Designation: D 3542 – 92 (Reapproved 2003)

Standard Specification for

Preformed Polychloroprene Elastomeric Joint Seals for
Bridges1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3542; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D 1149 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface

1.1 This specification covers the material requirements for Ozone Cracking in a Chamber
preformed polychloroprene elastomeric joint seals for bridges. D 2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer
The seal consists of a multiple-web design composed of Hardness
polychloroprene and functions only by compression of the seal D 3183 Practice for Rubber—Preparation of Pieces for Test
between the faces of the joint with the seal folding inward at Purposes from Products
the top to facilitate compression. The seal is installed with a 3. Marking and Ordering Information
lubricant adhesive and is designed to seal the joint and reject
incompressibles. 3.1 Each lot of seal shall be marked with characters of not
less than 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) in height on the top of the seal at
NOTE 1—This specification may not be applicable for seals whose a maximum of 4 ft (1.22 m) intervals showing the lot number,
height is less than 90 % of its nominal width.
date of manufacture, and the manufacturing seal designation.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the The seal shall also have die markings which are registered with
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2 The purchaser shall specify the anticipated required
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- minimum acceptable joint movement, and either the minimum
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. joint opening, or the nominal width of seal.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided 4. Materials and Manufacture
for information only. 4.1 The seals shall be preformed, and the material shall be
vulcanized elastomeric compound using virgin polychloro-
2. Referenced Documents prene as the only polymer.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2
D 412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermo- 5. Physical Requirements
plastic Elastomers—Tension 5.1 The materials shall conform to the physical properties
D 471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids prescribed in Table 1.
D 518 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface 5.2 In the applicable requirements of Table 1 and the test
Cracking methods, all deflection shall be based on the nominal width.
D 573 Test Method for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air
Oven 6. Dimensions and Working Parameters
D 575 Test Methods for Rubber Properties in Compression 6.1 The size, shape and dimensional tolerances shall be as
outlined in 6.1.1.
6.1.1 Measurements used for laboratory testing shall be
taken to the nearest 0.01 in. (0.3 mm) and reported/recorded to
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road the nearest 0.1 in. (3 mm) as the average of three measure-
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.34 on
Preformed Joint Fillers, Sealers, and Sealing Systems. ments. The measured width shall be greater than or equal to the
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 1992. Published January 1993. Originally nominal width. The seal height shall not be less than 90 % of
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D 3542 – 92 (1998).
2
the nominal width unless joint recess dimensions or special
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
design considerations dictate the geometry.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 6.2 Compression Deflection Properties—The contact pres-
the ASTM website. sure expressed in pounds-force per square inch (or pascals)

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 3542 – 92 (2003)
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements for Preformed Elastomeric Joint Seals
Requirements ASTM Test Method
Tensile strength, min, psi (MPa) 2000 (13.8) D 412
Elongation at break, min, % 250 D 412
Hardness, Type A durometer, points 55 6 5 D 2240 (modified)A
Oven aging, 70 h at 212°F (100°C)
Tensile strength, max, % loss 20
Elongation, max,% loss 20
Hardness, Type A durometer, points change 0 to 10
Oil swell, ASTM Oil No. 3, 70 h at 212°F:
70 h at 212°F (100°C)
Weight change, max, % 45 D 471
Ozone resistanceB no cracks D 1149C
20 % strain, 300 pphm in air, 70 h, at 104°F (40°C) (wiped with toluene to remove surface
contamination)
Low-temperature recovery,
72 h at 14°F (−14°C), 50 %:
Deflection, min, % 88 Section 7D
Low-temperature recovery,
22 h at − 20°F (−29°C), 50 %:
Deflection, min, % 83 Section 7D
High-temperature recovery,
70 h, at 212°F (100°C), 50 %:
Deflection, min, % 85 Section 7D
Compression-deflection properties:
LC min in. (mm) See 8.3.5 D 575 Method A (modified)E
LC max in. (mm) See 8.3.5
Movement range, in. (mm) See 8.3.5
A
The term “modified” in the table relates to the specimen preparation. The use of the joint seal as the specimen source requires that more plies than specified in either
of the modified test procedures be used. Such specimen modification shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier prior to testing. The hardness test shall
be made with the durometer in a durometer stand as recommended in Test Method D 2240.
B
Sample prepared in accordance with Method A of Test Method D 518.
C
Cracking, splitting, or sticking of a specimen during a recovery test shall mean that the specimen has failed the test.
D
The reference section and subsections are those of this specification. The values found in 6.2.2, 6.2.3, and 6.2.4 shall be within the range specified by the purchaser
in 3.2.
E
Speed of testing shall be 0.5 6 0.05 in. (13 6 1.3 mm), min at room temperature of 73 6 4°F (23 6 2.2°C). The sheets of sandpaper are not used.

