ASTM C1708-11
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Self-leveling Mortars Containing Hydraulic Cements
Standard Test Methods for Self-leveling Mortars Containing Hydraulic Cements
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The test methods in this standard are used to evaluate freshly mixed properties such as the initial flow, flow retention, and healing time as well as hardened properties such as compressive strength, setting time, and flexural strength, of self-leveling mortars.
Tests are conducted under standardized conditions for comparative purposes and results are not intended to be representative of performance under field conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are appropriate to evaluate the performance of self-leveling mortars containing hydraulic cements that are used to improve the levelness, smoothness, and flatness of existing floors. These materials may be used as an underlayment to receive floor finishes, or as an overlayment to serve as the wear surface. The self-leveling mortars covered by these test methods consist of proprietary blends of hydraulic cements, along with fine aggregate, polymers, fillers, and other additives.
1.2 Units—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. Some values have only SI units because the inch-pound equivalents 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (WarningFresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C1708 – 11
Standard Test Methods for
Self-leveling Mortars Containing Hydraulic Cements
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1708; 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 Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube
Specimens)
1.1 These test methods are appropriate to evaluate the
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
performance of self-leveling mortars containing hydraulic
gregates
cements that are used to improve the levelness, smoothness,
C157/C157M Test Method for Length Change of Hardened
and flatness of existing floors. These materials may be used as
Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete
an underlayment to receive floor finishes, or as an overlayment
C191 Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic
to serve as the wear surface. The self-leveling mortars covered
Cement by Vicat Needle
bythesetestmethodsconsistofproprietaryblendsofhydraulic
C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement
cements, along with fine aggregate, polymers, fillers, and other
Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
additives.
C348 Test Method for Flexural Strength of Hydraulic-
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
Cement Mortars
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
C490 Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and
therefore,eachsystemshallbeusedindependentlyoftheother.
Concrete
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
conformancewiththestandard.SomevalueshaveonlySIunits
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
because the inch-pound equivalents are not used in practice.
C778 Specification for Sand
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
C928/C928M Specification for Packaged, Dry, Rapid-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Hardening Cementitious Materials for Concrete Repairs
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
C1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh
Testing of Hydraulic Cements
hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause
C1107/C1107M Specification for Packaged Dry, Hydraulic-
chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)
Cement Grout (Nonshrink)
2. Referenced Documents
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in these test
methods, refer to Terminology C125.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
ConcreteandConcreteAggregatesandarethedirectresponsibilityofSubcommittee 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
C09.43 on Packaged Dry Combined Materials.
3.2.1 flow, n—of self-leveling mortars, the ability of a
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2011. Published September 2011. DOI:
freshly-mixed, self-leveling mortar to spread under its own
10.1520/C1708-11.
weight.
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
3.2.2 healing, n—the ability of a self-leveling mortar to
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
return to its original state of levelness and smoothness after
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
being disturbed.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C1708 – 11
NOTE 1—This batch size is used for self-leveling mortars with a typical
3.2.3 mortar, self-leveling, n—mortar containing hydraulic
3 3
freshly mixed density of approximately 1920 kg/m [120 lb/ft ]. Adjust
cement that, in the fresh state, exhibits flow sufficient to seek
the batch size as needed to accommodate densities significantly different
gravitational leveling.
from the typical value.
3.2.4 overlayment, n—in flooring, a layer of material usu-
7.2 Procedure
ally placed upon the sub-floor that provides a smooth, even
7.2.1 Mix the self-leveling mortar with liquid as prescribed
surface to be left exposed as the wear surface of the floor.
by the manufacturer.
3.2.5 time, healing, n—the period of time from initial
7.2.2 Add the entire quantity of mixing liquid to the bowl.
contact of a self-leveling mortar with mixing water just prior to
Start the mixer on speed 1 and start the timer. Mix times are to
the time at which the self-leveling mortar no longer heals but
be observed within 65 s of the recommended times.
instead leaves a visible indentation or ridge in the surface after
7.2.3 Add the dry self-leveling mortar to the mixer while
being disturbed.
mixing at speed 1 during the first 30 s. (0-30 s on timer)
3.2.6 time, starting, n—of self-leveling mortars, the time
7.2.4 Mix for an additional 30 s period, at speed 1. (30-60 s
when water is brought into contact with the dry ingredients of
on timer)
a self-leveling mortar.
