1.1 This test method specifies a laboratory procedure for the determination of the water retention curve (or moisture storage capacity) of porous building materials at very high relative humidity (RH) levels (≈ 95 to 100% RH) corresponding to the capillary moisture region of the sorption isotherm. This is achieved by using the pressure plate test apparatus. This technique was originally developed to study soil moisture content and eventually had been adapted to building construction materials.
1.2 At higher RH levels (≈ 95 to 100% RH) of the sorption isotherm (see Test Method C1498), use of climatic chamber is not an option. This technique uses overpressure to extract water out of the pore structure of porous materials until equilibrium between the moisture content in the specimens and the corresponding overpressure is achieved. Using the pressure plate extractors, equilibrium can only be reached by desorption.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 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.
1.5 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.
ASTM C1699-09(2023) Referenced Document
ASTM C1498 Standard Test Method for Hygroscopic Sorption Isotherms of Building Materials
ASTM D2325 Standard Test Method for Capillary-Moisture Relationships for Coarse- and Medium-Textured Soils by Porous-Plate Apparatus
ASTM D3152 Standard Test Method for Capillary-Moisture Relationships for Fine-Textured Soils by Pressure-Membrane Apparatus
ASTM E337 Standard Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
ASTM C1699-09(2023) history
2023ASTM C1699-09(2023) Standard Test Method for Moisture Retention Curves of Porous Building Materials Using Pressure Plates
2009ASTM C1699-09(2015) Standard Test Method for Moisture Retention Curves of Porous Building Materials Using Pressure Plates
2009ASTM C1699-09 Standard Test Method for Moisture Retention Curves of Porous Building Materials Using Pressure Plates
2008ASTM C1699-08 Standard Test Method for Moisture Retention Curves of Porous Building Materials Using Pressure Plates