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Tear resistance of bituminous roofing membranes - To tear or not to tear

Abstract
Tear strength is one of the mechanical properties that determine whether a nonwoven can be used as a carrier in a waterproof bituminous roofing membrane. Damage done by storms to roofs involves some tearing failure of the roofing membranes as well as tearing out of mechanical fasteners. Since tearing is such an important phenomenon various nonwovens and test test methods have been investigated. A possible explanation of the difference in tearing behaviour between different materials is presented. Also, the consequences of these differences with regard to the mechanical behaviour of the roofing membrane are disucssed. The large variety of bituminous compounds and the variability of many of those compounds make it difficult to evaluate the effect on tearing behaviour. Various test methods have been used in this investiation, including the trapezpoid, single rip and tongue tear tests. As mechanical fastening of roofing membranes is becoming increasingly important, the nail tear-out test has also been included.
Date
10/2000
Author(s)
C Witteveen; L Lucas; A Cooper
Page(s)
128-140
Keyword(s)
tear strength; bituminous roofing membrane; nonwoven;



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