4.1 A waterproofing membrane should maintain its watertight integrity for the life of the building in a continuously or intermittently moist environment and may be subject to continuous or intermittent hydrostatic pressure. It should resist chemicals that can harm the membrane and root growth. This guide lists minimum performance attributes required of waterproofing membranes applied to below-grade walls. Products not previously used as waterproofing membrane materials require additional tests beyond the scope of this guide. This guide is not intended for use on in-service waterproofing materials. Waterproofing membranes and other components should conform to ASTM product standards, if available.

4.2 Limitations—Prior to use and in service, waterproofing may be exposed to a variety of conditions so no one test will provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures. Neither will all tests be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures.

1.1 This guide lists test methods intended to establish a minimum level of acceptable performance attributes for reinforced or laminated waterproofing membranes applied to below-grade walls.

1.2 This guide does not include cementitious, integral, or bentonite waterproofing systems.

1.3 This guide does not include membranes applied under slabs on grade or on suspended slabs below grade or applied to soil retaining systems, water containment structures, or tunnels.

1.4 It is not possible to establish a precise correlation between laboratory tests on waterproofing membranes and performance attributes after installation due to variations in chemicals in the soil, design, material, and installation.

1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.6 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.

1.7 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.