ASTM C1692-18

Standard Practice for Construction and Testing of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice applies to the materials and methods used in the construction of AAC masonry. It directly references the AAC materials standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C27 and the workmanship requirements of TMS 602 and supplements those workmanship requirements with additional requirements particular to AAC masonry.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice applies to construction and testing of masonry made of AAC units. It includes or references terminology, material specifications, and methods of test. It references specifications and test methods.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
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: 31-Aug-2018
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C15 - Masonry – Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts
• Drafting Committee: C15.10 - Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Masonry Units

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1692-11 - Standard Practice for Construction and Testing of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1232-23 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E96/E96M-23 - Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM C476-19 - Standard Specification for Grout for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C270-19ae1 - Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C270-19a - Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1717-19 - Standard Test Methods for Conducting Strength Tests of Masonry Wall Panels
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C270-19 - Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1717-18 - Standard Test Methods for Conducting Strength Tests of Masonry Wall Panels
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM C476-18 - Standard Specification for Grout for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1660-10(2018) - Standard Specification for Thin-bed Mortar for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1232-17 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C1693-11(2017) - Standard Specification for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C476-16 - Standard Specification for Grout for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2016

Overview

ASTM C1692-18 is the Standard Practice for Construction and Testing of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry, developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines the materials, construction, and testing processes specific to AAC masonry, ensuring consistent quality and performance across projects. By referencing other ASTM standards, as well as the relevant provisions from the TMS 602 Specification for Masonry Structures, ASTM C1692-18 is a key resource for industry professionals seeking reliable and uniform methods for working with autoclaved aerated concrete units.

AAC masonry is valued for its lightweight, insulating, and fire-resistant properties. The standard provides guidance on both thick-bed and thin-bed mortar construction, specifying key requirements for materials, workmanship, and surface protection for optimal longevity and performance.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability: Covers construction and testing of masonry made of AAC units, referencing terminology, specifications, and approved test methods.
• Material Requirements:
  • AAC masonry units must comply with ASTM C1691.
  • Mortars for thick-bed and thin-bed constructions must meet either manufacturer’s performance criteria or ASTM C1660.
  • Grout must conform to ASTM C476.
• Testing Methods:
  • Compressive strength should be determined per ASTM C1693.
  • Flexural and shear strength can be tested using referenced ASTM methods (e.g., C1072, C1717, E518/E518M, E519/E519M).
  • Modulus of elasticity may also be tested in accordance with C1693.
• Workmanship Standards:
  • Utilizes TMS 602 as a baseline, with extra guidance for AAC masonry, including mortar mixing, unit placement, and joint thickness.
  • Guidance for both thick-bed and thin-bed AAC masonry application methods.
• Exterior Surface Protection:
  • Recommends protection such as masonry wythes, cladding systems, or vapor-permeable coatings, tested for permeability using ASTM E96/E96M and a prescribed method for water resistance.

Applications

ASTM C1692-18 is widely used in commercial, institutional, and residential construction sectors where AAC masonry is specified. Practical applications include:

• Load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls: Provides optimized construction and testing procedures for structural and partition AAC masonry walls.
• Energy-efficient buildings: Supports the use of AAC as a high-performance, insulating building material.
• Fire-resistant construction: Ensures AAC walls and assemblies meet durability and safety criteria.
• Surface preparation and finishing: Guides application of exterior coatings or systems that protect AAC from weather and moisture intrusion.

Specifiers, architects, contractors, and quality control inspectors benefit from this standard by ensuring AAC masonry construction is safe, durable, and compliant with building codes.

Related Standards

Several key documents support and supplement ASTM C1692-18 in the construction and testing of AAC masonry:

• ASTM C1691: Specification for Unreinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry Units
• ASTM C1660: Specification for Thin-bed Mortar for AAC Masonry
• ASTM C476: Specification for Grout for Masonry
• ASTM C270: Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
• ASTM C1693: Specification for AAC Material
• ASTM C1072, C1717, E518/E518M, E519/E519M: Various test methods for bond, flexural, and shear strength
• ASTM E96/E96M: Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission
• TMS 602: Specification for Masonry Structures

Adhering to ASTM C1692-18 and its referenced standards helps ensure quality workmanship, structural reliability, and longevity in AAC masonry construction projects.

Keywords: Autoclaved aerated concrete, AAC masonry, ASTM standards, construction methods, testing, workmanship, AAC units, mortar, grout, surface protection, masonry testing.

