Water deluge test method for establishing through-wall water penetration

in a concrete masonry unit structure.

Kathryn M. Barker

American Infrared Testing & Consulting

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

ABSTRACT

An ever-increasing industry-related problem is water leakage in concrete masonry unit structures. As most building owners

with leak problems are aware, the search for the mystical entry point can be costly and frustrating. Water manifesting itself in

a building's interior does not frequently coinside with what is believed to be the entry point on the exterior side. Infrared

thermographic techniques for determining entry locations is an efficient tool, however, the technique can be enhanced by the

use of a water deluge system.

The combined test methods for this case study produced results that were concise, less time consuming than standard

thermographic scanning because of the added benefit of directed water spray and at times rendered dramatic thermograms.

This paper presents the results of the study performed by the author utilizing infrared thermography and water deluge testing

on a concrete masonry unit structure.

Keywords: ASTM, concrete masonry units, water leakage, water deluge testing.

1.

INTRODUCTION

Buildings often have problems with water intruding into occupied apartments or offices from exterior sources. Because

isolation and repair of water leakage paths using conventional methods are often unsuccessful, water damage can continue

and cause premature deterioration of finish materials, ruined equipment and furnishings. In worse case scenarios of

prolonged moisture, mold and mildew can grow and affect indoor air quality.

The entry point of infiltrating water is often difficult to determine because water does not usually enter a building in a way

that is predictable. For example, if there is an exterior façade with multiple entry points in close proximity, the result can be

one large leak on the interior side. Another example is a single large leak area located on one side of a building that filters

through to multiple interior places on the opposite side of the building.

With both scenarios, infrared analysis of the building is an efficient tool. Given the right set of micrometerological

advantages and adequate solar loading, thermal analysis of buildings such as described can be performed in a reasonable

amount of time. Unfortunately, the problems with a leaking building and the Owner's need to implement repairs don't