This specification covers the production, properties, packaging, and testing of packaged, dry, combined materials for concrete and mortars. Concrete mixtures covered by this specification includes high-early strength concrete, normal strength concrete, normal weight concrete, high-strength mortar, and mortars for unit masonry. The purchaser shall specify the material desired as concrete, high strength mortar, or mortar for use with unit masonry, and the respective physical requirements. Materials used as ingredients in packaged, dry, combined materials for mortar and concrete shall be composed of aggregates, air-entraining admixtures, blended cement, chemical admixtures, fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag, hydrated lime, latex and powder polymer modifiers, masonry cement, mortar cement, Portland cement, and silica fume. All aggregates shall be dried, without disintegration, to specific moisture content The proportions of cementitious material and aggregate shall be such that the strength requirements will be met. Packaged, dry, combined materials for concrete, high strength mortar and mortar for use with unit masonry shall conform to the respective compressive strength requirements. Scales conforming to the standards will be used for sampling concretes from a single batch using a sufficient quantity. A slump test will be performed to check if additional water is required. In sampling mortar, the contents of an entire package of dry, combined material for mortar for unit masonry or for concrete mortar shall be used. Mortar mixing equipment, which must be provided with a bowl positioning adapter, shall be used to ensure clearance for the largest size aggregate in the mix being tested. The specification includes the following testing methods for mortar: compressive strength, density and yield, air content, and water retention.

1.1 This specification covers the production, properties, packaging, and testing of packaged, dry, combined materials for concrete and mortars. The types of concrete and mortar covered are described in the following paragraphs in this section. Some of the mixtures covered by this specification may not be available in some areas.

1.1.1 High-Early Strength ConcreteFor concrete building and repair jobs requiring a more rapid strength development such as required for the earlier removal of forms.

1.1.2 Normal Strength ConcreteNormal Weight ConcreteFor general concrete building and repair jobs where thicknesses exceed 50 mm [2 in.]. Typical uses include building or repairing sidewalks, patios, steps, footings, and for setting posts.

For concrete building and repair jobs where lower concrete weights are desirable. These mixtures will produce concrete which is about 15 to 25 % lighter in weight than normal weight concrete.

For concrete building and repair jobs where the lightest concrete weight is desirable. These mixtures will produce concrete which is about 25 to 35 % lighter in weight than normal weight concrete.

1.1.3 High-Strength MortarFor general concrete work requiring thicknesses of less than 50 mm [2 in.] or where a high-strength grout mixture is required. Typical uses include topping, patching, and stuccoing. Often referred to as sand mix.

1.1.4 Mortars for Unit MasonryFor laying brick, block, and stone, and for masonry repairs. The following three types of masonry mortar are covered:

For general masonry work requiring normal mortar properties.

For use where a higher strength masonry mortar is required.

For use where the highest strength masonry mortar is required.

1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units shall be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion of this specification. 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.