ASTM C452-21

Standard Test Method for Potential Expansion of Portland-Cement Mortars Exposed to Sulfate

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used primarily by those interested in research on methods for determining the potential sulfate resistance of portland cement. This test method is also used to establish that a sulfate-resisting portland cement meets the performance requirements of Specification C150/C150M.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method, which is applicable only to portland cements, covers the determination of the expansion of mortar bars made from a mixture of portland cement and gypsum in such proportions that the mixture has a sulfur trioxide (SO3) content of 7.0 mass %.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Values in SI units [or inch-pound units] shall be obtained by measurement in SI units [or inch pound units] or by appropriate conversion, using the Rules for Conversion and Rounding given in IEEE/ASTM SI 10, of measurements made in other units (or SI units). Values are stated in only SI units when inch-pound units are not used in practice.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)2  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2021
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C01 - Cement
• Drafting Committee: C01.29 - Sulfate Resistance

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C219-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C471M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Gypsum and Gypsum Products (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C109/C109M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C219-20a - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM C305-20 - Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM C219-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM C219-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM C219-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM C150/C150M-19 - Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1005-18 - Standard Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM C471M-17a - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Gypsum and Gypsum Products (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C471M-17e1 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Gypsum and Gypsum Products (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C471M-17 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Gypsum and Gypsum Products (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C1005-17 - Standard Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM C471M-16a - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Gypsum and Gypsum Products (Metric)
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2016

Overview

ASTM C452-21: Standard Test Method for Potential Expansion of Portland-Cement Mortars Exposed to Sulfate provides a laboratory procedure for evaluating the potential expansion of mortar bars made with portland cement and gypsum. The methodology determines the sulfate resistance of portland cements by measuring the expansion of mortars containing a specific proportion of sulfate (SO₃). This test is instrumental for researchers and quality control laboratories in assessing whether a portland cement meets the sulfate resistance performance requirements defined in ASTM C150/C150M.

Key Topics

• Test Applicability: This standard is specifically applicable to portland cements and is not intended for blended hydraulic cements, pozzolans, or slag cements. The primary focus is on measuring sulfate-induced expansion using sulfate-resistant portland cements.
• Measurement Principle: Mortar bars are prepared using portland cement and gypsum so the total sulfur trioxide content is 7.0 mass %. The expansion of these bars, when exposed to moist conditions, is measured at specified time intervals to assess potential sulfate resistance.
• Testing Conditions:
  • Temperature and humidity are closely controlled throughout the process.
  • Mortar specimens are stored and measured precisely according to prescribed timeframes.
• Safety Guidance: The procedure involves handling of caustic materials. Users must follow safety, health, and environmental practices to prevent chemical burns from fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures.
• Reporting and Precision: Results detail the average expansion to the nearest 0.001%. The standard includes guidelines for test specimen numbers, permissible result ranges, and precision/bias of results.

Applications

ASTM C452-21 is applied in the following contexts:

• Research and Development: Researchers use this test method to study the sulfate resistance of different portland cement compositions, facilitating innovation in more durable and resilient cement products.
• Quality Assurance: Cement manufacturers and third-party labs utilize this test to certify that portland cement conforms to sulfate resistance performance standards, especially as specified in ASTM C150/C150M.
• Specification Compliance: Government agencies, infrastructure owners, and construction professionals employ this method to validate that materials meet required sulfate resistance criteria for use in environments where sulfate exposure is of concern.
• Product Selection for Sulfate-Environments: The method supports informed decision-making for the selection of portland cement for use in foundations, sewage works, marine structures, and other construction settings where sulfate attack can compromise durability.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced and used in conjunction with ASTM C452-21:

• ASTM C150/C150M: Specification for Portland Cement - Defines sulfate resistance requirements.
• ASTM C109/C109M: Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars.
• ASTM C219: Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements.
• ASTM C230/C230M: Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement.
• ASTM C305: Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars.
• ASTM C490/C490M: Practice for Use of Apparatus for Length Change Determination.
• ASTM C511: Specification for Storage Environments for Cement and Concrete Testing.
• ASTM C778: Specification for Standard Sand for Mortar Testing.
• ASTM C1005: Specification for Reference Masses for Physical Testing.
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water.
• IEEE/ASTM SI 10: Practice for Use of International System of Units (SI).

