ASTM C1587/C1587M-21a PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C1587/C1587M-21a — Standard Practice for Preparation of Field Removed Manufactured Masonry Units and Masonry Specimens for Testing. This practice provides standardized procedures for preparing masonry units and specimens removed from existing construction so they can be tested in a laboratory for compressive and flexural bond strength and related evaluations.

Abstract

This short practice describes the recommended methods for removal of hardened mortar and accessory materials, cleaning, trimming, and otherwise preparing field‑extracted manufactured masonry units and masonry specimens for laboratory testing. It clarifies unit and specimen handling, dimensional considerations, and unit‑system (SI and inch‑pound) usage, and notes that results from field‑removed specimens may differ from those of new or laboratory‑constructed specimens.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: June 1, 2021
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 91.100.01 (Construction materials in general)
• Edition / version: C1587/C1587M-21a (amendment to C1587/C1587M-21)
• Number of pages: 3

Scope

The practice standardizes preparation of manufactured masonry units and masonry specimens extracted from the field for laboratory compressive and flexural bond strength testing. It covers removal of mortar and foreign materials, cleaning, selection and trimming of specimens, and interpretation considerations related to differences between in‑service specimens and new or laboratory‑constructed prisms. Values in SI and inch‑pound units are to be treated independently. The practice does not prescribe the test methods themselves nor address all safety considerations for specimen removal and handling.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized procedures for removal of hardened mortar, grout, reinforcement, and accessory materials from field‑extracted masonry units.
• Cleaning and preparation steps to produce specimens suitable for laboratory compressive and flexural bond strength testing.
• Dimensional and trimming guidance to obtain representative specimens while minimizing damage introduced by extraction or preparation.
• Designation that SI and inch‑pound units are independent and must not be mixed.
• Notes on expected variability: results from field‑removed specimens often differ (generally lower) from new or lab‑made units and require judgment in interpretation.
• Limitation statements: does not include the test procedures themselves and places responsibility for safety practices on the user.
• Applicability to brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), structural clay tile and similar manufactured masonry units intended for strength assessment.

Typical use and users

Used by structural and materials engineers, forensic investigators, testing laboratories, architects, building inspectors, and contractors involved in condition assessments of existing masonry. Typical applications include assessing in‑place masonry strength, investigating failures or deterioration, and providing prepared specimens for laboratory compressive or flexural bond tests.

Related standards

Predecessors and related documents include earlier editions of ASTM C1587/C1587M (for example -15 and -21), and other masonry testing standards such as methods for compressive strength and prism testing. This practice is commonly used alongside test standards that define the actual compressive and flexural bond strength procedures and with standards referenced in masonry evaluation protocols.

Keywords

bond wrench; brick; compressive strength testing; concrete masonry unit; flexural bond strength testing; grout; hardened mortar; manufactured masonry units; masonry prisms; masonry specimens; mortar; preparation of masonry for testing; structural clay tile

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1587/C1587M-21a is a short practice that gives recommended procedures for preparing masonry units and specimens removed from existing construction so they can be tested in the laboratory (primarily for compressive and flexural bond strength).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers removal of mortar and accessory materials, cleaning, trimming, specimen selection and handling, and guidance on unit systems (SI vs inch‑pound). It does not specify the test methods themselves or comprehensively address safety procedures for extraction.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Structural/materials engineers, forensic investigators, testing laboratories, architects, building officials, and contractors performing condition assessments or preparing specimens for masonry strength testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published June 1, 2021, C1587/C1587M-21a is the current amendment to the C1587 series. Users should confirm whether a newer revision or amendment has been issued before relying on the practice for critical projects.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of the ASTM C1587/C1587M series (successive revisions and amendments) and is usually applied together with ASTM test methods and other masonry standards that define specific laboratory test procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Keywords include bond wrench, brick, compressive strength testing, concrete masonry unit, flexural bond strength testing, grout, hardened mortar, masonry specimens, mortar, and structural clay tile.