when the seal is compressed to any particular width indicates with 9.3. LC max has been designated at 35 psi (241.32 kPa)
the stress-strain relationship that exists in the seal. This in order to mitigate the tendencies toward pressure decay of the
relationship is dependent on both the properties of the elas- seal during use. A reading of 35 psi is considered an absolute
tomer and the cross-sectional configuration of the seal. There- maximum pressure which should not be exceeded.
fore, for a predetermined allowable pressure, a definitive 6.2.4 The movement range of the seal is defined as the
relationship will exist and the working limits of the seal may be numerical difference between the LC min and the LC max
defined. expressed in inches (mm). For the purpose of calculating the
6.2.1 The working limits (minimum and maximum degrees movement range, a value at 85 % shall be used for LC min
of compression) of the seal shall be determined on the basis of when the measured value of LC min exceeds 85 %. For
the minimum and maximum limits of compressibility (LC min purposes of acceptance testing, the calculated movement range
and LC max), and the movement range as specified herein. of the seal shall not be less than the specified value.
Seals with nominal width differing from that specified are
acceptable, providing the compressed width at LC max is less 7. Sampling
than the minimum anticipated joint opening, and the movement
range requirement is met. 7.1 A lot shall consist of the quantity for each cross section
6.2.2 The minimum limit of compressibility (LC min) is agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
defined as the compressed width (expressed in terms of percent 7.2 Samples shall be taken at random from each shipment of
of nominal width) corresponding to a contact pressure of 3 psi material. If the shipment consists of more than one lot, each lot
(20.68 kPa). The LC min shall be determined in accordance shall be sampled.
with 9.3. For the purpose of calculating movement range, a 7.3 The minimum lengths of samples for testing purposes
value at 85 % of nominal width shall be used for LC min when shall be as prescribed by the purchaser or as prescribed in Table
the measured value of LC min exceeds 85 %. 2.
NOTE 2—If the seal generates a pressure of 3 psi at 90 % of nominal
width, LC min equals 85 %. However, if the seal generates 3 psi at 70 %
of nominal width, the LC min equals 70 %. TABLE 2 Minimum Lengths of Seal Samples
Seal Size, in. (mm) Length of Sample, in. (m)
6.2.3 The maximum limit of compressibility (LC max) is
defined as the compressed width (expressed in terms of percent Less than 2 (51) 96 (2.44)
2 (51) to less than 3 (76) 72 (1.83)
of nominal width) corresponding to a contact pressure of 35 psi 3 (76) and larger 60 (1.52)
(241.32 kPa). The LC max shall be determined in accordance