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: C1692 − 18
Standard Practice for
Construction and Testing of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
(AAC) Masonry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1692; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Masonry units of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) can be produced with dimensional tolerances
as small as 0.06 in. (1.5 mm). As a consequence, AAC masonry units can be laid with mortar joints
approximately 0.38 in. (10 mm) thick, and also with thinner joints. The exterior face of the resulting
AACmasonrywallisthenprotectedfromtheelementsusinganexteriorwytheofmasonry,acladding
system, or a breathable coating resistant to penetration by liquid water. The interior face can be
plastered, furred, or painted.
1. Scope* C476 Specification for Grout for Masonry
C1072 Test Methods for Measurement of Masonry Flexural
1.1 This practice applies to construction and testing of
Bond Strength
masonry made of AAC units. It includes or references
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
terminology, material specifications, and methods of test. It
C1660 Specification for Thin-bed Mortar for Autoclaved
references specifications and test methods.
Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
C1691 Specification for Unreinforced Autoclaved Aerated
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Concrete (AAC) Masonry Units
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
C1693 Specification for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
and are not considered standard.
(AAC)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
C1717 Test Methods for Conducting Strength Tests of Ma-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
sonry Wall Panels
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Materials
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
E514/E514M Test Method for Water Penetration and Leak-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
age Through Masonry
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
E518/E518M Test Methods for Flexural Bond Strength of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Masonry
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
E519/E519M Test Method for Diagonal Tension (Shear) in
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Masonry Assemblages
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.2 Other Standards:
2. Referenced Documents
TMS 402 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Struc-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tures
C270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry 3
TMS 602 Specification for Masonry Structures
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufac-
3. Terminology
tured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.10 on
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Masonry Units.
3.1 Definitions—Terms defined in Terminology C1232 shall
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally
apply in this practice.
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as C1692 – 11. DOI:
10.1520/C1692-18.
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 Available from The Masonry Society, 105 South Sunset Street, Suite Q,
the ASTM website. Longmont, CO 80501–6172, http://www.masonrysociety.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
C1692 − 18
4. Significance and Use MethodE519/E519M.Curethegypsumcappingmaterialforat
least six hours prior to testing. Use mortar complying with 5.2
4.1 This practice applies to the materials and methods used
or 5.3 as appropriate.
in the construction of AAC masonry. It directly references the
AAC materials standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM
6.4 Modulus of Elasticity of AAC Units—If required, deter-
Committee C27 and the workmanship requirements of TMS
minethemodulusofelasticityinaccordancewithSpecification
602 and supplements those workmanship requirements with
C1693.
additional requirements particular to AAC masonry.
7. Workmanship for Thick-bed AAC Masonry
5. Materials
7.1 Workmanship shall be in accordance with TMS 602
5.1 AAC masonry units shall conform to Specification
(Part 3–Execution), and with the additional requirements of
C1691.
this practice.
5.2 Mortar for thick-bed AAC masonry shall meet the
7.2 Install the first course in a full bed of mortar conforming
performance standards prescribed by the AAC manufacturer.
to Specification C270,TypeM,SorN.
5.3 Mortar for thin-bed AAC masonry shall comply with
7.3 Use thick-bed mortar complying with 5.2.
Specification C1660.
NOTE 1—In general, AAC manufacturers’ performance standards for 7.4 Mix thick-bed mortar as prescribed by the AAC manu-
mortar for AAC masonry address minimum dry compressive strength,
facturer.
minimum wet compressive strength, minimum bond strength, minimum
open time, and minimum working time. They also require that the mortar 7.5 Lay subsequent courses using thick-bed mortar, follow-
provide sufficient bond to the AAC masonry unit so that flexural tensile
ing the provisions of TMS 602 (Part 3–Execution) for laying
strength is controlled by the flexural tensile strength of the units rather
solid units.
than by the bond between units and mortar.
7.6 Make minor adjustments by sanding the surfaces of the
5.4 Grout shall conform to Specification C476.
units using a sanding board.
6. Methods of Test
7.7 If it is necessary to field-cut units, cut them to
6.1 Compressive Strength Test for AAC Masonry—Report tolerances consistent with 5.1.
the compressive strength of the AAC masonry as the strength
7.8 If AAC masonry is to be grouted, wet it thoroughly
of the AAC material determined in accordance with Specifi-
beforegrouting,toensurethatthegroutflowstocompletelyfill
cation C1693.
the space to be grouted.
NOTE 2—Bond-strength requirements for AAC masonry mortar (Note
1) result in AAC masonry assemblages that behave monolithically. The
8. Workmanship for Thin-bed AAC Masonry
compressivestrengthofanAACprismdependsontheprism’saspectra
...

