ASTM C354-97

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Thermal Insulating or Finishing Cement (Withdrawn 2002)

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers measurement of the compressive strength of a dried layer of thermal insulating or finishing cement.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1996
• Withdrawal Date: 31-Dec-2001
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.32 - Mechanical Properties

Standards Content (Sample)

Designation: C 354 – 97
Standard Test Method for
Compressive Strength of Thermal Insulating or Finishing
1
Cement
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 354; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 5.2 Spherical Bearing Block—A spherical bearing block
having a plane bearing surface at least 6 in. (152 mm) square.
1.1 This test method covers measurement of the compres-
sive strength of a dried layer of thermal insulating or finishing
6. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
cement.
6.1 Sample at least 3 lb (1.4 kg) of dry cement. The
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
specimen for test is to be taken from the middle of a bag, so as
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
to be representative of material from the entire bag.
information only.
6.2 Prepare the specimens by first molding oversize blocks
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
in accordance with the mixing procedures in Practice C 163.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
The temperature of the mixing water shall be between 70 and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
75°F (21 and 24°C). After drying, surface both sides and all
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
four edges of the block.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6.3 A wet molded block approximately 13 in. long, 7 in.
2. Referenced Documents wide, and 2 in. thick (330 by 180 by 51 mm) (dimensions
depend on shrinkage characteristics) will provide two test
2.1 ASTM Standards:
specimens of the required size. Mold the block on a flat,
C 163 Practice for Mixing Thermal Insulating Cement
2
heavy-gage metal drying plate covered with wax paper to
Samples
prevent adhesion, and prepare the block with adequate packing
C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulating Materi-
2
and trowelling to ensure a solid uniform structure throughout.
als
6.4 For hydraulic setting cements, allow the specimen to
3. Terminology
cure for 48 h or until it has set at a temperature of 70 6 2°F (21
6 − 17°C) and at a relative humidity of 50 6 5%.
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C 168 shall apply to the
6.5 Dry the wet molded blocks, with the mold frame
terms used in this test method.
removed but supported on the wax paper covered plate, to
4. Significance and Use
constant weight in a vented oven at 215 to 250°F (102 to
121°C).
4.1 Some types of cement (such as hydraulic setting finish-
6.6 Immediately size the dried blocks to correct dimensions,
ing cements) are applied externally on the insulated structure
using a band saw, high-speed abrasive wheel, or other suitable
for monolithic construction. Such a structure is liable to
means that will not subject the block to damaging stresses.
damage by mechanical forces such as those exerted by a ladder
Remove a minimum of material from the top to obtain a
leaning against it or by a person walking on the surface. Even
smooth, flat surface, and, to produce proper final thickness,
though such mechanical abuses are not recommended, they do
remove the excess material from the bottom of the sample as
happen. Therefore, some information of compressive strength
molded.
of the cements may be desired by the design and specification
engineers.
7. Procedure
5. Apparatus
7.1 Test at least four specimens.
7.2 Test the sized specimens within 1 h after removal from
5.1 Testing Machine—Any form of standard hydraulic or
the drying oven.
mechanical compression testing machine.
7.3 Apply the load perpendicularly to the square face of the
test specimen. Use the bearing block on top of the test
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-16 on
specimen in vertical testing machines when only one bearing
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on
block is provided. Make sure the plane bearing surface of the
Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved May 10, 1997. Published August 1997. Originally
block assembly is in contact with the entire area of the top
published as C354 – 55 T. Last previous edition C354 – 90.
square face of the test specimen, the specimen being carefully
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
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1

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C 354
centered under the bearing block, and the bearing surface being
where:
parallel to the weighing table of the testing machine (Fig. 1).
S 5 compressive strength, psi (MPa),
Keep the spherical seat of the bearing block thoroughly
W 5 load, lbf (N) (including weight of spherical test block
lubricated to ensure accurate adjustment, made by hand under assembly
...