ASTM C1877-24

Standard Specification for Adhered Concrete Masonry Units

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers solid, dry-cast, concrete masonry units intended for use as an interior and exterior adhered veneer and are made from portland cement, water, and suitable mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials.  
1.2 The text of this specification references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.3 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.
Note 1: Adhered concrete masonry units covered by this specification are made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both.
Note 2: When particular features are desired, such as density classification, surface textures for appearance or bond, finish, color, fire resistance, insulation, acoustical properties, or other special features, such properties should be specified separately by the purchaser. Suppliers should be consulted as to the availability of adhered concrete masonry units having the desired features.  
1.4 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: 14-Jan-2024
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C15 - Masonry – Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts
• Drafting Committee: C15.03 - Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1877-19 - Standard Specification for Adhered Concrete Masonry Units
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C989/C989M-24 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C140/C140M-23 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2023
• Refers: ASTM C989/C989M-22 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2022
• Referred By: ASTM C1780-23a - Standard Practice for Installation Methods for Cement-based Adhered Masonry Veneer
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024

Overview

ASTM C1877-24: Standard Specification for Adhered Concrete Masonry Units establishes minimum requirements for solid, dry-cast concrete masonry units specifically designed for use as interior or exterior adhered veneer. These units are manufactured from portland cement, water, and appropriate mineral aggregates, with the possible inclusion of other suitable materials. The standard defines physical properties, tolerances, appearance, and testing methods, offering guidance for both manufacturers and purchasers of adhered concrete masonry units. Developed in accordance with international standardization principles, ASTM C1877-24 ensures product performance, consistency, and compatibility in diverse construction applications.

Key Topics

• Material Requirements
  • Units must be made primarily from portland cement, water, and suitable mineral aggregates
  • Allowances for blended cements and supplementary cementitious materials following referenced ASTM specifications
  • Use of both lightweight and normal weight aggregates, with grading modifications permitted for unit production
• Physical Properties & Tolerances
  • Requirements for compressive strength, density classification, maximum water absorption, and linear drying shrinkage
  • Dimensional tolerances to ensure consistency, including limits on thickness, face dimensions, and maximum weight per area
  • Surface finish and appearance guidelines, with limits on chipping, cracking, and other imperfections for visible surfaces
• Sampling & Testing Methods
  • Concrete masonry units must be tested for strength, absorption, density, and shrinkage using recognized ASTM test methods
  • Sampling procedures outlined to ensure representative evaluation of production lots
• Compliance & Acceptance
  • Criteria for acceptance and rejection of units based on appearance and measured physical properties
  • Guidelines for handling nonconforming units, retesting, and responsibility for testing costs

Applications

Adhered concrete masonry units specified under ASTM C1877-24 are widely used in contemporary construction as nonloadbearing veneer for both interior and exterior applications:

• Building Facades & Cladding: Offers architects and builders flexibility in design, with a variety of finishes and textures while maintaining durability and strength standards.
• Interior Walls & Architectural Features: Used for accent walls, fireplace surrounds, and other decorative elements where a masonry aesthetic is desired but structural capacity is not required.
• Renovation & Retrofitting: Ideal for upgrading existing structures, providing a cost-effective solution for enhancing appearance and weather protection.
• Commercial & Residential Construction: Suitable for new builds or remodeling projects in commercial complexes, residential homes, institutional buildings, and public spaces.

Adhered veneer installations can specify additional properties such as fire resistance, insulation, acoustical performance, and color or texture customization. Purchasers are encouraged to consult suppliers for the availability of specific features to ensure units meet the desired functional and aesthetic requirements.

Related Standards

ASTM C1877-24 references several important ASTM standards for materials and testing:

• ASTM C33/C33M - Specification for Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C140/C140M - Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units
• ASTM C150/C150M - Specification for Portland Cement
• ASTM C331/C331M - Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units
• ASTM C426 - Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of Concrete Masonry Units
• ASTM C595/C595M - Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
• ASTM C618 - Specification for Pozzolanic Materials
• ASTM C979/C979M - Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete
• ASTM C989/C989M - Specification for Slag Cement
• ASTM C1157/C1157M - Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
• ASTM C1232 - Terminology for Masonry
• ASTM C1240 - Specification for Silica Fume
• ASTM C1670/C1670M - Specification for Adhered Manufactured Stone Masonry Veneer Units

These related documents provide material specifications, terminology, and test methods that help ensure the quality and performance of adhered concrete masonry units in adherence with ASTM C1877-24.

