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: C109/C109M − 23

Standard Test Method for

Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using
50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C109/C109M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers determination of the compres- 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
sive strength of hydraulic cement mortars, using 50 mm [2 in.] C91/C91M Specification for Masonry Cement
cube specimens. C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic
Cement
NOTE 1—Test Method C349 provides an alternative procedure for this
determination (not to be used for acceptance tests). C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C230/C230M Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests
1.2 This test method covers the application of the test using of Hydraulic Cement
either SI or inch-pound units. The values stated in either SI C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement
units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in
iTeh Standards
C349 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic-
brackets. The values stated in each system may not be exact Cement Mortars (Using Portions of Prisms Broken in
equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently Flexure)
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of the other. Combining values from the two systems may C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
result in nonconformance with the standard. Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the

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1.3 Values in SI units shall be obtained by measurement in Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
SI units or by appropriate conversion, using the Rules for C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
Conversion and Rounding given in IEEE/ASTM SI-10, of C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined
measurements made in other units. Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
1.4 This standard does not purport to address ASTM all C109/C109M-23
of the C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
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safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the for Test Methods for Construction Materials
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- C778 Specification for Standard Sand
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Concrete and Mortars
(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic C1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for
and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon Determining Mass and Volume for Use in Physical Testing
prolonged exposure.2) of Hydraulic Cements
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Cement
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the C1328/C1328M Specification for Plastic (Stucco) Cement
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- C1329/C1329M Specification for Mortar Cement
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Test-
ing Machines
2.2 IEEE/ASTM Standard:3
1
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 Standard for Use of the International
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C01 on Cement
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.27 on Strength.
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2023. Published February 2024. Originally
3
approved in 1934. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as C109/C109M – 21. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
DOI: 10.1520/C0109_C0109M-23. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
See the section on Safety, Manual of Cement Testing, Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Standards, Vol 04.01. 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

1
 C109/C109M − 23
3. Summary of Test Method prevent spreading or warping. The interior faces of the molds
3.1 The mortar used consists of 1 part cement and 2.75 parts shall be plane surfaces and shall conform to the tolerances of
of sand proportioned by mass. Portland, air-entraining Table 1.
portland, portland-limestone, or air-entraining portland- 5.3.1 Cube molds shall be checked for conformance to the
limestone cements are mixed at a specified water content. design and dimensional requirements of this test method at
Water content for other cements is that sufficient to obtain a least every 2 1⁄2 years.
flow of 110 6 5 in 25 drops of the flow table. The 50 mm 5.4 Mixer, Bowl, and Paddle, an electrically driven me-
[2 in.] test cubes are compacted by tamping in two layers. The chanical mixer of the type equipped with paddle and mixing
cubes are cured one day in the molds and stripped and bowl, as specified in Practice C305.
immersed in lime water until tested.
5.5 Flow Table and Flow Mold, conforming to the require-
4. Significance and Use ments of Specification C230/C230M.

4.1 This test method provides a means of determining the 5.6 Tamper, a nonabsorptive, nonabrasive, nonbrittle mate-
compressive strength of hydraulic cement and other mortars rial such as a rubber compound having a Shore A durometer
and results may be used to determine compliance with speci- hardness of 80 6 10 or seasoned oak wood rendered nonab-
fications. Further, this test method is referenced by numerous sorptive by immersion for 15 min in paraffin at approximately
other specifications and test methods. Caution must be exer- 200 °C [392 °F], shall have a cross section of 13 mm 6 1.6 mm
cised in using the results of this test method to predict the by 25 mm 61.6 mm [0.5 in. 6 0.06 in. by 1 in. 6 0.06 in.] and
strength of concretes. a length of 120 mm to 150 mm [5 in. to 6 in.]. The tamping
face shall be flat and at right angles to the length of the tamper.
5. Apparatus 5.6.1 Tampers shall be checked for conformance to the
design and dimensional requirements of this test method at
5.1 Weights and Weighing Devices, shall conform to the
least every six months.
requirements of Specification C1005. The weighing device
shall be evaluated for precision and accuracy at a total load of NOTE 2—Each day that the tamper is used a visual inspection should

