Standard Test Method for Moisture Retention Curves of Porous Building Materials Using Pressure Plates

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 C 1498), 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.