For more detailed information on cement test methods and further guidance, reference material is available in the Manual of Cement Testing published in the ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Volume 04.01.

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Keywords: ASTM C452-21, sulfate resistance, portland cement, mortar expansion, gypsum, cement testing, ASTM standards, SO3 content, quality assurance, construction materials.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C452 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Potential Expansion of Portland-Cement Mortars Exposed to
Sulfate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C452; 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.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method, which is applicable only to portland
2.1 ASTM Standards:
cements, covers the determination of the expansion of mortar
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
bars made from a mixture of portland cement and gypsum in
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube
such proportions that the mixture has a sulfur trioxide (SO )
3 Specimens)
content of 7.0 mass %.
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inor-
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
ganic Cements
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
C230/C230M Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
of Hydraulic Cement
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
with the standard.Values in SI units [or inch-pound units] shall
C471M Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Gypsum and
be obtained by measurement in SI units [or inch pound units]
Gypsum Products (Metric)z
or by appropriate conversion, using the Rules for Conversion
C490/C490M Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Deter-
and Rounding given in IEEE/ASTM SI 10, of measurements
made in other units (or SI units). Values are stated in only SI mination of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste,
Mortar, and Concrete
units when inch-pound units are not used in practice.
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
C778 Specification for Standard Sand
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
C1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
DeterminingMassandVolumeforUseinPhysicalTesting
(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic
of Hydraulic Cements
and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
prolonged exposure.)
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Practice for Use of the International
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3. Terminology
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1 Definitions:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
to Terminology C219.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C01 on Cement
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.29 on Sulfate Resistance.
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published May 2021. Originally
ε1 3
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C452 – 19 . DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/C0452_C0452M-21. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Section on Safety, Manual of Cement Testing, Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Standards, Vol 04.01. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C452 − 21
4. Interferences where:
c =SO content of the portland cement, %,
4.1 This test method is not suitable for establishing the 3
g =SO content of the gypsum, %, and
sulfate resistance of blended hydraulic cements nor for com- 3
7.0 = SO content of the cement-gypsum mixture, %.
binations of portland cement and pozzolans or slag cement
(Note 1).
8.3 If the SO content of the gypsum is unknown, analyze
NOTE 1—The main increase in sulfate resistance provided by blended
the gypsum for SO content using Test Methods C471M.
hydraulic cements, pozzolans, and slag cement occurs when concrete is
Determine the SO content to the nearest 0.1 %.
exposed after the pozzolans or slag cement have had time to react.
8.4 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
5. Significance and Use
to water mean reagent water conforming to Type IV of
Specification D1193.
5.1 This test method is used primarily by those interested in
research on methods for determining the potential sulfate
9. Number and Dimensions of Test Specimens
resistance of portland cement. This test method is also used to
establish that a sulfate-resisting portland cement meets the 9.1 Make six 25 by 25 by 285 mm [or 1 by 1 by 11 ⁄4-in.]
test specimens, three from each of two batches, for each
performance requirements of Specification C150/C150M.
cement.
6. Apparatus
9.2 In routine tests, 25 by 25 by 160 mm [or 1 by 1 by
6.1 Weights and Weighing Devices, conforming to the re-
6 ⁄4-in.] specimens may be used, but in case of dispute, results
quirements of Specification C1005.
obtained with 25 by 25 by 285 mm [or 1 by 1 by 11 ⁄4-in.]
specimens govern.
6.2 Flow Table, conforming to the requirements of Specifi-
cation C230/C230M.
10. Preparing Specimen Molds
6.3 Mixer, Bowl, and Paddle, conforming to the require-
10.1 Prepare the molds in accordance with Practice C490/
ments of Practice C305.
C490M.
6.4 Trowel and Tamper, conforming to the requirements of
Test Method C109/C109M.
11. Proportioning, Consistency, and Mixing of Mortar
6.5 Molds and Length Comparator, conforming to the
