ISO 13638 specifies a method for the determination of the ability of sealants to resist differing degrees of exposure to water under conditions of service.
The method assesses the effects of water immersion, for specified durations of time, on the ability of the sealant to fulfil its essential functions, principally to withstand joint movement.
ISO 13638 on resistance ability of sealants is useful for:
Sealants are typically used to close openings between surfaces, where other materials like concrete and mortar can't be used. It is used to seal cracks or joints where structural strength is not required. ISO 13638 specifies test methods to check the resistance ability of sealants on prolonged exposure to water.
ISO 9046 provides you the requirements of the apparatus needed for the test specimen of sealants to check the nature of the substrates. The temperature of the water used for immersion of the test specimens and the amplitude of extension/compression used is mentioned in ISO 13638.
So, the test methods provided and the visual inspection done on all the test specimens helps you in checking whether any breaks in the sealant have occurred and the type of failure (adhesion or cohesion) in the construction.
ISO 13638