This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C1019 − 18

Standard Test Method for

Sampling and Testing Grout1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1019; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes

1.1 This test method covers procedures for both field and C617 Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
laboratory sampling and compression testing of grout used in C1064/C1064M Test Method for Temperature of Freshly
masonry construction. Grout for masonry is specified under Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
Specification C476. C1093 Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for
Masonry
NOTE 1—The testing agency performing this test method should be C1611/C1611M Test Method for Slump Flow of Self-
evaluated in accordance with Practice C1093.
Consolidating Concrete
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3. Significance and Use
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. 3.1 Grout used in masonry is a fluid mixture of cementitious
materials and aggregate with a high water content for ease of
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the placement.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.1 During construction, grout is placed within or between
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- absorptive masonry units. Excess water must be removed from
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- grout specimens in order to provide compressive strength test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. results more nearly indicative of the grout strength in the wall.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- In this test method, molds are made from masonry units having
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- the same absorption and moisture content characteristics as
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the those being used in the construction.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3.2 This test method is used to either help select grout
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. proportions by comparing test values or as a quality control test
for uniformity of grout preparation during construction.
2. Referenced Documents
3.3 The physical exposure condition and curing of the grout
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 are not exactly reproduced, but this test method does subject
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin- the grout specimens to absorption conditions similar to those
drical Concrete Specimens experienced by grout in the wall.
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
Concrete NOTE 2—Test results of grout specimens taken from a wall should not
be compared to test results obtained with this test method.
C476 Specification for Grout for Masonry
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets, 4. Apparatus
Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
4.1 Maximum-Minimum Thermometer.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C12 on Mortars
4.2 Straightedge, a steel straightedge not less than 6 in.
and Grouts for Unit Masonry and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee (152.4 mm) long and not less than 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) in
C12.02 on Research and Methods of Test. thickness.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2018. Published February 2018. Originally
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C1019 – 16. DOI: 4.3 Tamping Rod, a round, straight, steel rod with a diameter
10.1520/C1019-18.
2
of 3⁄8 6 1⁄16 in. (10 6 2 mm) and a length of 12 6 4 inches.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
(300 6 100 millimetres). The rod shall have the tamping end
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on or both ends rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same
the ASTM website. diameter as the rod.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 C1019 − 18
4.4 Nonabsorbent Blocks and Spacers, nonabsorbent, rigid
squares and rectangles with side dimensions so as to achieve
the desired grout specimen side dimensions and of sufficient
quantity or thickness to yield the desired grout specimen
height, as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
NOTE 3—Nonabsorbent blocks may be of plastic, wood, or other
nonabsorbent material. Certain species of wood contain sugars which
cause retardation of cement. In order to prevent this from occurring, new
wooden blocks shall be soaked in limewater for 24 h, sealed with varnish FIG. 2 Example of Grout Mold (Units Greater than 6 in. (152.4
or wax, or covered with an impermeable material prior to use. mm) High, 8 in. (203.2 mm) High Concrete Masonry Unit Shown)
4.5 Framing Square, a framing square not less than 6 in.
(150 mm) long and not less than 1⁄16 in. (2 mm) in thickness.
some tolerance in those cases where the specimen would need to be cut
4.6 Panels and plates, pieces of 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) plywood down in height to meet the perpendicularity requirements. Having a mold
with dimensions as needed to contain units and grout speci- that has a height at least twice the specimen width allows the final
mens. Soak in limewater for 24 h, seal with varnish or wax, or specimen to be meet the requirement or be cut to meet the requirement.
cover with an impermeable material prior to use. A nonabsor- 5.1.4 Line the masonry surfaces that will be in contact with
bant material of equivalent stiffness to the plywood is permit- the grout specimen with a thin, permeable material to prevent
ted. bond to the masonry units. New lining material shall be used
for each specimen.
PROCEDURES
NOTE 6—The lining, such as paper towel, is used to aid in stripping the
5. Grout Specimen Molds grout specimen from the mold. Proper installation of the lining prevents
irregularly sized specimens and varying test results.
5.1 Molds from Masonry Units: 5.1.5 See Figs. 1-3 and accompanying notes for example of
5.1.1 Select a level location where the molds remain undis- mold construction that conform with 5.1.2, 5.1.3, and 5.1.4.
turbed for up to 48 h. 5.1.6 Brace units to prevent displacement during grouting
NOTE 4—The location of specimen construction should be protected and curing.
and as free from perceptible vibration as possible.
5.2 Alternative Methods—Alternative methods of forming
5.1.2 The construction of the mold shall simulate the in-situ the specimens shall be used only with the approval of the
construction. If the grout is placed between two different types specifier. Such approval shall be based on comparative testing
of masonry units, both types shall be used to construct the of grout specimens constructed from molds as described in 5.1
mold. and the alternative method. Approval shall be limited to a
5.1.3 Form specimen molds by arranging masonry units of single specimen shape, method of forming, masonry units
the same type and moisture condition as those being used in the used, and grout mix. A conversion factor based on comparative
construction. The surface of the units in contact with the grout testing of a minimum of ten pairs of specimens shall be used to
specimen shall not have been previously used to mold the modify results from alternative methods. The coefficient of
specimens. Place a non-absorbent block as described in 4.4, cut variation of test results of specimens formed by the alternative
to the proper size and of the proper thickness or quantity, at the method shall be less than or equal to that of the specimens
bottom of the space to achieve the necessary height of the formed in accordance with 5.1.
specimen. Specimen molds shall comply with the following: NOTE 7—Other methods of obtaining grout specimens and specimens of
5.1.3.1 Molds shall have a cross-section that is nominally different geometry have been employed in grout testing, but are not
square. described in this test method. Other methods used to obtain grout
5.1.3.2 Molds shall have a width of 3.0 in. (76 mm) to 3.75 specimens include: drilling grout-filled cores of regular units; filling cores
of masonry units specifically manufactured to provide grout specimens;
in. (95 mm). filling compartments in slotted corrugated cardboard boxes specifically
5.1.3.3 Molds shall have a height of at least twice the width manufactured to provide grout specimens; and forming specimens from
(see Note 5). different sized masonry units of the same or similar material.
Since test results vary with methods of forming the specimen, specimen
NOTE 5—The final specimen height requirement is defined in 5.1.3 as geometry, and grout mix, comparative test results between specimens
being 1.75 to 2.0 times the specimen width. The intent of the standard is made with molds described in 5.1 and specimens made with alternative
to target a specimen height two times the specimen width while allowing methods are required and confined to a single specimen shape, method of
forming, masonry units used, and grout mix.

