ASTM C1272-22a

Standard Specification for Heavy Vehicular Paving Brick

ABSTRACT
This specification covers heavy vehicular paving bricks designed for use in streets, commercial driveways, aircraft taxiways, and other places where there is a high volume of heavy vehicular traffic. The bricks should be manufactured from clay, shale, or similar naturally occurring earthy substances and subjected to firing. The high temperature heat treatment should develop sufficient fired bonds between the material particles to produce the required strength and durability. The bricks may also be shaped by extruding, molding, or pressing during manufacture and may have spacing lugs, chamfered edges, or both. The materials are classified into two types according to the intended installation and should all conform to the required values of freeze thaw resistance, abrasion resistance, skid resistance, coring, chips or cracks, and efflorescence.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers brick intended for use as a paving material in areas with a high volume of heavy vehicular traffic. The units are designed for use in such places as streets, commercial driveways, and aircraft taxiways. These units are not intended for applications covered by Specifications C410 or C902.  
1.2 The requirements of this specification apply at the time of purchase. The use of results from testing of brick extracted from pavements for determining compliance with the requirements of this specification is beyond the intent of this standard.  
1.3 Units are manufactured from clay, shale, or similar naturally occurring earthy substances and subjected to a heat treatment at elevated temperatures (firing). The heat treatment must develop sufficient fired bond between the particulate constituents to provide the strength and durability requirements of this specification (see Terminology C1232).  
1.4 Brick may be shaped during manufacture by extruding, molding, or pressing. Brick may have spacing lugs, chamfered edges, or both.  
1.5 Use of this standard and the requirements herein to evaluate and corroborate the performance of a paving unit made from other materials, or made with other forming methods, or other means of binding the materials is not covered by the scope of this standard.  
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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: 30-Nov-2022
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: C15 - Masonry – Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts
• Drafting Committee: C15.02 - Brick and Structural Clay Tile

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C88/C88M-24 - Standard Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1232-23 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C418-20 - Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete by Sandblasting
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM C67/C67M-19 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM C88/C88M-18 - Standard Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM C67/C67M-18 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1232-17 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C1232-15a - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1232-15 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C902-14 - Standard Specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic Paving Brick
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C902-13 - Standard Specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic Paving Brick
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C410-13 - Standard Specification for Industrial Floor Brick
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C902-12a - Standard Specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic Paving Brick
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C418-12 - Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete by Sandblasting
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C902-12 - Standard Specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic Paving Brick
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2012

Overview

ASTM C1272-22a: Standard Specification for Heavy Vehicular Paving Brick provides comprehensive requirements for paving brick designed for high-volume, heavy vehicular traffic areas, including streets, commercial driveways, and aircraft taxiways. This specification, developed by ASTM International, establishes the performance, durability, and dimensional criteria for clay-based paving units suited for demanding environments. Its use ensures that selected paving materials meet rigorous standards of strength, resistance to environmental stress, and safety.

Key Topics

1. Scope and Classification

• Applies to paving brick used in locations exposed to frequent and heavy truck or vehicle loads.
• Covers bricks made from fired clay, shale, or similar materials.
• Distinguishes between two product types:
  • Type R: For mortar or bituminous setting beds supported by concrete or asphalt base.
  • Type F: For aggregate setting beds and joints, supported by an adequate base.

2. Physical Properties

• Freeze-thaw resistance: Essential for withstanding harsh weather cycles.
• Abrasion resistance: Bricks must demonstrate minimal surface wear.
• Skid resistance: Ensures surface safety for vehicles, tested when specified.
• Strength and absorption: Defined minimum compressive strength and limits on water absorption.
• Efflorescence: Resistance to unsightly salts, tested when specified.

3. Appearance and Tolerances

• Bricks must be free of major chips or cracks that may affect performance.
• Variations in size, warpage, and chippage are strictly limited, supporting both functional durability and aesthetic expectations.
• Allows for custom specifications regarding color, texture, size, chamfers, and lugs.

Applications

ASTM C1272-22a is vital for designing pavements in:

• Urban streets with buses and heavy traffic.
• Commercial and industrial driveways where truck volume and weight are high.
• Airport taxiways and loading areas subject to aircraft and service vehicles.
• Ports, distribution centers, and transit lots where robust, durable paving is critical.

By establishing stringent criteria for paving brick, this standard delivers practical value for municipal engineers, architects, contractors, and facility managers seeking:

• High-performance, long-life paving solutions.
• Materials that resist freeze-thaw cycles and surface abrasion.
• Consistent quality in architectural and heavy-use applications.

