This test method provides procedures for petrographic examination and chemical analysis of mortar for components of masonry mortar. These components may include portland cement, hydrated calcitic or dolomitic lime, masonry cement, aggregates, and air.

The test method consists of procedures and sub-procedures, each requiring a substantial degree of petrographic and chemical skills and relatively elaborate instrumentation.

The chemical data considered together with results of petrographic examination of a mortar provide for calculation of component proportions and thus allow a determination of mortar composition as represented by Types M, N, S, and O in Table 1 (Proportion Specification Requirements) of Specification C270.

Failure of a mortar to have the composition of any type as defined in Table 1 of Specification C270 does not necessarily mean that the mortar does not meet the requirements of Specification C270. The mortar may meet the alternative requirements of Table 2 (Property Specification Requirements) of Specification C270.

The maleic acid method of analysis is not applicable for the analysis of mortar because it is greatly influenced by carbonation and does not provide for the determination of calcium.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers procedures for petrographic examination and chemical analysis of samples of masonry mortars. Based upon such examination and analysis, proportions of components in masonry mortars can be determined.

Note 1—This method is also applicable to hydraulic cement-based stucco and plaster. Some historic mortars may contain non-resolvable constituents that may interfere. However, significant information may be obtained by petrographic examinations.

1.2 Interpretations and calculations of chemical results are dependent upon results of the petrographic examination. The use of the chemical results alone is contrary to the requirements of this test method.

1.3 Procedures for sampling, petrographic examination, chemical analysis, and calculations of component proportions are given in the following sections:

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement

C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

C144 Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar

C270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry

C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete

C457 Test Method for Microscopical Determination of Parameters of the Air-Void System in Hardened Concrete

C823 Practice for Examination and Sampling of Hardened Concrete in Constructions

C856 Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete

C1084 Test Method for Portland-Cement Content of Hardened Hydraulic-Cement Concrete

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

Keywords

chemical analysis; hardened mortar; masonry; petrographic examination; Chemical analysis; Hardened mortar; Masonry mortar and grout; Petrographic analysis

ICS Code

Citing ASTM Standards

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