ASTM C109/C109M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)

Standard No.: ASTM C109/C109M-23
Release Date: 2023
Published By: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) US / ASTM
Status: Be replaced
Replace By: ASTM C109/C109M-24
Latest: ASTM C109/C109M-24

Introduction

Standard Overview and Scope

ASTM C109/C109M-23 specifies a test method for the compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortar using 50 mm (2-inch) cube specimens. This method is applicable to various cement types, including Portland cement and blended cement, and is a benchmark test for quality control in construction projects.

Core Test Principle

Key Parameters	Standard Requirements	Technical Significance
Mortar Ratio	1 part cement: 2.75 parts standard sand (mass ratio)	Ensure material homogeneity, water-cement ratio 0.485 (non-air-entraining cement)
Specimen Size	50mm±0.13mm cube	Mold flatness tolerance ≤0.025mm (new mold)
Curating Conditions	24h wet curing + saturated lime water immersion	Control the hydration reaction environment temperature at 23±2℃

Requirements for key instruments and equipment

Compression testing machine must meet the following accuracy requirements:

Load indication error ≤1.0%
Ball seat hardness ≥60HRC
Loading rate 900-1800N/s

Flow tester should comply with ASTM C230/C230M specifications and be used to control the workability of mortar (fluidity 110±5).

Key Control Points of Test Process

Specimen Preparation: Ram down in two layers, 32 standard compactions per layer
Curation Management: Demolding time is 20-72 hours to avoid dripping on the specimen surface
Strength Test: 7-day strength test with an allowable time deviation of ±3 hours

Data Validity Determination

According to Chapter 14 of the standard:

The strength range of 3 specimens is ≤ 8.7% of the average value
The strength range of 2 specimens is ≤ 7.6% of the average value
Additional testing is required after abnormal data are eliminated

Standard Evolution and Implementation Recommendations

Main changes in the 2023 edition: SI units are set as primary units, and imperial units are changed to alternative units. Laboratory implementation should pay attention to the following:

Molds need to be inspected for dimensional compliance every 2.5 years
Press ball seats need to be lubricated and maintained every six months
Establish secondary standard samples to monitor system stability

ASTM C109/C109M-23 Referenced Document

ASTM C1005 Standard Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements
ASTM C114 Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement*， 2024-06-01 Update
ASTM C1157/C1157M Standard Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement*， 2025-07-01 Update
ASTM C1328/C1328M Standard Specification for Plastic (Stucco) Cement
ASTM C1329/C1329M Standard Specification for Mortar Cement*， 2025-06-01 Update
ASTM C1437 Standard Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
ASTM C150/C150M Standard Specification for Portland Cement*， 2024-07-01 Update
ASTM C230/C230M Standard Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement
ASTM C305 Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency
ASTM C349 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars (Using Portions of Prisms Broken in Flexure)
ASTM C511 Standard Specification for Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
ASTM C595/C595M Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements*， 2025-08-01 Update
ASTM C618 Standard Specification for Fly Ash And Raw Or Calcined Natural Pozzolan For Use As A Mineral Admixture In Portland Cement Concrete
ASTM C670 Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
ASTM C778 Standard Specification for Standard Sand
ASTM C91/C91M Standard Specification for Masonry Cement*， 2025-06-01 Update
ASTM C989/C989M Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars*， 2025-06-01 Update
ASTM E4 Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines

ASTM C109/C109M-23 history

2024 ASTM C109/C109M-24 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)
2023 ASTM C109/C109M-23 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)
2021 ASTM C109/C109M-21 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube Specimens)
2020 ASTM C109/C109M-20b Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube Specimens)
2020 ASTM C109/C109M-20a Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2020 ASTM C109/C109M-20 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2016 ASTM C109/C109M-16a Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2016 ASTM C109/C109M-16 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2013 ASTM C109/C109M-13e1 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2013 ASTM C109/C109M-13 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2012 ASTM C109/C109M-12 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2011 ASTM C109/C109M-11b Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2011 ASTM C109/C109M-11a Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2011 ASTM C109/C109M-11 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2008 ASTM C109/C109M-08 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2007 ASTM C109/C109M-07e1 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2007 ASTM C109/C109M-07 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2005 ASTM C109/C109M-05 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars(Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2002 ASTM C109/C109M-02 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
2001 ASTM C109/C109M-01 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
1999 ASTM C109/C109M-99 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)

ASTM C109/C109M-23Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)