ASTM D3880/D3880M-90 (2017) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3880/D3880M-90 — Standard Test Method for Asbestos Strength Units. This test method provides a standardized procedure to evaluate the strength‑giving properties of chrysotile asbestos fibers used to reinforce asbestos‑cement products by assigning a numerical Strength Unit (SU) value to a sample. The document designation appears as ASTM D3880/D3880M-90(2009)e1 in ASTM records; the standard record was last updated July 17, 2017.

Abstract

This standard describes how to produce, test, and calculate the Strength Unit (SU) for asbestos fiber samples intended for asbestos‑cement applications. The method allows comparison among types and grades of chrysotile asbestos by measuring the reinforcing or strength value imparted to a standard asbestos‑cement specimen and expressing that result as strength units. The procedure includes specimen preparation, test conditions, calculation of SU, and safety warnings related to asbestos handling.

General information

• Status: Historically active standard record; ASTM listing shows the standard as maintained with a historical update on July 17, 2017.
• Publication date: Original designation year 1990 (indicated by the "-90" in the designation); reapproved/recorded in subsequent editorial actions (designation appears as D3880/D3880M-90(2009)e1); historical last updated July 17, 2017.
• Publisher: ASTM International (developed under Committee C17).
• ICS / categories: ICS 91.100.40 (Cement, concrete and related products).
• Edition / version: Published as ASTM D3880/D3880M-90 with record shown as D3880/D3880M-90(2009)e1 in ASTM catalog.
• Number of pages: 23 pages (ASTM product listing).

Scope

The standard provides a laboratory procedure to evaluate the strength‑imparting properties of asbestos fibers when used as reinforcement in asbestos‑cement products. It defines the basis for strength unit assignment (an asbestos fiber that gives the standard strength at the standard density when used as 10 % of the furnish is defined as having 100 strength units) and limits applicability primarily to chrysotile asbestos grades typically used in asbestos‑cement manufacture. The method notes limitations for very long or very short fiber grades and emphasizes that results are comparative and may not exactly match plant production values. Safety precautions for working with asbestos dust are explicitly included.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and calculation of Strength Units (SU) for asbestos fibers (basis: standard strength at standard density with 10% furnish).
• Specimen preparation and molding/pressing procedures appropriate for asbestos‑cement test specimens.
• Test execution and measurement procedures to determine comparative strength contribution of fiber samples.
• Conversion and independent use of SI and inch‑pound units (each system treated as standard independently).
• Limitations of applicability (primarily chrysotile asbestos; difficulties with very long or very short fiber grades).
• Health and safety warnings concerning asbestos dust and recommended precautions.

Typical use and users

This test method is typically used by asbestos‑cement product manufacturers, quality control and materials testing laboratories, researchers studying fiber reinforcement properties, and standards bodies or regulators referencing comparative material performance. It is used to compare different fiber types/grades and to assist in formulation or quality acceptance of asbestos‑cement blends.

Related standards

ASTM D3880/D3880M-90 was developed under ASTM Committee C17 (cement and concrete) and appears alongside other ASTM test methods and practices related to asbestos‑cement materials and fiber evaluation. Users commonly consult adjacent ASTM C and D series methods when specifying asbestos‑cement test programs or interpreting reinforcement performance.

Keywords

asbestos; chrysotile; strength units; SU; asbestos‑cement; reinforcing value; ASTM D3880; test method; specimen preparation; material characterization.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3880/D3880M-90 is a standardized test method for assigning Strength Units (SU) to asbestos fiber samples to quantify their reinforcing or strength‑imparting value in asbestos‑cement products.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, testing procedures, and the calculation used to determine a fiber sample's Strength Unit value. The procedure is intended primarily for chrysotile asbestos used in asbestos‑cement manufacture and includes safety warnings about asbestos dust.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of asbestos‑cement products, QC and materials testing laboratories, researchers, and standards or regulatory bodies involved with asbestos‑cement materials.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document carries the original year indicator "-90" (1990) and is shown in ASTM records as D3880/D3880M-90(2009)e1 with a historical update recorded July 17, 2017. For the definitive current status (active, withdrawn, or superseded) always check the latest ASTM catalog or contact ASTM International; the ASTM product listing shows the record and update history.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's D/C guidance for materials testing and was developed under Committee C17 (subcommittee activity noted in the ASTM record). It sits alongside other ASTM test methods relevant to cement, asbestos‑cement, and fiber evaluation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Asbestos, chrysotile, strength units (SU), asbestos‑cement, reinforcing value, specimen preparation, ASTM D3880.