ASTM C1532/C1532M-22

Standard Practice for Selection, Removal, and Shipment of Manufactured Masonry Units and Masonry Specimens from Existing Construction

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Masonry specimens are sometimes removed as part of an assessment of the condition of masonry construction. Such specimens are commonly prepared for shipment to a laboratory where the specimens are assessed with visual techniques, petrographic techniques, or standard test methods. The process of selecting, removing, and shipping the specimens can have an effect on test results. This practice provides procedures for selecting, removing, and shipping masonry specimens removed from existing construction.  
4.2 The selection and removal processes described in this practice are primarily intended for walls. Selection and removal of masonry specimens from locations other than walls requires user judgment in order to obtain appropriate specimens.  
4.3 This practice also covers reporting of the selection, removal, and shipping processes. This information allows interested parties to assess the impact of these processes on test results.  
4.4 This practice does not address the use of test results conducted on removed masonry specimens. This practice does not determine whether the removed masonry materials met original specification requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the process of selection, removal, and shipment of masonry specimens from existing construction that are intended for testing. These specimens can be either individual masonry units or assemblages. Assemblages are a portion of existing masonry, typically consisting of masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcing steel, collar joint, and masonry accessories. The specimens may be taken from single- or multiple-wythe construction, or portions thereof. This practice also covers procedures for reporting as part of this process.  
1.2 The text of this standard refers to 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.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.4 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: 30-Nov-2022
• ICS: 91.080.30 - Masonry
• Technical Committee: C15 - Masonry – Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts
• Drafting Committee: C15.04 - Research for Masonry Units and Assemblies

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C1232-23 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C1180-18 - Standard Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1232-17 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C1232-15a - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1232-15 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1232-12 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10c - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1180-10 - Standard Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10b - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10a - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1232-09b - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2009
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM C1232-09a - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009

Overview

ASTM C1532/C1532M-22 is the internationally recognized standard practice for the selection, removal, and shipment of manufactured masonry units and masonry specimens from existing construction. Published by ASTM International, this standard guides professionals in obtaining masonry samples for laboratory testing and assessment. By establishing best practices for specimen handling from removal to shipment, ASTM C1532/C1532M-22 supports more reliable evaluation of existing masonry construction and helps minimize the risk of damage or alteration to the specimens during the sampling process.

Key Topics

• Purpose of Sampling: The standard is primarily used when assessing the condition of existing masonry structures. Extracted specimens are often shipped to laboratories for thorough evaluation using visual and petrographic techniques or standardized test methods.
• Comprehensive Procedures: ASTM C1532/C1532M-22 sets forth processes for selecting representative specimens, safe removal without compromising specimen integrity, and robust packaging and shipping to laboratories.
• Sampling from Walls: While the focus is on wall elements, the document acknowledges that extracting samples from other construction areas may require professional judgment to ensure appropriateness.
• Documentation and Reporting: Throughout the selection, removal, and shipment process, detailed documentation (including photographs and sketches) is required. This aids in tracking the condition of both the specimens and the construction before and after removal.
• Safety and Conformance: The standard highlights the importance of safety measures during sample extraction, shipping, and site management, as well as adherence to applicable regulatory requirements.
• Dual Units: Procedures can be applied using either SI or inch-pound units, but values from the two systems should not be combined.

Applications

Adopting ASTM C1532/C1532M-22 brings practical benefits to a range of professionals involved with:

• Condition Assessment: Engineers, architects, and consultants performing forensic analysis, diagnostic investigations, or quality assurance assessments of existing masonry.
• Historic Preservation: Organizations or specialists sampling masonry units for the evaluation of historic or heritage structures, ensuring that minimal damage and optimal representation are achieved.
• Laboratory Analysis: Testing laboratories receiving and evaluating masonry samples for compressive strength, absorption, petrography, or visual assessments benefit from standardized specimen preparation and documentation.
• Construction Repair Planning: Contractors and design teams use sampled data to develop accurate repair or restoration plans, based on standardized test results.
• Compliance Verification: Regulatory authorities or facility owners ensuring that sampling, removal, and shipment procedures adhere to recognized standards for quality, consistency, and traceability.

