ASTM C1532/C1532M-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C1532/C1532M-22 — Standard Practice for Selection, Removal, and Shipment of Manufactured Masonry Units and Masonry Specimens from Existing Construction. This practice provides guidance for selecting representative masonry units and masonry assemblage specimens from existing construction, removing them with minimal damage, preparing them for transport, and reporting the selection/removal/shipment procedures so test results can be properly interpreted.

Abstract

This standard practice describes procedures for locating and selecting individual masonry units or assemblage specimens (portions of existing masonry that may include units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, collars, and accessories), methods for removal from single- or multiple-wythe construction, handling and packaging for shipment to laboratories, and minimum reporting information. The practice highlights factors that can affect test results and emphasizes documentation of selection and removal procedures; it does not prescribe or interpret laboratory test methods for the removed specimens.

General information

• Status: Active / Current.
• Publication date: December 2022 (C1532/C1532M-22; issued in December 2022 — document listings show December 1, 2022 with an update recorded December 23, 2022).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.080.30 (Masonry).
• Edition / version: C1532/C1532M-22 (2022 revision).
• Number of pages: 4 pages.

Scope

Covering selection, removal, and shipment of masonry specimens taken from existing construction for laboratory or forensic testing, this practice applies to individual manufactured masonry units and assemblages removed from walls or similar masonry elements. It addresses specimen types, recommended removal techniques for walls and related assemblies, packaging and shipping considerations, required documentation and reporting, and limitations of the practice (for example, it does not address how to interpret laboratory test results or all site safety concerns).

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of specimen types: individual masonry units and assemblages (units plus mortar, grout, reinforcement, etc.).
• Selection criteria and procedures to obtain representative specimens from single- and multiple-wythe construction.
• Recommended removal methods to minimize alteration or damage to the specimen and surrounding construction.
• Handling, stabilization, packaging, and shipment practices to preserve specimen condition during transport.
• Required reporting elements: location, orientation, context of removal, dimensions, observed conditions, and chain-of-custody/handling notes.
• Statements of limitation: the practice does not provide laboratory test procedures, nor does it substitute for project-specific safety planning.
• Use of either SI or inch-pound units—each system to be used independently as stated in the practice.

Typical use and users

This practice is used by materials engineers, forensic and structural engineers, laboratory technicians, construction inspectors, historic preservation specialists, testing laboratories, and contractors involved in condition assessment, failure investigation, quality assurance, or research where in-place masonry must be sampled and tested. It is most commonly applied during forensic investigations, rehabilitation projects, and quality verification where field-removed specimens are sent to a laboratory for mechanical, chemical, or petrographic analysis.

Related standards

Standards commonly used with or referenced by C1532/C1532M include other ASTM masonry and testing documents such as C1314 (Test Method for Compressive Strength of Masonry Prisms), C1531 (In situ measurement of mortar joint shear strength index), C1587 (Practice for preparation of field-removed masonry units/specimens for testing), and C1601 (Field determination of water penetration of masonry wall surfaces). Project specifications and relevant laboratory test methods should be consulted in conjunction with this practice.

Keywords

masonry specimen, masonry assemblage, specimen removal, specimen selection, specimen shipment, masonry sampling, field removal, forensic masonry, masonry testing, C1532

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1532/C1532M-22 is a standard practice that gives guidance for selecting, removing, and shipping manufactured masonry units and masonry assemblage specimens taken from existing construction for testing and evaluation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection criteria, recommended removal techniques, handling and packaging for transport, and reporting requirements that document the context and condition of removed specimens. It does not provide laboratory test methods or interpret test results.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and forensic engineers, testing laboratories, contractors, construction inspectors, and preservation specialists who need to obtain representative masonry specimens from existing construction for laboratory analysis.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The C1532/C1532M-22 edition (2022) is the current published revision. It revises earlier editions (previous editions include versions from 2019–2021 and earlier).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM Committee C15 suite of masonry standards and is intended to be used alongside related masonry test methods and practices (e.g., C1314, C1531, C1587, C1601).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Masonry specimen, assemblage, removal, sampling, shipment, field removal, forensic testing.