ASTM C404-24

Standard Specification for Aggregates for Masonry Grout

ABSTRACT
This specification covers aggregates used for masonry grout. Aggregates should consist of either natural or manufactured sand, used alone or in combination with course aggregates. The course aggregates should be made up of crushed stone, gravel, or processed air-cooled iron blast-furnace slag with suitable particle shapes. Both fine and course aggregates should meet the particle size requirements, contain the right amount of deleterious substances and pass the soundness tests. Fine aggregates should be free from injurious amounts of organic impurities.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers aggregate for use in grout for masonry.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 The text of this standard 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 this standard.  
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 9 of the standard. 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.  
1.5 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: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: C12 - Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry
• Drafting Committee: C12.04 - Specifications for Aggregates for Mortars

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C404-18 - Standard Specification for Aggregates for Masonry Grout
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• 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 C117-23 - Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• 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 C117-17 - Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Referred By: ASTM C144-18 - Standard Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• Referred By: ASTM C1180-22 - Standard Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• Referred By: ASTM C476-23 - Standard Specification for Grout for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024

Overview

ASTM C404-24: Standard Specification for Aggregates for Masonry Grout provides the essential criteria for specifying fine and coarse aggregates used in masonry grout applications. Published by ASTM International, this standard supports the reliable construction of masonry structures by outlining standards for the composition, grading, soundness, and purity of aggregates, whether natural or manufactured. This specification is recognized for its alignment with internationally accepted standardization principles, ensuring consistency and quality in masonry construction projects around the world.

Key Topics

• Aggregate Types: Covers both natural and manufactured sand, alone or combined with coarse aggregates. Coarse aggregates may include crushed stone, gravel, or processed air-cooled iron blast-furnace slag, each required to have suitable particle shapes for workability.
• Grading Requirements: Specifies detailed sieve size distributions for fine and coarse aggregates, referencing recognized gradation sizes to assure compatibility with various grout requirements.
• Deleterious Substances: Sets strict limits on the presence of friable and lightweight particles, as well as other impurities, to ensure aggregate stability and performance.
• Organic Impurities: Fine aggregates must be free from injurious organic substances. If organic content is suspected, further strength testing determines acceptability.
• Soundness Testing: Requires both fine and coarse aggregates to undergo soundness tests (using sodium or magnesium sulfate) to demonstrate resistance to weathering and durability in service.
• Sampling and Testing: Outlines the necessary ASTM methods for sampling, sieve analysis, impurity assessment, and density determination to ensure compliance with the standard.

Applications

This standard is highly relevant to:

• Masonry Construction: Used in designing and producing masonry grout for structural and non-structural walls in buildings, ensuring the aggregates contribute to cohesive, strong, and durable grout mixtures.
• Material Specification: A reference for architects, civil engineers, material suppliers, and contractors to specify and verify aggregate quality in bid documents, construction contracts, and quality assurance programs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports code compliance for projects regulated by national and international building codes and agency-specific requirements, including those of the U.S. Department of Defense.
• Quality Control: Provides a framework for material testing laboratories and inspectors to validate aggregate quality before use, minimizing risks associated with substandard materials.

Related Standards

Users and specifiers of ASTM C404-24 frequently refer to associated standards for comprehensive quality control and testing of aggregates and grout, such as:

• ASTM C33/C33M - Specification for Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C40/C40M - Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete
• ASTM C88/C88M - Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• ASTM C117 - Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm Sieve in Mineral Aggregates
• ASTM C128 - Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• ASTM C136/C136M - Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
• ASTM C476 - Specification for Grout for Masonry
• ASTM C144 - Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar

Practical Value

By following ASTM C404-24, construction professionals and suppliers can:

• Ensure aggregates for masonry grout consistently meet recognized industry requirements
• Improve the structural integrity and longevity of masonry work
• Minimize the risk of failure due to unsound or impure aggregate materials
• Streamline project specifications and foster smooth coordination among architects, contractors, and material suppliers