6. Test Specimens
6.1 Specimens shall comply with the following:
6.1.1 Specimens shall have a nominally square cross sec-
tion.
6.1.2 Specimens shall have an average specimen width
between 3 in. (76 mm) and 3.75 in. (95 mm).
FIG. 1 Example of Grout Mold (Units 6 in. (152.4 mm) or Less in 6.1.3 Specimens shall have a height before capping between
Height, 21⁄4 in. (57.2 mm) High Brick Shown) 1.75 and 2.0 times the specimen width.

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 C1019 − 18

FIG. 3 Example of Grout Mold with Brick and Concrete Masonry Units

6.1.4 For each specimen, the difference between any width the specifier of this test method and is usually found in the construction
measurement and the average width for that specimen shall not documents.
exceed 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm).
6.1.5 Neither end of the test specimen shall depart from 7. Sampling Grout
perpendicularity to the vertical axis by more than 1 degree 7.1 Size of Sample—Grout samples to be used for slump and
(approximately equivalent to 1⁄8 in. in 6 in.) (1 mm in 50 mm). compressive strength tests shall be a minimum of 1⁄2 ft3 (0.014
6.1.6 Specimens shall have side surfaces that are plane to m3).
within 1⁄8 in. in 6 in. (1 mm in 50 mm). See Fig. 4. 7.2 Procedure—The procedures used in sampling shall in-
NOTE 8—Subsection 10.7 provides for cutting or grinding the top or clude the use of precautions that will assist in obtaining
bottom of hardened specimens to achieve dimensional requirements. samples that are representative of the nature and condition of
6.2 Test at least three specimens at each age specified. the grout. After the final slump adjustment has been made,
NOTE 9—Frequency of sampling and age of test is to be determined by sample grout as the grout is being placed.

