ASTM C1567-23

Standard Test Method for Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Combinations of Cementitious Materials and Aggregate (Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides a means for evaluating the ability of pozzolans and slag cement to control deleterious internal expansion due to alkali-silica reaction when used with an aggregate intended for use in concrete. It is based on the Accelerated Test Method developed at the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) in the Republic of South Africa (1-4).3  
4.2 This test method has been developed for evaluating combinations of certain cementitious materials with a single aggregate source in a mortar of standard proportions. It yields an empirical result, which is utilized to compare to criteria within some specifications to accept or reject the combination of materials being evaluated for a particular application. Currently this method has no standard procedure for testing fine and coarse aggregates proposed for use in concrete together in a single batch of mortar, nor for varying the proportions of the constituent materials of the mortar beyond the relative proportions of the individual cementitious material constituents to each other, as the significance of these practices have not been determined nor have appropriate limits been established for evaluating the results of tests conducted using these modifications.  
4.3 Different levels of pozzolan and slag cement may require testing to determine the amount required to reduce expansion to an acceptable level. Pozzolans and ground granulated blast-furnace slag may be tested separately or in combination.  
4.4 It is recommended to test the same aggregate and hydraulic cement (without pozzolans and slag cement) using Test Method C1260.  
4.5 Results of tests conducted as described herein shall form a part of the basis for determining the precautions that shall be taken against excessive expansion due to alkali-silica reaction. Refer to Guide C1778 for the interpretation of the test results from Test Method C1567.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method permits detection within 16 days of the potential for deleterious alkali-silica reaction of combinations of cementitious materials and aggregate in mortar bars. The cementitious materials are composed of various proportions of hydraulic cement, pozzolans and slag cement.  
1.2 The test results are only valid for the specific combinations of pozzolan, slag, and reactive aggregates tested.  
1.3 This test is not suitable for evaluating the potential for deleterious reaction of combinations of hydraulic cement and aggregate (that is, in the absence of pozzolans or slag cement).  
1.4 The text of this test method refers to notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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-May-2023
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.50 - Aggregate Reactions in Concrete

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C989/C989M-24 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-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 C1778-23 - Standard Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C1260-23 - Standard Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method)
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• 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 C125-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1778-19b - Standard Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1778-19a - Standard Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1778-19 - Standard Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM C150/C150M-19 - Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-18b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018

Overview

ASTM C1567-23: Standard Test Method for Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Combinations of Cementitious Materials and Aggregate (Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method) provides a rapid, 16-day test to identify potentially deleterious alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) when specific combinations of aggregates, pozzolans, slag cement, and hydraulic cement are used in concrete. This accelerated mortar-bar method is essential for evaluating and mitigating the risk of excessive internal expansion resulting from ASR, a leading cause of cracking and durability issues in concrete.

This standard is relevant for quality control, materials selection, and specification compliance in concrete construction and is established by ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates.

Key Topics

• Accelerated Testing for Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR):

  • Enables detection of ASR potential in combinations of hydraulic cement, pozzolans, and slag cement with selected aggregates.
  • Test duration is 16 days, significantly reducing evaluation time compared to traditional methods.

• Assessment of Cementitious Material Combinations:

  • Designed for specific aggregate sources combined with pozzolanic or slag cementitious materials.
  • Results are empirical and application-specific; only valid for the tested combinations.
  • Supports evaluation for acceptance or rejection based on existing criteria in project specifications.

• Standardized Procedure:

  • Utilizes mortar bars of standard proportions.
  • Expansion measurements are taken at defined intervals and compared against control limits.
  • Testing is performed under controlled temperature and humidity to ensure reproducibility.

• Integration with Other Standards:

  • Recommends parallel testing of the same aggregates without pozzolans or slag cement using ASTM C1260.
  • For interpretation of results and mitigation guidance, refer to ASTM C1778.

Applications

ASTM C1567-23 is widely used in the concrete construction industry for:

• Screening Aggregate Reactivity:

  • Ensures aggregates combined with specific supplementary cementitious materials do not cause harmful expansion in concrete mixtures.
  • Supports selection of safe aggregate-cementitious material combinations for infrastructure, buildings, pavements, and precast products.

• Material Approval and Specifications:

  • Provides empirical data to meet project requirements and local or national regulations for ASR mitigation.
  • Commonly required for state, federal, or international construction projects to reduce the risk of ASR-related distress.

• Comparison and Quality Control:

  • Enables concrete suppliers and specifiers to compare the effectiveness of different pozzolan and slag cement levels in controlling ASR.
  • Assists in setting prequalification criteria for new materials or sources.