iTeh Standards
2000 g. confirm that the end is flat and at a right angle to the long axis of the
tamper. Rounded or peeling tampers should not be allowed for use.
5.2 Glass Graduates, of suitable capacities (preferably large
5.7 Trowel, having a steel blade 100 mm to 150 mm [4 in. to
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enough to measure the mixing water in a single operation) to
deliver the indicated volume at 20 °C [68 ºF]. The permissible 6 in.] in length, with straight edges.
5.8 Moist Cabinet or Room, conforming to the require-
variation shall be 62 mL. These graduates shall be subdivided
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to at least 5 mL, except that the graduation lines may be
omitted for the lowest 10 mL for a 250 mL graduate and for the
ments of Specification C511.
5.9 Testing Machine, either the hydraulic or the screw type,
lowest 25 mL of a 500 mL graduate. The main graduation lines with sufficient opening between the upper bearing surface and
ASTM
shall be circles and shall be numbered. The least C109/C109M-23
graduations the lower bearing surface of the machine to permit the use of
shall extend at least one seventh of the way around, and
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intermediate graduations shall extend at least one fifth of the
verifying apparatus. The load applied to the test specimen shall
be indicated with an accuracy of 61.0 %. If the load applied by
way around. the compression machine is registered on a dial, the dial shall
5.3 Specimen Molds, for the 50 mm [2 in.] cube specimens be provided with a graduated scale that can be read to at least
shall be tight fitting. The molds shall have not more than three the nearest 0.1 % of the full scale load (Note 3). The dial shall
cube compartments and shall be separable into not more than be readable within 1 % of the indicated load at any given load
two parts. The parts of the molds when assembled shall be level within the loading range. In no case shall the loading
positively held together. The molds shall be made of hard metal range of a dial be considered to include loads below the value
not attacked by the cement mortar. For new molds the that is 100 times the smallest change of load that can be read
Rockwell hardness number of the metal shall be not less than on the scale. The scale shall be provided with a graduation line
55 HRB. The sides of the molds shall be sufficiently rigid to equal to zero and so numbered. The dial pointer shall be of

TABLE 1 Permissible Variations of Specimen Molds

50 mm Cube Molds 2 in. Cube Molds
Parameter
New In Use New In Use
Planeness of sides <0.025 mm <0.05 mm <0.001 in. <0.002 in.

Distance between opposite sides 50 mm ± 0.13 mm 50 mm ± 0.50 mm 2 in. ± 0.005 in. 2 in. ± 0.02 in.

Height of each compartment 50 mm + 0.25 mm to − 50 mm + 0.25 mm to − 2 in. + 0.01 in. to − 2 in. + 0.01 in. to −
0.13 mm 0.38 mm 0.005 in. 0.015 in.

Angle between adjacent facesA 90° ± 0.5° 90° ± 0.5° 90° ± 0.5° 90° ± 0.5°
A
Measured at points slightly removed from the intersection. Measured separately for each compartment between all the interior faces and the adjacent face and between
interior faces and top and bottom planes of the mold.

2
 C109/C109M − 23
sufficient length to reach the graduation marks; the width of the surfaces shall not depart from plane surfaces by more than
end of the pointer shall not exceed the clear distance between 0.013 mm [0.0005 in.] when the blocks are new and shall be
the smallest graduations. Each dial shall be equipped with a maintained within a permissible variation of 0.025 mm
zero adjustment that is easily accessible from the outside of the [0.001 in.].
dial case, and with a suitable device that at all times until reset, 5.9.3.1 Compression machine bearing blocks shall be
will indicate to within 1 % accuracy the maximum load applied checked for planeness in accordance with this test method at
to the specimen. least annually using a straightedge and feeler stock and shall be
5.9.1 If the testing machine load is indicated in digital form, refinished if found to be out of tolerance.
the numerical display must be large enough to be easily read. NOTE 4—The diagonal of a 50 mm [2 in.] cube is 70.7 mm [2.83 in.].
The numerical increment must be equal to or less than 0.10 %
of the full scale load of a given loading range. In no case shall 6. Materials
the verified loading range include loads less than the minimum 6.1 Graded Standard Sand:
numerical increment multiplied by 100. The accuracy of the 6.1.1 The sand (Note 5) used for making test specimens
indicated load must be within 1.0 % for any value displayed shall be natural silica sand conforming to the requirements for
within the verified loading range. Provision must be made for graded standard sand in Specification C778.
adjusting to indicate true zero at zero load. There shall be
NOTE 5—Segregation of Graded Sand—The graded standard sand
provided a maximum load indicator that at all times until reset should be handled in such a manner as to prevent segregation, since
will indicate within 1 % system accuracy the maximum load variations in the grading of the sand cause variations in the consistency of
applied to the specimen. the mortar. In emptying bins or sacks, care should be exercised to prevent
5.9.2 Compression machines shall be verified in accordance the formation of mounds of sand or craters in the sand, down the slopes
of which the coarser particles will roll. Bins should be of sufficient size to
with Practices E4 at least annually to determine if indicated permit these precautions. Devices for drawing the sand from bins by
loads, with and without the maximum load indicator (when so gravity should not be used.
equipped), are accurate to 61.0 %.
7. Temperature and Humidity
NOTE 3—As close as can be read is considered 0.5 mm [0.02 in.] along