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: C1692 − 11 C1692 − 18
Standard Practice for
Construction and Testing of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
(AAC) Masonry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1692; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Masonry units of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) can be produced with dimensional tolerances
as small as 0.06 in. (1.5 mm). As a consequence, AAC masonry units can be laid with mortar joints
approximately 0.38 in. (10 mm) thick, and also with thinner joints. The exterior face of the resulting
AAC masonry wall is then protected from the elements using an exterior wythe of masonry, a cladding
system, or a breathable coating resistant to penetration by liquid water. The interior face can be
plastered, furred, or painted.
1. Scope*
1.1 This practice applies to construction and testing of masonry made of AAC units. It includes or references terminology,
material specifications, and methods of test. It references specifications and test methods.
1.2 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.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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:
C270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
C476 Specification for Grout for Masonry
C1072 Test Methods for Measurement of Masonry Flexural Bond Strength
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
C1660 Specification for Thin-bed Mortar for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry
C1691 Specification for Unreinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Masonry Units
C1693 Specification for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC)
C1717 Test Methods for Conducting Strength Tests of Masonry Wall Panels
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
E514E514/E514M Test Method for Water Penetration and Leakage Through Masonry
E518E518/E518M Test Methods for Flexural Bond Strength of Masonry
E519E519/E519M Test Method for Diagonal Tension (Shear) in Masonry Assemblages
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.10 on Autoclaved
Aerated Concrete Masonry Units.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2011Sept. 1, 2018. Published December 2011October 2018. Originally approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 20102011
as C1692 – 10.C1692 – 11. DOI: 10.1520/C1692-11.10.1520/C1692-18.
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
C1692 − 18
2.2 Other Standards:
TMS 402–08 / ACI 530–09 / ASCE 5–08402 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures
TMS 602-08 / ACI 530.1-08 / ASCE 6-08602 Specification for Masonry Structures
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terms defined in Terminology C1232 shall apply in this practice.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice applies to the materials and methods used in the construction of AAC masonry. It directly references the AAC
materials standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C27 and the workmanship requirements of TMS 602-08 / ACI
530.1-08 / ASCE 6-08 602 and supplements those workmanship requirements with additional requirements particular to AAC
masonry.
5. Materials
5.1 AAC masonry units shall conform to Specification C1691.
5.2 Mortar for thick-bed AAC masonry shall meet the performance standards prescribed by the AAC manufacturer.
5.3 Mortar for thin-bed AAC masonry shall comply with Specification C1660.
NOTE 1—In general, AAC manufacturers’ performance standards for mortar for AAC masonry address minimum dry compressive strength, minimum
wet compressive strength, minimum bond strength, minimum open time, and minimum working time. They also require that the mortar provide sufficient
bond to the AAC masonry unit so that flexural tensile strength is controlled by the flexural tensile strength of the units rather than by the bond between
units and mortar.
5.4 Grout shall conform to Specification C476.
6. Methods of Test
6.1 Compressive Strength Test for AAC Masonry—Report the compressive strength of the AAC masonry as the strength of the
AAC material determined in accordance with Specification C1693.
NOTE 2—Bond-strength requirements for AAC masonry mortar (Note 1) result in AAC masonry assemblages that behave monolithically. The
compressive strength of an AAC prism depends on the prism’s aspect ratio only, and not on the presence, number, or orientation of joints. Any reasonable
aspect ratio can be used to verify compressive strength, provided that the same aspect ratio is used to calibrate design equations. Design equations for
AAC masonry are calibrated using compressive strengths determined in accordance with Specification C1693. It is therefore appropriate to report those
same strengths, which Specification C1693 requires AAC manufacturers to determine and report.
NOTE 3—The tests noted in subsections 6.2 through 6.4 are not required by TMS 402–08 / ACI 530–09 / ASCE 5–08 or TMS 602-08 / ACI 530.1-08
/ ASCE 6-08. 402 or TMS 602. They may be required for research purposes or other reasons.
6.2 Flexural Strength Test for AAC Masonry Assemblages—If required, conduct flexural strength tests in accordance with Test
Methods C1717, E518E518/E518M, or C1072.
6.2.1 If conducting flexural strength tests in accordance with Test Methods E518E518/E518M, construct at least five test
specimens as stack-bonded prisms at least 32 in. (0.81 m) high. Use mortar meeting the performance requirements of the AAC
manufacturer. Conduct the flexural strength test in accordance with Test Methods E518E518/E518M, Test Method A (Simply
Supported Beam with Third-point Loading).
6.2.2 If conducting flexural strength tests in accord
...