NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.

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Designation: C 270 – 02

Standard Specification for

Mortar for Unit Masonry1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 270; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope * C 128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific

1.1 This specification covers mortars for use in the construc- Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregates3
tion of non-reinforced and reinforced unit masonry structures. C 144 Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar4
Four types of mortar are covered in each of two alternative C 150 Specification for Portland Cement2
specifications: (1) proportion specifications and (2) property C 188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement2
specifications. C 207 Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Pur-
1.2 The proportion or property specifications shall govern as poses2
specified. C 305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement
Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency2
NOTE 1—When the property specification is used to qualify masonry C 511 Specification for Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and
mortars, the testing laboratory performing the test metnods should be
Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic
accredited in accordance with Practice C 1093.
Cements and Concretes2

iTeh Standards
1.3 When neither proportion or property specifications are C 595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements2
specified, the proportion specifications shall govern, unless C 780 Test Method for Preconstruction and Construction
data are presented to and accepted by the specifier to show that
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Evaluation of Mortars for Plain and Reinforced Unit
mortar meets the requirements of the property specifications. Masonry4
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes C 979 Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored
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which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
Concrete3
C 1093 Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing
as requirements of the standard. Agencies for Unit Masonry4
1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the C 1157 Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement2
test methods section of this specification: This standard ASTM does C270-02
C 1324 Test Method for Examination and Analysis of Hard-
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not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, ened Masonry Mortar4
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this C 1329 Specification for Mortar Cement2
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices C 1489 Specification for Lime Putty2
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior E 514 Test Method for Water Penetration and Leakage
to use. Through Masonry4
2. Referenced Documents E 518 Test Methods for Flexural Bond Strength of Ma-
sonry4
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2.2 Masonry Industry Council:5
C 5 Specification for Quicklime for Structural Purposes2 Hot and Cold Weather Masonry Construction Manual, Janu-
C 91 Specification for Masonry Cement2 ary 1999
C 109 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic
Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Speci- 3. Specification Limitations
mens)2 3.1 Specification C 270 is not a specification to determine
C 110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, mortar strengths through field testing.
Hydrated Lime, and Limestone2 3.2 Laboratory testing of mortar to ensure compliance with
the property specification requirements of this specification
shall be performed in accordance with 5.3. The property
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C12 on
Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
3
mittee C12.03 on Specifications for Mortars. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
4
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 2002. Published October 2002. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.05.
5
published as C 270–51T. Last previous edition C 270–01a. Available from the Mason Contractors Association of America, 1910 South
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01. Highland Avenue, Suite 101, Lombard, IL 60148.

*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.

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C 270 – 02
specification of this standard applies to mortar mixed to a that are deleterious to mortar or any metal in the wall.
specific flow in the laboratory. 4.1.4 Admixtures—Admixtures such as coloring pigments,
3.3 The compressive strength values resulting from field air-entraining agents, accelerators, retarders, water-repellent
tested mortars do not represent the compressive strength of agents, antifreeze compounds, and other admixtures shall not
mortar as tested in the laboratory nor that of the mortar in the be added to mortar unless specified. Coloring pigments shall
wall. Physical properties of field sampled mortar shall not be conform to Specification C 979. Calcium chloride, when ex-
used to determine compliance to this specification and are not plicitly provided for in the contract documents, is permitted to
intended as criteria to determine the acceptance or rejection of be used as an accelerator in amounts not exceeding 2 % by
the mortar (see Section 8). weight of the portland cement content or 1 % by weight of the
masonry cement content, or both, of the mortar.
4. Materials
4.1 Materials used as ingredients in the mortar shall con- NOTE 2—If calcium chloride is allowed, it should be used with caution
form to the requirements specified in 4.1.1 to 4.1.4. as it may have a detrimental effect on metals and on some wall finishes.
4.1.1 Cementitious Materials—Cementitious materials shall
5. Requirements
conform to the following ASTM specifications:
4.1.1.1 Portland Cement—Types I, IA, II, IIA, III, or IIIA of 5.1 Unless otherwise stated, a cement/lime mortar, a mortar
Specification C 150. cement mortar, or a masonry cement mortar is permitted. A
4.1.1.2 Blended Hydraulic Cements—Types IS, IS-A, IP, mortar type of known higher strength shall not be indiscrimi-
IP-A, I(PM), I(PM)-A, I(SM), or I(SM)-A of Specification nately substituted where a mortar type of anticipated lower
C 595. strength is specified.
4.1.1.3 Hydraulic Cements—Types GU, HE, MS, HS, MH, 5.2 Proportion Specifications—Mortar conforming to the
and LH of Specification C 1157. proportion specifications shall consist of a mixture of cemen-
4.1.1.4 Slag Cement (for Use in Property Specifications titious material, aggregate, and water, all conforming to the
Only)—Types S or SA of Specification C 595. requirements of Section 4 and the proportion specifications’