iTeh Standards
the arc described by the end of the pointer. Also, one half of the scale 7.1 Temperature—The temperature of the air in the vicinity
interval is about as close as can reasonably be read when the spacing on
of the mixing slab, the dry materials, molds, base plates, and
the load indicating mechanism is between 1 mm [0.04 in.] and 1.6 mm
mixing bowl, shall be maintained between 23.0 °C 6 3.0 °C
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[0.06 in.]. When the spacing is between 1.6 mm [0.06 in.] and 3.2 mm
[73.5 °F 6 5.5 °F]. The temperature of the mixing water, moist
[0.13 in.], one third of the scale interval can be read with reasonable
closet or moist room, and water in the storage tank shall be set
certainty. When the spacing is 3.2 mm [0.13] or more, one fourth of the

Document
scale interval can be read with reasonable certainty.
5.9.3 The upper bearing assembly shall be a spherically Preview
at 23 °C 6 2 °C [73.5 °F 6 3.5 °F].
7.2 Humidity—The relative humidity of the laboratory shall
seated, hardened metal block firmly attached at the center of be not less than 50 %. The moist closet or moist room shall
the upper head of the machine. The center of the sphere shall conform to the requirements of Specification C511.
ASTM C109/C109M-23
coincide with the surface of the bearing face within a tolerance
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of 65 % of the radius of the sphere. Unless otherwise specified 8. Test Specimens
by the manufacturer, the spherical portion of the bearing block 8.1 Make two or three specimens from a batch of mortar for
and the seat that holds this portion shall be cleaned and each period of test or test age.
lubricated with a petroleum type oil such as motor oil at least
every six months. The block shall be closely held in its 9. Preparation of Specimen Molds
spherical seat, but shall be free to tilt in any direction. A
hardened metal bearing block shall be used beneath the 9.1 Apply a thin coating of release agent to the interior faces
specimen to minimize wear of the lower platen of the machine. of the mold and non-absorptive base plates. Apply oils and
To facilitate accurate centering of the test specimen in the greases using an impregnated cloth or other suitable means.
compression machine, one of the two surfaces of the bearing Wipe the mold faces and the base plate with a cloth as
blocks shall have a diameter or diagonal of between 70.7 mm necessary to remove any excess release agent and to achieve a
[2.83 in.] (see Note 4) and 73.7 mm [2.9 in.]. When the upper thin, even coating on the interior surfaces. When using an
block bearing surface meets this requirement, the lower block aerosol lubricant, spray the release agent directly onto the mold
bearing surface shall be greater than 70.7 mm [2.83 in.]. When faces and base plate from a distance of 150 mm to 200 mm
the lower block bearing surface meets this requirement, the [6 in. to 8 in.] to achieve complete coverage. After spraying,
diameter or diagonal of upper block bearing surface shall be wipe the surface with a cloth as necessary to remove any
between 70.7 mm and 79.4 mm [2.83 in. and 3.13 in.]. When excess aerosol lubricant. The residue coating should be just
the lower block is the only block with a diameter or diagonal sufficient to allow a distinct finger print to remain following
between 70.7 mm and 73.7 mm [2.83 in. and 2.9 in.], the lower light finger pressure (Note 6).
block shall be used to center the test specimen. In that case, the 9.2 Seal the surfaces where the halves of the mold join by
lower block shall be centered with respect to the upper bearing applying a coating of light cup grease such as petrolatum. The
block and held in position by suitable means. The bearing amount should be sufficient to extrude slightly when the two
block surfaces intended for contact with the specimen shall halves are tightened together. Remove any excess grease with
have a Rockwell harness number not less than 60 HRC. These a cloth.