• Durability Assurance:

  • Aids design professionals in choosing mitigation strategies against deleterious expansion, extending concrete service life.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced or complement C1567-23, including:

• ASTM C109/C109M - Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars.
• ASTM C125 - Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates.
• ASTM C1260 - Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method).
• ASTM C150/C150M - Specification for Portland Cement.
• ASTM C305 - Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars.
• ASTM C490/C490M - Apparatus for Determination of Length Change.
• ASTM C494/C494M - Chemical Admixtures for Concrete.
• ASTM C511 - Storage Tanks and Rooms for Testing Cement.
• ASTM C618 - Specification for Fly Ash and Natural Pozzolan.
• ASTM C989/C989M - Slag Cement.
• ASTM C1240 - Silica Fume in Cementitious Mixtures.
• ASTM C1437 - Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar.
• ASTM C1778 - Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete.

Practical Value

By applying ASTM C1567-23, engineers, contractors, and concrete producers can confidently select materials and quantify the effectiveness of ASR mitigation strategies. The standard fosters durable, long-lasting concrete infrastructure by providing clear testing procedures for assessing and limiting alkali-silica reactivity. Use of this standard can help avoid costly repairs, extend structure service life, and satisfy project sustainability and performance requirements.

Keywords: alkali-silica reactivity, ASTM C1567, accelerated mortar-bar method, pozzolans, slag cement, concrete durability, aggregate testing, ASR mitigation, cementitious material evaluation.

