AASHTO R115-231, "Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Grouts and Mortars of Plastic Consistency," is a key technical standard developed by the U.S. Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It specifically regulates the mechanical mixing process of hydraulic cement grouts and mortars. This standard, which was reclassified but not revised in 2023, remains fully consistent with ASTM C305-20 and reflects the level of standardization in the United States in the field of cement material testing.
The standard primarily applies to the preparation of hydraulic cement grouts and mortars in a laboratory environment, ensuring comparability and repeatability of test results between different laboratories. Through strict control of equipment specifications and operating procedures, the impact of human factors on test results is effectively reduced.
The standard sets strict technical requirements for mixing equipment to ensure the standardization and repeatability of the mixing process.
The mixer must use an electric mechanical agitator, which is a revolving gear system type and can provide planetary motion and rotational motion at the same time. The equipment must have at least two speeds, controlled by a certain mechanical method, and the use of a rheostat for speed regulation is prohibited.
| Speed gear | Blade speed (r/min) | Planetary motion speed (r/min) | Application stage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low speed | 140±5 | About 62 | Initial mixing stage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Medium speed | Standardized operation of the mixing procedureCement slurry mixing procedureThe cement slurry mixing procedure is divided into five key steps, each of which has strict time control:
Mortar mixing procedureThe mortar mixing procedure is more complicated and includes seven steps:
Environmental Control and Quality ManagementTemperature and Humidity Control RequirementsThe standard requires strict control of indoor temperature, humidity, and mixing water temperature in accordance with Section 4 of the M201 standard to ensure a consistent testing environment. Dry materials must remain within the room temperature range to avoid temperature differences that may affect material properties. Equipment Calibration and MaintenanceMechanical mixing devices must be inspected and verified for compliance at least every 2.5 years. Laboratories should establish a quality management system that complies with the R18 standard to ensure the reliability and accuracy of test results. Standard Implementation Recommendations and PrecautionsEquipment Selection RecommendationsWhen selecting mixing equipment, focus on speed accuracy, gap adjustment functionality, and material requirements. The mixing paddle and mixing bowl must be made of stainless steel to ensure corrosion resistance and long-term stability. Operational PrecautionsOperators should note: When using aggregate coarser than standard sand, it may be necessary to adjust the gap adjustment bracket to provide a wider gap than specified in the standard to avoid serious damage to the paddle and bowl. Scrapers should be made of semi-rigid rubber to ensure they can effectively remove debris without damaging the equipment. Quality Control Key PointsDuring implementation, complete equipment documentation should be established, recording all calibration and maintenance activities. Critical parameters such as speed and gap should be regularly verified to ensure consistent compliance with the standard. Laboratories should participate in proficiency testing activities to continuously improve their testing capabilities. Technological Evolution and Standard ValueThe predecessor of this standard, T162, was first published as a standard practice in 2023, reflecting the continuous development and improvement of cement testing technology. Through a unified mechanical mixing method, the consistency and comparability of test results between different laboratories have been significantly improved, providing a reliable technical basis for the quality control and performance evaluation of cement materials. The implementation of the standard not only standardizes laboratory operating procedures, but more importantly, establishes a traceable quality assurance system, providing solid technical support for the quality of engineering construction. With the continuous development of new materials and new technologies, this standard will continue to be updated to meet the needs of industry development. AASHTO R 115-2023 Referenced Document
AASHTO R 115-2023 history
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ASTM C305-06 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
ASTM C305-99e1 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
ASTM C305-99 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
ASTM C305-12 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
ASTM C305-11 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
ASTM C305-20 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars
ASTM C305-13 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
ASTM C305-14 Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
KS L 5109-2012 Testing method for mechanical mixing of hydraulic cement pastes and mortars of plastic consistency
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