Related Standards

Integrating ASTM C1532/C1532M-22 with related ASTM standards enhances the robustness of masonry evaluation. Relevant documents include:

• ASTM C1180: Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry - useful for understanding the materials involved in sampled masonry specimens.
• ASTM C1232: Terminology for Masonry - provides definitions ensuring common understanding of masonry-specific terms.
• ASTM E122: Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process - supports statistically valid sampling protocols.

Together, these standards support a holistic and consistent approach to the assessment of existing masonry structures by establishing clear processes for sample collection, handling, and reporting.

Keywords: ASTM C1532, masonry sampling, specimen removal, masonry assessment, laboratory shipment, masonry testing standards, existing construction, quality assurance, forensic evaluation, masonry documentation.

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: C1532/C1532M − 22
Standard Practice for
Selection, Removal, and Shipment of Manufactured Masonry
Units and Masonry Specimens from Existing Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1532/C1532M; 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
1.1 This practice covers the process of selection, removal, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
andshipmentofmasonryspecimensfromexistingconstruction C1180 Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
that are intended for testing. These specimens can be either C1232 Terminology for Masonry
individual masonry units or assemblages. Assemblages are a E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
portion of existing masonry, typically consisting of masonry Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
units, mortar, grout, reinforcing steel, collar joint, and masonry Lot or Process
accessories. The specimens may be taken from single- or
3. Terminology
multiple-wythe construction, or portions thereof. This practice
3.1 Definitions:
also covers procedures for reporting as part of this process.
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to
1.2 The text of this standard refers to notes and footnotes
Terminologies C1180 and C1232.
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
4. Significance and Use
as requirements of the standard.
4.1 Masonry specimens are sometimes removed as part of
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
an assessment of the condition of masonry construction. Such
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
specimens are commonly prepared for shipment to a laboratory
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
where the specimens are assessed with visual techniques,
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
petrographic techniques, or standard test methods. The process
used independently of the other, and values from the two
ofselecting,removing,andshippingthespecimenscanhavean
systems shall not be combined.
effect on test results. This practice provides procedures for
selecting, removing, and shipping masonry specimens re-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
moved from existing construction.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 The selection and removal processes described in this
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
practice are primarily intended for walls. Selection and re-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
moval of masonry specimens from locations other than walls
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
requires user judgment in order to obtain appropriate speci-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
mens.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.3 This practice also covers reporting of the selection,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
removal, and shipping processes. This information allows
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
interested parties to assess the impact of these processes on test
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
results.
4.4 This practice does not address the use of test results
conducted on removed masonry specimens. This practice does
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufac-
tured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.04 on
Research. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as C1532–21. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C1532_C1532M-22. 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