FIG. 4 Out-of-plane Measurement

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 C1019 − 18
7.2.1 Field Sampling—Collect two or more portions taken material and covering with a nonabsorbent, nonreactive mate-
at regularly spaced intervals during the discharge of the middle rial to retain the moisture. Do not disturb the specimens.
portion of the batch. The elapsed time between obtaining the 9.5 Between 15 and 30 min after filling the mold, add
first and final portions of the sample shall be not more than 15 sufficient grout without rodding to fill the depression caused by
min. initial water loss. Strike off the top surface of the specimen
7.2.2 Laboratory Sampling—The entire mixed batch of with a straightedge to produce a flat surface that is even with
grout is the sample. the top edge of the mold. Cover immediately with a damp
NOTE 10—The field technician sampling, making, and curing speci- absorbent material such as cloth or paper towel. Keep the top
mens for acceptance testing should be certified (American Concrete surface of the specimen damp by wetting the absorbent
Institute Field Testing Technician—Grade I, National Concrete Masonry material and covering with a nonabsorbent, nonreactive mate-
Association Masonry Testing Technician, or equivalent). Equivalent
certification programs should include both written and performance
rial. Do not disturb the specimen until the molds are removed.
examinations. NOTE 11—The viscosity of self-consolidating grout changes with time.
Thus the depression may require filling prior to the thirty minute limit.
7.3 Place the grout sample in a non-absorptive container and
9.6 Protect the specimens from freezing and variations in
cover the top to protect the sample from the sun, wind, and any
temperature. Store an indicating maximum-minimum ther-
other sources of rapid evaporation and from contamination.
mometer with the specimens and record the maximum and
Transport the grout sample to the mold location. Remix the
minimum temperatures experienced prior to the time the
sample with a shovel or trowel to ensure uniformity prior to
specimens are placed in the final curing environment.
filling molds. Keep remaining grout sample protected in a
covered, non-absorptive container until used to fill any depres- NOTE 12—If storage temperatures are less than 60°F (15.6°C) or greater
sion in the sample due to initial water loss. than 80°F (26.7°C) as shown by the thermometer, the resulting compres-
sive strength will likely be affected.
8. Temperature and Slump Test 10. Transportation, Curing, and Testing of the Specimens
8.1 Measure and record the temperature of the grout sample 10.1 Remove the molds between 24 and 48 h after making
in accordance with Test Method C1064/C1064M. the specimens.
8.2 Begin filling the slump cone within 5 min of obtaining NOTE 13—Various conditions, such as the use of set retarders or low
the final portion of the sample. ambient temperatures, may necessitate delaying mold removal until well
after 24 h. Care should be taken to ensure the specimens have achieved
8.3 For all grout except self-consolidating grout, measure sufficient strength for transportation, which may include delaying mold
and record the slump in accordance with the requirements of removal and transportation until 48 h.
Test Method C143/C143M. 10.2 Within 30 min after removing the molds, place speci-
8.4 For self-consolidating grout, measure and record the mens in a protective container and keep specimens damp.
slump flow in accordance with the requirements of Test 10.3 Transport field specimens to the laboratory within 8 h
Method C1611/C1611M and visual stability index (VSI) in after mold removal.
accordance with the requirements of Test Method C1611/
10.4 Within 8 h after mold removal, place in a moist room,
C1611M, Appendix X1.
moist cabinet, or water storage tank conforming to Specifica-
tion C511. Store there until day of testing.
9. Compressive Test Specimen
10.5 Store there until day of testing. Keep specimen damp
9.1 If grout from the slump or slump flow test is used for the until tested.
compressive test specimens, remix the sample. Begin filling the
compressive strength molds within 15 min of obtaining the 10.6 Specimen Measurement:
final portion of the sample. 10.6.1 Measure and record the width of all four faces at
mid-height to the nearest 1⁄16 in. (2 mm).
9.2 For all grout except self-consolidating grout, fill the 10.6.2 Measure and record the height of all four faces at
mold with grout in two layers of approximately equal depth. mid-width to the nearest 1⁄16 in. (2 mm).
Rod each layer 15 times with the tamping rod. Rod the bottom 10.6.3 Measure and record the perpendicularity from the top
layer through its depth. Slightly overfill the mold. Rod the and bottom surfaces at mid-width of each face to the nearest
second layer with the tamping rod penetrating approximately 1⁄16 in. (2 mm). See Fig. 5.
1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) into the lower layer. Distribute the strokes
10.6.4 Measure and record the amount out-of-plane at
uniformly over the cross section of the mold. mid-width of each side surface to the nearest 1⁄16 in. (2 mm).
9.3 For self-consolidating grout, fill the mold with grout in See Fig. 5. Specimens that are beyond the out-of-plane
one layer and do not rod. tolerances shall not be tested.
9.4 Strike off the top surface of the specimen with a 10.7 It is permissible to cut or grind the top, bottom or both
straightedge to produce a flat surface that is even with the top of specimens that are beyond the tolerances listed in 6.1.3 or
edge of the mold and that has no depressions or projections 6.1.5 prior to capping and testing the specimens provided the
larger than 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm). Cover immediately with a damp resulting ratio of average height to average width (h/w) is
absorbent material such as cloth or paper towel. Keep the top between 1.75 and 2.0. Reported measurements shall be based
surface of the specimens damp by wetting the absorbent on measurements after cutting or grinding is completed.

