ISO 9652-4:2000
(Main)Masonry — Part 4: Test methods
Masonry — Part 4: Test methods
Maçonneries — Partie 4: Méthodes d'essai
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 9652-4
First edition
2000-09-15
Masonry —
Part 4:
Test methods
Maçonneries —
Partie 4: Méthodes d'essai
Reference number
ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
©
ISO 2000
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
Contents Page
Foreword.v
Introduction.vi
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Sampling.2
5 Determination of compressive strength of masonry units .2
5.1 General.2
5.2 Sample size .2
5.3 Preparation of specimens.2
5.4 Apparatus .6
5.5 Test procedure.7
5.6 Calculation of results .7
5.7 Test report .7
5.8 Normalized compressive strength.8
6 Determination of compressive strength of mortar.9
6.1 Introduction.9
6.2 Sampling.9
6.3 Preparation and storage of test specimens.9
6.4 Determination of compressive strength.12
6.5 Test report .14
7 Determination of the compressive strength of masonry.15
7.1 General.15
7.2 Number of specimens .15
7.3 Preparation of specimens.15
7.4 Apparatus .17
7.5 Test procedure.18
7.6 Calculations of compressive strength .18
7.7 Test report .19
7.8 Modified results .19
8 Determination of the flexural strength of masonry.20
8.1 General.20
8.2 Sample size .20
8.3 Preparation of specimens.21
8.4 Apparatus .23
8.5 Test procedure.23
8.6 Calculations.23
8.7 Test report .23
8.8 Modified results .24
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
9 Water absorption test for clay units (5-h boil) .25
9.1 Test specimens .25
9.2 Accuracy of weighings.25
9.3 Preparation of specimens.25
9.4 Test procedure .25
9.5 Calculations.25
9.6 Test report .26
Annex A (informative) Values of shape factor �.27
Bibliography .28
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this part of ISO 9652 may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO 9652-4 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 179, Masonry, Subcommittee
SC 3, Test methods.
ISO 9652 consists of the following parts, under the general title Masonry:
� Part 1: Unreinforced masonry design by calculation
� Part 2: Unreinforced masonry design by simple rules
� Part 3: Code of practice for design of reinforced masonry
� Part 4: Test methods
� Part 5: Vocabulary
Annex A forms a normative part of this part of ISO 9652.
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
Introduction
ISO/TC 179 is responsible for the International Standards for design of masonry, either by calculation (see
ISO 9652-1) or by simple rules (see ISO 9652-2). The test methods given in this part of ISO 9652 are standard
reference test methods. They are used to determine the properties of masonry units, mortars and masonry
elements needed in the design of structures.
Test methods in national standards for determining the resistance of masonry units and elements to loads show
considerable differences. This no doubt reflects both the history of the derivation of the test and the purpose to
which the results are put, but the effect is that design methods are different in different countries. Researchers into
masonry problems may use test methods, which differ again.
National standards are appropriate for use in a particular country, as are research methods for specific
investigations. However, parallel tests following the methods given in this part of ISO 9652 are necessary in order
to establish a relationship between them and in order that a precise comparison of test results using different test
methods may be obtained with confidence.
The results from the reference test methods in this part of ISO 9652 are intended to provide a basic common datum
against which data obtained by different test methods may be strictly compared. More attention has been paid to
precision and repeatability than to the provision of test methods of universal applicability.
Even if all laboratories do not have the equipment to carry out these standard reference tests, there will usually be
a national, often governmental, laboratory that has.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
Masonry —
Part 4:
Test methods
1 Scope
This part of ISO 9652 specifies reference methods for testing
a) the compressive strength of masonry units;
b) the compressive strength of masonry;
c) the flexural strength of masonry;
d) the water absorption of clay units; and
e) the compressive strength of mortar.
It is applicable to masonry built with units of fired clay, calcium silicate, concrete (including autoclaved aerated
concrete), natural stone or manufactured stone.
NOTE The methods may be suitable for testing other walling materials, but they have not been examined as reference
testsinthisrespect.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this part of ISO 9652. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications
do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this part of ISO 9652 are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 2591-1, Test sieving — Part 1: Methods using test sieves of woven wire cloth and perforated metal plate.
