Designation: C165 − 07 (Reapproved 2012)

Standard Test Method for

Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C165; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers two procedures for determining 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
the compressive resistance of thermal insulations. C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or
1.1.1 Procedure A covers thermal insulations having an Batt Thermal Insulations
approximate straight-line portion of a load-deformation curve, C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
with or without an identifiable yield point as shown in Figs. 1 C240 Test Methods of Testing Cellular Glass Insulation
and 2. Such behavior is typical of most rigid board or Block
block-type insulations. E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
1.1.2 Procedure B covers thermal insulations that become E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
increasingly more stiff as load is increased, as shown in Fig. 3. ASTM Test Methods
Such behavior is typical of fibrous batt and blanket insulations E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
that have been compressed previously to at least the same Determine the Precision of a Test Method
deformation by compression packaging or mechanical soften-
ing. 3. Terminology
1.2 It is recognized that the classification of materials under 3.1 Definitions:
Procedures A and B shall not hold in all cases. For example, 3.1.1 Terminology C168 applies to the terms used in this
some batt or blanket materials that have not been compression method.
packaged will exhibit behavior more typical of Procedure A for
3.2 Additional terms are defined as follows:
their first loadings. Also, some higher density fibrous insulation
boards that have been precompressed will exhibit load- 3.3 compressive deformation—the decrease in specimen
deformation curves more typical of Procedure B. There will thickness by a compressive load.
also be thermal insulations with load-deformation curves that 3.4 compressive load—the compressive force carried by the
follow none of the three types shown here; that is, curves with test specimen at any given moment.
no straight-line portion, curves with compaction areas, and
curves that change from negative to positive slope. 3.5 compressive modulus of elasticity—the ratio of the
compressive load per unit of original area to the corresponding
1.3 This test method does not cover reflective or loose fill deformation per unit of original thickness below the propor-
insulations. tional limit of a material.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.6 compressive resistance—the compressive load per unit
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
of original area at a specified deformation. For those materials
information only.
where the specified deformation is regarded as indicating the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the start of complete failure, the compressive resistance may
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the properly be called the compressive strength.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.7 proportional limit in compression—the greatest com-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. pressive load that a material is capable of sustaining without
any deviation from proportionality of load to deformation.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on Mechanical
2
Properties. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2012. Published November 2012. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as C165 – 07. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C0165-07R12. the ASTM website.

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 C165 − 07 (2012)

FIG. 3 Procedure B—Increasing Stiffness

FIG. 1 Procedure A—Straight Line Portion with Definite Yield

effects of impact, creep, fatigue, and repeated cycling must be
Point
considered. All load-deformation data shall be reviewed care-
fully for applicability prior to acceptance for use in engineering
designs differing widely in load, load application rate, and
material dimensions involved.

5. Apparatus
5.1 Testing Machine— Standard hydraulic or mechanical
compression testing machine of suitable capacity, and capable
of operating at the specified constant rate of motion of the
movable head. Verify the accuracy of the testing machine in
accordance with Practices E4.
5.2 Loading Surfaces— Surfaces shall be at least 1.0 in.
(25.4 mm) greater in all directions than the test specimens, and
shall be designed to remain plane within 60.003 in./ft (60.25
mm/m) under all conditions of load.
5.2.1 Procedure A— A preferred size is 8.0 in. (203 mm)
square. One surface plate, either the upper or lower, shall be
mounted rigidly with its surface perpendicular to the testing
FIG. 2 Procedure A—Straight Line Portion but no Definite Yield machine axis. The other surface plate shall be self-aligning,
Point suspended by a spherical bearing block as shown in Fig. 4.
5.2.2 Procedure B— A preferred size is 1.0 ft2 (0.093 m2) in
3.8 yield point in compression—the load at the first point on area, either 12 in. (305 mm) square or 13.54 in. (344 mm) in
the load-deformation curve at which an increase in deformation diameter. Both plates shall be mounted rigidly so that the
occurs without an increase in load. surfaces are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the
testing machine axis.
4. Significance and Use 5.3 Load Indicator— Load-indicating mechanism that will
4.1 In providing Procedures A and B, it is recognized that permit measurements with an accuracy of 61 % of total load.
different types of thermal insulation will exhibit significantly
different behavior under compressive load. Data must usually
be obtained from a complete load-deformation curve, and the
useful working range normally corresponds to only a portion of
the curve. The user is cautioned against use of the product in
the range beyond which the product is permanently damaged or
properties are adversely affected.
4.2 Load-deformation curves provide useful data for re-
search and development, quality control, specification accep-
tance or rejection, and for other special purposes. Standard
loading rates shall not be used arbitrarily for all purposes; the FIG. 4 Spherical Bearing Block for Compressive Strength Test

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 C165 − 07 (2012)
5.4 Deformation Indicator—Deformation-indicating 6.4 The specimens shall be prepared so that the direction of
mechanism that measures crosshead movement, or a simple jig loading will be the same as that on the insulation in service. If
that will permit direct measurements, with an accuracy of the direction of loading in service is unknown and the material
60.1 % of specimen thickness. When crosshead movement is is suspected of being anisotropic, different sets of test speci-
used to measure deformation, use a calibration curve unless it mens shall be prepared with compression axes parallel to the
has been shown that under the conditions of test the crosshead different directions of loading that might occur.
indicator gives an accurate measure of specimen deformation.
6.5 The specimens shall be dried and conditioned prior to
5.5 Measuring Instruments: test, following applicable specifications for the material. If the
5.5.1 Dial Gage Comparator, with a circular foot having a material is affected adversely by oven temperatures, the speci-
minimum area of 1.00 in.2 (645 mm2) and capable of measur- mens shall be conditioned for not less than 40 h at 73.4 6 1.8°F
ing thickness to 60.002 in. (60.05 mm). (23 6 1°C), and 50 6 5 % relative humidity before testing. In
5.5.2 Steel Rule, capable of measuring to 60.01 in. (0.25 the absence of definitive drying specifications, the specimens
mm). shall be dried in an oven at 215 to 250°F (102 to 121°C) to
5.5.3 Depth Gage, pin-type, as specified in Test Methods constant mass and held in a desiccator to cool to room
C167 for Procedure B only. temperature before testing. Where circumstances or require-
ments preclude compliance with these conditioning
5.6 Drying or Conditioning Equipment (see 6.5):
procedures, exceptions agreed upon between the manufacturer
5.6.1 Drying Oven, temperatures to 250°F (121°C).
and the purchaser shall be specifically listed in the test report.
5.6.2 Desiccator, using dry calcium chloride or silica gel
desiccant. 7. Procedures
5.6.3 Conditioned Space, at temperature of 73.4 6 3.6°F
(23 6 2°C), and relative humidity of 50 6 5 %. 7.1 Procedure A:
7.1.1 Measure the specimen dimensions within 61 %. Each
6. Test Specimens dimension shall be the average of at least two measurements
taken on each specimen face. Use the steel rule and the dial
6.1 Specimen Size:
gage comparator as appropriate.
6.1.1 Procedure A specimens shall preferably be square or
circular with a minimum area of 4 in.2 (2580 mm2) and a 7.1.2 Place the specimen between the loading surfaces of
preferred width or diameter of 6 in. (150 mm). The minimum the testing machine, taking care that the centerline of the
thickness shall be 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) and the maximum thickness specimen coincides with the centerline of the testing machine
shall be no greater than the width or diameter. so that the load will be uniformly distributed. The self-aligning
surface shall be approximately parallel to the fixed plate. Keep
NOTE 1—See Test Methods C240 for preparation of cellular glass test the spherical bearing seat well lubricated to ensure free
specimens. movement.
6.1.2 Procedure B specimens shall preferably be square or 7.1.3 Adjust the crosshead speed to the value specified for
circular with a minimum width or diameter of 6.0 in. (153 the material being tested. This shall not exceed the range from
mm). The minimum thickness shall be 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) and 0.01 to 0.5 in./min (0.25 to 12.7 mm/min) for each 1 in. (25.4
the maximum thickness shall be no greater than the width or mm) of specimen thickness. In the absence of such
diameter. specification, the speed shall be 0.05 in./min (1.27 mm/min) for
NOTE 2—For some materials, the specimen thickness has considerable
each 1 in. of specimen thickness.
effect on the deformation at yield, the compressive resistance, and the NOTE 3—The speed of crosshead travel will have considerable effect on
compressive modulus. Therefore, use the same thickness for comparisons the compressive resistance value. In general, higher crosshead speeds
with other test specimens. The thinner the specimen, the higher the usually result in higher compressive resistance values. Take this into
compressive resistance and the lower the deformation at yield. account in selecting crosshead speed other than standard when comparing
6.2 The number of specimens to be tested and the sampling different types of thermal insulation.
plan shall conform to materials specifications where appli- 7.1.4 To reduce the time for the loading head to contact the
cable. In the absence of such specifications the minimum test specimen, the crosshead shall be moved at a rapid until
number of specimens shall be at least four, chosen at random to contact with the specimen is made. This will cause a slight
represent the lot. preload to be applied to the specimen. Change the loading
6.3 The specimens shall be cut from larger blocks or speed to the required value once contact is made. This preload
irregular shapes in such a manner as to preserve as many of the shall not be more than 2% of the load at the final deformation.
original surfaces as possible. The bearing faces of the test
NOTE 4—If this test method is used in specifications or by specifiers to
specimens shall be plane, parallel to each other, and perpen- characterize the compressive resistance of a material, any preload value
dicular to the sides. Where the original surfaces of the block are used must be specified.
substantially plane and parallel, no special preparation of the
7.1.5 Compress the specimen to the desired deformation.
surfaces will usually be necessary. In preparing specimens
Record the loads and deformations at points that will ad-
from pieces of irregular shape, any means that will produce a
equately describe a load-deformation curve.
specimen with plane and parallel faces without weakening the
structure of the specimen shall be used. 7.2 Procedure B:

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 C165 − 07 (2012)
7.2.1 Measure the specimen face dimensions within 61 %
using the steel rule. Each dimension shall be the average of at
least two measurements taken on each specimen face.
7.2.2 Measure the specimen thickness to 61 %. Use the
pin-type depth gage and follow Test Methods C167 if the
material is pin-penetrable. If it is not, use the dial gage
comparator. Average three measurements.
7.2.3 Place the specimen between the loading surfaces of
the testing machine, taking care that the centerlines of the
specimen and the testing machine coincide.
7.2.4 Adjust the crosshead speed to a maximum of 5 in./min
(125 mm/min), but follow material specifications if a different
speed is specified (see Note 3 above).
7.2.5 Compress the specimen to the desired deformation of
either 10 or 25 % of the thickness measured in 7.2.2 or of the
nominal thickness if so specified. To reduce variability in FIG. 6 Procedure A Calculations
sample sets with densities greater than 3 lbs/ft3 (48 kg/m3), the
initial deformation point on the load curve must be chosen at a
fixed preload. Preload values shall be less than 2 % of the load S 5 W/A (1)
at 10 % deformation.
where:
NOTE 5—If this test method is used in specifications or by specifiers to S = compressive resistance, psi (or Pa),
characterize the compressive resistance of a material, any preload value to W = load at any given deformation as determined in 8.1.3,
be used must be specified.
lbf (or N), and
8. Calculations A = average original area computed from measurements in
7.1.1, in.2 (or m2).
8.1 Procedure A:
8.1.1 Construct a load-deformation curve. 8.1.5 Compressive Modulus of Elasticity:
8.1.2 Using a straightedge, carefully extend to the zero load 8.1.5.1 If desired, the compressive modulus of elasticity
line the steepest straight portion of the load-deformation curve. shall be determined by choosing any convenient point (such as
This establishes the “zero deformation point.” Measure all Point S in Fig. 6) along the straight portion of the load-
distances for deformation calculations from this point (Point 0 deformation curve. Read the load and measure the deformation
in Figs. 5 and 6). (distance O-T) at that point.
8.1.3 Measure from Point 0 along the zero load line a 8.1.5.2 Calculate the compressive modulus of elasticity as
distance representing 5 %, 10 %, or other specified deforma- follows:
tion. At that point (Point M in Figs. 5 and 6), draw a vertical load/unit area
line intersecting the load deformation curve at Point P. If there E 5 (2)
deformation/original thickness
is no yield point before Point P (as in Fig. 6), read the load at
Point P. If there is a yield point before Point P (as Point L in W/A
5
Fig. 5), read the load and measure the percent deformation e/d
(distance O-R) at the yield point. where:
8.1.4 Calculate the compressive resistance as follows:
E = compressive modulus, psi (or Pa),
e = compressive deformation, in. (or mm), and
d = thickness of the specimen, in. (or mm).
8.2 Procedure B— Calculate the compressive resistance as
follows:
S 5 W/A (3)

where:
S = compressive resistance, psi (or Pa),
W = load at specified deformation as determined in 7.2.5, lbf
(or N), and
A = average original area computed from measurements in
7.2.1, in.2 (or m2).

9. Report
9.1 Report the following information:
9.1.1 Name, type, density, original piece size, and any other
FIG. 5 Procedure A Calculations pertinent identification of the insulation,

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 C165 − 07 (2012)
TABLE 1 Precision Information
Material Type Type A Type B
Material Composition Calcium High Density Low Density
Silicate Mineral Fiber Mineral Fiber
Deformation 5% 10 % 10 % 25 %
Number of Laboratories 7 7 6 6
Number of Tests 4 4 10 10
Preload none 0.06 psi none none
(0.41 kPa)
Average test value 100.0 psi 3.27 psi 0.012 psi 0.031 psi
(689.5 kPa) (22.5 kPa) (0.08 kPa) (0.21 kPa)
Repeatability limit (within laboratory), 95 % 5.4 psi 0.97 psi 0.003 psi 0.007 psi
(37.2 kPa) (6.7 kPa) (0.02 kPa) (0.05 kPa)
Reproducibility limit (between 13.3 psi 0.97 psi 0.004 psi 0.007 psi
laboratories), 95 % (91.7 kPa) (6.7 kPa) (0.03 kPa) (0.05 kPa)

9.1.2 Dimensions of test specimens and the number of materials were tested for compressive resistance. Practice E691
specimens tested, was followed for the design and analysis of the data. All of the
9.1.3 Conditioning or drying procedures followed and the test specimens were provided by a single laboratory. The data
conditions during the test, presented gives results for Type A material with no preload,
9.1.4 The compressive resistance of each specimen and the Type B High Density Material with a preload and type B Low
average at any stated deformation. The percent deformation Density material without preload.
and, if used, the preload shall always accompany the compres-
sive resistance reported. 10.2 Test Result— The precision information given in Table
9.1.5 The compressive modulus of elasticity of each speci- 1 in units of measurement noted is for the comparison of four
men and the average if determined (Procedure A only), test results:
9.1.6 The load-deformation curve, with comments on be- 10.3 Precision—The terms (repeatability limit and repro-
havior during test if appropriate. The complete load-
ducibility limit) in Table 1 are used as specified in Practice
deformation curve is desirable, particularly if the curve is not
E177. The respective standard deviations among the test results
characteristic of one of the three defined in 1.1.
must be obtained by dividing the limit values in Table 1 by 2.8.
9.1.7 Comments on the mode of failure if other than normal
compression; for example, shearing, crumbling, cracking, etc., 10.4 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material
9.1.8 Crosshead speed, and suitable for determining the bias for the procedures in Test
9.1.9 Date of test. Method C165 for measuring compressive strength, bias has not
10. Precision and Bias3 been determined.
10.1 Interlaboratory Test Program—An interlaboratory 11. Keywords
study was run in which randomly drawn test specimens of three
11.1 blanket-type; block-type; board-type; compression
3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may testing; compressive resistance; deformation; modulus of elas-
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:C16-1020. ticity; thermal insulation; thermal insulation materials

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