iTeh Standards
4.1.1.5 Masonry Cement—See Specification C 91. requirements of Table 1. See Appendix X1 or Appendix X3 for
4.1.1.6 Mortar Cement—See Specification C 1329. a guide for selecting masonry mortars.
4.1.1.7 Quicklime—See Specification C 5. 5.3 Property Specifications—Mortar conformance to the
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4.1.1.8 Hydrated Lime—Specification C 207, Types S or
SA. Types N or NA limes are permitted if shown by test or
property specifications shall be established by tests of labora-
tory prepared mortar in accordance with Section 6 and 7.2. The

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performance record to be not detrimental to the soundness of
the mortar.
laboratory prepared mortar shall consist of a mixture of
cementitious material, aggregate, and water, all conforming to
4.1.1.9 Lime Putty—See Specification C 1489. the requirements of Section 4 and the properties of the
4.1.2 Aggregates—See Specification C 144. laboratory prepared mortar shall conform to the requirements
4.1.3 Water—Water shall be clean and free of amounts ASTM of ofC270-02
Table 2. See Appendix X1 for a guide for selecting masonry
oils, acids, https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/6931dd0f-35b9-40f5-a7b2-1c2957ab989f/astm-c270-02
alkalies, salts, organic materials, or other substances mortars.
TABLE 1 Proportion Specification Requirements
NOTE—Two air-entraining materials shall not be combined in mortar.
Proportions by Volume (Cementitious Materials)
Mortar Type Portland Aggregate Ratio
Cement or Hydrated Lime (Measured in
Mortar Cement Masonry Cement
Blended or Lime Putty Damp, Loose Con-
Cement ditions)
M S N M S N
Cement-Lime M 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... 1⁄4

S 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... over 1⁄4 to 1⁄2

N 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... over 1⁄2 to 11⁄4
O 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... over 11⁄4 to 21⁄2

Mortar Cement M 1 ... ... 1 ... ... ... ... Not less than 21⁄4
M ... 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... and not more than
S 1⁄2 ... ... 1 ... ... ... ... 3 times the sum of
the separate vol-
S ... ... 1 ... ... ... ... ... umes of cementi-
N ... ... ... 1 ... ... ... ... tious materials
O ... ... ... 1 ... ... ... ...

Masonry Cement M 1 ... ... ... ... ... 1 ...

M ... ... ... ... 1 ... ... ...
S 1⁄2 ... ... ... ... ... 1 ...
S ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... ...
N ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 ...
O ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 ...

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C 270 – 02
TABLE 2 Property Specification RequirementsA
Mortar Type Average Compressive Water Retention, min, % Air Content, max, %B Aggregate Ratio (Measured
Strength at 28 days, min, in Damp, Loose
psi (MPa) Conditions)
Cement-Lime M 2500 (17.2) 75 12
S 1800 (12.4) 75 12
N 750 (5.2) 75 14C
O 350 (2.4) 75 14C

Mortar Cement M 2500 (17.2) 75 12 Not less than 2 1⁄4 and not
S 1800 (12.4) 75 12 more than 3 1⁄2 the sum of
N 750 (5.2) 75 14C the separate volumes of
O 350 (2.4) 75 14C cementitious materials

Masonry Cement M 2500 (17.2) 75 18

S 1800 (12.4) 75 18
N 750 (5.2) 75 20D
O 350 (2.4) 75 20D
A
Laboratory prepared mortar only (see Note 4).
B
See Note 5.
C
When structural reinforcement is incorporated in cement-lime or mortar cement mortar, the maximum air content shall be 12 %.
D
When structural reinforcement is incorporated in masonry cement mortar, the maximum air content shall be 18 %.

5.3.1 No change shall be made in the laboratory established weights, use the following material bulk densities:
proportions for mortar accepted under the property specifica- Material Bulk Density
tions, except for the quantity of mixing water. Materials with Portland Cement 94 pcf (1505 kg/m3)
Blended Cement Obtain from bag or supplier
different physical characteristics shall not be utilized in the Masonry Cement Obtain from bag or supplier
mortar used in the work unless compliance with the require- Mortar Cement Obtain from bag or supplier
ments of the property specifications is reestablished. Lime Putty 80 pcf (1280 kg/m3)

iTeh Standards
NOTE 3—The physical properties of plastic and hardened mortar
complying with the proportion specification (5.1) may differ from the
Hydrated Lime
Sand
40 pcf (640 kg/m3)
80 pcf (1280 kg/m3)

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physical properties of mortar of the same type complying with the
property specification (5.3). For example, laboratory prepared mortars
NOTE 7—All quicklime should be slaked in accordance with the
manufacturer’s
lime putty,
directions. All quicklime putty, except pulverized quick-
should be sieved through a No. 20 (850 µm) sieve and allowed

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batched to the proportions listed in Table 1 will, in many cases,
considerably exceed the compressive strength requirements of Table 2. to cool until it has reached a temperature of 80°F (26.7°C). Quicklime
NOTE 4—The required properties of the mortar in Table 2 are for putty should weigh at least 80 pcf (1280 kg/m3). Putty that weighs less
laboratory prepared mortar mixed with a quantity of water to produce a than this may be used in the proportion specifications, if the required
flow of 110 6 5 %. This quantity of water is not sufficient to produce a quantity of extra putty is added to meet the minimum weight requirement.
mortar with a workable consistency suitable for laying masonry units ASTM in C270-02
NOTE 8—The sand is oven-dried for laboratory testing to reduce the
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the field. Mortar for use in the field must be mixed with the maximum potential of variability due to sand moisture content and to permit better
amount of water, consistent with workability, in order to provide sufficient accounting of the materials used for purposes of air content calculations.
water to satisfy the initial rate of absorption (suction) of the masonry units. It is not necessary for the purposes of this specification to measure the unit
The properties of laboratory prepared mortar at a flow of 110 6 5, as weight of the dry sand. Although the unit weight of dry sand will typically
required by this specification, are intended to approximate the flow and be 85–100 pcf (1360–1760 kg/m3), experience has shown that the use of
properties of field prepared mortar after it has been placed in use and the an assumed unit weight of 80 pcf (1280 kg/m3) for dry sand will result in
suction of the masonry units has been satisfied. The properties of field a laboratory mortar ratio of aggregate to cementitious material that is
prepared mortar mixed with the greater quantity of water, prior to being similar to that of the corresponding field mortar made using damp loose
placed in contact with the masonry units, will differ from the property sand. A weight of 80 lb (36 kg) of dry sand is, in most cases, equivalent
requirements in Table 2. Therefore, the property requirements in Table 2 to the sand weight in 1 ft3 (0.03 m3) of loose, damp sand.
cannot be used as requirements for quality control of field prepared
mortar. Test Method C 780 may be used for this purpose. 6.1.2 Oven dry and cool to room temperature all sand for
NOTE 5—Air content of non-air-entrained portland cement-lime mortar laboratory mixed mortars. Sand weight shall be 1440 g for each
is generally less than 8 %. individual batch of mortar prepared. Add water to obtain flow
of 110 6 5 %. A test batch provides sufficient mortar for
6. Laboratory Testing
completing the water retention test and fabricating three 2-in.
6.1 Proportions of Materials for Test Specimens— cubes for the compressive strength test.
Laboratory mixed mortar used for determining conformance to
6.2 Mixing of Mortars—Mix the mortar in accordance with
this property specification shall contain construction materials
Practice C 305.
in proportions indicated in project specifications. Measure
materials by weight for laboratory mixed batches. Convert 6.3 Water Retention—Determine water retention in accor-
proportions, by volume, to proportions, by weight, using a dance with Specification C 91, except that the laboratory-
batch factor calculated as follows: mixed mortar shall be of the materials and proportions to be
used in the construction.
Batch factor 5 1440/~80 times total sand volume proportion! (1)
6.4 Compressive Strength—Determine compressive
NOTE 6—See Appendix X4 for examples of material proportioning. strength in accordance with Test Method C 109. The mortar
6.1.1 When converting volume proportions to batch shall be composed of materials and proportions that are to be

3
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C 270 – 02
used in the construction with mixing water to produce a flow of 7. Construction Practices
110 6 5. 7.1 Storage of Materials—Cementitious materials and ag-
6.4.1 Specimen Storage—Keep mortar cubes for compres- gregates shall be stored in such a manner as to prevent
sive strength tests in the molds on plane plates in a moist room deterioration or intrusion of foreign material.
or a cabinet meeting the requirements of Specification C 511, 7.2 Measurement of Materials—The method of measuring
from 48 to 52 h in such a manner that the upper surfaces shall materials for the mortar used in construction shall be such that
be exposed to the moist air. Remove mortar specimens from the specified proportions of the mortar materials are controlled
the molds and place in a moist cabinet or moist room until and accurately maintained.
tested. 7.3 Mixing Mortars—All cementitious materials and aggre-
6.5 Air Content—Determine air content in accordance with gate shall be mixed between 3 and 5 min in a mechanical batch
Specification C 91 except that the laboratory mixed mortar is to mixer with the maximum amount of water to produce a
be of the materials and proportions to be used in the construc- workable consistency. Hand mixing of the mortar is permitted
tion. Calculate the air content to the nearest 0.1 % as follows: with the written approval of the specifier outlining hand mixing
procedures.
~ W 1 1 W 2 1 W 3 1 W 4 1 Vw !
D5 W W2 W3 W4
1 NOTE 9—These mixing water requirements differ from those in test
P 1 1 P2 1 P3 1 P4 1 V w methods in Section 6.
Wm 7.4 Tempering Mortars—Mortars that have stiffened shall
A 5 100 2 4D (2) be retempered by adding water as frequently as needed to
restore the required consistency. No mortars shall be used
where: beyond 21⁄2 h after mixing.
D = density of air-free mortar, g/cm3, 7.5 Climatic Conditions—Unless superseded by other con-
W1 = weight of portland cement, g,
tractual relationships or the requirements of local building
W2 = weight of hydrated lime, g,
W3 = weight of mortar cement or masonry cement, g, codes, hot and cold weather masonry construction relating to