ISO 4287, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) — Surface texture: Profile method — Terms, definitions and
surface texture parameters.
ISO 6507-1, Metallic materials — Vickers hardness test — Part 1: Test method.
ISO 9652-5, Masonry — Vocabulary.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this part of ISO 9652, the terms and definitions given in ISO 9652-5 apply.
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
4 Sampling
The method of sampling and the number of specimens shall be stated in the test report and shall be chosen so that
the sample is representative of the batch to be tested. If the testing laboratory does not carry out the sampling, this
shall be stated in the test report.
5 Determination of compressive strength of masonry units
5.1 General
The load at which a masonry unit fails in a compression test machine divided by the loaded area is defined as the
crushing strength of that single unit. The compressive strength is defined as the arithmetical mean of the crushing
strengths of a sample. The standard reference test requires a sample of 10 specimens, but provision is made for a
smaller sample of 6 to be used when the coefficient of variation is known to be low. It is the best guide to the
strength of the consignment from which the sample was taken and may be used in conjunction with information
about the composition of the mortar used in construction to estimate the strength of the resulting masonry wall.
The test procedure uses a standard method of preparation to ensure that the surfaces are essentially plane and
parallel so that the load is evenly distributed over the tested area. Specimens are tested wet but factors are
provided to enable the results to be modified to give an approximate value for an air-dried specimen and to
transform the result by means of a shape factor correction to bring different sized units to assumed equivalence.
In the test report there is provision for "Remarks" under which exceptional features (e.g. badly cracked, chipped or
misshapen specimens) should be recorded.
5.2 Sample size
Sampling shall be carried out in accordance with clause 4. The number of specimens shall be at least 10. If the
coefficient of variation is known to be not greater than 15 %, the number of specimens may be reduced to 6.
5.3 Preparation of specimens
5.3.1 Test specimens
Use test specimens sampled in accordance with clause 4. Concrete masonry units other than autoclaved ones
shall be stored for the required number of days before testing. This shall be recorded in the test report (see 5.7).
For certain forms of construction, it will be necessary to test the units in more than one orientation.
Units used in the normal manner are understood to be laid with their bed faces horizontal, as shown in Figure 1.
5.3.2 Dimensions of units
5.3.2.1 General
In order to meet the requirements of d) and e) of the test report (see 5.7), make a sketch and description of the unit
using the following procedures (see Figure 2).
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
a) Group I Units which are solid or withuuuu 25 % by volume of formed vertical holes that may or may not
pass right through the unit, or units withuuuu 25 % by volume of frogs in the bed faces
b) Group II Units with���� 25 % and ���� 60 % by volume of formed vertical holes
which may or may not pass through the units
c) Group III Units with���� 50 % by volume of formed horizontal holes,
which may or may not pass through the units
Figure 1 — Units in normal aspect
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
l = length
t=width
Figure 2 — Example of dimensions
5.3.2.2 Gross area of the loaded surface
This subclause applies to all types of masonry unit, including those to be used with a divided joint (face-shell
bedded), that is, the gap between the twin strips of mortar is included in the overall area (see 5.5.1).
Make three measurements of the dimensions of the gross plan area to the nearest 1 mm at the top, middle and
bottom of the unit. Multiply the means of these three measurements of length and width together to calculate the
gross area.
5.3.2.3 Determination of the proportion and size of voids
Measure the dimensions of the voids directly if they are large enough. Calculate and record the total cross-
sectional area of voids and express it as a percentage of the gross area. Otherwise proceed as follows.
a) Make three measurements of the height of the unit to the nearest 1 mm at the middle and two ends. Use the
3
mean to multiply by the gross area to obtain the gross volume that is recorded to the nearest 1 000 mm .
b) Place the unit on a thin sheet of foam rubber with the holes in a vertical position. Using a measuring cylinder
3
filled with fine dry sand, fill the holes and record the volume of sand used, to the nearest 1 000 mm .
c) Express the volume of sand as a percentage of the gross unit volume.
5.3.2.4 Net area
If the voids were measured directly, subtract the cross-sectional area of voids from the gross area to obtain the net
area. To find the average net area of units with voids too small to be measured directly, subtract the volume of the
voids from the gross volume and divide by the mean height.
