ASTM C1403-15
Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars

Standard No.

ASTM C1403-15

Release Date

2015

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM C1403-22

Latest

ASTM C1403-22a

Scope

4.1 This test method provides a laboratory procedure for determining the relative water absorption properties over time of mortars used for masonry construction. Because the specimens are made under laboratory conditions and do not take into account the effect of the masonry substrate or field mixing procedures, this method is not intended for field use. Data generated from this test method may be useful for determining the relative effectiveness of water repellent admixtures or the effect of other admixtures or mortar components on the water repellency of a mortar. However, use caution in interpreting the results. While the resistance of masonry to water penetration may be related to the water absorption of the mortar, it also depends on other factors, such as the workmanship, extent of bond, and the properties of the masonry units and mortar.

Note 1: This test method is specified in Specification C1384 for demonstrating compliance of mortar admixtures classified as Water Repellent. In this compliance testing, the admixed mortar is compared to a reference mortar made with the same mortar materials except that it does not include the admixture. For quality control testing of water repellent preblended dry mortar mixes, the reference mortar is not typically available since the water repellent additive is added during the manufacturing process prior to bagging the final product. In these cases, the procedure in Annex A1 can be used to determine the relative resistance of the mortar to absorption by capillary uptake.

1.1 This test method covers a standardized laboratory procedure for determining the relative water absorption by capillary uptake (wicking) characteristics of masonry mortars. This test method is not applicable for determining the effectiveness of water repellent coatings.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.2.1 Inch-pound units are given in parentheses for temperature specification and are for information only.

1.3 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.

ASTM C1403-15 Referenced Document

• ASTM C109/C109M Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
• ASTM C1180 Standard Terminology of Mortar and Grout for Unit Masonry
• ASTM C1384 Standard Specification for Admixtures for Masonry Mortars
• ASTM C1437 Standard Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
• ASTM C270 Standard Specification for Mortar For Unit Masonry
• ASTM C305 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
• ASTM C511 Standard Specification for Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
• ASTM C778 Standard Specification for Standard Sand

ASTM C1403-15 history

• 2022 ASTM C1403-22a Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
• 2022 ASTM C1403-22 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
• 2015 ASTM C1403-15 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
• 2014 ASTM C1403-14 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
• 2013 ASTM C1403-13 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
• 2012 ASTM C1403-12 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
• 2006 ASTM C1403-06 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
• 2005 ASTM C1403-05 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
• 2000 ASTM C1403-00 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars