Designation: C 91 – 99

Standard Specification for

Masonry Cement1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 91; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope C 230 Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests of

1.1 This specification covers three types of masonry cement Hydraulic Cement2
for use where mortar for masonry is required. C 266 Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Ce-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the ment Paste by Gillmore Needles2
standard. Values in SI units shall be obtained by measurement C 270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry3
in SI units or by appropriate conversion of measurements made C 305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement
in other units, using the Rules for Conversion and Rounding Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency2
given in IEEE/ASTM SI 10. C 430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by
1.3 The text of this standard refers to notes and footnotes the 45-µm (No. 325) Sieve2
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes C 511 Specification for Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic
as requirements of the standard. Cements and Concretes2
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to C 778 Specification for Standard Sand2
Sections 19 and 20 of this specification. This standard does not IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System4
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard 3. Terminology
to establish appropriate safety and health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to 3.1 Definitions:
use. 3.1.1 masonry cement—a hydraulic cement, primarily used
in masonry and plastering construction, consisting of a mixture
2. Referenced Documents of portland or blended hydraulic cement and plasticizing
2.1 ASTM Standards: materials (such as limestone, hydrated or hydraulic lime)
C 109/C 109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of together with other materials introduced to enhance one or
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or 50-mm Cube more properties such as setting time, workability, water reten-
Specimens)2 tion, and durability.
C 114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic 3.1.2 Other terms used in this standard are defined in
Cement2 Terminology C 219.
C 151 Test Method for Autoclave Expansion of Portland
4. Classification
Cement2
C 183 Practice for Sampling and the Amount of Testing of 4.1 Type N—For use in preparation of Specification C 270
Hydraulic Cement2 Type N mortar without further addition of cements or hydrated
C 185 Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement lime, and for use in preparation of Specification C 270 Type S
Mortar2 or Type M mortar when cement is added in accordance with the
C 187 Test Method for Normal Consistency of Hydraulic requirements of C 270.
Cement2 4.2 Type S—For use in preparation of Specification C 270
C 188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement2 Type S mortar without further addition of cements or hydrated
C 219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement2 lime.
4.3 Type M—For use in preparation of Specification C 270
Type M mortar without further addition of cements or hydrated
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-1 on Cement lime.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.11 on Masonry Cement.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1999. Published February 2000. Originally
3
published as C 91 – 32 T. Last previous edition C 91 – 98. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.05.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 C 91
5. Physical Properties molds for measurement and testing in the autoclave. Calculate
5.1 Masonry cement shall conform to the applicable re- the difference in length of the test specimen before and after
quirements prescribed in Table 1 for its classification. autoclaving to the nearest 0.01 % of the effective gauge length
and report as the autoclave expansion of the masonry cement.
6. Staining 12. Time of Setting
6.1 This requirement shall apply only when the purchaser 12.1 Determine the time of setting by the Gillmore needle
requires that the cement shall be nonstaining to limestone. method in accordance with Test Method C 266.
Nonstaining cement shall contain not more than 0.03 % of
water-soluble alkali when determined in accordance with 13. Density
Section 14. 13.1 Determine the density of the masonry cement in
NOTE 1—The amount and nature of the staining material in limestones accordance with Test Method C 188, using kerosine as the
seems to vary with the stone. The alkali in any cement may, therefore, liquid. Use the density so determined in the calculation of the
induce markedly different staining on different stone, even though the air content of the mortars.
stone may have come apparently from the same source.
NOTE 2—Staining should not be confused with effloresence. Nonstain-
14. Staining Test (Determination of Water-Soluble Alkali)
ing cements will not prevent efflorescence. 14.1 Procedure—Determine water-soluble alkali in accor-
dance with Test Methods C 114.
7. Sampling 14.2 Calculation—Calculate the percent of water-soluble
7.1 The masonry cement shall be sampled in accordance alkali expressed as Na2O to the nearest 0.01 % in accordance
with Practice C 183. with Test Methods C 114.
8. Temperature and Humidity 15. Apparatus for Mortar Tests
8.1 The temperature and relative humidity of the air in the 15.1 Weights and Weighing Devices, Seives, Glass Gradu-
vicinity of the mixing slab and dry materials, molds, base ates, Specimen (Cube) Molds, Tamper, Trowel, and Testing
plates, and mixing bowl shall conform to the requirements of Machine, as described in Test Method C 109/C 109 M.
Test Method C 109/C 109M. 15.2 Flow Table, conforming to the requirements prescribed
8.2 The moist cabinet or moist room shall conform to the in Specification C 230.
requirements of Specification C 511. 15.3 Mixing Apparatus, conforming to the requirements
prescribed in Practice C 305.
9. Fineness 15.4 Measure, Straightedge, Tamper, Tapping Stick, and
9.1 Determine the residue on the 45-µm (No. 325) sieve in Spoon, conforming to the requirements given in Test Method
accordance with Test Method C 430. C 185.
15.5 Specimen (Cube) Molds—Molds shall be prepared in
10. Normal Consistency accordance with Test Method C 109/C 109 M.
10.1 Determine normal consistency by the Vicat apparatus 16. Blended Sand
in accordance with Test Method C 187. 16.1 The sand shall be a blend of equal parts by weight of
11. Autoclave Expansion graded standard sand and standard 20–30 sand conforming to
Specification C 778.
11.1 Determine autoclave expansion in accordance with
Test Method C 151. After molding, store the bars in the moist 17. Preparation of Mortar
cabinet or room for 48 h 6 30 min before removal from the 17.1 Proportions for Mortar—Mortar for air entrainment,

TABLE 1 Physical Requirements

Masonry Cement Type N S M
Fineness, residue on a 45-µm (No. 325) sieve, max, % 24 24 24
Autoclave expansion, max, % 1.0 1.0 1.0
Time of setting, Gillmore method:
Initial set, minutes, not less than 120 90 90
Final set, minutes, not more than 1440 1440 1440
Compressive strength (average of 3 cubes):
The compressive strength of mortar cubes, composed of 1
part cement and 3 parts blended sand (half graded standard
sand, and half standard 20–30 sand) by volume, prepared and
tested in accordance with this specification shall be equal to or
higher than the values specified for the ages indicated below:
7 days, MPa (psi) 3.4 (500) 9.0 (1300) 12.4 (1800)
28 days, MPa (psi) 6.2 (900) 14.5 (2100) 20.0 (2900)
Air content of mortar, prepared and tested in accordance with
requirements of this specification:
Min, volume % 8 8 8
Max, volume % 21 19 19
Water retention value, min, % of original flow 70 70 70

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 C 91
compressive strength, and water retention tests shall be pro- 19.1.1 Molding—Immediately after determining the flow
portioned to contain 1620 g of sand and a mass of cement, in and mass of 400 mL of mortar, return all of the mortar to the
grams, in accordance with Table 2. The sand shall consist of mixing bowl and remix for 15 s at the medium speed. Then
810 g of graded standard sand and 810 g of 20–30 standard mold the test specimens in accordance with Test Method
sand (Note 3). The quantity of water, measured in millilitres C 109/C 109 M, except that the elapsed time for mixing
shall be such as to produce a flow of 110 6 5 as determined by mortar, determining flow, determining air entrainment, and
Test Method C 109/C 109M. starting the molding of cubes shall be within 8 min.
19.1.2 Storage—Immediately after molding, store all test
NOTE 3—Historically, field-mixed mortar has been proportioned by
volume measured in increments or fractions of ft3. The comparable whole specimens in the molds on plane plates in a moist cabinet or
SI-unit volume to 1 ft3 is 28 L. The specified mortar proportions moist room for 48 to 52 h in such a manner that the upper
approximate the 1:3 nominal proportions by volume, commonly specified surfaces shall be exposed to the moist air. Then remove the
for construction, on the basis of the following assumed mass and volume cubes from the molds, and place them in the moist cabinet or
relationships: moist room for 5 days in such a manner as to allow free
The mass of dry sand in 28 L of loose damp sand is 36 kg. circulation of air around at least five faces of the specimens. At
28 L Type N masonry cement has a mass of 32 kg.
28 L Type S masonry cement has a mass of 34 kg.
the age of 7 days, immerse the cubes for the 28-day tests in
28 L Type M masonry cement has a mass of 36 kg. saturated lime water in storage tanks of noncorrodible materi-
als.
For example, the amount of cement needed to provide a 1:3 19.2 Procedure:
volume proportion of cement to sand using a Type N masonry 19.2.1 Test the cube specimens immediately after their
cement is as follows: removal from the moist cabinet or moist room for 7-day
A 5 1620 3 ~C/B! 5 1620 3 ~32/108! 5 480 (1) specimens, and immediately after their removal from storage
water for all other specimens. If more than one specimen at a
where:
time is removed from the moist cabinet or moist room for