Related Standards

To ensure comprehensive evaluation and quality assurance, relevant ASTM standards referenced in ASTM C1272-22a include:

• ASTM C67/C67M: Sampling and testing of brick and structural clay tile.
• ASTM C88/C88M: Soundness testing of aggregates.
• ASTM C410: Industrial floor brick specification (not covered by C1272).
• ASTM C902: Specification for pedestrian and light traffic paving brick.
• ASTM C418: Abrasion resistance of concrete using sandblasting.
• ASTM C1232: Masonry terminology.
• ASTM E303: Measurement of surface frictional properties.

These standards together address the broad requirements for heavy vehicular paving design, from mechanical strength to surface characteristics and testing methods.

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Keywords: ASTM C1272, heavy vehicular paving brick, paving materials standard, clay paving bricks, high-traffic paving, freeze-thaw resistance, abrasion resistant pavement, ASTM specifications for paving

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:C1272 −22a
Standard Specification for
Heavy Vehicular Paving Brick
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1272; 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 specification covers brick intended for use as a 2.1 ASTM Standards:
paving material in areas with a high volume of heavy vehicular C67/C67M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick
traffic. The units are designed for use in such places as streets, and Structural Clay Tile
commercial driveways, and aircraft taxiways. These units are C88/C88M Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by
not intended for applications covered by Specifications C410 Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
or C902. C410 Specification for Industrial Floor Brick
C418 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete by
1.2 The requirements of this specification apply at the time
Sandblasting
of purchase. The use of results from testing of brick extracted
C902 Specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic Paving
from pavements for determining compliance with the require-
Brick
ments of this specification is beyond the intent of this standard.
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
1.3 Units are manufactured from clay, shale, or similar
E303 Test Method for Measuring Surface Frictional Proper-
naturally occurring earthy substances and subjected to a heat
ties Using the British Pendulum Tester
treatment at elevated temperatures (firing). The heat treatment
must develop sufficient fired bond between the particulate
3. Terminology
constituentstoprovidethestrengthanddurabilityrequirements
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this specification are defined
of this specification (see Terminology C1232).
in Terminology C1232.
1.4 Brick may be shaped during manufacture by extruding,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
molding, or pressing. Brick may have spacing lugs, chamfered
3.2.1 heavy vehicular traffıc—high volume of heavy ve-
edges, or both.
hicles representing trucks or combination vehicles having 3 or
1.5 Use of this standard and the requirements herein to
more loaded axles.
evaluate and corroborate the performance of a paving unit
3.2.1.1 Discussion—High volume traffic is considered to
made from other materials, or made with other forming
exceed 251 daily Equivalent Single Axle Loads (ESAL).
methods,orothermeansofbindingthematerialsisnotcovered
Defined by theAmericanAssociation of State Highway Trans-
by the scope of this standard.
portation Officials (AASHTO), an ESAL converts a mix of
axle loads on a pavement to an equivalent number of 18,000 lb
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
(80 kN) single axle loads.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4. Classification
and are not considered standard.
4.1 Types—Heavy vehicular paving brick are classified by
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
type according to their intended installation:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.1 Type R—Brick intended to be set in a mortar setting
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
bed supported by an adequate concrete base; or an bituminous
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
setting bed supported by an adequate asphalt or concrete base.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.2 Type F—Brick intended to be set in an aggregate
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
setting bed, with aggregate joints, and supported by an ad-