5.3.3 Bed face preparation
5.3.3.1 General
Prepare each specimen so that the bed faces are plane to a tolerance of 0,1 mm per 100 mm of gauge length and
the top surface lies between two parallel planes not greater than 1 mm apart in 500 mm and parallel to the bottom
surface. If the unit already meets these requirements, then test it directly. Otherwise use grinding or, as an
alternative, capping with mortar as described in 5.3.3.2. Fill frogs and allow the mortar to cure before grinding.
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
5.3.3.2 Capping procedure
5.3.3.2.1 General
Immerse the specimens in water for 18 h and then allow them to drain for approximately 10 min. Wipe off the
surplus water.
Use a capping mortar consisting of one part by volume of clean, well-graded sand with a maximum grain size of
2 mm, mixed with one part by volume of cement. The compressive strength of the mortar at the time of the test,
2
determined as described in clause 6, shall be not less than 30 N/mm .
Treat each of the two bed faces in turn as described below, using mortar of the same composition made with the
same constituents
5.3.3.2.2 Units without holes or with holes unfilled
NOTE Ground plate glass or machined steel plates are the most suitable materials. The flatness tolerance can be checked
by measuring deviations from straightness along a line parallel to, and close to, each specimen edge; along each diagonal and
along each centreline, using a straight edge raised by pads of equal thickness at each end of the specimen and an appropriate
gauge at the centre. The deviation from flatness may be obtained be relating the deviations from straightness at the centre point
of the plate and at other points where the lines described intersect.
5.3.3.2.2.1 Bed each specimen in the mortar on a smooth rigid plate, at least 25 mm longer and wider than the
specimen, and plane to within 0,05 mm, using the following procedure.
a) Support the plate firmly with the machined face uppermost and level it in two directions at right angles, using a
spirit level. Coat the plate with a film of mould-release oil or a sheet of thin paper to prevent mortar adhering.
b) Spread a uniform layer of mortar about 5 mm thick on the plate. Press one bed face of the specimen firmly into
it. Check that the vertical axis of the specimen is perpendicular to the plane of the plate using a square or
vertical level to check each vertical face. When bedding hollow blocks, it will be found an advantage to shape
the mortar layer so that it is a little thicker in the middle than at the edges so that air is not trapped under the
block when it is pressed into the mortar.
c) Ensure the mortar bed is at least 3 mm thick over the whole area and that any cavity normally filled when the
units are laid in the wall is completely filled with mortar. Do not fill other cavities.
d) Trim off surplus mortar flush with the sides of the specimen. Cover it with a cloth, kept damp. Allow the bedded
specimen to remain undisturbed for at least 16 h and then carefully remove it from the plate without damaging
the mortar.
e) Examine the mortar bed for defects such as lack of compaction, cracking and lack of adhesion to the
specimen. Replace such defective specimens.
5.3.3.2.2.2 Bed the second bed face using the same process.
5.3.3.2.3 Units with frogs intended to be filled
Treat each of the two bed faces in turn as described below.
a) Fill the frog with capping mortar and strike off level.
b) At the time that the top frog is filled, bed the base of the unit in a similar mortar mix as described in 5.3.3.2.1.
For bricks with two frogs, fill the lower frog before inverting the brick onto the mortar bed. Store under damp
sacking, polyethylene or similar material until the mortar has hardened.
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
5.3.3.2.4 Units to be face-shell bedded
5.3.3.2.4.1 Bed each specimen in the mortar on a smooth rigid plate (see Note in 5.3.3.2.4.2) at least 25 mm
longer and wider than the specimen, and plane to within 0,05 mm, using the following procedure.
a) Support and coat the plate as described in 5.3.3.2.2.
b) Lay two parallel strips of mortar about 5 mm thick on the plate such that each strip is about 25 mm longer than
the length of the unit and about 10 mm wider than the face shell.
c) Press one bed face of the unit into the mortar such that the thickness of the mortar over the face-shells is at
least 3 mm. Check that the vertical axis of the specimen is perpendicular to the plane of the plate using a
square or vertical level to check each vertical face.
d) Trim off any surplus mortar and store the specimen in accordance with 5.3.3.2.2.
e) Examine in accordance with 5.3.3.2.2.
5.3.3.2.4.2 Bed the second face using the same process.
NOTE The distance between the strips should be approximately equal to the distances between the face-shelIs less
10 mm.
