The Testing of Building Constructions—The Work of ASTM Committee E-6 on Methods of Testing Building Constructions

Abstract

The steady development in the use of performance codes as a part of building regulations has focused attention during recent years on the necessity for having generally accepted test methods supplementary to such performance requirements. Providing standard methods of testing building constructions is the principal function of Committee E-6, on Methods of Testing Building Constructions, of the American Society for Testing and Materials. The test methods being developed by this committee are drawn up in accordance with the wellestablished procedures of ASTM. They are therefore constantly under revision and will improve in character the more they are used and the more they are commented upon critically by those who use them. There is still a general lack of information regarding such standard test methods in regard to building constructions since this is a relatively new field. It is only in post-war years that building research has come to be widely recognized. This paper has therefore been prepared to outline the background of the work of ASTM Committee E-6, for general information, for the use of members of the committee, and for the guidance of new members when they join in its work. The present Scope of Committee E-6 is as follows: “To formulate methods of test for building (including housing) construction, including elements, connections and assemblies, under actual or simulated service conditions, applicable to the evaluation of such factors as materials, design, construction and fabrication, with special reference to the needs of building code and similar authorities with whom the committee has liaison.” It will be seen that the special needs of building officials have been recognized by ASTM in the approval of this directive to Committee E-6. It is therefore hoped that this review will come to the attention of building officials throughout this continent so that they may know that there is available an organization ready and willing to assist them in their important work in guarding the safety of the public in relation to buildings.