ISO 23869:2021

Overview

ISO 23869:2021 establishes a standardized method for determining the self-levelling properties of building and civil engineering sealants. Self-levelling refers to the ability of sealants to flow and uniformly fill joints or gaps under the influence of gravity. This characteristic is vital for sealants used in horizontal or slightly inclined surfaces, ensuring optimal adhesion and durability. The standard specifies test procedures performed at controlled temperatures to evaluate how well a sealant levels out after application, supporting quality control, product development, and regulatory compliance in the construction industry.

Key Topics

• Scope and Definitions: Defines self-levelling in the context of building sealants and refers to ISO 6927 for related terminology.
• Apparatus & Materials: Details precise dimensions and types of horizontal and inclined moulds used for testing, including removable and undetachable mould options made from metals or plastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Also covers measuring devices and release agents.
• Test Conditions: Samples and apparatus should be conditioned at standard temperatures - typically 23 ± 2 °C or 5 ± 1 °C - and relative humidities of 50 ± 10%. Conditioning durations and preparation steps ensure reproducible results.
• Test Procedures:
  • Horizontal Mould at Low Temperature: Sealant is poured into a horizontal channel mould and cured at approximately 5 °C for 48 hours. Depth measurements at specified points across the mould assess the sealant’s flow and settling behavior.
  • Inclined Mould at Normal Temperature: Sealant is poured into a mould set at a slight incline (1.43° angle, typically with a 2.5% slope using a wedge piece) and cured at ~23 °C for 24 hours. Measurement at marked points determines self-levelling on inclined surfaces.
• Measurement & Reporting: Measurements are taken with calibrated depth gauges at predefined locations. Test results reflect the difference between the highest and lowest depths of the sealant’s surface, corrected to 0.5 mm precision. The test report must include all relevant sample data, test conditions, and any deviations from the standard.

Applications

• Quality Control: Ensures consistency in the manufacturing of sealants by evaluating self-levelling capability, which affects application ease and performance.
• Product Development: Assists manufacturers in formulating sealants that meet desired flow characteristics for specific construction applications.
• Compliance and Certification: Supports compliance with construction material standards where self-levelling properties are a key requirement.
• Performance Verification: Simulates real-world conditions to predict sealant behavior in joints, improving durability and joint integrity in building and civil engineering projects.
• Material Selection: Assists architects, engineers, and contractors in selecting sealants suitable for horizontal or slightly inclined surfaces such as floors, balconies, or facades.

Related Standards

• ISO 6927: Vocabulary for building and civil engineering sealants, providing essential definitions referenced in ISO 23869.
• Other ISO standards on sealant testing and performance (e.g., adhesion, tensile properties) provide a comprehensive framework for assessing sealant suitability in construction.
• National and regional standards often reference ISO 23869 for test methods relating to sealant flow and self-levelling behavior.

ISO 23869:2021 is an essential international standard for professionals involved in the specification, testing, and application of building and civil engineering sealants. It offers a meticulous test methodology that ensures sealants exhibit proper flow and leveling characteristics crucial for effective joint sealing and long-term structural performance.