equate base.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on
Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C15.02 on Brick and Structural Clay Tile. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C1272 – 22. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C1272-22A. 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
C1272−22a
A
TABLE 2 Abrasion Requirements
4.2 Applications—Heavy vehicular paving brick are classi-
Type Abrasion Index, max Volume Abrasion Loss,
fied by application according to their dimensional tolerances,
3 2
max, cm /cm
warpage, and extent of chips.
R and F 0.11 1.7
4.2.1 Application PS—Pavers intended for general use.
A
See 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 for additional information.
4.2.2 Application PX—Pavers intended for use where a
higher degree of precision and a lower permissible variation in
dimensional tolerances and warpage are required than for
Application PS.
4.2.3 Application PA—Pavers intended to produce charac-
5.2.1.1 The compressive strength shall be determined on
teristic architectural effects resulting from nonuniformity in
half-brick, which are the full height (no less than 2 ⁄4 in. (57
size, color, and texture.
mm)) and width of the unit, and with a length equal to one half
the full length of the unit (6 ⁄4 in. (66 mm) for each
5. Physical Properties
dimension).Forabrasionindextestingpurposes,thebrickshall
5.1 Freeze Thaw Resistance—Use one of the following
bewithoutcoreholes,frogsorotherperforations.Othershaped
methods:
specimens may be used provided that a correlation is estab-
5.1.1 Physical Property Requirements—Thebrickshallcon-
lished with the results of the specified shape and the results are
form to the physical requirements for the type specified as
convertedtobeequivalenttothosethatwouldbeobtainedwith
prescribed in Table 1.
the specified shape.
5.1.2 Freezing and Thawing Alternative—The 24-h cold
5.2.1.2 In those cases where the height requirements for
water absorption requirements specified in 5.1.1 shall not be
determining compressive strength cannot be met, the abrasion
required provided a sample of five brick, meeting all other
resistance should be determined according to the volume
requirements, passes the 50 cycle freezing-and-thawing test in
abrasion loss method.
Test Methods C67/C67M with not greater than 0.5 % loss in
5.2.2 Volume Abrasion Loss—The volume abrasion loss
dry weight of any individual unit.
should be determined in accordance with Test Method C418,
NOTE 1—The provisions of 5.1.2 are specified only as an alternative
with the following changes in procedure:
whenthesampledoesnotconformtotherequirements24-hforcoldwater
5.2.2.1 The sand shall be a natural silica sand from Ottawa,
absorption prescribed in Table 1.
IL, graded to pass a No. 50 (300-µm) sieve and retained on a
5.1.2.1 Sulfate Soundness Test Alternative—The 24-h cold
No. 100 (150-µm) sieve.
water absorption requirements specified in 5.1.1 shall not be
5.2.2.2 The test shall be run on dry brick.
required if a representative sample of five brick survives 15
5.2.2.3 The duration of the test shall be 2 min.
cyclesofthesulfatesoundnesstestinaccordancewithSections
5.2.2.4 The rate of sand flow shall be 400 g/min.
4, 5, and 8 of Test Method C88/C88M with no visible damage.
5.2.2.5 The volume loss shall be determined by filling the
NOTE 2—The sulfate soundness test is an optional substitute test for the
abraded depression with modeling clay, striking off level with
freezing-and-thawing test (5.1.2).
the original surface of the brick, and removing and weighing
5.1.3 Performance Alternative—If information on the per-
themodelingclay.Thevolumelossshallbecalculatedfromthe
formance over time of similar units in a similar application
bulk density of the modeling clay. The bulk density should be
with similar exposure and traffic is furnished by the manufac-
determined on each lot of modeling clay. An alternative
turer or the manufacturer’s agent and is found acceptable to the
method of determining the weight of clay used in filling the
specifier of the pavement material or the specifier’s agent, the
sandblast cavity is to determine the weight of the modeling
physical requirements in 5.1.1 or the size requirements in 8.2
clay sample before and after filling the cavity.
shall not be required.
5.3 Skid Resistance—When specified, the units shall be
5.2 Abrasion Resistance—Each individual brick tested shall
tested for skid resistance in accordance with Test Method
meet the requirements of either the Abrasion Index column or
E303.
the Volume Abrasio
...

