ASTM C140/C140M-24a PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C140/C140M-24a — Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units. This document (the 24a amendment to the 2024 edition) provides standardized procedures for sampling, measuring, and testing concrete masonry and related concrete units, including dimensional measurement, compressive strength, absorption, unit weight (density), moisture content, flexural load, and ballast weight; it also includes annexes and appendices for specific unit types and reporting forms.

Abstract

This standard compiles the commonly used laboratory test methods and reporting requirements for concrete masonry units and related concrete products. It presents general test procedures applicable to a broad range of unit types in the body of the standard and provides specific testing and reporting requirements for distinct product types in annexes (concrete masonry units, concrete brick, segmental retaining wall units, interlocking paving units, grid paving units, ballast units, dry‑cast blocks, and paving slabs). The standard treats SI and inch‑pound units as separate systems and includes worksheets and test‑report templates.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn/superseded (historical); superseded by ASTM C140/C140M‑25 (ASTM store lists the C140/C140M‑25 edition as active).
• Publication date: Implemented 15 December 2024 (designation C140/C140M‑24a).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 — Concrete and concrete products.
• Edition / version: C140/C140M‑24a (amendment “a” to the 2024 series).
• Number of pages: 35 pages.

Scope

The standard establishes test methods for sampling and laboratory testing of concrete masonry units and related units. It covers sampling procedures, measurement of dimensions, compressive‑strength testing, absorption and density determinations (unit weight), moisture‑content measurement, flexural load testing, and ballast‑weight methods. Annexes provide tailored procedures and reporting formats for specific unit types (for example, concrete masonry units, concrete and calcium silicate brick, segmental retaining wall units, interlocking paving units, grid paving units, manufactured ballast units, dry‑cast articulating blocks, and pedestal‑set paving slabs). The standard is intended for quality control, acceptance testing, and specification verification.

Key topics and requirements

• Sampling procedures for representative selection of units from production lots or shipments.
• Measurement of linear and geometric dimensions and tolerances (length, width, height, face shell, web area calculation).
• Compressive‑strength testing methods and reporting of results (including specimen preparation and load application procedures).
• Water absorption testing and calculation of percentage absorption by mass.
• Unit weight (density) and moisture‑content determination procedures.
• Flexural (modulus of rupture) testing for applicable unit types.
• Ballast weight and other product‑specific test procedures provided in annexes and appendices (Annexes A1–A8; Appendices X1–X3 provide worksheets and calculation aids).

Typical use and users

Typical users include testing and inspection laboratories, block and brick manufacturers, quality control/quality assurance personnel, construction material specifiers, structural and masonry engineers, product certification bodies, and procurement/specification writers who require standardized test results for acceptance, compliance, or product development. The standard is used for routine production testing, acceptance sampling, and verification of conformity to product specifications.

Related standards

This standard references or aligns with numerous product specifications and practices, including but not limited to ASTM C90, C129 (concrete masonry units); C55, C73, C1634 (concrete and calcium silicate brick); C1372 (segmental retaining wall units); C936/C936M (concrete interlocking paving units); C1319 (concrete grid paving units); C1884 (manufactured concrete ballast units); D6684 (dry‑cast articulating concrete block); C1782/C1782M and C1944/C1944M (concrete paving slabs); and Practice C1093 (laboratory evaluation). Users should consult those referenced standards for product‑specific requirements.

Keywords

concrete masonry units, concrete brick, sampling, compressive strength, absorption, unit weight, density, moisture content, flexural load, web area, dimensions, test methods, masonry testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C140/C140M‑24a is the amendment “a” edition (24a) of the ASTM test methods that specify procedures for sampling and laboratory testing of concrete masonry units and related concrete units.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling, dimensional measurement, compressive strength, absorption, unit weight (density), moisture content, flexural load, ballast weight, and associated reporting worksheets; additional annexes provide product‑specific test procedures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test laboratories, manufacturers, QA/QC staff, specifiers, engineers, and certification bodies use the standard for production testing, acceptance testing, and specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: C140/C140M‑24a is historical: it was implemented 15 December 2024 and subsequently withdrawn/superseded as the committee issued ASTM C140/C140M‑25 (the C140/C140M‑25 edition is listed as the active version). Users should reference the active C140/C140M‑25 for the latest requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — C140/C140M is a long‑running series of test methods with periodic revisions and amendments (historical versions include earlier -23, -22, -21, etc.); the “/C140M” notation indicates dual‑unit (inch‑pound and SI) provisions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include absorption, compressive strength, concrete masonry units, density, equivalent thickness, face shell, moisture content, web area, webs, web thickness, and related masonry testing terms.