7.2.5 Stop the mixer and quickly scrape down into the batch
3.2.7 underlayment, n—in flooring, a layer of material
any mortar that may have collected on the side of the bowl or
usually placed upon the sub-floor that provides a smooth, even
blade. This must be completed within 30 s (60-90 s on timer)
base for flooring.
7.2.6 Mix at speed 2 for 240 s. (90-330 s on timer)
7.2.7 In any case requiring a remixing interval, any mortar
4. Significance and Use
adhering to the side of the bowl shall be quickly scraped down
4.1 The test methods in this standard are used to evaluate
into the batch with the scraper prior to remixing.
freshly mixed properties such as the initial flow, flow retention,
and healing time as well as hardened properties such as
8. Initial Flow, Flow Retention, and Healing Time
compressive strength, setting time, and flexural strength, of
8.1 Scope—This test method measures the flow of freshly-
self-leveling mortars.
4.2 Tests are conducted under standardized conditions for mixed, self-leveling mortar by releasing it from a rigid tube
after a given time. The diameter of the spread mixture is
comparative purposes and results are not intended to be
representative of performance under field conditions. measured after a specified time. Flow retention is measured by
repeating the test on aged material.
5. Standard Laboratory Conditions
8.2 Significance and Use—The flow of a self-leveling
mortar is a measure of its placeability. Establishing an accept-
5.1 Unless otherwise specified, curing and testing of speci-
able flow range for the self-leveling mortar is critical to the
mens shall be conducted at standard laboratory conditions
proper use of the self-leveling mortar. If the flow is too low, the
which are defined as 23.0 6 2.0 ºC [73.5 6 3.5 ºF] and the
self-leveling mortar will not be self-leveling and if the flow is
relative humidity of the laboratory shall be not less that 50 %.
too high, the designed properties of the self-leveling mortar
For optional tests at the manufacturer’s stated temperature
will be compromised.Aproper flow range must be established
extremes, the curing and testing temperatures must be within
in order to determine the proper water content to use when
62.0 °C [63.5 °F] of the stated extreme temperatures.
evaluating the physical properties of the mortar. The flow
retention and healing time provide an indication of the useful
6. Sampling
working time of the mortar.
6.1 Sample according to the Sampling section of Specifica-
8.3 Apparatus
tion C1107/C1107M.
8.3.1 Flow Ring: A tube made of smooth, non-corrosive
1 1
material of 30.0 6 0.1mm [1 ⁄4 6 ⁄16 in.] internal diameter and
7. Mixing
50.0 6 0.1 mm [2 6 ⁄16 in.] high.
7.1 Apparatus
8.3.2 A clean, dry 400 3 400 3 6 mm [16 in. 3 16 in. 3
7.1.1 Use the mixer and scraper as specified in Practice
⁄4 in.] square glass plate.
C305. The standard batch size is 3000 g (See Note 1)ofdry
8.3.3 Atimer accurate to 1 s with a range of at least 60 min.
self-leveling mortar. Use a splash guard to prevent excessive
8.3.4 A length-measuring device such as a ruler or tape
splashing.
measure divided into 1 mm [ ⁄16 in.] divisions at least 300 mm
Warning—The clearances between the paddle and the bowl
[12 in.] long.
specifiedinPracticeC305aresuitablewhenusingmortarmade
8.3.5 Rectangular pan with inside dimensions of at least 210
with standard sand as described in Specification C778.To
1 1
mm 3 210 mm [8 ⁄2 3 8 ⁄2 in.] with a nominal depth of at least
permit the mixer to operate freely and to avoid serious damage
9mm[ ⁄8 in.] made of metal or glass not attacked by the
to the paddle and bowl when coarser aggregates are used, it
self-leveling mortar.
may be necessary to set the clearance adjustment bracket to
8.3.6 A metal bar 6 mm [ ⁄4 in.] thick, with square edges,
provide greater clearances than those specified in 4.1 of
and at least 150 mm [6 in.] long.
Practice C305.
NOTE 2—ThesideofamoldusedtopreparespecimensforTestMethod
7.1.2 Weighing devices used in determining the mass of
C157/C157M is acceptable for this purpose.
materials shall conform to Specification C1005.