iTeh Standards
W4 = weight of oven-dry sand, g, mortar shall comply with the Masonry Industry Council’s “Hot
Vw = millilitres of water used, and Cold Weather Masonry Construction Manual.”
P1 = density of portland cement, g/cm3,
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NOTE 10—Limitations—Mortar type should be correlated with the
P2 = density of hydrated lime, g/cm3, particular masonry unit to be used because certain mortars are more
3
P3 = density of mortar cement or masonry cement, g/cm , compatible with certain masonry units.
P4 = density of oven-dry sand, g/cm3,
A = volume of air, %, and
Wm = weight of 400 mL of mortar, g.
Document Preview The specifier should evaluate the interaction of the mortar type and
masonry unit specified, that is, masonry units having a high initial rate of
absorption will have greater compatibility with mortar of high-water
retentivity.
6.5.1 Determine the density of oven-dry sand, P4, in accor-
dance with Test Method C 128, except that an oven-dry ASTM8.C270-02
Quality Assurance
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specimen shall be evaluated rather than a saturated surface-dry 8.1 Test Method C 780 is acceptable for preconstruction and
specimen. If a pycnometer is used, calculate the oven-dry construction evaluation of mortars for plain and reinforced unit
density of sand as follows: masonry.
P4 5 X1 / ~Y 1 X1– Z! (3) 8.2 Compliance with Specification C 270 is obtained in the
field by verifying that the required proportions of the specified
where: materials are added to the mixer.
X1 = weight of oven-dry specimen (used in pycnometer) in 8.3 Tests of Hardened Mortars—Test Method C 1324 is
air, g, available for determination of the proportions of components in
Y = weight of pycnometer filled with water, g, and hardened masonry mortars. There is no ASTM method for
Z = weight of pycnometer with specimen and water to
determining the conformance or nonconformance of a mortar
calibration mark, g.
to the property specifications of Specification C 270 by tests on
6.5.1.1 If the Le Chantelier flask method is used, calculate hardened mortar samples taken from a structure.
the oven-dry density of sand as follows:
NOTE 11—The results of tests done using Test Method C 1324 can be
P4 5 X2 / @0.9975 ~R2 2 R1!# (4) compared with the Specification C 270 proportion requirements, however,
precision and bias have not been determined for this test method.
where: NOTE 12—Where necessary, testing of a wall or a masonry prism from
X2 = weight of oven-dry specimen (used in Le Chantelier the wall is generally more desirable than attempting to test individual
flask) in air, g, components.
R1 = initial reading of water level in Le Chantelier flask, NOTE 13—The cost of tests to show initial compliance are typically
and borne by the seller. The party initiating a change of materials typically
R2 = final reading of water in Le Chantelier flask. bear the cost for recompliance.
Unless otherwise specified, the cost of other tests are typically borne as
6.5.2 Determine the density of portland cement, mortar follows:
cement, and masonry cement in accordance with Test Method If the results of the tests show that the mortar does not conform to the
C 188. Determine the density of hydrated lime in accordance requirements of the specification, the costs are typically borne by the
with Test Methods C 110. seller.

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C 270 – 02
If the results of the tests show that the mortar does conform to the
requirements of the specification, the costs are typically borne by the
purchaser.

9. Keywords
9.1 air content; compressive strength; masonry; masonry
cement; mortar; portland cement-lime; water retention