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 C1019 − 18

FIG. 5 Perpendicularity Measurement

10.8 Cap the specimens in accordance with the applicable 12. Report
requirements of Practice C617. 12.1 For all specimens, the report shall include the follow-
NOTE 14—Practice C617 refers to capping cylindrical specimens;
therefore, the alignment devices may need to be modified to ensure proper
ing:
use with the rectangular prism specimens of this method. All other 12.1.1 Grout mix design,
sections of Practice C617 are applicable. 12.1.2 Grout slump for all grouts except self-consolidating
10.9 Test the specimens in a damp condition in accordance grout,
with the applicable requirements of Test Method C39/C39M. 12.1.3 Slump flow and visual stability index (VSI) value of
the grout for self-consolidating grout,
11. Calculations 12.1.4 Description of the specimens—individual and aver-
age width and height dimensions.
11.1 Determine the average width by averaging the four 12.1.5 Curing history, including initial temperature, maxi-
width measurements. Determine the average height by averag- mum and minimum temperatures, and age of specimens when
ing the four height measurements. transported to laboratory and when tested,
11.2 Determine the average cross-sectional area by calcu- 12.1.6 Maximum load and compressive strength of each
lating the average width of opposite faces, and multiplying the specimen, average compressive strength of the specimens, and
averages. standard deviation, and
11.3 For specimens from molds of masonry units, calculate 12.1.7 Description of failure.
the compressive strength by dividing the maximum load by the
average cross-sectional area and express the result to the
nearest 10 psi (50 kPa). TABLE 1 Statistics of Laboratory-Prepared Specimens
Number of Standard Deviation, Coefficient of
11.4 For specimens from alternative methods of forming, Specimens
Mean, psi (MPa)
psi (MPa) Variation, %
calculate a conversion factor between the results obtained from 3 4196 (28.9) 73.8 (0.51) 1.18
comparative testing by dividing the average compressive 3 4455 (30.7) 50.8 (0.35) 1.87
3 6014 (41.5) 323 (2.28) 5.25
strength of the specimens formed in accordance with 5.1 by the 3 6196 (42.7) 148 (1.02) 2.38
average compressive strength of the specimens formed by the 3 7292 (50.3) 600 (4.14) 8.23
alternative method. Calculate the average corrected compres- 5 3784 (26.1) 306 (2.11) 8.1
5 2494 (17.2) 220 (1.52) 8.8
sive strength by dividing the maximum load by the average 5 3178 (21.9) 634 (4.37) 20.0
cross-sectional area and multiplying the result by the conver- 6 5480 (37.8) 899 (6.2) 16.4
sion factor. Express the result to the nearest 10 psi (50 kPa). 10 5350 (36.9) 826 (5.7) 15.4
12 3872 (26.7) 333 (2.30) 8.6
11.5 When specimens are formed using alternative methods 15 3468 (23.9) 154 (1.06) 4.46
as described in 5.2, calculate the coefficient of variation for 15 3478 (24.0) 253 (1.75) 7.27
20 2617 (18.1) 127 (0.88) 4.85
results obtained from comparative testing by dividing the 20 2627 (18.12) 125 (0.86) 4.76
standard deviation of each method by its mean.