A 5 number of grams of cement to be used in the mortar
7-day tests, cover these cubes with a damp cloth until the time
with 1620 g of sand,
B 5 3 3 36 5 108 kg, the mass of dry sand in 84 (or 3 3 of testing.
28) L of loose damp sand, and 19.2.2 The remainder of the testing procedure shall conform
C 5 mass of Type N masonry cement per 28 L. to Test Method C 109/C 109 M.
17.2 Mixing of Mortars—Mix the mortar in accordance 20. Water Retention
with Practice C 305.
20.1 Apparatus:
18. Air Entrainment 20.1.1 Water-Retention Apparatus—For the water-retention
test, apparatus essentially the same as those shown in Fig. 1 or
18.1 Procedure—If the mortar has the correct flow, use a
Fig. 2 shall be used. These apparatuses consist of a water
separate portion of the mortar for the determination of en-
aspirator or other source of vacuum controlled by a mercury
trained air. Determine the mass of 400 mL of mortar in
relief column or a vacuum regulator with a capacity of not
accordance with Test Method C 185.
more than 400 mm of mercury and connected by way of a
18.2 Calculation—Calculate the air content of the mortar
three-way stopcock to a funnel upon which rests a perforated
and report it to the nearest 1 % as follows:
dish. The perforated dish shall be made of metal not attacked
D 5 ~W1 1 W2 1 Vw!/@~W1/S1! 1 ~W2/S2! 1 Vw# (2) by masonry mortar. The metal in the base of the dish shall have
A 5 100 2 ~Wm/4D! a thickness of 1.7 to 1.9 mm and shall conform to the
requirements given in Fig. 1. The stopcock bore shall have a
where: 4.0 6 0.5 mm in diameter, and the connecting glass tubing
D 5 density of air-free mortar, g/cm3, shall have a minimum inside diameter of 4 mm. A mercury
W1 5 mass of cement, g, manometer, connected as shown in Fig. 1, or a vacuum gauge
W2 5 mass of sand, g,
capable of reading to at least 70 mm of mercury in 1-mm
Vw 5 millilitres-grams of water used,
S1 5 density of cement, g/cm3 increments as shown in Fig. 2, indicates the vacuum. The
S2 5 density of standard sand, 2.65 g/cm3, contact surfaces of the funnel and perforated dish shall be plane
A 5 volume percent of entrained air, and and are permitted to be lapped to ensure intimate contact. An
Wm 5 mass of 400 mL of mortar, g. air-tight seal shall be maintained between the funnel and the
dish during a test. This shall be accomplished by either of the
19. Compressive Strength following procedures: (1) a synthetic (grease-resistant) rubber
19.1 Test Specimens: gasket shall be permanently sealed to the top of the funnel
using petrolatum or light grease to ensure a seal between the
gasket and dish, or (2) the top of the funnel shall be lightly
TABLE 2 Cement in Laboratory Batch of Mortar
coated with petrolatum or light grease to ensure a seal between
Masonry Cement Type Mass of Cement, g
the funnel and dish. Care shall be taken to ensure that none of
N 480 the holes in the perforated dish are clogged. Hardened, very
S 510
M 540 smooth, not rapid filter paper shall be used. It shall be 150 mm
in diameter and be placed so as to completely cover the

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NOTE 1—The gasket is to be synthetic rubber. The stopcock and the bore of the tubing should measure at least 4 mm. A check valve or water trap,
or both, is suggested for the connection to the aspirator.
FIG. 1 Apparatus Assembly for the Water-Retention Test

