4.1 Measurement of length change permits assessment of the potential for volumetric expansion or contraction of mortar or concrete due to various causes other than applied force or temperature change. This test method is particularly useful for comparative evaluation of this potential in different hydraulic-cement mortar or concrete mixtures.

4.2 This test method provides useful information for experimental purposes or for products that require testing under nonstandard mixing, placing, handling, or curing conditions, such as high product workability or different demolding times. Standard conditions are described in 5.4.1.

4.3 If conditions for mixing, curing, sampling, and storage other than specified in this test method are required, they shall be reported but are not to be considered as standard conditions of this test method. Nonstandard conditions and the reasons for departure from standard conditions shall be reported clearly and prominently with comparator values.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the length changes that are produced by causes other than externally applied forces and temperature changes in hardened hydraulic-cement mortar and concrete specimens made in the laboratory and exposed to controlled conditions of temperature and moisture.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. An exception is with regard to sieve sizes and nominal size of aggregate, in which the SI values are the standard as stated in Specification E11. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 The text of this standard refers notes and footnotes that provides explanatory material. These (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure. 2

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.