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Keywords: adhered concrete masonry units, ASTM C1877-24, concrete veneer, building standards, masonry unit testing, construction materials specifications, architectural veneer, facade cladding, ASTM masonry standards

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: C1877 − 24
Standard Specification for
Adhered Concrete Masonry Units
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1877; 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* crete Masonry Units and Related Units
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
1.1 This specification covers solid, dry-cast, concrete ma-
C331/C331M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
sonry units intended for use as an interior and exterior adhered
Concrete Masonry Units
veneer and are made from portland cement, water, and suitable
C426 Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of Concrete
mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other
Masonry Units
materials.
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
1.2 The text of this specification references notes and
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined
footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
C979/C979M Specification for Pigments for Integrally Col-
considered as requirements of the standard.
ored Concrete
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical Concrete and Mortars
C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. Cement
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
NOTE 1—Adhered concrete masonry units covered by this specification
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
are made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both.
Mixtures
NOTE 2—When particular features are desired, such as density
classification, surface textures for appearance or bond, finish, color, fire
C1670/C1670M Specification for Adhered Manufactured
resistance, insulation, acoustical properties, or other special features, such
Stone Masonry Veneer Units
properties should be specified separately by the purchaser. Suppliers
should be consulted as to the availability of adhered concrete masonry
3. Terminology
units having the desired features.
3.1 Terminology defined in Terminology C1232 shall apply
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
for this specification.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.1 adhered concrete masonry unit, n—a nonloadbearing
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
concrete masonry unit designed to be installed with a cemen-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
titious mortar to a backing surface.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Materials and Manufacture
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Cementitious Materials—Cementitious Materials shall
2.1 ASTM Standards:
conform to the following applicable specifications:
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
4.1.1 Portland Cement—Specification C150/C150M.
C140/C140M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Con-
4.1.2 Modified Portland Cement—Portland cement con-
forming to Specification C150/C150M, modified as follows:
1 (1) Limestone—If calcium carbonate is added to the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on
Masonry-Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts and is the direct
cement, the CaCO content shall not be less than 85 %.
responsibility of Subcommittee C15.03 on Concrete Masonry Units and Related
(2) Limitation on Insoluble Residue—1.5 %.
Units.
(3) Limitation on Air Content of Mortar—Volume percent,
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2024. Published January 2024. Originally
22 % max.
approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C1877 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/C1877-24.
(4) Limitation on Loss on Ignition—7 %.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.1.3 Blended Hydraulic Cements—Specification C595/
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
C595M.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 4.1.4 Hydraulic Cement—Specification C1157/C1157M.
*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
C1877 − 24
4.1.5 Pozzolans—Specification C618. 6.3 The specified thickness of each unit shall not exceed a
4.1.6 Slag Cement—Specification C989/C989M. maximum average thickness of 2.625 in. (66.7 mm).
4.1.7 Silica Fume—Specification C1240.
6.4 Units shall not exceed 36 in. (915 mm) in any face
4.2 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to the following dimension.
specifications, except for grading requirements: 2 2
6.5 Units shall not exceed more than 5 ft (0.46 m ) in total
4.2.1 Normal Weight Aggregates—Specification C33/
face area.
C33M.
6.6 The average weight per square foot of each unit shall not
4.2.2 Lightweight Aggregates—Specification C331/C331M.
2 2
exceed 15 lb/ft (73 kg/m ). The weight per square foot shall be
NOTE 3—The grading requirements of Specifications C33/C33M and
determined by multiplying the unit oven-dry density by the unit
C331/C331M may not be suitable for the production of these units.
average thickness. Specification C1670/C1670M, Annex 1
Because of this, producers are allowed to modify grading to meet their
outlines the procedure for calculating the average thickness of
needs and the requirements of this specification.
masonry veneer.
4.3 Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete—
Specification C979/C979M.
7. Finish and Appearance
4.4 Other Constituents—Air-entraining agents, integral wa-
7.1 Where units are to be used in exposed wall construction,
ter repellents, and other constituents shall be previously estab-
the face or faces that are to be exposed shall not show chips or
lished as suitable for use in concrete masonry units and shall
cracks, not otherwise permitted in 9.2.2 and 9.2.3, or other
conform to applicable ASTM standards or shall be shown by
imperfections when viewed from a distance of not less than 20
test or experience not to be detrimental to the durability of the
ft (6.1 m) under diffused lighting.
concrete masonry units or any material customarily used in
7.2 The color and texture of units shall be specified by the
masonry construction.
purchaser. The finished surfaces that will be exposed in place
5. Physical Requirements
shall conform to an approved sample, consisting of not less
than four units, representing the range of texture and color
5.1 At the time of delivery to the purchaser, units shall
permitted.
conform to the physical requirements prescribed in Table 1.
NOTE 6—Concrete masonry units are produced using a wide variety of
5.2 At the time of delivery to the purchaser, the average
natural aggregates and other materials. As such, slight variations inherent
from natural materials sh
...

