ASTM C1531-16

Standard Test Methods for In Situ Measurement of Masonry Mortar Joint Shear Strength Index

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a means of evaluating the horizontal in-plane shear behavior of mortar joints in existing unreinforced masonry assemblies (see Note 1).
Note 1: The masonry mortar joint shear strength index obtained by this test method can be related to the masonry wall shear strength by relationships contained in referencing Codes and Standards. For example, formulas relating shear index to wall shear strength are found in Chapter A1 of the International Existing Building Code and Chapter 11 of the Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings, ASCE Standard ASCE/SEI 41. The user of this standard is cautioned that these shear strength relationships are typically empirical relationships based on tests of early 20th-century unreinforced brick masonry. These relationships typically assume that wall shear strength is limited by shear of the mortar joints rather than shear through the units  
5.2 For hollow ungrouted or solid unit masonry construction the shear strength index is measured only for the mortar bed joints vertically adjacent to the unit being tested. When testing hollow ungrouted masonry construction, the shear strength index is based on the horizontal interface between the mortar and the test unit and the masonry above and below the test unit. In the case of multi-wythe construction, the measured mortar joint shear strength index is applicable only to the wythe in which the test unit is located; no headers shall exist immediately above or below the test unit. The contribution of any existing collar joint mortar to the measured shear strength index is neglected, and this may lead to an overestimate of the shear strength index (see Note 2).
Note 2: Some documents that reference this test method, including ASCE/SEI 41, include a reduction factor to account for the contribution of a filled collar joint to the measured shear strength index.  
5.3 The test procedure listed for Method A may be conducted as an extension of Test Method C1...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the determination of the average in situ mortar joint shear strength index in existing unreinforced solid-unit and ungrouted hollow-unit masonry built with clay or concrete units. Three methods are provided:  
1.1.1 Method A (with Flatjacks Controlling Normal Compressive Stress)—For determining mortar joint shear strength index when the state of normal compressive stress at the test site is controlled during the test using the flatjack method described in Test Method C1197. Horizontal displacement of the test unit is monitored throughout the test. The test setup for Method A is shown in Fig. 1.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2016
• ICS: 91.080.30 - Masonry
• Technical Committee: C15 - Manufactured Masonry Units
• Drafting Committee: C15.04 - Research

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: C1531 − 16
Standard Test Methods for
In Situ Measurement of Masonry Mortar Joint Shear
1
Strength Index
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1531; 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
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the determina-
C1180 Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
tion of the average in situ mortar joint shear strength index in
C1196 Test Method for In Situ Compressive Stress Within
existing unreinforced solid-unit and ungrouted hollow-unit
Solid Unit Masonry Estimated Using Flatjack Measure-
masonry built with clay or concrete units. Three methods are
ments
provided:
C1197 Test Method for In Situ Measurement of Masonry
1.1.1 Method A (with Flatjacks Controlling Normal Com-
Deformability Properties Using the Flatjack Method
pressive Stress)—For determining mortar joint shear strength
C1232 Terminology of Masonry
index when the state of normal compressive stress at the test
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
site is controlled during the test using the flatjack method
2.2 Other Document:
described in Test Method C1197. Horizontal displacement of
International Existing Building Code (Appendix A, Chapter
the test unit is monitored throughout the test.The test setup for
A1, Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced
Method A is shown in Fig. 1.
3
Masonry Bearing Wall Buildings), 2014
1.1.2 Method B (without Flatjacks Controlling Normal
ASCE/SEI 41 Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing
Compressive Stress)—For determining mortar joint shear
Buildings, ASCE Standard ASCE/SEI 41 (Chapter 11,
4
strength index when using an estimate of the normal compres-
Masonry)
sive stress at the location of the test site. Horizontal displace-
ment of the test unit is not monitored during this procedure.
3. Terminology
The test set up for Method B is shown in Fig. 2.
3.1 Terminology defined in Terminologies C1180 and
1.1.3 MethodC(withFlatjackApplyingHorizontalLoad)—
C1232 shall apply for these test methods.
For determining mortar joint shear strength index using an
4. Summary of Test Method
estimate of the normal compressive stress at the location of the
testsite,asshowninFig.3.Horizontaldisplacementofthetest
4.1 The in-place shear test is used to provide an index of the
unit is generally not measured during this procedure.
in situ, horizontal shear resistance of mortar joints in unrein-
forced masonry. For Method A, a single masonry unit is
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
removed from opposite ends of the chosen test unit as shown
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
in Fig. 1. For Method B, a single masonry unit and a head joint
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
are removed from opposite ends of the chosen test unit, as
and are not considered standard.
shown in Fig. 2. For Method C, head joints on both ends of the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tested unit are removed as shown in Fig. 3. Ensure that the bed
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
joints are not disturbed in the unit to be tested. The test unit is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
thendisplacedhorizontallyrelativetothesurroundingmasonry
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
using a hydraulic jack or specialized flatjacks. The horizontal
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Manufactured Masonry Units and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee the ASTM website.
3
C15.04 on Research. Available from International Code Council, 4051 Flossmoor Road, Country
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2016.PublishedJuly2016.Originallyapproved Club Hills, IL 60478.
4
in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C1531 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander
C1531-16. Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org.
*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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C1531 − 16
FIG. 1 Te
...