C1532/C1532M − 22
not determine whether the removed masonry materials met 5.2 Identification—Identify each specimen on the wall with
original specification requirements. a permanent marker and photograph before removal. Do not
mark on more than 10 % of any face of the specimen.
5. Selection and Removal Reference the marked specimen to the specific location where
the specimen was obtained as recorded in 5.1.1.1.
5.1 Selection of Test Samples:
5.1.1 Visual Assessment—Prior to selecting specimens for 5.3 Pre-removal Documentation—Prior to removing
removal, perform a visual survey of the exposed surface to specimens, thoroughly document the visual condition of the
assess the in-place, undisturbed condition of the masonry wall masonry within the proposed sampling locations. Prepare a
and other related construction. sketch of or photograph each sample location. Trace over any
5.1.1.1 Record observations from the visual survey with at cracks on the specimens with a felt-tipped marker and docu-
least one photograph and optional drawings or sketches that ment the cracks’ maximum width(s). Trace along the outer
represent the appearance of the masonry. Include sample limits of all other areas of distress using a felt tip pen and
locations identified in 5.2. document the approximate depth of the distress at each
5.1.1.2 Conduct the visual assessment either over the whole individual location, if any.
construction or on a representative sample of the whole.
NOTE 7—The pre-removal documentation will be used for judging the
Examine locations with different exposures.
specimen’s pre-removal condition and for comparative purposes to
determine if it is damaged during removal or shipping. Documenting the
NOTE 1—Locations with different exposures, such as walls exposed to
condition of cracks and other distress, if any, will be used in judging if the
rain and walls protected from rain may be used to distinguish different
extent and size of existing distress has increased during specimen removal
segments of construction to be examined.
or shipping.
5.1.2 Sampling—Select specimens representative of the en-
NOTE 8—Distress is any damage not typically associated with sound
tire masonry construction or a portion thereof. Sample by one masonry. It may be manifested as spalling, chipping, crazing, stains,
efflorescence, or other types of visually assessable defects.
or more of the following techniques:
5.4 Specimen Removal:
NOTE 2—When sampling a portion of the entire construction consider
aspects such as the orientation of the units (for example, stretcher, header, 5.4.1 Specimen Size—Each specimen shall be sufficient size
or soldier); location in the structure (for example, parapet, corbel, or
to allow the proposed testing as specified in the test proce-
quoin); or where different masonry units are blended to produce a range of
dure(s).
color, architectural effect within the entire construction; and required
5.4.2 Specimen Removal—Remove existing masonry con-
specimen size to accommodate further testing.
struction (units and mortar) at the perimeter of the specimen as
5.1.2.1 Random Sampling—Within the entire construction,
necessary to allow removal of accessories (such as ties, joint
or in a selected part of the entire construction, select specimen
reinforcement across wythes, and so forth), within the speci-
sample locations based on a random sampling process. Desig-
men perimeter, without causing damage to the specimen.
nate a numbering system associated with specimen locations
Remove adjacent masonry or adjoining construction by saw-
and randomly select numbers, or use a similar random sam-
cutting or by chiseling, as necessary, to obtain properly sized
pling method.
specimens. Do not use electric or hydraulic impact equipment
NOTE 3—When specimens are to be removed for testing in accordance that damages the specimen. Remove the specimen from the
with test methods that include requirements for selection and sampling of
construction and set on stable horizontal surface (such as the
samples, those requirements should be replaced with 5.1 of this practice.
ground, scaffolding, and so forth), taking care to avoid damage
NOTE 4—Practice E122 provides information on how to calculate the
during removal and transport to the stable surface.
number and locations of samples necessary in order to estimate with a
prescribed precision, a measure of quality representing all the sampling
NOTE9—Whileremovingthespecimens,donotdetrimentallyaffectthe
area.
structural or serviceability performance of the remaining masonry and
other related co
...

