MaTestLab > ASTM Methods > Ceramics > ASTM D6690 Standard Specification for Joint and Crack Sealants, Hot Applied, for Concrete and Asphalt Pavements
Last updated 18th June 2025
ASTM D6690 Standard Specification for Joint and Crack Sealants, Hot Applied, for Concrete and Asphalt Pavements
ASTM D6690 establishes properties for hot-applied joint and crack sealants for asphalt and concrete pavements. The standard offers an inclusive formula, performance testing, and sealant material classification format that is able to withstand joint movement and resist environmental deterioration. It categorizes sealants into four classes according to application climate and flexibility. The standard provides uniform field performance regarding durability, flexibility, adhesion, and flow resistance. This is important in helping to maintain pavement integrity and avoiding future water intrusion or breakdown of the structure.
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ASTM D6690 Introduction
The pavement joints and cracks in both asphalt and concrete surfaces are indispensable due to thermal expansion, traffic load, and environmental factors. The use of hot-applied sealant reduces moisture penetration, further prevents cracks, and extends the life of the material for an extended period. ASTM D6690 provides the required criteria to evaluate the quality and performance of these sealants. The specification covers physical properties such as soft points, penetration, flexibility, and bondage power after exposure to different circumstances. The hot-applied nature of these sealants allows them to fill cracks effectively, conform to joint geometry, and maintain flexibility in seasonal changes. This standard plays an important role in infrastructure maintenance by ensuring that sealant performance can face repeated openings and closures of cycles without loss of performance.
ASTM D6690 Test Method
Cone Penetration
Measured at 25°C using a standard cone, where the depth of penetration indicates material consistency and workability.
Resilience Test
Conducted at 25°C by compressing a cured sample to 50% strain and measuring its recovery after deformation.
Bond Test at Low Temperature
Sealant is applied between two concrete blocks, cooled to −29°C, and stretched to test flexibility and adhesion.
ASTM D6690 Equipment and Sample Preparation
Cone Penetrometer
Used with a 150 g mass and standardized cone tip; readings are taken after 5 seconds of penetration.
Mold for Resilience Testing
The aluminum mold was filled with a 6 mm-thick sealant slab, cured for 24 hours before testing recovery.
Concrete Block Assembly
Two 25 mm × 25 mm × 100 mm concrete blocks with a 12 mm gap filled with sealant for bond testing.
ASTM D6690 Results and Interpretation
Test values according to ASTM D6690 are referenced to type-specific ranges of performance in the specification. Low cone penetration value indicates a harder, more rigid sealant, with progressively higher values indicating progressively workable material more suited to warmer climatic conditions. High values of resilience indicate high elastic recovery, which is crucial for resistance to permanent deformation under thermal or mechanical stress. Successes of the low-temperature bond test ensure that the sealant will be crack-free and adhesive at subzero temperatures. Unsuitability for the field under any of these standards results in reformulation or rejection of the product.
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ASTM D6690 Related Articles
ASTM D5329 provides the basis of testing to measure properties such as flexibility, entry, and sealant flows, creating the basis for quality verification. The ASTM D7116 underlines the preparation and conditioning of samples for sealant bond testing, ensuring the ability to copy. ASTM D3405 provides specifications for the older generation hot-applied sealant, which is often referred to for comparison or compatibility in rehabilitation projects.
Materials Commonly Tested with ASTM D6690
The materials evaluated under the ASTM D6690 typically include rubber-rich asphalt, polymer-reflected bitumen, and thermoplastic elastomers. These formulations are designed to withstand high temperatures during installation and maintain elasticity and adhesion under different environmental conditions.
Applications of ASTM D6690 in Industry
ASTM D6690 sealants are used extensively in highway construction, airport runways, parking lots, and bridge decks. They are an essential component of preventive maintenance programs and are used to seal transverse and longitudinal joints and random pavement surface cracks. Because of their ability to flex and bond with cyclic stresses, they are an essential part of the long-term pavement system performance.
Safety and Best Practices in ASTM D6690
The standard requires that the hot application temperature be handled with care of the hot-applied sealant, often exceeding 175 ° C. Proper protective gears are recommended, including heat-resistant gloves, facial protection, and flame-resistant clothing. The device must be calibrated to prevent overheating and the decline of sealant. Adequate ventilation and fire safety measures should be ensured during the application and testing.
Importance of ASTM D6690
ASTM D6690 is important to ensure the longevity and reliability of the pavement structures. It provides a structured and reproducible approach to qualifying the sealant for harsh real-world conditions. Hard test methods help eliminate materials that may fail under excessive temperature or dynamic loading. By ensuring the performance of the joint and crack sealant, standard cost-effective maintenance, better safety, and transportation support the long-term service life of infrastructure.
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Where can I get the astm d6690 tested?
You can share your astm d6690 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm d6690 test to various testing techniques.
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