2
 D 3542 – 92 (2003)
8. Specimen Preparation refrigerated box should be used to minimize frosting. The desiccant should
be changed or reactivated as frequently as necessary to keep it effective.
8.1 All test specimens shall be cut, buffed, or both from the
sample of preformed seal. Care should be taken not to overheat 9.2.4 Place a clamp assembly containing the compressed
the test specimen during buffing. The cut shall be square to specimen in a refrigerated box capable of maintaining a
within 2° and smooth, with no roughness visible to the naked temperature of − 206 2°F (29 6 1.1°C) for 22 h. (Note 3).
eye. The use of a tooth blade device or a guillotine-type cutter, Unclamp the assembly and remove the upper compression
or both, is not acceptable. This process will eliminate irregu- plate, or carefully remove the specimen and transfer it to a
larities. wooden surface in the refrigerated box. Allow the specimen to
8.2 Specimens for determining tensile strength and elonga- recover for 1 h at − 20 6 2°F (29 6 1.1°C). Measure the
tion (Test Method D 412) shall be prepared using Die C when recovered width and calculate the recovery as in 9.2.3.
possible. Die D may be used when the flat sections of a seal are
9.2.5 Place a clamp assembly containing the compressed
too small for Die C. However, the requirement of Table 1 shall
apply regardless of the die used. Buffing should be carefully specimen in an oven conforming to Test Method D 573. The
performed and kept to a minimum. temperature shall be maintained at 212 6 2°F (100 6 1.1°C)
8.3 Specimens for low-temperature and high-temperature for 70 h. Do not preheat the clamp assembly. Unclamp the
recovery tests and for pressure deflection tests shall consist of assembly, carefully remove the specimen, and allow it to
6-in. (150-mm) lengths of the preformed seal. Low- recover at 73 6 4°F (23 6 2.2°C) on a wooden surface for 1
temperature recovery and pressure deflection specimens shall h. Measure the recovered width and calculate the recovery as in
be lightly dusted with talc on all internal and external surfaces. 9.2.3.
Specimens for high-temperature recovery shall be lightly 9.3 Compression-Deflection Tests:
dusted with talc on the external surfaces only. 9.3.1 Determine compression-deflection values using speci-
mens prepared in accordance with Section 8. Measure the
9. Test Methods length of each specimen at the top, center, and bottom using a
9.1 Compliance with the requirements of Table 1 shall be rule graduated in thirty seconds of an inch (or millimetres).
determined by tests conducted in accordance with the methods Average the three measurements and record as the length of the
specified. specimen to the nearest 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm). Measure the height of
9.2 Recovery Tests: the contact area on both sides and at both ends (four measure-
9.2.1 Determine the low-temperature and high-temperature ments) with a dial caliper or suitable rule. Average and record
recovery test values using specimens prepared in accordance to the nearest 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm).
with Section 8. Two specimens shall be used for each test. 9.3.2 Calculate the contact area of the specimen by multi-
9.2.2 Deflect the specimen between parallel plates to 50 % plying the average length times the average height of the
of the nominal width using the compression set clamp assem- contact area as determined above.
bly described in Method B of Test Method D 395. Prior to
compression, place the specimen in a horizontal position, such 9.3.3 Calculate the forces required to compress the speci-
that the plane through both edges of the top surface of the joint men to LC min and LC max by multiplying the contact area
seal is perpendicular to the compression plate. As the specimen times 3 psi (20.68 kPa) and 35 psi (241.32 kPa), respectively.
is being compressed, the top surface of the joint seal should 9.3.4 Place the specimen on its side in such a manner that a
fold inward toward the center of the specimen. plane through both edges of the top surface of the seal shall be
9.2.3 Place a clamp assembly containing the compressed perpendicular to the platens. Close the platens until the
specimen in a refrigerated box capable of maintaining a distance between them is slightly larger than the actual width
temperature of 146 2°F (−10 6 1.1°C) for 72 h. Unclamp the of the seal. Test in accordance with Method A of Test Method
assembly and remove the upper compression plate, or carefully D 575, except that the speed shall be 0.5 6 0.05 in. (13 6 1.3
remove the specimen from the assembly and transfer it to a mm)/min, and the sheets of sandpaper are not used.
wooden surface in the refrigerated box. Allow the specimen to 9.3.5 Compress the specimen to LC max by observing the
recover for 1 h at 14 6 2°F (−10 6 1.1°C). Measure the force calculated in 9.3.3. Immediately reverse at the same rate
recovered width in the center of the 6-in. (150–mm) length at to the original distance between the platens. Repeat this cycle
the top longitudinal edge of the specimen. Measurements may two times for a total of three cycles. Record the compressed
be made with either a dial caliper or a platform-mounted dial width of the seal obtained at both the LC min and LC max on
gage graduated in thousandths of an inch (0.025 mm). The
the compression portion of the third cycle by measuring the
platform-mounted gage shall have a 1⁄4-in. (6–mm) diameter
compressed width of the seal at those forces calculated in 9.3.3.
pressure foot with a force of 0.18 6 0.02 lbf (0.80 6 0.09 N).
Measurements with the platform-mounted gage should be 9.3.6 During the course of running the test described in
taken with the pressure foot centered on the longitudinal edge 9.3.4, the tendency of the top surface of the seal to become
of the seal. Calculate the recovery as follows: misaligned shall be observed. Misalignment of more than 1⁄4 in.
(6.3 mm) shall be reason for rejection of the seal.
Recovery, % 5 ~recovered width 3 100!/~nominal width! (1)
9.3.7 Calculate the movement range of the specimen by
Report the least value of recovery to the nearest 1 %. subtracting LC max from LC min and express the result in
NOTE 3—The use of a desiccant, such as calcium chloride, in the inches.

