Water Permeance of Masonry: A Laboratory Study

Abstract

Sixty-four walls were built and tested in accordance with ASTM Test for Water Permeance of Masonry (E 514). All M, S, and N mortar combinations shown in the Proportion Specification of ASTM Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry (C 270) were used, including prepackaged M and S mortars in combination with concrete and clay masonry units, each from a single source. Research was directed at establishing the effects on masonry wall water permeance of mortar water content, cementitious material content of mortar, masonry unit physical properties, the effect of storage (curing), and exposure condition (varying water quantity and pressure. Test results showed that (1) all mortar types are capable of satisfactory performance in a masonry wall; (2) properly designed masonry walls are capable of resisting water permeance when quality workmanship and materials are used; (3) there is a need for specific controls in the preparation of specimens to be subjected to this test method; and (4) there is a need for revisions to ASTM E 514 that will incorporate a more realistic approach to exposure conditions and specific requirements to differentiate among specimens being tested for workmanship or materials.