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: C1567 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of
Combinations of Cementitious Materials and Aggregate
(Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1567; 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 permits detection within 16 days of the 2.1 ASTM Standards:
potential for deleterious alkali-silica reaction of combinations C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
of cementitious materials and aggregate in mortar bars. The Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube
cementitious materials are composed of various proportions of Specimens)
hydraulic cement, pozzolans and slag cement. C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
gregates
1.2 The test results are only valid for the specific combina-
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
tions of pozzolan, slag, and reactive aggregates tested.
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
1.3 This test is not suitable for evaluating the potential for
C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
deleterious reaction of combinations of hydraulic cement and
and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
aggregate (that is, in the absence of pozzolans or slag cement).
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
1.4 The text of this test method refers to notes and footnotes C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement
Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered C490/C490M Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Deter-
mination of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste,
as requirements of this test method.
Mortar, and Concrete
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Concrete
standard.
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
1.6 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-
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Concrete and Mortars
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Mixtures
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
C1260 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Ag-
gregates (Mortar-Bar Method)
C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C09.50 on Aggregate Reactions in Concrete. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C1567–22a. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
C1567-23. 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
C1567 − 23
C1567 Test Method for Determining the Potential Alkali- 5. Apparatus
Silica Reactivity of Combinations of Cementitious Mate-
5.1 The apparatus shall conform to Practice C490/C490M,
rials and Aggregate (Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method)
except as follows:
C1778 Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-
5.2 Sieves—Square hole, woven-wire cloth sieves, shall
Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
conform to Specification E11.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
5.3 Mixer, Paddle, and Mixing Bowl—Mixer, paddle, and
Sieves mixing bowl shall conform to the requirements of Practice
C305, except that the clearance between the lower end of the
3. Terminology paddle and the bottom of the bowl shall be 5.1 mm 6 0.3 mm.
3.1 Definitions: 5.4 Tamper and Trowel—The tamper and trowel shall con-
form to Test Method C109/C109M.
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to concrete or
aggregates, see Terminology C125.
5.5 Containers—The containers shall be of such a nature
3.2 relative density (OD), n—as defined in Test Methods that the bars can be totally immersed in either the water or 1N
C127 or C128, for coarse and fine aggregates, respectively. sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. The containers shall be
made of material that can withstand prolonged exposure to
80 °C and must be resistant to a 1N NaOH solution (see Note
4. Significance and Use
1). The containers must be so constructed that when used for
4.1 This test method provides a means for evaluating the
storing specimens, the loss or gain of moisture is prevented by
ability of pozzolans and slag cement to control deleterious
tight-fitting covers, by sealing, or both (see Note 2). The bars
internal expansion due to alkali-silica reaction when used with
in the solution must be placed and supported so that the
an aggregate intended for use in concrete. It is based on the
solution has access to the entire surface of each bar; therefore,
Accelerated Test Method developed at the National Building
ensure that the specimens do not touch the sides of the
Research Institute (NBRI) in the Republic of South Africa
3 container or each other. The specimens, if stood upright in the
(1-4).
solution, shall not be supported by the metal gage stud.
4.2 This test method has been developed for evaluating
NOTE 1—The NaOH solution corrodes glass or metal containers.
combinations of certain cementitious materials with a single
NOTE 2—Some microwave-proof food storage containers made of
aggregate source in a mortar of standard proportions. It yields
polypropylene or high-density polythylene have been found to be accept-
an empirical result, which is utilized to compare to criteria
able.
within some specifications to accept or reject the combination
5.6 Oven, or Water Bath—A convection oven or water bath
of materials being evaluated for a particular application.
with temperature control maintaining 80.0 °C 6 2.0 °C.
Currently this method has no standard procedure for testing
fine and coarse aggregates proposed for use in concrete
6. Reagents
