Overview
ISO/TS 16774-1:2017 specifies a laboratory test method for thermal stability of injection-type repair materials used to stop water leakage at cracks in underground concrete structures. The standard defines a two-step approach - a controlled thermal stress (cycling) procedure followed by permeability testing of specimens containing an artificial crack filled with the repair material. Results are intended for comparative performance evaluation between products of the same material family and to inform material selection under varying environmental conditions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: subject a concrete specimen with an artificial crack (injected with the repair material) to repeated high/low temperature cycles, then assess waterproofing via permeability testing.
- Specimen preparation: two-part flat cylindrical concrete or mortar substrates assembled with spacers to create an artificial crack; pinholes (Ø 2.5 mm) are drilled through the bottom substrate to monitor leakage. Typical mix ratio and curing in the specification (water:cement:fine aggregate = 1:2:6; curing ≈ 72 h) are given as guidance and may be adapted to national parameters.
- Thermal cycling: specimens are placed in a temperature chamber able to alternate automatically between cold and hot conditions. Example range and precision: −20 ±2 °C to 60 ±2 °C (chamber precision ±2 °C). Cycle counts, dwell times and exact temperature profiles are set by national testing parameters.
- Permeability (leakage) test: performed after thermal cycling using an output-method permeability chamber. Typical pressure ranges in the document: air pressure 0.1–0.3 N/mm² and water pressure 0.1–0.3 N/mm² (subject to national parameters).
- Recording and reporting: document visual condition, mass changes, photographs, and permeability results. Test report items include producer and product data, manufacturing details, chemical composition (manufacturer’s data), test manager, laboratory ambient conditions and specimen details.
Applications and practical value
- Provides a repeatable laboratory method to compare thermal stability of waterproofing injection materials (e.g., urethane, polymer-based grouts, mastic, polyurea).
- Helps manufacturers, testing laboratories, and specifiers evaluate how temperature fluctuations potentially impair adhesion, integrity or watertightness of repair materials.
- Enables developers of national standards or project specifications to adapt cycle profiles and pressure variables to local environmental and service conditions.
Who uses this standard
- Material manufacturers for product development and quality comparison
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies
- Structural repair contractors and asset owners specifying repair materials for underground concrete works (tunnels, basements, utility vaults)
- Standards organizations adopting national testing parameters
Related standards
- ISO/TR 16475 - Guidelines for repair of water-leakage cracks in concrete structures
- Other parts of the ISO/TS 16774 series (Parts 2–6) covering complementary test methods for water-leakage repair materials
Keywords: ISO/TS 16774-1:2017, thermal stability, water-leakage repair materials, permeability testing, underground concrete structures, thermal stress test, artificial crack test.