perforations in the dish. tamping pressure shall be just sufficient to ensure filling of the
20.1.2 Straightedge—A steel straightedge not less than 200 dish. On completion of the tamping, the top of the mortar
mm (8 in.) long and not less than 2 mm (1⁄16 in.) nor more than should extend slightly above the rim of the dish. Smooth off the
3 mm (1⁄8 in.) in thickness. mortar by drawing the flat side of the straightedge (with the
20.1.3 Other Apparatus—Other apparatus required for the leading edge slightly raised) across the top of the dish. Then cut
water retention test shall conform to the applicable require- off the mortar to a plane surface flush with the rim of the dish
ments of Section 15. by drawing the straightedge with a sawing motion across the
20.2 Procedure: top of the dish in two cutting strokes, starting each cut from
20.2.1 Adjust the mercury relief column or vacuum regula- near the center of the dish. If the mortar is pulled away from
tor to maintain a vacuum of 51 6 3 mm as indicated by the the side of the dish during the process of drawing the
manometer or vacuum gauge. Seat the perforated dish on the straightedge across the dish, gently press the mortar back into
greased gasket or greased rim of the funnel. Place a wetted contact with the side of the dish using the tamper.
filter paper in the bottom of the dish. Turn the stopcock to 20.2.3 Turn the stopcock to apply the vacuum to the funnel.
apply the vacuum to the funnel and check the apparatus for The time elapsed from the start of mixing the cement and water
leaks and to determine that the required vacuum is obtained. to the time of applying the vacuum shall not exceed 8 min.
Then turn the stopcock to shut off the vacuum from the funnel. After suction for 60 s, quickly turn the stopcock to expose the
20.2.2 Mix the mortar to a flow of 110 6 5 % in accordance funnel to atmospheric pressure. Immediately slide the perfo-
with Practice C 305. Immediately after making the flow test, rated dish off from the funnel, touch it momentarily on a damp
return the mortar on the flow table to the mixing bowl and cloth to remove droplets of water, and set the dish on the table.
remix the entire batch for 15 s at medium speed. Immediately Then, using the bowl scraper (rubber scraper as used in
after remixing the mortar, fill the perforated dish with the Practice C 305), plow and mix the mortar in the dish for 15 s.
mortar to slightly above the rim. Tamp the mortar 15 times with Upon completion of mixing, place the mortar in the flow mold
the tamper. Apply ten of the tamping strokes at approximately and determine the flow. The entire operation shall be carried
uniform spacing adjacent to the rim of the dish and with the out without interruption and as quickly as possible, and shall be
long axis of the tamping face held at right angles to the radius completed within an elapsed time of 11 min after the start of
of the dish. Apply the remaining five tamping strokes at mixing the cement and water for the first flow determination.
random points distributed over the central area of the dish. The Both flow determinations shall be made in accordance with

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 C 91

FIG. 2 Alternate Apparatus Assembly for the Water-Retention Test

Test Method C 109/C 109M. of the purchaser, the entire shipment represented shall be
20.3 Calculation—Calculate the water retention value for rejected if the average mass of packages in any shipment as
the mortar as follows: shown by weighing fifty packages taken at random is less than
Water retention value 5 ~A/B! 3 100 (3) that marked on the packages.
23.3 At the option of the purchaser, cement remaining in
where: storage prior to shipment for a period greater than six months
A 5 flow after suction, and after testing shall be retested and, at the option of the purchaser
B 5 flow immediately after mixing. shall be rejected if it fails to meet any of the requirements of
this specification.
21. Storage
21.1 The cement shall be stored in such a manner as to 24. Manufacturer’s Certification
permit easy access for the proper inspection and identification 24.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order,
of each shipment, and in a suitable weathertight building that a manufacturer’s report shall be furnished at the time of
will protect the cement from dampness and minimize ware- shipment stating the results of the tests made on samples of the
house set. material taken during production or transfer and certifying that
the applicable requirements of this specification have been met.
22. Inspection
22.1 Every facility shall be provided to the purchaser for the 25. Packaging and Package Marking
necessary inspection and sampling. 25.1 When masonry cement is delivered in packages, the
22.2 All packages shall be in good condition at the time of brand, name of the manufacturer, type of masonry cement, and
inspection. net mass of the package in kilograms (see Note 4) shall be
indicated plainly thereon. Similar information shall be pro-
23. Rejection vided in the shipping documents accompanying the shipment
23.1 At the option of the purchaser, the cement shall be of masonry cement in bulk.
rejected if it fails to meet any of the requirements of this NOTE 4—To facilitate the change to SI units, a standard SI package size
specification. of 32 kg for Type N, 34 kg for Type S, and 36 kg for Type M will provide
23.2 At the option of the purchaser, packages more than 2 % convenient mass increments reasonably similar to the traditional 70-, 75-,
below the mass marked thereon shall be rejected. At the option and 80-lb packages.

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26. Keywords
26.1 masonry; masonry cement; mortar

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