8.1 Prior to testing, bring test specimens to moisture equilibrium in the atmosphere for testing rolled erosion control products (relative humidity of 65 + 5 % and temperature of 21 + 2oC). Equilibrium is considered to have been reached when the increase in mass of the test specimen in successive weighings, made at intervals of not less than 2 hours, does not exceed + 0.1 % of the mass of the test specimen. In general practice, the industry approaches equilibrium from the "as-received" side.

Note 4: It is recognized that in practice rolled erosion control products frequently are not weighed to determine when moisture equilibrium has been reached. While such a procedure cannot be accepted in cases of dispute, it may be sufficient in routine testing to expose the material to the standard atmosphere for testing for a reasonable period of time before the specimens are tested. A time of at least 24 hours has been found acceptable in most cases. However, certain fibers may exhibit slow moisture equilibration rates from the "as-received" wet side. When this is known, a preconditioning cycle, in accordance with Practice D 1776, may be agreed upon between the contractual parties.