ASTM C532-88 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C532-88 — Standard Specification for Structural Insulating Formboard (Cellulosic Fiber). This specification defines materials, dimensions, physical properties, preservative treatment, workmanship, sampling, and test requirements for cellulosic-fiber structural insulating formboard intended for use as a permanent form for poured-in-place roof construction of reinforced gypsum or lightweight insulating concretes.

Abstract

ASTM C532-88 (issued 1988) sets minimum requirements for cellulosic-fiber structural insulating formboard used as permanent formboard in roof construction. It specifies typical sizes and finishes, required physical properties (thermal conductance, water absorption, vapor permeance), mechanical performance (transverse load, deflection), preservative treatment levels, sampling and test methods, and workmanship criteria. The designation was withdrawn in 1992.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal date: January 14, 1992)
• Publication date: August 26, 1988
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials)
• ICS / categories: 91.120.10 — Thermal insulation of buildings
• Edition / version: C532-88 (1988)
• Number of pages: 3

Scope

This specification covers structural insulating formboard manufactured from refined or partly refined ligno-cellulosic (cellulosic) fibers, intended primarily as a permanent form for poured-in-place roof decks of reinforced gypsum or lightweight insulating concrete. The standard applies principally to nominal 1 in. (25.4 mm) thickness boards (commonly supplied in 32 in. width and various lengths), but may be fabricated in other thicknesses, widths, and lengths for specific job conditions. It includes requirements for material composition, physical and mechanical properties, preservative treatment, workmanship, finish, edge details, sampling, and referenced test methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Material composition: fibrous, felted, homogeneous or laminated panels manufactured from ligno-cellulosic fibers with integral bonding or adhesive lamination for multi-ply boards.
• Dimensional and finish options: nominal 1 in. thickness (typical), plain or factory-finished interior surfaces, square or specially fabricated edge details.
• Thermal and moisture properties: maximum thermal conductance limits, specified maximum water absorption by volume (2 h), and minimum vapor permeance values.
• Mechanical properties: minimum transverse load at rupture (specified separately for dry and wet conditions) and maximum deflection limits under defined loads.
• Preservative treatment: minimum preservative content requirements (examples cited include not less than 0.50 wt% pentachlorophenol, or 0.25 wt% copper pentachlorophenate, or 0.30 wt% arsenic oxide) for exposure protection where applicable.
• Workmanship and appearance: surface free of cracks, lumps and excessive departures from planeness; interior exposed surface finish requirements and edge finishing.
• Sampling and testing: provisions for random sampling and quantities to test; references to standard test methods such as ASTM C177 (thermal), E96 (vapor transmission), and applicable board test methods for strength and water absorption.

Typical use and users

Intended users included roofing contractors, building envelope designers, insulation and formboard manufacturers, material specifiers, and code officials specifying permanent formboard for poured roof decks in industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. The standard was used by parties needing a concise specification for cellulosic structural formboard in roofing and related construction before it was withdrawn.

Related standards

Referencing and related ASTM test methods and documents include ASTM C177 (Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus), ASTM E96 (Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials), and other board-specific test procedures for insulating boards and cellular construction materials under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 (Thermal Insulation).

Keywords

ASTM C532-88; structural insulating formboard; cellulosic fiber; roof formboard; thermal conductance; water absorption; vapor permeance; preservative treatment; transverse load; insulation board; C16 Thermal Insulation.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C532-88 is a standard specification that defined requirements for cellulosic-fiber structural insulating formboard used as a permanent form for poured-in-place roof decks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers material composition, typical dimensions and finishes, required physical and mechanical properties (thermal conductance, water absorption, transverse load, deflection), preservative treatment levels, workmanship, sampling, and referenced test methods for such formboard.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Historically, roofing contractors, insulation and formboard manufacturers, architects and specifiers, and building code and materials approval authorities used this specification when designing or specifying cellulosic structural formboard for roof construction.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ASTM C532-88 was withdrawn on January 14, 1992. It is not an active ASTM specification and thus should not be relied upon as a current standard; users should consult current ASTM publications, Committee C16 documents, or alternative active standards for up-to-date requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The designation falls under ASTM Committee C16 (Thermal Insulation). It is one of several ASTM documents addressing insulating boards and thermal insulation test methods; it is referenced alongside standard test methods such as ASTM C177 and ASTM E96.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Structural insulating formboard, cellulosic fiber, roof formboard, thermal conductance, water absorption, preservative treatment, ASTM C532-88, insulation board.