Field Mortar Testing
Field Mortar Testing
(OP)
I have a technical question regarding quality control for field mortar. ACI 530 suggest ASTM C270 (but this requirement only applies to laboratory mortar) or ASTM C780 (does not indicate strength values only procedure). Does anyone know the real way to ensure quality mortar at the job site?
Thanks.
Thanks.






RE: Field Mortar Testing
I am a proponent of using C780, as there are numerous issues with using C270 as a field testing method. I also feel that compressive strength is an appropriate acceptance parameter for mortar (contrary to the mortar cement suppliers!), provided the testing is properly done (using 3"x6" molds, field protection, proper laboratory testing, etc.
Proportion specifications will work, but they don't correlate consistently with compressive strength. Though safety factors can be high in masonry design, as an Engineer I prefer quantification of mechanical properties, not just warm, fuzzy feelings!
RE: Field Mortar Testing
RE: Field Mortar Testing