ASTM C1614-05 (2010) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Masonry Prisms (ASTM C1614-05 (2010)). This test method covers procedures to determine the compressive strength of masonry prisms constructed of masonry units, mortar, and grout, using controlled laboratory loading methods to measure the axial load at failure. The standard specifies specimen preparation, alignment, loading rate, and calculation of prism compressive strength.

Abstract

ASTM C1614-05 (2010) describes a laboratory procedure for determining the compressive strength of masonry prisms. The method applies to prisms made with masonry units (clay, concrete, or stone), mortar, and optional grout and reinforcement, assembled to represent typical construction practice. It specifies the dimensions of prisms, curing, alignment, platen conditions, loading rate, data recording, and reporting to ensure consistent and reproducible compressive strength results for design, quality control, and research.

General information

• Status: Published standard (2010 reapproval/revision of 2005 designation)
• Publication date: 2010 (ASTM designation C1614-05 with 2010 reissue)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 91.100 (Building materials and structures); standards for masonry testing and construction
• Edition / version: C1614-05 (2010)
• Number of pages: Typically 8–12 pages (standard test method length varies by printing)

Scope

This test method covers the determination of the compressive strength of masonry prisms assembled from masonry units, mortar, and grout. It applies to prisms intended to represent masonry as constructed for design or quality control purposes. The method specifies prism dimensions (number of units high, unit alignment), curing and storage conditions, test machine and platen requirements, specimen alignment devices, loading rates, and calculation of mean compressive strength. It does not cover in-place masonry testing methods or procedures for nonstandard units unless specifically noted.

Key topics and requirements

• Preparation and curing of masonry prism specimens to represent field construction.
• Specification of prism dimensions and unit arrangement (e.g., number of wythes, head- and bed-joints orientation).
• Requirements for test machine capacity, platen alignment, and bearing blocks.
• Procedures for centering and aligning prisms to ensure uniform axial load application.
• Control of loading rate (usually specified as rate of increase in load or strain) to failure.
• Recording of maximum load and calculation of prism compressive strength (load divided by prism cross-sectional area).
• Reporting requirements including specimen description, materials used, curing, date of test, failure mode, and calculated strength values.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, masonry manufacturers, construction quality-control personnel, research organizations, and structural engineers to determine masonry compressive strength for design verification, product certification, acceptance testing, and research. Also used by inspection agencies and contractors to corroborate mix, mortar, and workmanship quality in controlled lab-built prisms.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards include methods for preparing masonry test specimens, unit and mortar material tests, and complementary ASTM standards such as tests for masonry unit compressive strength, mortar strength, grout, and reinforcement placement procedures. Standards for in-place testing and other masonry properties complement this method.

Keywords

masonry prism, compressive strength, ASTM C1614, masonry testing, prism preparation, mortar, grout, loading rate, platen alignment, quality control

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1614-05 (2010) is a standard test method that specifies how to determine the compressive strength of masonry prisms assembled from masonry units, mortar, and grout.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, curing, alignment, test machine and platen requirements, loading procedures, calculation of compressive strength, and reporting of results for laboratory-built masonry prisms.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, masonry product manufacturers, contractors, structural engineers, and quality-control/inspection organizations use it for design verification, product development, certification, and acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The version referenced is C1614-05 as reissued or reaffirmed in 2010. Users should check ASTM records for any later revisions or superseding editions to ensure they are using the current version.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ASTM standards related to masonry testing and materials, and is commonly used alongside standards for masonry units, mortar, grout, and in-place testing methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Compression, masonry prism, ASTM C1614, mortar, grout, prism preparation, platen, loading rate, compressive strength, masonry testing.