 7.5 × 10-3 l/(s·m2)[1.5 × 10-4 to 1.5 × 10-3 ft3/min/ft 2] and water determined by the appropriate standards.
vapor permeances of approximately 1400 to 3100 ng/(s·m2·Pa) [25 to 55 12.1.2 Description of specimen wall design and details of
perm]. Using a coating as a substitute material may not be appropriate for
construction. Include photographs and drawings as necessary.
highly irregular surfaces such as split face architectural concrete masonry
units because of difficulty of obtaining a seal with the test chamber. In 12.1.3 If an alternative air and moisture barrier material is
those cases, a 10 mm [3⁄8 in.] thick parge coat of mortar provides a smooth used as a substitute for the mortar parging at the sides and front
surface to facilitate establishment of a seal. of the test specimen, provide the type, minimum applied
NOTE 5—A lime and water wash may be brush applied to back face of thickness, manufacturer, and brand name of the substitution
the wall to make moisture detection easier on dark surfaces. A portland
cement and water wash should not be used.
material.
12.1.4 Detailed description of the quality of workmanship
9.2 Mounting Chamber—Position the test chamber on the used in construction of test specimens.
specimen and clamp firmly in place, compressing the gasket or 12.1.5 Conditions of test.
applying a sealant to form a seal. 12.1.6 Record of observations as required in Section 9.
NOTE 6—Too much clamping force could crack the specimen. 12.1.7 Record of temperature and humidity in the laboratory
9.3 Adjust the rate of water application to 138 L/m2 [3.4 during construction, curing, and test periods.
gal/ft2] of wall per hour. 12.1.8 Age of test specimen at the time of test, and re-test,
if applicable.
9.4 Simultaneously with the application of water, increase
the air pressure within the chamber. If the pressure is not 13. Precision and Bias
specified, apply a pressure of 500 Pa [10 lbf/ft2]. Supply
13.1 No statement is made either on the precision or on the
slightly more air than is needed to maintain pressure and
bias of this test method for testing water penetration or leakage
adjust, if necessary, to prevent excessive surge in the water
through masonry due to the test variables involved.
reservoir.
9.5 Maintain the specified conditions for a period of not less 14. Keywords
than 4 h. 14.1 air-pressure; laboratory test; manometer; masonry;
NOTE 7— Care should be taken in specifying the test duration. The test simulated wind driven rain; test chamber; water penetration;
should be long enough to permit evaluation of the materials, coatings, water spray pipe

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 E514/E514M − 20
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C15 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(E514/E514M – 14a) that may impact the use of this standard. (December 1, 2020)

(1) Updated 2.2, Footnote 4, and Note 2 to indicate that the (2) Revised 4.6 to improve clarity.
reference documents are now solely authored by and available
from TMS.

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