ICC-ES AC561
Full Name
ICC-ES AC561 – Acceptance Criteria for Bentonite Clay Below-grade, Dampproofing and/or Waterproofing Sheet Membranes
Scope
ICC-ES AC561 outlines the acceptance criteria for evaluating bentonite clay sheet membranes used for below-grade dampproofing and/or waterproofing applications. Bentonite clay is a natural material that swells upon contact with water, creating a barrier against moisture penetration.
The scope of AC561 covers several key aspects:
- Material properties: assessment of the physical and chemical properties of the bentonite clay membrane, including its composition, thickness, density, and swell index.
- Performance testing: conducting tests to evaluate the membrane’s water resistance, water vapor transmission, and resistance to hydrostatic pressure under various conditions.
- Durability: assessment of the membrane’s resistance to punctures, tears, UV exposure, and other environmental factors that could affect its long-term performance.
- Compatibility: evaluating the compatibility of the membrane with other building materials, such as concrete, masonry, and waterproofing accessories.
- Installation: review of the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions to ensure proper application techniques and adherence to industry standards.
The acceptance criteria aim to ensure that bentonite clay sheet membranes meet minimum performance requirements for below-grade dampproofing and waterproofing applications, as outlined in relevant building codes and standards. By meeting these criteria, manufacturers can obtain an evaluation report from ICC-ES, which can be used to demonstrate code compliance and gain approval for use in construction projects.
Resources
Keywords
bentonite clay; sheet membrane; below-grade; dampproofing; waterproofing; swell index; water resistance; water vapor transmission; hydrostatic pressure; puncture resistance; tear resistance