Keywords: ASTM C404, aggregates for masonry grout, aggregate grading, masonry construction, fine and coarse aggregate, aggregate soundness, organic impurities in aggregate, construction materials 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: C404 − 24
Standard Specification for
Aggregates for Masonry Grout
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C404; 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.
1. Scope* C88/C88M Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by
Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
1.1 This specification covers aggregate for use in grout for
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200)
masonry.
Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
C123/C123M Test Method for Lightweight Particles in Ag-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
gregate
only.
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate (Withdrawn 2024)
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes,
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
as requirements of this standard. C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
Coarse Aggregates
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
C142/C142M Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable
test methods portion, Section 9 of the standard. This standard
Particles in Aggregates
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
C144 Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
C476 Specification for Grout for Masonry
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
C1180 Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
to Terminology C1180.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4. General Characteristics
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 Aggregates shall consist of natural sand or manufac-
tured sand, used alone or in combination with coarse aggregate
2. Referenced Documents
as described in this specification. Manufactured sand is the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
product obtained by crushing stone, gravel, or air-cooled iron
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
blast-furnace slag. Coarse aggregate shall consist of crushed
C40/C40M Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine
stone, gravel, or air-cooled iron blast-furnace slag processed to
Aggregates for Concrete
assure suitable gradation.
C87/C87M Test Method for Effect of Organic Impurities in
Fine Aggregate on Strength of Mortar NOTE 1—Care should be taken to ensure a suitable particle shape, since
excessive quantities of flat and elongated particles have historically caused
problems with workability.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C12 on 5. Grading
Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
5.1 Grading shall conform to the requirements in Table 1 or
mittee C12.04 on Specifications for Aggregates for Mortars.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2024. Published January 2024. Originally shall comply with the requirements of 5.2.
approved in 1957. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C404–18. DOI:
NOTE 2—Size No. 1 is that specified for concrete sand in Specification
10.1520/C0404-24.
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 last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.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
C404 − 24
TABLE 1 Grading Requirements
Amounts Finer than Each Laboratory Sieve Designation, weight %
Fine Aggregate Coarse Aggregate
Sieve Designation
Size No. 2
Size No. 1 Size No. 8 Size No. 89
Natural Manufactured
12.5-mm ( ⁄2-in.) . . . 100 100
9.5-mm ( ⁄8-in.) 100 . . 85 to 100 90 to 100
4.75-mm (No. 4) 95 to 100 100 100 10 to 30 20 to 55
2.36-mm (No. 8 ) 80 to 100 95 to 100 95 to 100 0 to 10 5 to 30
1.18-mm (No. 16) 50 to 85 70 to 100 70 to 100 0 to 5 0 to 10
600-μm (No. 30) 25 to 60 40 to 75 40 to 75 . 0 to 5
300-μm (No. 50) 5 to 30 10 to 35 20 to 40 . .
150-μm (No. 100) 0 to 10 2 to 15 10 to 25 . .
75-μm (No. 200) .
...

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: C404 − 18 C404 − 24
Standard Specification for
Aggregates for Masonry Grout
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C404; 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.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers aggregate for use in grout for masonry.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 The text of this standard 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 this standard.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 9 of the standard. 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.
1.5 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
C40/C40M Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregates for Concrete
C87/C87M Test Method for Effect of Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate on Strength of Mortar
C88/C88M Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C123/C123M Test Method for Lightweight Particles in Aggregate
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate (Withdrawn 2024)
C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
C142/C142M Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates
C144 Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar
C476 Specification for Grout for Masonry
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15C12 on Manufactured Masonry UnitsMortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry and is the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee C15.30C12.04 on Specifications for Mortars and GroutsAggregates for Mortars.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2018Jan. 15, 2024. Published December 2018January 2024. Originally approved in 1957. Last previous edition approved in 20172018
as C404–11(2017).C404–18. DOI: 10.1520/C0404-18.10.1520/C0404-24.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.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
C404 − 24
C1180 Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer to Terminology C1180.
4. General Characteristics
4.1 Aggregates shall consist of natural sand or manufactured sand, used alone or in combination with coarse aggregate as
described in this specification. Manufactured sand is the product obtained by crushing stone, gravel, or air-cooled iron blast-furnace
slag. Coarse aggregate shall consist of crushed stone, gravel, or air-cooled iron blast-furnace slag processed to assure suitable
gradation.
NOTE 1—Care should be taken to ensure a suitable particle shape, since excessive quantities of flat and elongated particles have historically caused
problems with workability.
5. Grading
5.1 Grading shall conform to the requirements in Table 1 or shall comply with the requirements of 5.2.
NOTE 2—Size No. 1 is that specified for concrete sand in Specification C33/C33M; Size No. 2 is that specified for masonry mortar in Specification C144;
and Sizes 8 and 89 are standard sizes as given in Specification C33/C33M.
5.2 Aggregates of gradations other than those covered by Table 1 are permitted if all of the requirements of 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.2.3
are met.
5.2.1 One hundred percent of the fine aggregate shall pass the 9.5–mm( ⁄8-in.) sieve and no more than 5 % natural sand or 10 %
for manufactured sand shall pass the 75- mm (No. 200) sieve.
5.2.2 One hundred percent of the coarse aggregate shall pass the 12.5-mm ( ⁄2-in.) sieve and no more than 5 % shall pass the
600-μm (No. 30) sieve.
5.2.3 The compressive strength of grout shall be specified and meet t
...