New RILEM Durability Test Method for Curtain-Wall Sealants

Andreas T. Wolf

In 2001, RILEM TC139-DBS published a RILEM Technical Recommendation (RTR) on a durability test method for curtain wall joint sealants. The paper shortly reviews the development of this test method as well as results obtained in the evaluation of sealants.

Results of initial evaluations indicate that the test method is able to differentiate between products with
regard to their resistance to accelerated ageing and mechanical cycling. The type of failure and the changes in surface appearance observed during the test regime are similar to those observed in actual service conditions. Sealant degradation resulting from durability cycles without fatigue cycling was slower than had been anticipated for most sealant systems. The dynamic conditioning procedure (movement during cure) reduced joint durability for some of the tested products, but increased it for others. The fatigue cycling clearly accelerated sealant degradation.

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The Authors

	Dr. Andreas Wolf Scientist, New Business Development Dow Corning GmbH Dr. Andreas Wolf is a Scientist and New Opportunity Development Specialist for the Global Construction Industry at Dow Corning, Wiesbaden, Germany. He has lectured intensively in Europe, North Amer... Read more
	Dr. Andreas Wolf Dr. Dow Corning S.A. Read more