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 C1019 − 18
TABLE 2 Statistics of Field-Prepared Specimens 13.1.2 The standard deviation from field specimens of grout
Number of
Mean, psi (MPa)
Standard Deviation, Coefficient of will be higher than that for laboratory-prepared specimens.
Specimens psi (MPa) Variation, % There is less control of grout ingredients, conditions of the
3 3583 (24.7) 118 (0.81) 3.3
6 5455 (37.6) 324 (2.23) 5.9 molds, and initial curing environment in field-prepared speci-
6 3992 (27.5) 228 (1.57) 5.7 mens.
13.2 Precision—The repeatability standard deviation has
not been determined in accordance with ASTM procedures.
The reproducibility of the procedure in Test Method C1019 for
measuring compressive strength is being determined and will
12.2 For specimens from molds of masonry units, addition- be available on or before December 2015. It is not feasible to
ally report the following: specify the reproducibility of the procedure at this time because
12.2.1 Type and number of units used to form mold for of the variables in specimen preparation and curing.
specimens.
13.3 Bias—No information can be presented on the bias of
12.3 For specimens from alternative methods of forming, the procedure in Test Method C1019 for measuring the
additionally report the following: compressive strength of grout because no material having an
12.3.1 Description of the method used, accepted reference value is available.
12.3.2 Conversion factor used to account for differences in
13.4 Limited test data are available for analysis at this time.
method of forming and reference to supporting documentation
A more detailed statement will be provided later. The following
of conversion factor determination, if not based on results
summary of available data is provided for review.
included in this test report, and
13.4.1 Laboratory-prepared Specimens—The coefficients of
12.3.3 Average corrected compressive strength.
variation for a series of laboratory-prepared specimens ranged
12.3.4 Coefficient of variation of the compressive strengths
from 1.18 % with a mean value of 4196 psi (28.9 MPa) to
of the specimens formed in accordance with 5.1 and the
20.0 % with a mean value of 3178 psi (21.9 MPa). The
alternative method for those tests from which the conversion
standard deviations for those values were 73.8 psi (0.51 MPa)
factor is determined.
and 634 psi (4.37 MPa), respectively. Additional tests on
laboratory specimens had the characteristics found in Table 1.
13. Precision and Bias
13.4.2 Field Specimens—Test reports from one project show
13.1 General: the characteristics found in Table 2.
13.1.1 The materials used to form the mold have different
absorption rates and will remove slightly different amounts of 14. Keywords
water from each specimen. Thus the standard deviation for this 14.1 cementitious; compressive strength; grout; masonry
test method is higher than when using a nonabsorbent mold. units

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