7.1.3 Atimer accurate to 1 s with a range of at least 60 min. 8.4 Procedure
C1708 – 11
8.4.1 Initial Flow: 9. Physical Properties
8.4.1.1 Place the flow ring centrally on the glass plate and
9.1 The following test methods are used to characterize the
place this assembly on a firm horizontal surface not to depart
time of setting, strength and dimensional stability of the
from horizontal by more than 0.5° (approximately equivalent
self-leveling mortar and will require several batches to com-
to 1 mm in 100 mm [0.12 in. in 12 in.]).
plete the testing. In order to ensure valid comparisons, all tests
8.4.1.2 Within 30 s from the completion of mixing, com- shallbeconductedatthesamewatercontent.Thecorrectwater
pletely fill the flow ring, immediately lift the flow ring and content shall be established by using an initial trial batch for
simultaneously start the timer. Lift the flow ring from the glass that purpose. Water content shall be adjusted to achieve a flow
plate in a vertical direction to a height of 50 to 100 mm [2 to of from 125 to 150 mm [5 to 6 in.] or as otherwise specified by
4 in.] within 2 s and allow the material to empty from the ring themanufacturer.Thetrialbatchshallnotbeusedforspecimen
onto the glass plate. preparation. It will then be necessary to mix additional batches
of material using the same amount of water as the established
8.4.1.3 Allow the mortar to spread for 240 6 10 s and
for the trial batch. Always use freshly mixed material for each
measure the diameter of the spread in two directions at right
test.
angles using the length-measuring device. Record the average
9.2 Setting Time
diameter as the initial flow of the self-leveling material.
9.2.1 Scope—This method covers the determination of the
8.4.1.4 Report the initial flow, mm [in].
time of initial setting and time of final setting of self-leveling
8.4.2 Flow Retention:
mortars using the Vicat apparatus. Either procedure A or B as
8.4.2.1 Repeat the flow test at 20 min and 30 min from the
defined in Test Method C191 is acceptable.
starting time and record the flow. Remix the material by using
9.2.2 Significance and Use—This test method determines
thePracticeC305mixer,speed1,for5to10sbeforefillingthe
the setting time of self-leveling mortars mixed to the normal
flow ring.
placement consistency as defined in 9.1. Special precautions
8.4.2.2 Report the flow retention at 20 min and 30 min.
are taken to ensure a proper seal around the Vicat ring.
9.2.3 Apparatus—Vicat Apparatus, in accordance with Test
NOTE 3—Self-leveling mortars with flow retention times either shorter
Method C191.
or longer than 20-30 min reported in 8.4.2.2 may be measured at
appropriate 10 min intervals until material no longer flows out of the flow 9.2.4 Test Sample—The test sample shall consist of at least
ring.
300 mL of self-leveling mortar taken from a freshly-mixed
NOTE 4—An alternate procedure for flow retention is to fill three flow
batch prepared in accordance with 7.2.
rings after the completion of mixing. The first ring is lifted immediately
9.2.5 Procedure:
and the second and third rings are lifted at 20 min and 30 min respectively
9.2.5.1 Seal the Vicat ring to the base plate in one of the
from the starting time. This procedure is not recommended as the primary
following ways:
method of measuring flow retention but may be used to provide additional
(1) Sealing wax method: Warm the Vicat conical ring and
informationaboutthebehaviorofthematerialinacompletelyundisturbed
base plate to approximately 100 °C [212 °F].Apply a thin film
condition.The precision of this method is included in section 10.1.2.1 (2).
of paraffin wax to the base of the conical ring and place the
8.4.3 Healing Time:
waxed conical ring on the base plate. Place a weight on the
8.4.3.1 Place the pan on a level, vibration free surface.
conical ring to ensure intimate contact with the base plate and
8.4.3.2 Upon completion of mixing, pour self-leveling mor-
allow the conical ring and plate to cool to room temperature.
1 1
tar into the pan until a thickness of 6 61mm[ ⁄4 6 ⁄16 in.] is
(2) Lubricant method: Use silicone high-vacuum grease or
obtained.
other suitable method of sealing the ring to the glass plate so
8.4.3.3 Start making a full-depth cut in the test specimen, at that no bleed water escapes at the bottom of the ring.
9.2.5.2 Fill the conical ring apparatus with freshly mixed
10 min from the starting time using the 6 mm [ ⁄4 in.] thick
metal bar. Hold the bar at approximately a 45° angle. Start at self-leveling mortar flush with its top within 2 min after
completion of mixing. Strike off flush with the top of the
the far side of the pan about 25 mm [1 in.] from the left edge
of the pan. Pull the bar smoothly through the mix stopping at conical ring by a single oblique stroke of a margin trowel held
at a slight angle to the top of the ring. Smooth the top, if
the near edge of the pan. Complete the cut in approximately 5
to 10 s. necessary, with a few light touches of the trowel. Take care no
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.