Permaseal™ Performance Under Vapor Transmission Testing

The following test shows how the Madewell® Permaseal System™ performs over a concrete slab that is under the influence of 30 psi of hydrostatic pressure for a period of several years (30 psi of hydrostatic pressure is roughly equal to a column of water 69 feet high). These tests were performed in accordance with ASTM F 1869 in THE SAME WAY THAT MOISTURE EMISSION TESTS ARE PERFORMED IN THE FIELD. This test establishes that the Madewell® Permaseal System™, as it is typically installed in the field, is capable of controlling water vapor transfer to a rate less than 0.15 pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours over a slab that is saturated with water and under 30 psi of hydrostatic pressure.

How The Test Is Performed:
4" thick concrete slabs cast in 14" weld neck flanges. Concrete is restrained by welded rebar as shown in the schematic below (or see .PDF file, 91 KB, opens in a separate window).
When the concrete had hardened, the slabs were cured under water for 30 days. Test cylinders were broken at 30 days. Average concrete compressive strength = 3033 psi.
Test slabs were mated up to flanged pipe caps, filled with water and placed under 30 psi hydrostatic pressure. 30 psi = a column of water approximately 69' high.
Permaseal™ Hydrostatic Testing
Individual hydrostatic test cell setup.
Air over water tank. System maintained at 30+ psi for 3+ years.
Top half of flange set = 4" concrete slab treated with the Permaseal System™. Bottom half of flange set filled with water at 30 psi..
Close up of concrete slab treated with the Permaseal System™.
Testing the Permaseal System™ with Calcium Chloride per ASTM F 1869
Click here for an internal diagram (.PDF file, 91 KB, opens in a separate window) of how this test cell performs.