1.1 This practice describes the preparation and testing of two types of mortar mixtures for comparing selected engineering properties in the fresh and hardened states. 1.2 This mortar procedures provide a means to determine the relative performance and potential incompatibility of various concrete materials. Performance tests include mortar-slump, mortar spread, Workability Index (a combined measure of mortar-slump and spread), mortar-workability retention, time of setting, air entrainment, and hydration kinetics. 1.3 Units-The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with this practice. Some values only have SI units because the inch-pound equivalents are not used in practice. 1.4 Warning-Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure. 1.5 This practice 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 practice to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

This practice is based on procedures originally developed by Grace Construction Products for use in the laboratory to predict the effects of chemical admixtures and different cements on concrete properties using mortar mixtures. It is similar to procedures developed and found to be useful by other materials suppliers and could also be used by quality control personnel and others.

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The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.