3
 C109/C109M − 23
9.3 Seal molds to their base plates with a watertight sealant. 10.3.2 For portland, portland-limestone, air-entraining
Use microcrystalline wax or a mixture of three parts paraffin portland, or air-entraining portland-limestone cements, record
wax to five parts rosin by mass. Paraffin wax is permitted as a the flow.
sealant with molds that clamp to the base plate. Liquefy the 10.3.3 In the case of cements other than portland, portland-
wax by heating it to a temperature of between 110 °C and limestone, air-entraining portland, or air-entraining portland-
120 °C [230 °F and 248 °F]. Effect a watertight seal by limestone cements, make trial mortars with varying percent-
applying the liquefied sealant at the outside contact lines ages of water until the specified flow is obtained. Make each
between the mold and its base plate (Note 7). trial with fresh mortar. Record the water content used to
9.4 Optionally, a watertight sealant of petroleum jelly is achieve the specified flow as weight percent of cement.
permitted for clamped molds. Apply a small amount of 10.3.4 Immediately following completion of the flow test,
petroleum jelly to the entire surface of the face of the mold that return the mortar from the flow table to the mixing bowl.
will be contacting the base plate. Clamp the mold to the base Quickly scrape the bowl sides and transfer into the batch the
plate and wipe any excess sealant from the interior of the mold mortar that may have collected on the side of the bowl and then
and base plate. remix the entire batch 15 s at medium speed. Upon completion
NOTE 6—Because aerosol lubricants evaporate, molds should be of mixing, the mixing paddle shall be shaken to remove excess
checked for a sufficient coating of lubricant immediately prior to use. If an mortar into the mixing bowl.
extended period of time has elapsed since treatment, retreatment may be
10.3.5 When a duplicate batch is to be made immediately
necessary.
NOTE 7—Watertight Molds—The mixture of paraffin wax and rosin for additional specimens, the flow test may be omitted and the
specified for sealing the joints between molds and base plates may be mortar allowed to stand in the mixing bowl 90 s without
found difficult to remove when molds are being cleaned. Use of straight covering. During the last 15 s of this interval, quickly scrape
paraffin wax is permissible if a watertight joint is secured, but due to the the bowl sides and transfer into the batch the mortar that may
low strength of paraffin wax it should be used only when the mold is not
held to the base plate by the paraffin wax alone. When securing clamped
have collected on the side of the bowl. Then remix for 15 s at
molds with paraffin wax, an improved seal can be obtained by slightly medium speed.
warming the mold and base plate prior to applying the wax. Molds so
10.4 Molding Test Specimens:
treated should be allowed to return to room temperature before use.

10. Specimen Preparation Procedure

iTeh Standards 10.4.1 Complete the consolidation of the mortar in the
molds either by hand tamping or by a qualified alternative

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method. Alternative methods include but are not limited to the
10.1 Composition of Mortars: use of a vibrating table or mechanical devices.
10.1.1 Materials for the standard mortar shall be cement,
10.4.2 Hand Tamping—Start molding the specimens within
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graded standard sand, and water. The quantities of materials to
be mixed at one time in the batch of mortar for making six,
nine, and twelve test specimens shall be in accordance with
a total elapsed time of not more than 2 min and 30 s after
completion of the original mixing of the mortar batch. Place a
layer of mortar about 25 mm [1 in.] (approximately one half of
Table 2. Use specified water content for all portland, portland-
ASTMportland- the depth of the mold) in all of the cube compartments. Tamp
C109/C109M-23
limestone, air-entraining portland, or air-entraining
the mortar in each cube compartment 32 times in about 10 s in
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limestone cements. The amount of mixing water for other
four rounds, each round to be at right angles to the other and
cements shall be such as to produce a flow of 110 6 5 as
consisting of eight adjoining strokes over the surface of the
determined in accordance with 10.3.
specimen, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The tamping pressure shall be
N OTE 8—The water-to-portland-cement and water-to-portland- just sufficient to ensure uniform filling of the molds. The
limestone-cement ratio used in Table 2 is 0.485 by mass. For air- four rounds of tamping (32 strokes) of the mortar shall be
entraining cements, the water-to-portland-cement or water-to-portland-
limestone-cement ratio is 0.460 by mass. The sand-to-cement ratio is 2.75.
completed in one cube before going to the next. When the
tamping of the first layer in all of the cube compartments is
10.2 Preparation of Mortar: completed, fill the compartments with the remaining mortar
10.2.1 Mechanically mix in accordance with the procedure and then tamp as specified for the first layer. During tamping of
given in Practice C305. the second layer, bring in the mortar forced out onto the tops of
10.3 Determination of Flow: the molds after each round of tamping by means of the gloved
10.3.1 Determine flow in accordance with procedure given fingers and the tamper upon completion of each round and
in Test Method C1437. before starting the next round of tamping. On completion of the

TABLE 2 Standard Test Mortar Proportions

Number of Specimens
Material
6 9 12
Cement, g 500 740 1060
Sand, g 1375 2035 2915
Water, mL
Portland or portland-limestone cements 242 359 514
Air-entraining portland or air-entraining portland-limestone cements 230 340 488
Other cements (to flow of 110 ± 5) ... ... ...