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SELECTION AND USE OF MORTAR FOR UNIT MASONRY

X1.1 Scope—This appendix provides information to allow a include workability and water retentivity. Properties of hard-
more knowledgeable decision in the selection of mortar for a ened mortars that help determine the performance of the
specific use. finished masonry include bond, durability, elasticity, and com-
pressive strength.
X1.2 Significance and Use—Masonry mortar is a versatile X1.4.2 Many properties of mortar are not quantitatively
material capable of satisfying a variety of diverse require- definable in precise terms because of a lack of measurement
ments. The relatively small portion of mortar in masonry standards. For this and other reasons there are no mortar
significantly influences the total performance. There is no standards wholly based upon performance, thus the continued
single mortar mix that satisfies all situations. Only an under- use of the traditional prescription specification in most situa-
iTeh Standards
standing of mortar materials and their properties, singly and
collectively, will enable selection of a mortar that will perform
tions.
X1.4.3 It is recommended that Test Method C 780 and
satisfactorily for each specific endeavor.
X1.3 Function: (https://standards.iteh.ai) assemblage testing be considered with proper interpretation to
aid in determining the field suitability of a given masonry
mortar for an intended use.
masonry units into an assemblage which Document Preview
X1.3.1 The primary purpose of mortar in masonry is to bond
acts as an integral
X1.5 Plastic Mortars:
element having desired functional performance characteristics.
Mortar influences the structural properties of the assemblage X1.5.1 Workability—Workability is the most important
while adding to its water resistance. ASTM C270-02
property of plastic mortar. Workable mortar can be spread
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Because portland cement concretes and masonry easily with a trowel into the separations and crevices of the
mortars contain some of the same principal ingredients, it is masonry unit. Workable mortar also supports the weight of
often erroneously assumed that good concrete practice is also masonry units when placed and facilitates alignment. It adheres
good mortar practice. Realistically, mortars differ from con- to vertical masonry surfaces and readily extrudes from the
crete in working consistencies, in methods of placement and in mortar joints when the mason applies pressure to bring the unit
the curing environment. Masonry mortar is commonly used to into alignment. Workability is a combination of several prop-
bind masonry units into a single structural element, while erties, including plasticity, consistency, cohesion, and adhe-
concrete is usually a structural element in itself. sion, which have defied exact laboratory measurement. The
X1.3.3 A major distinction between the two materials is mason can best assess workability by observing the response of
illustrated by the manner in which they are handled during the mortar to the trowel.
construction. Concrete is usually placed in nonabsorbent metal X1.5.2 Workability is the result of a ball bearing affect of
or wooden forms or otherwise treated so that most of the water aggregate particles lubricated by the cementing paste. Al-
will be retained. Mortar is usually placed between absorbent though largely determined by aggregate grading, material
masonry units, and as soon as contact is made the mortar loses proportions and air content, the final adjustment to workability
water to the units. Compressive strength is a prime consider- depends on water content. This can be, and usually is, regulated
ation in concrete, but it is only one of several important factors on the mortar board near the working face of the masonry. The
in mortar. capacity of a masonry mortar to retain satisfactory workability
under the influence of masonry unit suction and evaporation
X1.4 Properties: rate depends on the water retentivity and setting characteristics
X1.4.1 Masonry mortars have two distinct, important sets of of the mortar. Good workability is essential for maximum bond
properties, those of plastic mortars and those of hardened with masonry units.
mortars. Plastic properties determine a mortar’s construction X1.5.3 Flow—Initial flow is a laboratory measured property
suitability, which in turn relate to the properties of the hardened of mortar that indicates the percent increase in diameter of the
mortar and, hence, of finished structural elements. Properties of base of a truncated cone of mortar when it is placed on a flow
plastic mortars that help determine their construction suitability table and mechanically raised 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) and dropped 25

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C 270 – 02
times in 15 s. Flow after suction is another laboratory property most common method for evaluating this property of mortar.
which is determined by the same test, but performed on a Test Methods E 518 consists of loading to failure a stack-bond,
mortar sample which has had some water removed by a mortar and unit masonry prism, tested as a simple beam. Test
specific applied vacuum. Water retentivity is the ratio of flow Methods E 518 replaced a crossed-brick couplet test. Research
after suction to initial flow, expressed in percent. on new test methods is currently underway. Presently the bend
X1.5.3.1 Construction mortar normally requires a greater wrench method of test is under scrutiny as an alternative to Test
flow value than laboratory mortar, and consequently possesses Methods E 518.
a greater water content. Mortar standards commonly require a X1.6.1.2 Extent of bond may be observed under the micro-
minimum water retention of 75 %, based on an initial flow of scope. Lack of extent of bond, where severe, may be measured
only 105 to 115 %. Construction mortars normally have initial indirectly by testing for relative movement of water through
flows, although infrequently measured, in the range of 130 to the masonry at the unit-mortar interface, such as prescribed in
150 % (50–60 mm by cone penetration, as outlined in the Test Method E 514. This laboratory test method consists of
annex of Test Method C 780) in order to produce a workability subjecting a sample wall to a through-the-wall pressure differ-
satisfactory to the mason. The lower initial flow requirements ential and applying water to the high pressure side. Time,
for laboratory mortars were arbitrarily set because the low flow location and rate of leakage must be observed and interpreted.
mortars more closely indicated the mortar compressive X1.6.1.3 The tensile and compressive strength of mortar far
strength in the masonry. This is because most masonry units exceeds the bond strength between the mortar and the masonry
will remove some water from the mortar once contact is made. unit. Mortar joints, therefore, are subject to bond failures at
While there may be some discernible relationship between lower tensile or shear stress levels. A lack of bond at the
bond and compressive strength of mortar, the relationship interface of mortar and masonry unit may lead to moisture
between mortar flow and tensile bond strength is apparent. For penetration through those areas. Complete and intimate contact
most mortars, and with minor exceptions for all but very low between mortar and masonry unit is essential for good bond.
suction masonry units, bond strength increases as flow in- This can best be achieved through use of mortar having proper
creases to where detectable bleeding begins. Bleeding is composition and good workability, and being properly placed.

