ASTM D4551-22

ABSTRACT This specification covers poly(vinyl chloride) flexible sheeting which is used without mastic, bedding, or coating for construction of concealed water containment membranes that include fountains, pools, planters, shower and safe pans, tile tubs, or similar wet installations where the membrane is inaccessible once the construction is complete. The plastic materials shall meet the inherent viscosity and compound density requirements and shall be subjected to tests that have been selected to be conducted primarily with liquids that simulate the environment to which the membrane will be subjected during actual use. Qualification tests shall be performed wherein the sheeting shall conform to the following physical property requirements: thickness; stress-strain properties such as tensile strength, tensile stress at elongation, and elongation at break; tear resistance; pinholes; microorganism resistance; puncture resistance; indentation resistance; folding resistance; chemical resistance to distilled water, soapy water, or alkali; hydrostatic pressure resistance; shrinkage; and volatile loss. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) flexible sheeting which is used without mastic, bedding, or coating for construction of concealed water-containment-membranes in applications where there is potential for costly secondary damage from water leakage and very long-term reliable performance is essential. Examples are fountains, pools, planters, shower and safe pans, tile tubs, or similar wet installations where the membrane is inaccessible once the construction is complete. Included are requirements for materials and sheeting, test methods, workmanship criteria, and methods of marking. 1.2 Recycled materials may be used in this product in accordance with the requirements in Section 5. 1.3 The tests are intended to ensure quality and performance and are not intended for design purposes. Tests have been selected to be conducted primarily with liquids that simulate the environment to which the membrane will be subjected during actual use. 1.4 This specification does not cover water-containment membranes exposed to ultraviolet light. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.6 There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard. 1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 11, of this specification: 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.8 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.