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: C1272 − 22 C1272 − 22a
Standard Specification for
Heavy Vehicular Paving Brick
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1272; 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 specification covers brick intended for use as a paving material in areas with a high volume of heavy vehicular traffic.
The units are designed for use in such places as streets, commercial driveways, and aircraft taxiways. These units are not intended
for applications covered by Specifications C410 or C902.
1.2 The requirements of this specification apply at the time of purchase. The use of results from testing of brick extracted from
pavements for determining compliance with the requirements of this specification is beyond the intent of this standard.
1.3 Units are manufactured from clay, shale, or similar naturally occurring earthy substances and subjected to a heat treatment at
elevated temperatures (firing). The heat treatment must develop sufficient fired bond between the particulate constituents to provide
the strength and durability requirements of this specification (see Terminology C1232).
1.4 Brick may be shaped during manufacture by extruding, molding, or pressing. Brick may have spacing lugs, chamfered edges,
or both.
1.5 Use of this standard and the requirements herein to evaluate and corroborate the performance of a paving unit made from other
materials, or made with other forming methods, or other means of binding the materials is not covered by the scope of this standard.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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:
C67/C67M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
C88/C88M Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
C410 Specification for Industrial Floor Brick
C418 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete by Sandblasting
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.02 on Brick
and Structural Clay Tile.
Current edition approved July 1, 2022Dec. 1, 2022. Published July 2022December 2022. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20212022 as
C1272 – 21.C1272 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/C1272-22.10.1520/C1272-22A.
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
C1272 − 22a
C902 Specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic Paving Brick
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
E303 Test Method for Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using the British Pendulum Tester
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this specification are defined in Terminology C1232.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 heavy vehicular traffıc—high volume of heavy vehicles representing trucks or combination vehicles having 3 or more loaded
axles.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
High volume traffic is considered to exceed 251 daily Equivalent Single Axle Loads (ESAL). Defined by the American Association
of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), an ESAL converts a mix of axle loads on a pavement to an equivalent
number of 18,000 lb (80 kN) single axle loads.
4. Classification
4.1 Types—Heavy vehicular paving brick are classified by type according to their intended installation:
4.1.1 Type R—Brick intended to be set in a mortar setting bed supported by an adequate concrete base; or an bituminous setting
bed supported by an adequate asphalt or concrete base.
4.1.2 Type F—Brick intended to be set in an aggregate setting bed, with aggregate joints, and supported by an adequate base.
4.2 Applications—Heavy vehicular paving brick are classified by application according to their dimensional tolerances, warpage,
and extent of chips.
4.2.1 Application PS—Pavers intended for general use.
4.2.2 Application PX—Pavers intended for use where a higher degree of precision and a lower permissible variation in
dimensional tolerances and warpage are required than for Application PS.
4.2.3 Application PA—Pavers intended to produce characteristic architectural effects resulting from nonuniformity in size, color,
and texture.
5. Physical Properties
5.1 Freeze Thaw Resistance—Use one of the following methods:
5.1.1 Physical Property Requirements—The brick shall conform to the physical requirements for the type specified as prescribed
in Table 1.
5.1.2 Freezing and Thawing Alternative—The 24-h cold water absorption requirements specified in 5.1.1 shall not be required
provided a sample of five brick, meeting all other requirements, passes the 50 cycle freezing-and-thawing test in Test Methods
C67/C67M with not greater than 0.5 % loss in dry weight of any individual unit.
NOTE 1—The provisions of 5.1.2 are specified only as an alternative when the sample does not conform to the requirements 24-h for cold water absorption
prescribed in Table 1.
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements
Minimum Compressive Strength, Gross Minimum Breaking Load, Maximum 24-h Cold
Type
Area, psi (MPa) lb/in. (kN/mm) Water Absorption, %
Avg. of 5 Brick Individual Avg. of 5 Brick Individual Avg. of 5 Brick Individual
R 8000 (55.2) 7000 (48.3) . . . . . . 6.0 7.0
F 10 000 (69.0) 8800 (60.7) 475 (83) 333 (58) 6.0 7.0
C1272 − 22a
5.1.2.1 Sulfate Soundness Test Alternative—The 24-h cold water absorption requirements specified in 5.1.1 shall not be required
if a representative sample of five brick survives 15 cycles of the sulfate soundness test in accordance with Sections 4, 5, and 8 of
Test Method C88/C88M with no visible damage.
NOTE 2—The sulfate soundness test is an optional substitute test for the freezing-and-thawing test (5.1.2).
5.1.3 Performance Alternative—If information on the performance over time of similar units in a similar application with similar
exposure and traffic is furnished by the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s agent and is found acceptable to the specifier of the
pavement material or the specifier’s agent, the physical requirements in 5.1.1 or the size requirements in 8.2 shall not be required.
5.2 Abrasion Resistance—Each individual brick tested shall meet the requirements of either the Abrasion Index column or the
Volume Abrasion Loss column of Table 2.
5.2.1 Abrasion Index—The abrasion index is calculated from the 24-h cold water absorption in percent and the compressive
strength in pounds per square inch as follows:
100 3absorption
abrasion index 5 (1)
compressive strength
5.2.1.1 The compressive strength shall be determined on half-brick, which are the full height (no less than 2 ⁄4 in. (57 mm)) and
width of the unit, and with a length equal to one half the full length of the unit (6 ⁄4 in. (66 mm) for each dimension). For abrasion
index testing purposes, the brick shall be without core holes, frogs or other perforations. Other shaped specimens may be used
provided that a correlation is established with the results of the specified shape and the results are converted to be equivalent to
those that would be obtained with the specified shape.
5.2.1.2 In those cases where the height requirements for determining compressive strength cannot be met, the abrasion resistance
should be determined according to the volume abrasion loss method.
5.2.2 Volume Abrasion Loss—The volume abrasion loss should be determined in accordance with Test Method C418, with the
following changes in procedure:
5.2.2.1 The sand shall be a natural silica sand from Ottawa, IL, graded to pass a No. 50 (300-μm) sieve and retained on a No. 100
(150-μm) sieve.
5.2.2.2 The test shall be run on dry brick.
5.2.2.3 The duration of the test shall be 2 min.
5.2.2.4 The rate of sand flow shall be 400 g/min.
5.2.2.5 The volume loss shall be determined by filling the abraded depression with modeling clay, striking off level with the
o
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