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 C109/C109M − 23
10.4.4.1 In one day, prepare replicate six-cube or nine-cube
batches using one of the cements and cast a minimum of 36
cubes. Complete one round of tests on each cement on different
days. Store and test all specimens as prescribed in the sections
below. Test all cubes at the age of seven days.
10.4.4.2 Tabulate the compressive strength data and com-
plete the mathematical analyses as instructed in Annex A1.
10.4.5 Requalification of Alternate Compaction Method:
10.4.5.1 Requalification of the method shall be required if
any of the following occur:
(1) Evidence that the method may not be providing data in
accordance with the requirements of Table 3.
FIG. 1 Order of Tamping in Molding of Test Specimens (2) Results that differ from the reported final average of a
CCRL-PSP sample with a rating of 3 or less.
tamping, the tops of all cubes should extend slightly above the (3) Results that differ from the accepted value of a known
tops of the molds. Bring in the mortar that has been forced out reference sample with established strength values by more than
onto the tops of the molds with a trowel and smooth off the twice the multi-laboratory 1s% values of Table 3.
cubes by drawing the flat side of the trowel (with the leading Before starting the requalification procedure, evaluate all
edge slightly raised) once across the top of each cube at right aspects of cube fabrication and testing process to determine if
angles to the length of the mold. Then, for the purpose of the offending result is due to some systematic error or just an
leveling the mortar and making the mortar that protrudes above occasional random event.
the top of the mold of more uniform thickness, draw the flat 10.4.5.2 If the compaction equipment is replaced, signifi-
side of the trowel (with the leading edge slightly raised) lightly cantly modified, repaired, or has been recalibrated, requalify
once along the length of the mold. Cut off the mortar to a plane the equipment in accordance with 10.4.4.
surface flush with the top of the mold by drawing the straight

iTeh Standards
edge of the trowel (held nearly perpendicular to the mold) with NOTE 9—It is recommended that a large homogenous sample of cement
be prepared at the time of qualification for use as a secondary standard and
a sawing motion over the length of the mold. for method evaluation. Frequent testing of this sample will give early

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10.4.3 Alternative Methods—Any consolidation method warning of any changes in the performance of the apparatus.
may be used that meets the qualification requirements of this 10.5 Storage of Test Specimens—Immediately upon
section. The consolidation method consists of a specific
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completion of molding, place the test specimens in the moist
procedure, equipment and consolidation device, as selected and closet or moist room. Keep all test specimens, immediately
used in a consistent manner by a specific laboratory. The after molding, in the molds on the base plates in the moist
mortar batch size of the method may be modified to accom- closet or moist room from 20 h to 72 h with their upper
modate the apparatus, provided the proportions maintain the
same ratios as given in 10.1.1.
ASTM C109/C109M-23
surfaces exposed to the moist air but protected from dripping
water. If the specimens are removed from the molds before
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10.4.3.1 Separate qualifications are required for the follow- 24 h, keep them on the shelves of the moist closet or moist
ing classifications: room until they are 24-h old, and then immerse the specimens,
Class A, Non-air-entrained Cements—for use in concrete, except those for the 24-h test, in saturated lime water in storage
such as sold under Specifications C150/C150M, C595/C595M, tanks constructed of noncorroding materials. Keep the storage
and C1157/C1157M. water clean by changing as required.
Class B, Air-entrained Cements—for use in concrete,
such as sold under Specifications C150/C150M, C595/C595M,
11. Determination of Compressive Strength
and C1157/C1157M.
Class C, Masonry, Mortar, and Stucco Cements—such as 11.1 Test the specimens immediately after their removal
sold under Specifications C91/C91M, C1328/C1328M, and from the moist closet in the case of 24-h specimens, and from
C1329/C1329M. storage water in the case of all other specimens. All test
10.4.3.2 An alternative method may only be used to test the specimens for a given test age shall be broken within the
cement types as given in 10.4.3.1 above, for which it has been permissible tolerance prescribed as follows:
qualified. Test Age Permissible Tolerance
24 h ±1⁄2 h
10.4.3.3 It can also be used for Strength Activity Index 3 day ±1 h
determinations for fly ash and Slag Activity Index determina- 7 day ±3 h
tion for slag cement, such as sold under Specifications C618 28 day ±12 h
and C989/C989M, provided the alternative method has quali- If more than one specimen at a time is removed from the
fied for both Class A and Class C cements. moist closet for the 24-h tests, keep these specimens covered
10.4.4 Qualification Procedure—Contact CCRL to purchase with a damp cloth until time of testing. If more than one
cement samples that have been used in the Proficiency Sample specimen at a time is removed from the storage water for
Program (PSP). Four samples (5 kg each) of the class to be testing, keep these specimens in water at a temperature of
qualified will be required to complete a single qualification (see 23 °C 6 2 °C [73.5 °F 6 3.5 °F] and of sufficient depth to
Note 9). completely immerse each specimen until time of testing.