11.1 Use 400 g (cement plus gypsum) and 1100 g of sand
requirements of Practice C490/C490M.
for each batch. Use 194 mL of mixing water for all non-air-
entraining portland cements, and 184 mL of mixing water for
6.6 Glass Graduates, conforming to the requirements of
all air-entraining portland cements.
Specification C1005.
11.2 Mix the mortar according to the procedure for mixing
7. Temperature and Humidity
mortarsofPracticeC305,exceptafterplacingthemixingwater
7.1
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: C452 − 19 C452 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Potential Expansion of Portland-Cement
Mortars Exposed to Sulfate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C452; 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.
ε NOTE—Subsections 12.2.1 and 12.2.2 were editorially corrected in July 2019.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method, which is applicable only to portland cements, covers the determination of the expansion of mortar bars made
from a mixture of portland cement and gypsum in such proportions that the mixture has a sulfur trioxide (SO ) content of 7.0
mass %.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Values in SI units [or inch-pound units] shall be obtained by
measurement in SI units [or inch pound units] or by appropriate conversion, using the Rules for Conversion and Rounding given
in IEEE/ASTM SI 10, of measurements made in other units (or SI units). Values are stated in only SI units when inch-pound units
are not used in practice.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns
to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)
Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged
exposure.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube Specimens)
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
C230/C230M Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C01 on Cement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.29 on Sulfate Resistance.
Current edition approved June 15, 2019April 1, 2021. Published July 2019May 2021. Originally approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 20152019 as
ε1
C452 – 15.C452 – 19 . DOI: 10.1520/C0452_C0452M-19E01.10.1520/C0452_C0452M-21.
Section on Safety, Manual of Cement Testing, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C452 − 21
C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
C471M Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Gypsum and Gypsum Products (Metric)z
C490/C490M Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and
Concrete
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic
Cements and Concretes
C778 Specification for Standard Sand
C1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in Physical Testing of
Hydraulic Cements
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Practice for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology C219.
4. Interferences
4.1 This test method is not suitable for establishing the sulfate resistance of blended hydraulic cements nor for combinations of
portland cement and pozzolans or slag cement (Note 1).
NOTE 1—The main increase in sulfate resistance provided by blended hydraulic cements, pozzolans, and slag cement occurs when concrete is exposed
after the pozzolans or slag cement have had time to react.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is used primarily by those interested in research on methods for determining the potential sulfate resistance
of portland cement. This test method is also used to establish that a sulfate-resisting portland cement meets the performance
requirements of Specification C150/C150M.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Weights and Weighing Devices, conforming to the requirements of Specification C1005.
6.2 Flow Table, conforming to the requirements of Specification C230/C230M.
6.3 Mixer, Bowl, and Paddle, conforming to the requirements of Practice C305.
6.4 Trowel and Tamper, conforming to the requirements of Test Method C109/C109M.
6.5 Glass Graduates, Molds, Molds and Length Comparator, conforming to the requirements of Practice C490/C490M.
6.6 Glass Graduates, conforming to the requirements of Specification C1005.
7. Temperature and Humidity
7.1 Molding Room, Dry Materials, and Mixing Water—Maintain the temperature of the molding room, dry materials, and mixing
water at 23.0 6 4.0 °C [73.5 6 7 °F] and the relative humidity of the molding room at not less than 50 %.
7.2 Moist Cabinet or Room, conforming to the requirements of Specification C511.
8. Materials
8.1 Use graded sand that conforms to Specification C778, Table 1 Standard“Standard Sand RequirementsRequirements” for
making the test mortar.
C452 − 21
8.2 For the gypsum addition to portland cement, use high grade natural gypsum with 100 % passing the 150 μm (No. 100)
(No. 100) sieve, at least 94 % passing the 75 μm (No. 200) sieve, and at least 90 % passing the 45 μm (No. 325) sieve. Calculate
the percentage of cement and gypsum required to provide a mixture containing 7.0 mass % SO as follows:
Cement,%5 g 2 7.0 / g 2 c 3100 (1)
@~ ! ~ !#
Gypsum,%5 @~7.0 2 c!/~g 2 c!# 3100 (2)
where:
c = SO content of the portland cement, %,
g = SO content of the gypsum, %, and
7.0 = SO content of the cement-gypsum mixture, %.
8.3 If the SO content of the gypsum is unknown, analyze the gypsum for SO content using Test Methods C471M. Determine
3 3
the SO content to the near
...