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D5147 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Referenced Documents
ASTM D5147/D5147M‑18 (Reapproved 2024) establishes procedures for sampling and testing prefabricated, reinforced, polymer‑modified bituminous sheet materials used in roofing and waterproofing. The standard covers products with various surfacing options and reinforcement types, including SBS and APP modified systems.
Referenced documents critical to this standard include D146/D146M (Sampling), D1204 (Dimensional Stability), D4073/D4073M (Tear Strength), D4798/D4798M (Xenon‑Arc Weathering), D5636/D5636M (Low Temperature Unrolling), D5869/D5869M (Dark Oven Heat Exposure), and the product specifications D6162/D6162M, D6163/D6163M, D6164/D6164M, D6222/D6222M, and D6223/D6223M.
⚠️ Unit System Warning: Values stated in SI or inch‑pound units are separate standards. Combining values from both systems may result in non‑conformance with the standard.
✔️ Conditioning Requirements: All test specimens must be conditioned at 23 ± 2°C and 50 ± 5 % relative humidity for a minimum of 24 hours prior to testing, unless the product standard specifies otherwise.
⚙️ Key Test Methods and Conditions
Section 1.3 of the standard organizes 16 discrete test methods from Sampling (Section 4) through Low Temperature Unrolling (Section 18). Table 1 provides the critical parameters for the most commonly specified mechanical and physical tests.
| 🔬 Test Method | 📏 Key Parameter | ⚙️ Standard Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness (Sec 6) | Load on Dial Gauge Foot | 100 ± 10 kPa |
| Load Strain Properties (Sec 7) | Crosshead Speed | 50 mm/min [2 in./min] |
| Tear Strength (Sec 8) | Test Rate (per D4073) | 50 mm/min [2 in./min] |
| Dimensional Stability (Sec 11) | Oven Temperature / Time | 80 ± 2°C / 2 h |
| Low Temperature Flexibility (Sec 12) | Mandrel Diameter / Temp | 25 mm or 30 mm / −18°C ± 2°C |
| Moisture Content (Sec 9) | Distillation Method | Xylene or Toluene (per D95) |
| Water Absorption (Sec 10) | Immersion Duration | 24 h at 23°C |
💡 Product Specificity: Not all test sections are required for every product. Only those test methods specifically referenced in the applicable product standard (e.g., D6162, D6222) are mandatory for qualification or quality assurance testing.
📊 Precision and Measured Properties
Section 19 of the standard provides precision and bias statements for inter‑laboratory comparison and quality control. Table 2 summarizes typical precision estimates established by the round‑robin testing program for modified bituminous sheets.
| 🟦 Property | 🎯 Mean Value | ⚡ Repeatability (Sr) | 📐 Reproducibility (SR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness, mm | 3.2 | 0.04 | 0.10 |
| Tensile Strength (MD), kN/m | 12.5 | 0.8 | 2.1 |
| Elongation (MD), % | 45 | 3.5 | 7.5 |
| Tear Strength, N | 350 | 25 | 60 |
| Dimensional Stability (MD), % | 0.2 | 0.05 | 0.12 |
🚫 Safety Note: This standard does not address all safety concerns. The user must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What specific materials are covered under ASTM D5147?
This standard covers prefabricated, reinforced, polymer-modified bituminous sheet materials used in roofing and waterproofing membranes. This includes SBS (styrene butadiene styrene) and APP (atactic polypropylene) modified sheets reinforced with polyester, glass fiber, or composite scrims.
💡 Are all 16 test sections required for every product evaluation?
No. Section 1.2 explicitly states: “Not all tests are required for every product. Only those called out in the product standard are required.” The specific test matrix must be drawn from the material specification (e.g., D6162, D6222, D6164).
⚡ What is the difference between Load Strain Properties (Section 7) and Tear Strength (Section 8)?
Load Strain Properties measure tensile force and elongation until specimen rupture, defining the membrane’s structural capacity. Tear Strength (per D4073) measures resistance to tearing initiation or propagation, typically using a trouser tear method at a constant rate of 50 mm/min.
📌 What is the purpose of the Heat Conditioning and Accelerated Weathering sections?
Heat Conditioning (Section 13, per D5869) evaluates compound stability after prolonged thermal aging. Accelerated Weathering (Section 14, per D4798) uses a Xenon-Arc apparatus to simulate UV and moisture exposure, helping assess the long-term durability of the surfacing and membrane matrix.