together in a single batch of mortar, nor for varying the
6.1 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)—USP or technical grade
proportions of the constituent materials of the mortar beyond
+ -
may be used, provided the Na and OH concentrations are
the relative proportions of the individual cementitious material
shown by chemical analysis to lie between 0.99 N and 1.01 N.
constituents to each other, as the significance of these practices
have not been determined nor have appropriate limits been 6.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
established for evaluating the results of tests conducted using to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming
these modifications. to Type IV of Specification D1193.
6.3 Sodium Hydroxide Solution—Each litre of solution shall
4.3 Different levels of pozzolan and slag cement may
contain 40.0 g of NaOH dissolved in 900 mL of water, and
require testing to determine the amount required to reduce
shall be diluted with additional distilled or deionized water to
expansion to an acceptable level. Pozzolans and ground granu-
obtain 1.0 L of solution. The volume proportion of sodium
lated blast-furnace slag may be tested separately or in combi-
hydroxide solution to mortar bars in a storage container shall
nation.
be 4 6 0.5 volumes of solution to 1 volume of mortar bars. The
4.4 It is recommended to test the same aggregate and
volume of a mortar bar may be taken as 184 mL. Include
hydraulic cement (without pozzolans and slag cement) using
sufficient test solution to ensure complete immersion of the
Test Method C1260.
mortar bars.
4.5 Results of tests conducted as described herein shall form
6.3.1 Warning—Before using NaOH, review: (1) the safety
a part of the basis for determining the precautions that shall be
precautions for using NaOH; (2) first aid for burns; and (3) the
taken against excessive expansion due to alkali-silica reaction.
emergency response to spills, as described in the manufactur-
Refer to Guide C1778 for the interpretation of the test results
er’s Material Safety Data Sheet or other reliable safety litera-
from Test Method C1567.
ture. NaOH can cause very severe burns and injury to unpro-
tected skin and eyes. Suitable personal protective equipment
must always be used. These include full-face shields, rubber
aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH. Gloves must be
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
the text. checked periodically for pinholes.
C1567 − 23
7. Conditioning 8.3.1 Hydraulic Cement—Use a hydraulic cement meeting
the requirements of Specification C150/C150M (Note 3).
7.1 Maintain the temperature of the molding room and dry
materials at not less than 20 °C and not more than 27.5 °C. The
NOTE 3—The alkali content of the cement has been found to have
negligible (3) or minor (5) effects on expansion in this test.
temperature of the mixing water, and of the moist closet or
moist room, shall not vary from 23 °C by more than 2 °C.
8.3.2 Preparation of Cement—Pass cement for use in this
test through an 850-μm (No. 20) sieve to remove lumps before
7.2 Maintain the relative humidity of the molding room at
use.
not less than 50 %. The moist closet or room shall conform to
Specification C511.
8.4 Selection of pozzolan or slag cement—Use one, or a
combination, of the following:
7.3 Maintain the storage oven or water bath in which the
8.4.1 Fly ash or natural pozzolan meeting the requirements
specimens are stored at a temperature of 80.0 °C 6 2.0 °C.
of Specification C618.
8. Sampling and Preparation of Test Specimens 8.4.2 Silica fume meeting the requirements of Specification
C1240.
8.1 Selection of Aggregate—Process materials proposed for
8.4.3 Slag cement meeting the requirements of Specification
use as fine aggregate in concrete as described in 8.2 with a
C989/C989M.
minimum of crushing. Process materials proposed for use as
coarse aggregate in concrete by crushing to produce as nearly 8.5 Preparation of Test Specimens:
as practical a graded product from which a sample can be
8.5.1 Number of Specimens—Make at least three test speci-
obtained. Grade the sample as prescribed in Table 1. The mens for each cementitious materials-aggregate combination.
sample shall represent the composition of the coarse aggregate
8.5.2 Preparation of Molds—Prepare the specimen molds in
as proposed for use. accordance with the requirements of Practice C490/C490M
8.1.1 When a given quarried material is proposed for use
except, the interior surfaces of the molds shall be covered with
both as coarse and as fine aggregate, test only a selection of the
a release agent (see Note 4). A release agent is acceptable if it
fine aggregate, unless there is reason to expect that the coarse
serves as a parting agent without affecting the time of setting of
aggregate has a different composition than the fine aggregate.
the cement and without leaving any residue that will inhibit the
If such a difference is expected and if the differences might
penetration of water into the specimen.
significantly affect expansion due to reaction with the alkalies
NOTE 4—TFE-fluorocarbon tape complies with the requirements for a
in cement or from the environment of service, test the coarse
mold release agent.
aggregate in a manner similar to that employed in testing the
8.5.3 Proportioning of Mortar—Proportion the dry materi-
fine aggregate.
als for the test mortar using 1 part of cementitious materials
8.2 Preparation of Aggregate—Grade aggregates to provide
(hydraulic cement plus pozzolan or slag cement) to 2.25 parts
a sample meeting
...

