ASTM C780-20

Standard Test Method for Preconstruction and Construction Evaluation of Mortars for Plain and Reinforced Unit Masonry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 During preconstruction and construction evaluations, use of these test methods establishes specific and overall performance characteristics for the mortar system.  
5.2 Preconstruction testing of mortars prebatched by weight provides information for the selection of the individual mortar system best suited for the masonry to be constructed. The recommended tests and their significance are as follows:  
5.2.1 Consistency determinations by cone penetration (Annex A1) allow gaging the water additions for all mortars included in the preconstruction test series. Even if the mortar consistency as measured at the construction site is at a different penetration value than those measured during the preconstruction tests, the cone preparation test serves to standardize water additions for mortars being considered as alternatives before construction. Additional testing of mortar water content-consistency relationships (Annex A4) will allow relating these two factors to batch-to-batch variations at the construction site.  
5.2.2 Consistency retention by cone penetration (Annex A2) using disturbed or undisturbed mortar samples provides a means of establishing the early-age setting and stiffening characteristics of the mortars. Because laboratory testing is conducted under static climatic conditions, consistency retention test results reflect the relative performance of the mortar systems under test. The same general relationships are expected to hold during testing at the construction project, except as they are influenced by jobsite weather conditions.  
5.2.3 Mortar water-content determinations (Annex A4) allow measurement of the water content of the mortar mixture. Mortars prebatched using moist masonry sand may be mathematically analyzed for mortar water content; however, this test, when used for preconstruction evaluation, establishes the effectiveness of the test method and serves as the control or base for tests performed at the construction site.  
5.2.4 Mortar ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the sampling and testing of mortars for composition and for their plastic and hardened properties, either before or during their actual use in construction.
Note 1: Guide C1586 provides guidance on evaluating mortar and clarifies the purpose of both this test method and Specification C270.
Note 2: The testing agency performing this test method should be evaluated in accordance with Practice C1093.  
1.2 Preconstruction Evaluation—This test method permits comparisons of mortars made from different materials under simulated field conditions. It is also used to establish baseline values for comparative evaluation of field mortars.  
1.3 Construction Evaluation—Use of this method in the field provides a means for quality assurance of field-mixed mortar. It includes methods for verifying the mortar mix proportions, comparing test results for field mortars to preconstruction testing, and determining batch-to-batch uniformity of the mortar.  
1.4 The test results obtained under this test method are not required to meet the minimum compressive values in accordance with the property specifications in Specification C270.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazards state...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Jun-2020
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C12 - Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry
• Drafting Committee: C12.02 - Research and Methods of Test

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: C780 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Preconstruction and Construction Evaluation of Mortars for
1
Plain and Reinforced Unit Masonry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C780; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
This test method provides a standard procedure for sampling and testing mortars for composition
and plastic and hardened properties, either before or during actual construction. The procedures
outlined in the Annexes are considered applicable for evaluating various combinations of portland
cement, lime, and masonry cement for mortars common to plain and reinforced unit masonry
construction.
The test procedures describe methods for the measurement of mortar composition and mortar
properties. No attempt is made to claim or substantiate specific correlations between the measured
properties and mortar performance in the masonry. However, data from these test methods can be
combined with other information to formulate judgments about the quality of the masonry.
Testing using these procedures is limited to the preconstruction evaluation of masonry mortars
within the laboratory, to the evaluation of masonry mortars at the construction site, and in establishing
the degree of quality control exercised during mortar production at the construction site.
1. Scope* proportions, comparing test results for field mortars to precon-
struction testing, and determining batch-to-batch uniformity of
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the sampling and
the mortar.
testing of mortars for composition and for their plastic and
hardened properties, either before or during their actual use in 1.4 The test results obtained under this test method are not
required to meet the minimum compressive values in accor-
construction.
dance with the property specifications in Specification C270.
NOTE 1—Guide C1586 provides guidance on evaluating mortar and
clarifies the purpose of both this test method and Specification C270. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
NOTE 2—The testing agency performing this test method should be
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
evaluated in accordance with Practice C1093.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
1.2 Preconstruction Evaluation—This test method permits
and are not considered standard.
comparisons of mortars made from different materials under
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
simulated field conditions. It is also used to establish baseline
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
values for comparative evaluation of field mortars.
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
1.3 Construction Evaluation—Use of this method in the as requirements of the standard.
field provides a means for quality assurance of field-mixed
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
mortar. It includes methods for verifying the mortar mix
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C12 on Mortars
and Grouts for Unit Masonry and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
For specific hazards statements, see Section 8.
C12.02 on Research and Methods of Test.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
Current edition approved June 15, 2020. Published July 2020. Originally
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C780 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/C0780-20. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
*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 ----------------------
C780 − 20
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.2.3 as-mixed samples, n—mortar samples that are ob-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical tained after mixing and prior to use of the mortar in construc-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. tion.
3.2.4 mortar board samples, n—mortar samples that are
2. Referenced Documents
obtained from the mortar board after some established time
2
...

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: C780 − 19 C780 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Preconstruction and Construction Evaluation of Mortars for
1
Plain and Reinforced Unit Masonry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C780; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
This test method provides a standard procedure for sampling and testing mortars for composition
and plastic and hardened properties, either before or during actual construction. The procedures
outlined in the Annexes are considered applicable for evaluating various combinations of portland
cement, lime, and masonry cement for mortars common to plain and reinforced unit masonry
construction.
The test procedures describe methods for the measurement of mortar composition and mortar
properties. No attempt is made to claim or substantiate specific correlations between the measured
properties and mortar performance in the masonry. However, data from these test methods can be
combined with other information to formulate judgments about the quality of the masonry.
Testing using these procedures is limited to the preconstruction evaluation of masonry mortars
within the laboratory, to the evaluation of masonry mortars at the construction site, and in establishing
the degree of quality control exercised during mortar production at the construction site.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the sampling and testing of mortars for composition and for their plastic and
hardened properties, either before or during their actual use in construction.
NOTE 1—Guide C1586 provides guidance on evaluating mortar and clarifies the purpose of both this test method and Specification C270.
NOTE 2—The testing agency performing this test method should be evaluated in accordance with Practice C1093.
1.2 Preconstruction Evaluation—This test method permits comparisons of mortars made from different materials under
simulated field conditions. It is also used to establish baseline values for comparative evaluation of field mortars.
1.3 Construction Evaluation—Use of this method in the field provides a means for quality assurance of field-mixed mortar. It
includes methods for verifying the mortar mix proportions, comparing test results for field mortars to preconstruction testing, and
determining batch-to-batch uniformity of the mortar.
1.4 The test results obtained under this test method are not required to meet the minimum compressive values in accordance
with the property specifications in Specification C270.
1.5 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.
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazards statements, see Section 8.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C12 on Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C12.02
on Research and Methods of Test.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2019June 15, 2020. Published January 2020July 2020. Originally approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 20182019 as
C780 – 18a.C780 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/C0780-19.10.1520/C0780-20.
*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 ----------------------
C780 − 20
1.8 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 O
...