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: C1532/C1532M − 21 C1532/C1532M − 22
Standard Practice for
Selection, Removal, and Shipment of Manufactured Masonry
Units and Masonry Specimens from Existing Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1532/C1532M; 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 practice covers the process of selection, removal, and shipment of masonry specimens from existing construction that are
intended for testing. These specimens can be either individual masonry units or assemblages. Assemblages are a portion of existing
masonry, typically consisting of masonry units, mortar, grout, reinforcing steel, collar joint, and masonry accessories. The
specimens may be taken from single- or multiple-wythe construction, or portions thereof. This practice also covers procedures for
reporting as part of this process.
1.2 The text of this standard refers to 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.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.4 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:
C1180 Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.04 on Research.
Current edition approved June 1, 2021Dec. 1, 2022. Published June 2021December 2022. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20202021 as
C1532–20.–21. DOI: 10.1520/C1532_C1532M-21.10.1520/C1532_C1532M-22.
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
C1532/C1532M − 22
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to Terminologies C1180 and C1232.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Masonry specimens are sometimes removed as part of an assessment of the condition of masonry construction. Such
specimens are commonly prepared for shipment to a laboratory where the specimens are assessed with visual techniques,
petrographic techniques, or standard test methods. The process of selecting, removing, and shipping the specimens can have an
effect on test results. This practice provides procedures for selecting, removing, and shipping masonry specimens removed from
existing construction.
4.2 The selection and removal processes described in this practice are primarily intended for walls. Selection and removal of
masonry specimens from locations other than walls requires user judgment in order to obtain appropriate specimens.
4.3 This practice also covers reporting of the selection, removal, and shipping processes. This information allows interested parties
to assess the impact of these processes on test results.
4.4 This practice does not address the use of test results conducted on removed masonry specimens. This practice does not
determine whether the removed masonry materials met original specification requirements.
5. Selection and Removal
5.1 Selection of Test Samples:
5.1.1 Visual Assessment—Prior to selecting specimens for removal, perform a visual survey of the exposed surface to assess the
in-place, undisturbed condition of the masonry wall and other related construction.
5.1.1.1 Record observations from the visual survey with at least one photograph and optional drawings or sketches that represent
the appearance of the masonry. Include sample locations identified in 5.2.
5.1.1.2 Conduct the visual assessment either over the whole construction or on a representative sample of the whole. Examine
locations with different exposures.
NOTE 1—Locations with different exposures, such as walls exposed to rain and walls protected from rain may be used to distinguish different segments
of construction to be examined.
5.1.2 Sampling—Select specimens representative of the entire masonry construction or a portion thereof. Sample by one or more
of the following techniques:
NOTE 2—When sampling a portion of the entire construction consider aspects such as the orientation of the units (for example, stretcher, header, or
soldier); location in the structure (for example, parapet, corbel, or quoin); or where different masonry units are blended to produce a range of color,
architectural effect within the entire construction; and required specimen size to accommodate further testing.
5.1.2.1 Random Sampling—Within the entire construction, or in a selected part of the entire construction, select specimen sample
locations based on a random sampling process. Designate a numbering system associated with specimen locations and randomly
select numbers, or use a similar random sampling method.
NOTE 3—When specimens are to be removed for testing in accordance with test methods that include requirements for selection and sampling of samples,
those requirements should be replaced with 5.1 of this practice.
NOTE 4—Practice E122 provides information on how to calculate the number and locations of samples necessary in order to estimate with a prescribed
precision, a measure of quality representing all the sampling area.
5.1.2.2 Location-Specific Sampling—Select specimens sample locations specific to a particular installed location.
5.1.2.3 Condition-Specific Sampling—Select specimen sample locations specific to a physical condition of the masonry, such as
units or mortar visually assessed to be deteriorated or units or mortar visually assessed to be undamaged.
C1532/C1532M − 22
NOTE 5—Selecting specimens for condition-specific sampling could include considering masonry visually assessed to be deteriorated, or masonry assessed
to be undamaged, for examples.
NOTE 6—Sampling is useful for identification of differences in masonry construction in different locations or exposures, that is, the difference between
the masonry on different building elevations, or the difference between masonry exposed to environmental or atmospheric conditions and those not
exposed. Under these circumstances, sampling should be representative of each usage condition. For example, select masonry visually considered to be
in the best physical condition, in the worst physical condition, and the most representative of the overall physical condition.
5.2 Identification—Identify each specimen on the wall with a permanent marker and photograph before removal. Do not mark on
more than 10 % of any face of the specimen. Reference the marked specimen to the specific location where the specimen was
obtained as recorded in 5.1.1.1.
5.3 Pre-removal Documentation—Prior to removing specimens, thoroughly document the visual condition of the masonry within
the proposed sampling locations. Prepare a sketch of or photograph each sample location. Trace over any cracks on the specimens
with a felt-tipped marker and document the cracks’ maximum width(s). Trace along the outer limits of all other areas of distress
using a felt tip pen and document the approximate depth of the distress at each individual location, if any.
NOTE 7—The pre-removal documentation will be used for judging the specimen’s pre-removal condition and for comparative purposes to determine if
it is damaged during removal or shipping. Documenting the condition of cracks and other distress, if any, will be used in judging if the extent and size
of existing distress has increased during specimen removal or shipping.
NOTE 8—Distress is any damage not typically associated with sound masonry. It may be manifested as spalling, chipping, crazing, stains, efflorescence,
or other types of vi
...