3
 D 3542 – 92 (2003)
10. Certification and Acceptance sizes (13⁄16 in., 2 in., 3 in. seals). Each seal was made by three
10.1 The acceptance of the preformed elastomeric seal shall different manufacturers, and ten laboratories tested three
be based upon one of the following procedures, as specified by samples of each type of seal.
the purchaser: 11.2 Table 3 gives the LQC precision data as obtained in the
10.1.1 A certification of conformance to the specification interlaboratory testing program. The values for S given are
requirement. This shall consist of a notarized copy of the equivalent to “repeatability” for within-laboratory testing an-
manufacturer’s test report, or a notarized statement by the d“reproducibility” for among-laboratory testing. The values
supplier accompanied by a copy of the results, certifying that reported are the pooled values for all of the materials. If two
the material has been sampled, tested, movement rating estab- single test results (or determinations) differ by more than the
lished and inspected in accordance with the provisions of the pooled values, they must be considered suspect; that is, to have
specification. Each certification so furnished shall be signed by come from different sample populations. Investigation into the
an authorized agent of the manufacturer or supplier. cause of this occurence may include incorrect following of the
10.1.2 A notarized certification of test results by an inde- test method procedure, faulty apparatus, or the declaration of a
pendent testing agent or notarized statement that the material significant difference in the two materials, samples, etc. which
has been sampled, movement rating established, tested, and generated the two test results.
inspected in accordance with the provisions of the specifica- 11.3 A “test result” is the single value obtained for a test.
tion. Each certification so furnished shall be signed by an
authorized agent of the testing agency.
10.1.3 Testing by the purchaser of any or all properties in TABLE 3 For Scale Greater Than One Inch
accordance with the provisions of the specification.
Compression-Recovery Within Laboratories Among Laboratories
10.1.4 Any alternative method agreed upon between the Test S LSD S LSD
purchaser and the supplier. 22 h at − 20°F 0.57 1.63 3.35 9.48
72 h at 14°F 1.03 2.93 3.70 10.45
11. Precision and Bias 70 h at 212°F 0.44 1.24 3.94 11.15
Compression-Deflection Within Laboratories Among Laboratories
11.1 The precision and bias statements were prepared in Test S LSD S LSD
accordance with Practice D 3040. LC min 0.86 2.44 2.23 6.31
LC max 1.06 3.00 1.69 4.78
11.1.1 The precision of these tests methods was determined Movement Range 0.75 2.12 2.03 5.73
from an interlaboratory study of three samples of seals of three

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