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: C1531 − 15 C1531 − 16
Standard Test Methods for
In Situ Measurement of Masonry Mortar Joint Shear
1
Strength Index
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1531; 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 These test methods cover procedures for the determination of the average in situ mortar joint shear strength index in existing
unreinforced solid-unit and ungrouted hollow-unit masonry built with clay or concrete units. Three methods are provided:
1.1.1 Method A (with Flatjacks Controlling Normal Compressive Stress)—For determining mortar joint shear strength index
when the state of normal compressive stress at the test site is controlled during the test using the flatjack method described in Test
Method C1197. Horizontal displacement of the test unit is monitored throughout the test. The test setup for Method A is shown
in Fig. 1.
1.1.2 Method B (without Flatjacks Controlling Normal Compressive Stress)—For determining mortar joint shear strength index
when using an estimate of the normal compressive stress at the location of the test site. Horizontal displacement of the test unit
is not monitored during this procedure. The test set up for Method B is shown in Fig. 2.
1.1.3 Method C (with Flatjack Applying Horizontal Load)—For determining mortar joint shear strength index using an estimate
of the normal compressive stress at the location of the test site, as shown in Fig. 3. Horizontal displacement of the test unit is
generally not measured during this procedure.
1.2 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.
1.3 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1180 Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
C1196 Test Method for In Situ Compressive Stress Within Solid Unit Masonry Estimated Using Flatjack Measurements
C1197 Test Method for In Situ Measurement of Masonry Deformability Properties Using the Flatjack Method
C1232 Terminology of Masonry
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
2.2 Other Document:
International Existing Building Code (Appendix A, Chapter A1, Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Unreinforced Masonry
3
Bearing Wall Buildings), 2014
4
ASCE/SEI 41 Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings, ASCE Standard ASCE/SEI 41 (Chapter 11, Masonry)
3. Terminology
3.1 Terminology defined in Terminologies C1180 and C1232 shall apply for these test methods.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.04 on
Research.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015June 1, 2016. Published July 2015July 2016. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20092015 as
C1531 – 09.C1531 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/C1531-15.10.1520/C1531-16.
2
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.
3
Available from International Code Council, 4051 Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478.
4
Available from American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org.
*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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C1531 − 16
FIG. 1 Test Setup—Method A
FIG. 2 Test Setup—Method B
FIG. 3 Test Setup—Method C
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The in-place shear test is used to provide an index of the in situ, horizontal shear resistance of mortar joints in unreinforced
masonry. For Method A, a single masonry unit is removed from opposite ends of the chosen test unit as shown in Fig. 1. Fo
...