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.
Designation: C1567 − 22a C1567 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of
Combinations of Cementitious Materials and Aggregate
(Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1567; 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*
1.1 This test method permits detection within 16 days of the potential for deleterious alkali-silica reaction of combinations of
cementitious materials and aggregate in mortar bars. The cementitious materials are composed of various proportions of hydraulic
cement, pozzolans and ground granulated blast-furnace slag.slag cement.
1.2 The test results are only valid for the specific combinations of pozzolan, slag, and reactive aggregates tested.
1.3 This test is not suitable for evaluating the potential for deleterious reaction of combinations of hydraulic cement and aggregate
(that is, in the absence of pozzolans or ground granulated blast-furnace slag). slag cement).
1.4 The text of this test method refers to notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 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.
1.7 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)
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.50 on
Aggregate Reactions in Concrete.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2022June 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C1567–22. DOI:
10.1520/C1567-22A.–22a. DOI: 10.1520/C1567-23.
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
C1567 − 23
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
C490/C490M Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and
Concrete
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic
Cements and Concretes
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures
C1260 Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method)
C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
C1567 Test Method for Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Combinations of Cementitious Materials and
Aggregate (Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method)
C1778 Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to concrete or aggregates, see Terminology C125.
3.2 relative density (OD), n—as defined in Test Methods C127 or C128, for coarse and fine aggregates, respectively.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method provides a means for evaluating the ability of pozzolans and ground granulated blast-furnace slag slag cement
to control deleterious internal expansion due to alkali-silica reaction when used with an aggregate intended for use in concrete. It
is based on the Accelerated Test Method developed at the National Building Research Institute (NBRI) in the Republic of South
Africa (1-4).
4.2 This test method has been developed for evaluating combinations of certain cementitious materials with a single aggregate
source in a mortar of standard proportions. It yields an empirical result, which is utilized to compare to criteria within some
specifications to accept or reject the combination of materials being evaluated for a particular application. Currently this method
has no standard procedure for testing fine and coarse aggregates proposed for use in concrete together in a single batch of mortar,
nor for varying the proportions of the constituent materials of the mortar beyond the relative proportions of the individual
cementitious material constituents to each other, as the significance of these practices have not been determined nor have
appropriate limits been established for evaluating the results of tests conducted using these modifications.
4.3 Different levels of pozzolan and slag cement may require testing to determine the amount required to reduce expansion to an
acceptable level. Pozzolans and ground granulated blast-furnace slag may be tested separately or in combination.
4.4 It is recommended to test the same aggregate and hydraulic cement (without pozzolans and slag cement) using Test Method
C1260.
4.5 Results of tests conducted as described herein shall form a part of the basis for determining the precautions that shall be taken
against excessive expansion due to alkali-silica reaction. Refer to Guide C1778 for the interpretation of the test results from Test
Method C1567.
5. Apparatus
5.1 The apparatus shall conform to Practice C490/C490M, except as follows:
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of the text.
C1567 − 23
5.2 Sieves—Square hole, woven-wire cloth sieves, shall conform to Specification E11.
5.3 Mixer, Paddle, and Mixing Bowl—Mixer, paddle, and mixing bowl shall conform to the requirements of Practice C305, except
that the clearance between the lower end of the paddle and the bottom of the bowl shall be 5.1 mm 6 0.3 mm.
5.4 Tamper and Trowel—The tamper and trowel shall conform to Test Method C109/C109M.
5.5 Containers—The containers shall be of such a nature that the bars can be totally immersed in either the water or 1N sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) solution. The containers shall be made of material that can withstand prolonged exposure to 80 °C and must
be resistant to a 1N NaOH solution (see Note 1). The containers must be so constructed that when used for storing specimens, the
loss or gain of moisture is prevented by tight-fitting covers, by sealing, or both (see Note 2). The bars in the solution must be placed
and supported so that the solution has access to the entire surface of each bar; therefore, ensure that the specimens do not touch
the sides of the container or each other. The specimens, if stood upright in the solution, shall not be supported by the metal gage
stud.
NOTE 1—The NaOH solution corrodes glass or metal containers.
NOTE 2—Some microwave-proof food storage containers made of polypropylene or high-density polythylene have been found to be acceptable.
5.6 Oven, or Water Bath—A convection oven or water bath with temperature control maintaining 80.0 °C 6 2.0 °C.
6. Reagents
+ -
6.1 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)—USP or technical grade may be used, provided the Na and OH concentrations are shown by
chemical analysis to lie between 0.99 N and 1.01 N.
6.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming to
Type IV of Specification D1193.
6.3 Sodium Hydroxide Solution—Each litre of solution shall contain 40.0 g of NaOH dissolved in 900 mL of water, and shall be
diluted with additional distilled or deionized water to obtain 1.0 L of solution. The volume proportion of sodium hydroxide solution
to mortar bars in a storage container shall be 4 6 0.5 volumes of solution to 1 volume of mortar bars. The volume of a mortar
bar may be taken as 184 mL. Include sufficient test solution to ensure complete immersion of the mortar bars.
6.3.1 Warning—Before using NaOH, review: (1) the safety precautions for using NaOH; (2) first aid for burns; and (3) the
emergency response to spills, as described in the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet or other reliable safety literature.
NaOH can cause very severe burns and injury to unprotected skin and eyes. Suitable personal protective equipment must always
be used. These include full-face shields, rubber aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH. Gloves must be checked periodically for
pinholes.
7. Conditioning
7.1 Maintain the temperature of the molding room and dry materials at not less than 20 °C and not more than 27.5 °C. The
temperature of the mixing water, and of the moist closet or moist room, shall not vary from 23 °C by more than 2 °C.
7.2 Maintain the relative humidity of the molding room at not less than 50 %. The moist closet or room shall conform to
Specification C511.
7.3 Maintain the storage oven or water bath in which the specimens are stored at a temperature of 80.0 °C 6 2.0 °C.
8. Sampling and Preparation of Test Specimens
8.1 Selection of Aggregate—Process materials proposed for use as fine aggregate in concrete as described in 8.2 with a minimum
of crushing. Process materials proposed for use as coarse aggregate in concrete by crushing to produce as nearly as practical a
C1567 − 23
graded product from which a sample can be obtained. Grade the sample as prescribed in Table 1. The sample shall represent the
composition of the coarse aggregate as proposed for use.
8.1.1 When a given quarried material is proposed for use both as coarse and as fine aggregate, test only a selection of the fine
aggregate, unless there is reason to expect that the coarse aggregate has a different composition than the fine aggregate. If such
a difference is expected and if the differences might significantly affect expansion due to reaction with the alkalies in cement or
from the environment of service, test the coarse aggregate in a manner similar to that employed in testing the fine aggregate.
8.2 Preparation of Aggregate—Grade aggregates to provide a sample meeting the requirements given in Table 1. Crush aggregates
in which sufficient quantities of the sizes specified in Table 1 do not exist until the required material has been produced. In the case
of aggregates containing insufficient amounts of one or more of the larger sizes listed in Table 1, and if no larger material is
available for crushing, the first size in which sufficient material is available shall contain the cumulative percentage of material
down to that size as determined from the grading specified in Table 1. When such procedures are required, make a special note
thereof in the test report. After the aggregate has been separated into the various sieve sizes, wash each size with a water spray
over the sieve to remove adhering dust and fine particles from the aggregate. Dry the portions retained on the various sieves and,
unless used immediately, store each such portion individually in a clean container provided with a tight-fitting cover.
8.3 Selection and Preparation of Cement:
8.3.1 Hydraulic Cement—Use a hydraulic cement meeting the requirements of Specification C150/C150M (Note 3).
NOTE 3—The alkali content of the cement has been found to have negligible (3) or minor (5) effects on expansion in this test.
8.3.2 Preparation of Cement—Pass cement for use in this test through an 850-μm (No. 20) sieve to remove lumps before use.
8.4 Selection of pozzolan or ground granulated blast-furnace slag—slag cement—Use one, or a combination, of the
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