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D6223 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🏗️ Classification and Material Composition
ASTM D6223/D6223M-21 covers prefabricated modified bituminous sheet materials reinforced with a combination of polyester fabric and glass fiber. Atactic Polypropylene (APP) is the primary modifier used in the bituminous coating. These materials are specifically intended for the fabrication of multiple ply roofing and waterproofing membranes.
The reinforcement matrix is saturated and coated on both sides with APP-modified bitumen, which may be compounded with mineral stabilizers. The standard segregates products into two types and two grades:
| 🟦 Type / Grade | 🏷️ Classification | 🔍 Surfacing Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Type I & II / Grade G | Granule Surfaced | Weather side surfaced with mineral granules; the underside and any selvage may receive fine mineral matter or a polyethylene film to prevent sticking in the roll. |
| Type I & II / Grade S | Smooth Surfaced | Smooth finish on the weather side; the reverse side may be coated with fine mineral matter or film to prevent adhesion during storage. |
⚠️ Unit Systems: The values stated in SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Select one system for all testing and specification requirements.
📊 Key Physical Properties and Test Methods
Conformance to this specification is determined by testing in accordance with ASTM D5147/D5147M for general physical properties and D5636/D5636M for low temperature unrolling. The specified tests establish the minimum acceptable properties for the material. In-place roof system design criteria (fire resistance, uplift, impact/puncture, material compatibility) are beyond the scope of this material specification. The standard physical requirements for the sheet types are as follows:
| 🎯 Property | ⚡ Test Method | 📐 Type I | 📏 Type II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Force MD, lbf/in (kN/m) | D5147/D5147M | 300 (52.5) | 350 (61.3) |
| Peak Elongation MD, % | D5147/D5147M | 15 | 10 |
| Peak Force XD, lbf/in (kN/m) | D5147/D5147M | 200 (35.0) | 250 (43.8) |
| Peak Elongation XD, % | D5147/D5147M | 15 | 10 |
| Low Temp Flexibility Pass, °F (°C) | D5147/D5147M | 0 (-18) | -10 (-23) |
| Dimensional Stability (max), % | D5147/D5147M | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Mass, lb/100ft² (kg/10m²) | D5147/D5147M | 190 (92) | 290 (141) |
| Nominal Thickness, in (mm) | D5147/D5147M | 0.118 (3.0) | 0.158 (4.0) |
💡 Referenced Terminology: For comprehensive definitions of specific terms relating to modified bitumen (including APP and SBS), always refer to ASTM Terminology D1079 – Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing. This serves as the definitive source for terms used within D6223.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What types of reinforcement are required by this standard?
This specification strictly requires a combination of polyester fabric and glass fiber reinforcements. The composite reinforcement matrix is saturated and coated with APP-modified bitumen. Other reinforcement types (such as standard felts or single-layer glass) are not covered under this specific material standard.
💡 What distinguishes Type I from Type II sheets?
Type I and Type II sheets differ primarily in their specific property limits. Type II sheets are generally higher in strength (MD peak force of 350 lbf/in vs. 300 lbf/in) and mass (290 lb/100ft² vs. 190 lb/100ft²). The low temperature flexibility requirement for Type II is also more stringent (-10°F vs. 0°F), whereas Type I requires higher elongation values.
⚡ What test methods are referenced for conformance testing?
The primary test method is ASTM D5147/D5147M, which governs the sampling and standard test procedures for modified bituminous sheet material properties. Additionally, ASTM D5636/D5636M is cited specifically for evaluating the low temperature