WATER STOPS, NYLON-REINFORCED NEOPRENE

DEPARTMENTAL MATERIALS SPECIFICATION

SHEET, AND ELASTOMERIC PADS

DMS - 6160
WATER STOPS, NYLON-REINFORCED NEOPRENE SHEET, AND
ELASTOMERIC PADS
EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 2005

6160.1. Description. This Specification describes the manufacturing and material requirements
for water stops, nylon-reinforced neoprene sheet, and elastomeric pads.

6160.2. Units of Measurements. The values given in parentheses (if provided) are not standard
and may not be exact mathematical conversions. Use each system of units separately. Combining
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

6160.3. Water Stops. Manufacture water stops from either natural or synthetic rubber or from
polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
For each batch or lot of both water and PVC water stops, provide manufacturer certified test
results indicating compliance with this Specification.
A. Rubber-Type Manufacturing Requirements. Manufacture natural rubber water stops
from a stock composed of a high-grade compound made exclusively from new plantation
rubber, reinforcing carbon black, zinc oxide, accelerators, antioxidants, and softeners. Use
no less than 72% by volume of new plantation rubber.
Manufacture synthetic rubber water stops from a compound made exclusively from
neoprene or butadiene styrene rubber (SBR), reinforcing carbon black, zinc oxide,
polymerization agents, and softeners. Use no less than 70% by volume of neoprene or
SBR.
Manufacture both natural and synthetic rubber water stops with an integral cross-section,
uniform within 1/8 in. in width, and with the web thickness or bulb diameter within
+1/16 in., -1/32 in. Do not splice straight strips. Cure strips and special connection pieces
so any cross-section must be dense, homogenous, and free from all porosity. Fully mold
all junctions in the special connection pieces.
Make rubber water stop field splices either vulcanized, mechanical with stainless steel
parts, or with a rubber splicing union of the same stock as the water stop. Provide field
splices with a tensile strength of at least 50% of the un-spliced material.
B. Rubber-Type Material Requirements. Provide natural or synthetic rubbers for water
stops meeting the physical properties in Table 1.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 13 EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 2005

 WATER STOPS, NYLON-REINFORCED NEOPRENE
DEPARTMENTAL MATERIALS SPECIFICATION
SHEET, AND ELASTOMERIC PADS

Table 1
Physical Properties of Rubber for Water Stops
Criteria Test Method Natural (Plain) Synthetic
(Neoprene or
SBR)
Durometer Hardness, ASTM D 2240 60 5 55 5
Shore A
Tensile Strength (psi) ASTM D 412 3,500 Min 2,500 Min
Elongation at Break ASTM D 412 550 Min 425 Min
(%)
(Alternate Test) ASTM D 573 35 Max 35 Max
Tensile Strength (7 days in air @ 158 2F)
(% change) OR
ASTM D 572
(48 hr. in oxygen @ 158 2F and
300 psi pressure)
(Alternate Test) ASTM D 573 35 Max N/A
Maximum Elongation (7 days in air @ 158 2F)
(% change) OR
ASTM D 572
(48 hr. in oxygen @ 158 2F and
300 psi pressure)

C. PVC Manufacturing Requirements. Manufacture PVC water stops from virgin PVC
resins that are plasticized and stabilized. PVC water stops must be resistant to abrasion
and attack by ozone, oxygen, alkalis, and waterborne chemicals.
Splice PVC by heat-sealing the adjacent surfaces according to manufacturers
recommendations. Use a thermostatically controlled electric source of heat to make all
splices. Use sufficient heat to melt but not char the plastic.
D. PVC Material Requirements. Provide PVC water stop materials meeting the Corps of
Engineers Specification Number, CRD-C 572, unless otherwise shown on the plans.

6160.4. Nylon-Reinforced Neoprene Sheet. Nylon reinforced neoprene sheet consists of a

weather-resistant neoprene reinforced with one layer of nylon fabric at mid-thickness.
Provide manufacturer certified test results indicating compliance with this Specification, along
with representative samples of the finished sheet for testing to the Texas Department of
Transportation, Construction Division, Materials & Pavements Section (CP-51),
9500 North Lake Creek Parkway, Austin, TX 78717.
A. Manufacturing Requirements. Manufacture nylon reinforced neoprene sheet without
sharp reentrant cuts. Make all cuts to a circular punched hole. Provide approved splices in

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 23 EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 2005

 WATER STOPS, NYLON-REINFORCED NEOPRENE
DEPARTMENTAL MATERIALS SPECIFICATION
SHEET, AND ELASTOMERIC PADS

the material using a neoprene adhesive and reinforcing strips according to the
manufacturers recommendations.
B. Material Requirements. Provide neoprene for nylon reinforced neoprene sheet meeting
the physical properties listed in Table 2.
Table 2
Physical Properties for Neoprene
Physical Property Test Method Requirement
Tensile Strength (psi) ASTM D 412 2,000 Min
Tear Strength (lb/in) ASTM D 624, Die B 180 Min
Elongation (%) ASTM D 412 400 Min
Durometer Hardness, Shore A ASTM D 2240 65 5
Change in Durometer Hardness, ASTM D 2240 15
Shore A (heat aged 70 hr. @ 212F Max)
Rubber Deterioration ASTM D 11491 No cracks @ 20% strain
(ozone 1 ppm 100 hr.)
1
Wipe sample with solvent before testing.

Provide nylon reinforced neoprene sheet meeting the physical properties listed in Table 3.
Table 3
Physical Properties for Nylon Reinforced Neoprene Sheet
Property Test Method Requirement
Thickness (1/16 or 1/8 in.) N/A 10%
Breaking Strength ASTM D 751, Grab Method
1/16 in. sheet 300 1b./in. Min
1/8 in. sheet 400 1b./in. Min

6160.5. Elastomeric Pads. When shown on the plans, insulate, level, shim, or otherwise protect
rail posts, rail members, metal shoes, or minor structural members with elastomeric pads, sheets,
or washers. Provide such pads with any elastomeric materials: plain; preformed fabric; or
laminated, having a Shore A durometer hardness between 70 and 100, unless otherwise shown
on the plans. Acceptance testing will not be required.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 33 EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 2005