ASTM D5249-10 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D5249-10(2021) — Standard Specification for Backer Material for Use with Cold- and Hot-Applied Joint Sealants in Portland-Cement Concrete and Asphalt Joints. This specification establishes material classifications, physical-property requirements, and performance expectations for backer materials supplied as rods or strips to be used as bond-breakers, depth limiters, and shape-forming aids for joint sealants in concrete and asphalt pavement joints.

Abstract

This specification covers backer material available in three types (Type 1: round rods for hot- and cold-applied sealants; Type 2: sheets/strips; Type 3: rods limited to cold-applied sealants), and defines required properties such as density, tensile strength, water absorption, compression deflection, compression recovery, heat resistance and maximum shrinkage. The material is intended to be compressible for installation and sufficiently heat resistant when used with hot-applied sealants.

General information

• Status: Reapproved / published as D5249-10(2021); current edition approved May 1, 2021.
• Publication date: Published May 2021 (designation shown as D5249-10 with reapproval in 2021).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.50 — Binders; sealing materials.
• Edition / version: D5249-10(2021) — designation indicates original revision year 2010 with reapproval reference (R21) in 2021.
• Number of pages: 4 pages (concise specification).

Scope

The standard applies to backer material in rod or strip form used with cold- and hot-applied joint sealants for portland-cement concrete and asphalt pavement joints. It establishes classification by type, functional roles (limit sealant depth, act as bond-breaker, provide a form for shape factor), and minimum material/property requirements needed to withstand installation and, where applicable, exposure to hot-applied sealant temperatures.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification: Type 1 (round rods for hot/cold), Type 2 (sheets/strips), Type 3 (rods for cold-applied only).
• Primary functions: depth control, bond-breaker (prevent backside adhesion), and shape-factor/forming.
• Physical and performance requirements: density, tensile strength, water absorption (Test Method C1016 referenced), compression deflection, compression recovery, heat resistance for hot-applied sealants, maximum shrinkage.
• Referenced test methods and related standards: ASTM C1016, ASTM C1253, ASTM D545, ASTM D1622, ASTM D1623, ASTM D5535 and others as cited in the specification.
• Form/format: available as continuous rods or laminated/skived strips suitable for field sizing and installation.

Typical use and users

Used by pavement and joint-sealant specifiers, highway and municipal agencies, civil and pavement engineers, contractors installing joint sealants, and manufacturers of backer rod/strip products. Common applications include contraction, expansion, and transverse joints in concrete and asphalt pavements where sealant depth control and back-side bond prevention are required.

Related standards

The specification references and is used alongside other ASTM standards for sealants and backing materials, including ASTM C1016 (water absorption), ASTM C1253 (outgassing potential), ASTM D545 (preformed expansion joint fillers), ASTM D1622 and D1623 (density and tensile properties of cellular plastics), and ASTM D5535 (terminology for formed-in-place sealants). It is part of the suite of D04 committee standards covering joint sealants and fillers.

Keywords

backer material, backer rod, backer strip, joint sealant, bond-breaker, compression deflection, water absorption, heat resistance, pavement joints, ASTM D5249.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5249-10(2021) is a short ASTM specification that establishes classification and minimum physical/performance requirements for backer materials (rods and strips) used with cold- and hot-applied joint sealants in concrete and asphalt pavement joints.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the forms (rod or strip), types (Type 1, 2, 3), functional roles (depth limiting, bond-breaking, shape forming), and required properties and referenced test methods (density, tensile strength, water absorption, compression deflection/recovery, heat resistance, shrinkage).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Highway agencies, pavement contractors, materials engineers, specifiers, and manufacturers of backer rod/strip products use the specification to ensure compatible backer materials are selected and tested for joint-sealing applications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D5249-10 was reapproved/published as D5249-10(2021); the current approved edition is the 2021 reapproval. Users should check ASTM for any newer revisions after May 2021 for the absolute latest status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the D04 committee’s suite of standards addressing joint sealants and fillers for pavements and is cross-referenced with multiple related ASTM test methods and specifications for sealants and backing materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Backer rod, backer strip, bond-breaker, depth control, joint sealant, pavement joint, compression deflection, water absorption.