surface. iTeh Standards

defined as migration of free water through the mortar to its X1.6.1.4 In general, the tensile bond strength of laboratory
mortars increase with an increase in cement content. Because
X1.5.4 Water Retentivity—Water retentivity is a measure of
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the ability of a mortar under suction to retain its mixing water.
This mortar property gives the mason time to place and adjust
of mortar workability, it has been found that Type S mortar
generally results with the maximum tensile bond strength that
can practically be achieved in the field.
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a masonry unit without the mortar stiffening. Water retentivity
is increased through higher lime or air content, addition of sand
X1.6.2 Extensibility and Plastic Flow—Extensibility is
maximum unit tensile strain at rupture. It reflects the maximum
fines within allowable gradation limits, or use of water retain-
elongation possible under tensile forces. Low strength mortars,
ing materials.
X1.5.5 Stiffening Characteristics—Hardening of plastic ASTM C270-02
which have lower moduli of elasticity, exhibit greater plastic
flow than their high moduli counterparts at equal paste to
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/6931dd0f-35b9-40f5-a7b2-1c2957ab989f/astm-c270-02
mortar relates to the setting characteristics of the mortar, as
aggregate ratios. For this reason, mortars with higher strength
indicated by resistance to deformation. Initial set as measured
than necessary should not be used. Plastic flow or creep will
in the laboratory for cementitious materials indicates extent of
impart flexibility to the masonry, permitting slight movement
hydration or setting characteristics of neat cement pastes. Too
without apparent joint opening.
rapid stiffening of the mortar before use is harmful. Mortar in
masonry stiffens through loss of water and hardens through X1.6.3 Compressive Strength—The compressive strength of
normal setting of cement. This transformation may be accel- mortar is sometimes used as a principal criterion for selecting
erated by heat or retarded by cold. A consistent rate of mortar type, since compressive strength is relatively easy to
stiffening assists the mason in tooling joints. measure, and it commonly relates to some other properties,
such as tensile strength and absorption of the mortar.
X1.6 Hardened Mortars: X1.6.3.1 The compressive strength of mortar depends
X1.6.1 Bond—Bond is probably the most important single largely upon the cement content and the water-cement ratio.
physical property of hardened mortar. It is also the most The accepted laboratory means for measuring compressive
inconstant and unpredictable. Bond actually has three facets; strength is to test 2 in. (50.8 mm) cubes of mortar. Because the
strength, extent and durability. Because many variables affect referenced test in this specification is relatively simple, and
bond, it is difficult to devise a single laboratory test for each of because it gives consistent, reproducible results, compressive
these categories that will consistently yield reproducible results strength is considered a basis for assessing the compatibility of
and which will approximate construction results. These vari- mortar ingredients. Field testing compressive strength of mor-
ables include air content and cohesiveness of mortar, elapsed tar is accomplished with Test Method C 780 using either 2 in.
time between spreading mortar and laying masonry unit, (50.8 mm) cubes or small cylindrical specimens of mortar.
suction of masonry unit, water retentivity of mortar, pressure X1.6.3.2 Perhaps because of the previously noted confusion
applied to masonry joint during placement and tooling, texture regarding mortar and concrete, the importance of compressive
of masonry unit’s bedded surfaces, and curing conditions. strength of mortar is overemphasized. Compressive strength
X1.6.1.1 The test method for flexural bond strength of should not be the sole criterion for mortar selection. Bond
masonry as prescribed in Test Methods E 518 is presently the strength is generally more important, as is good workability