5.3.3.3 Storage of specimens
After the second capping layer has hardened sufficiently (3 to 7 days), immerse the specimens in water or cure
them under sacks kept damp throughout the curing period or in a conditioning chamber at greater than 90 %
relative humidity.
5.3.4 Conditioning of specimens before testing
Immerse the specimens in water for at least 24 h. Remove and allow to drain without drying out before testing
(normally about 15 min).
5.4 Apparatus
Test the specimens in an appropriate machine regularly calibrated to ensure that it complies with the requirements
given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Requirements for testing machines (for masonry units)
Maximum permissible Maximum permissible mean error Maximum permissible error of
repeatability of forces as a of forces as a percentage of zero force as percentage of
percentage of indicated force indicated force maximum force of range
1,0
� 1,0 � 0,2
The testing machine shall have adequate capacity to crush all the test specimens, but the scale used shall be such
that the ultimate load on the specimen exceeds one-fifth of the full-scale reading.
The machine shall be provided with a load pacer or equivalent means to enable the load to be applied at the rate
givenin5.5.2.
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
The testing machine shall be equipped with two steel bearing platens of adequate stiffness (see Note). The testing
faces, where case-hardened, shall have a Vickers hardness of at least HV 600 when tested in accordance with
ISO 6507-1. When the platens are through-hardened, the steel shall have a tensile strength of not less than
2
1 000 N/mm .
NOTE Grade 36 CrNiMo6 as specified in ISO 683-1 is known to be suitable.
Both the stiffness of the platens and the manner of load transfer shall be such that the deformation of the platen
surface at ultimate load shall be less than 0,1 mm measured over 250 mm, assuming a uniformly distributed load.
One platen of the machine shall be able to align freely with the specimen as contact is made but the platens shall
be restrained by friction or other means from tilting with respect to one another during loading. The other
compression platen shall be a plane non-tilting block. The bearing faces of both platens shall be larger than the
size of the loaded face of the largest unit to be tested. Where auxiliary platens are used, they shall be properly
located and of sufficient hardness, stiffness and planeness to ensure uniformity of load. The bearing surfaces of the
platens shall not depart from a plane by more than 0,05 mm.
To meet this requirement, the platens, when new, should be somewhat more accurate and should be refaced when
they approach this limit.
The surface texture shall not be greater than Ra 3,2 (see ISO 4287). Auxiliary platens shall meet these
requirements on both faces.
5.5 Test procedure
5.5.1 Placing specimens in the testing machine
Wipe the bearing surfaces of the testing machine clean and remove any loose grit from the bed faces of the
specimen. Align the specimen carefully with the centre of the ball-seated platen so that a uniform seating is
obtained. Do not use any packing material except for units intended to be face-shell bedded, which have been
prepared by grinding. Then use four stiff steel strips, the same width as the face-shells and 50 mm longer,
positioned two at the top and two at the bottom, overlapping equally at each end.
5.5.2 Loading
Apply load to the specimen without shock and increase it continuously. Initially, use any convenient rate of loading,
but when about half the expected maximum load has been applied, adjust the rate so that loading will be
completed in a further time of between 0,5 min and 2 min. Record the maximum load.
NOTE With some specimens the recorded load may fluctuate before maximum load is reached. This will be indicated by a
reduction in load as the specimen yields, followed by an increase to a new maximum as loading is continued. This temporary
reduction may occur several times before the specimen finally fails.
5.6 Calculation of results
Calculate the crushing strength of each specimen by dividing the failure load by its gross loaded area (see 5.3.2)
2
and express it to the nearest 0,1 N/mm .
2
Calculate the average value and record it as the compressive strength of the units, to the nearest 0,1 N/mm .
Calculate the standard deviation of the sample and the coefficient of variation.
5.7 Test report
The test report shall contain the following information:
a) the number and date of this part of ISO 9652;
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ISO 9652-4:2000(E)
b) the date of production of the unit in the case of concrete units other than autoclaved concrete units, including
aerated;
c) the date of testing;
d) a description of the masonry unit, including the type, dimensions, cross section, proportion of voids, minimum
thickness of solid material in the webs and shells, pattern of voids and such other informati
...
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