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: C1877 − 19 C1877 − 24
Standard Specification for
Adhered Concrete Masonry Units
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1877; 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 solid, dry-cast, concrete masonry units intended for use as an interior and exterior adhered veneer
and are made from portland cement, water, and suitable mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials.
1.2 The text of this specification references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.3 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.
NOTE 1—Adhered concrete masonry units covered by this specification are made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both.
NOTE 2—When particular features are desired, such as density classification, surface textures for appearance or bond, finish, color, fire resistance,
insulation, acoustical properties, or other special features, such properties should be specified separately by the purchaser. Suppliers should be consulted
as to the availability of adhered concrete masonry units having the desired features.
1.4 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:
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C140/C140M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C331/C331M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units
C426 Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of Concrete Masonry Units
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C979/C979M Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry UnitsMasonry-Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts and
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.03 on Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019Jan. 15, 2024. Published December 2019January 2024. Originally approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 20182019
as C1877 – 18.C1877 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/C1877-1910.1520/C1877-24.
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
C1877 − 24
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures
C1670/C1670M Specification for Adhered Manufactured Stone Masonry Veneer Units
3. Terminology
3.1 Terminology defined in Terminology C1232 shall apply for this specification.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 adhered concrete masonry unit, n—a nonloadbearing concrete masonry unit designed to be installed with a cementitious
mortar to a backing surface.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 Cementitious Materials—Cementitious Materials shall conform to the following applicable specifications:
4.1.1 Portland Cement—Specification C150/C150M.
4.1.2 Modified Portland Cement—Portland cement conforming to Specification C150/C150M, modified as follows:
4.1.2.1 Limestone—Calcium carbonate, with a minimum 85 % CaCO content, is permitted to be added to the cement, provided
these requirements of Specification C150/C150M as modified are met:
(1) Limitation on Insoluble Residue—1.5 %.
(2) Limitation on Air Content of Mortar—Volume percent, 22 % max.
(3) Limitation on Loss on Ignition—7 %.
(1) Limestone—If calcium carbonate is added to the cement, the CaCO content shall not be less than 85 %.
(2) Limitation on Insoluble Residue—1.5 %.
(3) Limitation on Air Content of Mortar—Volume percent, 22 % max.
(4) Limitation on Loss on Ignition—7 %.
4.1.3 Blended Hydraulic Cements—Specification C595/C595M.
4.1.4 Hydraulic Cement—Specification C1157/C1157M.
4.1.5 Pozzolans—Specification C618.
4.1.6 Blast Furnace Slag Cement—Specification C989/C989M.
4.1.7 Silica Fume—Specification C1240.
4.2 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to the following specifications, except for the grading requirements:
4.2.1 Normal Weight Aggregates—Specification C33/C33M.
4.2.2 Lightweight Aggregates—Specification C331/C331M.
NOTE 3—The grading requirements of Specifications C33/C33M and C331/C331M may not be suitable for the production of these units. Because of this,
producers are allowed to modify grading to meet their needs and the requirements of this specification.
4.3 Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete—Specification C979/C979M.
4.4 Other Constituents—Air-entraining agents, coloring pigments, integral water repellents, finely ground silica, and other
constituents shall be previously established as suitable for use in concrete masonry units and shall conform to applicable ASTM
standards or shall be shown by test or experience not to be detrimental to the durability of the concrete masonry units or any
material customarily used in masonry construction.
C1877 − 24
5. Physical Requirements
5.1 At the time of delivery to the purchaser, units shall conform to the physical requirements prescribed in Table 1.
5.2 At the time of delivery to the purchaser, the average total linear drying shrinkage of the three units tested shall not exceed 0.065
% when tested in accordance with 8.3.
NOTE 4—The purchaser is the public body or authority, association, corporation, partnership, or individual entering into a contract or agreement to
purchase or install, or both, adhered concrete masonry units. The time of delivery to the purchaser is FOB plant when the purchaser or the purchaser’s
agent transports the adhered concrete masonry units, or at the time unloaded at the worksite if the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s agent transports
the adhered concrete masonry units.
6. Dimensions, Weights, and Areas
6.1 No overall dimension (thickness, height, and length) shall differ by more than 6 ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) from the specified standard
dimensions.
6.1.1 For those units with faces altered for aesthetic purposes, overall dimensional tolerances apply only to those dimensions not
affected by the altering.
NOTE 5—For such units, dimensions will vary. Consult with suppliers to determine achievable dimensional tolerances.
6.2 Units shall have an average minimum thickness of 0.75 in. (19 mm).
6.3 The specified thickness of each unit shall not exceed a maximum average thickness of 2.625 in. (66.7 mm).
6.4 Units shall not exceed 36 in. (915 mm) in a
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