ISO 12570:2000

Overview

ISO 12570:2000, Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products - Determination of moisture content by drying at elevated temperature, defines a standardized method to measure the moisture content in building materials and products. Established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard provides a comprehensive testing protocol applicable to porous, water-permeable materials. Assessing moisture content is essential for evaluating the hygrothermal performance of materials, helping to ensure product quality, durability, and effective building envelope design.

This standard is a fundamental reference for manufacturers, laboratories, and building professionals involved with construction materials where precise moisture measurement is critical. The method is based on drying test specimens at controlled elevated temperatures, then calculating moisture content based on mass loss, as a means to ensure reliable and repeatable results.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Targets the determination of free water content in porous, water-permeable building materials.
  • Does not prescribe sampling methods, focusing exclusively on the drying and measuring process.

• Definitions and Measurement Units

  • Defines moisture content as mass by mass, mass by volume, and volume by volume.
  • Establishes dry density calculations and precise units for consistent reporting.

• Test Procedure

  • Details the preparation, handling, and conditioning of test specimens.
  • Specifies drying temperatures according to material type, to avoid alteration or damage.
  • Describes accurate weighing methods before and after drying, including handling of specimens packed in vapor-tight packaging to prevent moisture gain or loss during transport and storage.
  • Outlines step-by-step calculation for moisture content and dry density.

• Reporting Requirements

  • Specifies the essential elements of a comprehensive test report, including product identification, test conditions, methods, and detailed results.

Applications

Adopting the methods standardized in ISO 12570:2000 is critical across multiple stages of the building material supply chain:

• Material Quality Control

  • Ensures that bricks, concrete, wood, insulation, and other building components meet moisture specifications before installation, reducing risks related to dampness or mold.

• Research and Product Development

  • Facilitates the evaluation of new or modified materials for moisture sensitivity and long-term durability under varied environmental conditions.

• Site Assessments

  • Provides a reliable methodology for assessing in-situ moisture levels in field samples, which can inform renovation, restoration, or failure analysis.

• Compliance and Certification

  • Supports manufacturers, suppliers, and laboratories aiming to comply with international standards for building product performance and to achieve certification in global markets.

• Building Envelope Design

  • Assists designers and engineers in selecting appropriate materials for climates where moisture control is vital for energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Related Standards

Professionals using ISO 12570:2000 may also benefit from referencing these related standards:

• ISO 9346: Thermal insulation - Mass transfer - Physical quantities and definitions – Provides essential terminology and definitions that support the understanding and application of ISO 12570.
• ASTM D 2385: Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Wood and Wood-Base Material – Offers comparable methods for moisture and density measurement.
• DIN 52102: Covers procedures for determining density metrics in stone and aggregates, complementing the methodologies in ISO 12570.
• Additional ISO/CEN standards on thermal and moisture properties of building materials.

By implementing ISO 12570:2000, organizations ensure consistency, accuracy, and international compatibility in moisture content determination, supporting the sustainable performance of building materials in the construction industry.