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 C109/C109M − 23
TABLE 3 Precision
Acceptable
Coefficient
Test Age, Range of Test
of Variation,
days Results,
1s%A
d2s%A
Portland Cements
Constant water-cement ratio:
Single laboratory 1 3.1 8.7
3 3.9 10.9
7 3.9 10.9
28 3.8 10.6
Average ... 3.7 10.4

Multiple laboratories 1 7.3 20.4

3 6.8 19.0
7 6.6 18.5
28 6.5 18.2
Average ... 6.6 18.5
Blended Cements (Excluding Portland-limestone Cements)
Constant flow mortar:
Single laboratory 3 4.0 11.3
7 3.8 10.7
28 3.4 9.6
Average ... 3.8 10.7

Multiple laboratories 3 7.8 22.1

7 7.6 21.5
28 7.4 20.9
Average ... 7.6 21.5
Masonry Cements
Constant flow mortar:
Single laboratory 7 7.9 22.3
28 7.5 21.2

iTeh Standards
Average

Multiple laboratories
...

7
7.7

11.8
21.8

33.4

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A
Average
28
...
12.0
11.9
33.9
33.7
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s%) and (d2s%) limits as de-

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scribed in Practice C670.

11.2 Wipe each specimen to a surface-dry condition, and [200 lbf ⁄s to 400 lbf/s]. Obtain this designated rate of move-
ASTM C109/C109M-23
remove any loose sand grains or incrustations from the faces ment of the platen during the first half of the anticipated
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that will be in contact with the bearing blocks of the testing maximum load and make no adjustment in the rate of move-
machine. Check these faces by applying a straightedge (Note ment of the platen in the latter half of the loading especially
10). If there is appreciable curvature, grind the face or faces to while the cube is yielding before failure.
plane surfaces or discard the specimen.
NOTE 11—It is advisable to apply only a very light coating of a good
NOTE 10—Specimen Faces—Results much lower than the true strength quality, light mineral oil to the spherical seat of the upper platen.
will be obtained by loading faces of the cube specimen that are not truly
plane surfaces. Therefore, it is essential that specimen molds be kept 12. Calculation
scrupulously clean, as otherwise, large irregularities in the surfaces will
occur. Instruments for cleaning molds should always be softer than the 12.1 Record the total maximum load indicated by the testing
metal in the molds to prevent wear. In case grinding specimen faces is machine, and calculate the compressive strength as follows:
necessary, it can be accomplished best by rubbing the specimen on a sheet
of fine emery paper or cloth glued to a plane surface, using only a fm 5 P/A (1)
moderate pressure. Such grinding is tedious for more than a few
hundredths of a millimeter (thousandths of an inch); where more than this where:
is found necessary, it is recommended that the specimen be discarded. fm = compressive strength in MPa [psi],
11.3 Apply the load to specimen faces that were in contact P = total maximum load in N [lbf], and
with the true plane surfaces of the mold. Carefully place the A = area of loaded surface mm2 [in.2].
specimen in the testing machine below the center of the upper Either 50 mm [2 in.] cube specimens may be used for the
bearing block. Prior to the testing of each cube, it shall be determination of compressive strength, whether inch-pound or
ascertained that the spherically seated block is free to tilt. Use SI units are used. However, consistent units for load and area
no cushioning or bedding materials. Bring the spherically must be used to calculate strength in the units selected. If the
seated block into uniform contact with the surface of the cross-sectional area of a specimen varies more than 1.5 % from
specimen. Apply the load rate at a relative rate of movement the nominal, use the actual area for the calculation of the
between the upper and lower platens corresponding to a compressive strength. The compressive strength of all accept-
loading on the specimen with the range of 900 N ⁄s to 1800 N/s able test specimens (see Section 13) made from the same