An information series from the national authority on concrete masonry technology

EVALUATING THE COMPRESSIVE

STRENGTH OF TEK 18-1B
CONCRETE MASONRY Quality Assurance & Testing (2011)

INTRODUCTION UNIT STRENGTH METHOD

Structural performance of concrete masonry is largely The unit strength method is often considered the least
dependent upon three key criteria: expensive and most convenient of the two methods. However,
• the engineering rationale incorporated into the design of the the unit strength method also yields more conservative masonry
structure; strengths when compared to the prism test method especially
• the physical characteristics of the materials used in the at the higher range of masonry unit strengths.
construction of the structure (i.e., the masonry units, grout, Compliance with f'm by the unit strength method is based
mortar, and reinforcement); and on the net area compressive strength of the units and the type
• the quality of the construction used in assembling these of mortar used. The compressive strength of the masonry as-
components. semblage is then established in accordance with Table 1. Table
The first step in the design of any engineered masonry 1 is based on criteria from Specification for Masonry Structures
structure is determining anticipated service loads. Once these (ref. 2) and the International Building Code (ref. 4).
loads are established, the required strength of the masonry According to both of these documents, use of the unit
can be determined. The designation f'm, indicates the specified strength method requires the following:
compressive strength of masonry. It is used throughout the • Masonry units must be sampled and tested in accordance
design and, in accordance with the appropriate code, to predict with ASTM C140, Standard Test Method for Sampling
the strength and behavior of the masonry assembly and thus and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
to size masonry elements. It should be stressed that the speci-
fied compressive strength of the masonry is related to but not Table 1—Compressive Strength of Masonry
equal to the tested compressive strength of the masonry. Based on the Compressive Strength of
To ensure that a safe and functional structure is being Concrete Masonry Units and Type of Mortar
constructed that will meet or exceed the intended service life, Used in Construction (ref. 1)
measures must be taken to verify that the compressive strength
Net area compressive strength Net area
of the assembled materials, including masonry units, mortar of concrete masonry units, psi compressive
and grout if used, meet or exceed the specified compressive (MPa) strength of
strength of the masonry. masonryA, psi
Type M or S Type N mortar
Compliance with the specified compressive strength is (MPa)
mortar
verified by one of two methods: the unit strength method or
the prism test method. These two methods are referenced in ---- 1,900 (13.10) 1,350 (9.31)
masonry design codes (refs. 1, 4), specifications (ref. 2), and 1,900 (13.10) 2,150 (14.82) 1,500 (10.34)
standards (ref. 3) as rational procedures for verifying masonry 2,800 (19.31) 3,050 (21.03) 2,000 (13.79)
compressive strength. 3,750 (25.86) 4,050 (27.92 2,500 (17.24)
4,800 (33.10) 5,250 (36.2) 3,000 (20.69)
A
For units less than 4 in. (102 mm) in height, 85% of
the values listed.

Related TEK: Keywords: ASTM standards, compressive strength, prism testing, spec-
ified compressive strength of masonry ( f'm) testing, unit strength method

NCMA TEK 18-1B 1

 to demonstrate compliance with f'm due to the level of conser-
(ref. 5) and meet the requirements of either ASTM C55, vatism inherent in the unit strength method; i.e., the costs of
Standard Specification for Concrete Building Brick (ref. testing are well offset by the construction savings resulting
6) or ASTM C90, Standard Specification for Loadbearing from a more economical design that takes advantage of using
Concrete Masonry Units (ref. 7). a higher compressive strength for the same specified materials.
• Thickness of bed joints used in construction must not
exceed 5/8 in. (15.9 mm). PRISM TEST METHOD
• If grouted masonry is used in construction, the grout must
meet either the proportion or the property specification ASTM C1314, Standard Test Method for Compressive
of ASTM C476, Standard Specification for Grout for Strength of Masonry Prisms (ref. 3), contains provisions
Masonry (ref. 8), and the 28-day compressive strength for determining the compressive strength of a masonry
of the grout must equal or exceed f'm but not be less than prism: an assemblage made of representative units, mortar
2,000 psi (14 MPa). When property specifications are and grout (for grouted masonry construction). Although
used, the compressive strength of the grout is determined constructed using materials used in the project, the prism is
in accordance with ASTM C1019, Standard Test Method not intended to be a reduced-scale version of the wall, but
for Sampling and Testing Grout (ref. 9). rather a quality assurance instrument to demonstrate how
• Mortar must comply with requirements of ASTM C270, the masonry components work together. For this reason,
Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry (ref. prisms are typically constructed in stack bond with a full
10). mortar joint, regardless of the wall construction. The tested
Since all concrete masonry units complying with ASTM compressive strength of the prism is corrected to account
C90 (ref. 7) have compressive strengths exceeding 1,900 psi for different permissible height to thickness ratios of the
(13.1 MPa), by the unit strength method any C90 unit used prisms. This corrected strength must equal or exceed f'm.
with Type M or S mortar can be used for projects that have f'm Understandably, prism testing should be undertaken before
values up to 1,500 psi (10.3 MPa). If used with Type N mortar, construction begins to verify that the compressive strength
any C90 unit can be used for projects having f'm values up of the assembled materials is not less than the specified
to 1,350 psi (9.3 MPa). Conversely, if the concrete masonry compressive strength used in the design.
units have compressive strengths of 2,800 psi (19.3 MPa), then Prisms should be 28 days old to document compliance
the maximum f'm used in design would be 2,000 psi (13.8 with f'm, When prisms are tested as part of an inspection pro-
MPa) if Type M or S mortar were used. Similarly, if 3,050 psi gram periodically during the course of construction, an earlier
(21.0 MPa) concrete masonry were used in conjunction with age, such as 3 or 7 days, is often preferred. To confidently
Type N mortar, the maximum f'm that could be used in design interpret the results of these earlier age prism tests, the rela-
would also be 2,000 psi (13.8 MPa). Note that per footnote tionship between prism age and strength development should
A of Table 1, compressive strength of masonry values must be determined using the materials, construction methods and
be multiplied by 85% when the unit strength is established on testing procedures to be used throughout the job. Only when
units less than 4 in. (102 mm) in height. this strength/time curve is generated can early age test results
When higher strength masonry materials are specified, it be extrapolated to predict the 28-day strength.
usually is more cost effective to utilize the prism test method

Concrete brick Ungrouted

Concrete brick Ungroutedprism
A
prisma Grouted
Grouted prism
prisma
A
Ungrouted
Ungrouted prisma
A
Groutedprism
Ungrouted
A a

prism
prism Prisms reduced by saw cutting
Prisms reduced by saw cuttingbB

A a Where top and bottom cross sections vary due to taper of the cells, or where the
here top and bottom cross sections vary due to taper of the
W cells, or
architectural where the architectural surface of either side
surface of either side of the unit varies, theorientations shall be
b thesame as used in the corresponding construction.
of the unit varies, the o rientation must be the same as used in the corresponding construction.
Where masonry units are saw cut, the face shells or projections shall be cut flush with the face of the webs or symetrical with the projection length no greater
Where masonry units are saw-cut, the face shells or projections shall be cut flush with the face of the webs or sym-
B than the projection thickness as shown in Figure 2.

metrical with the projection length no greater than the projection thickness as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1—Types of Prisms

2 NCMA TEK 18-1B

Prism Construction the grout in the prism will likely settle due to water absorption
Masonry prisms are constructed using units representa- from the grout into the masonry units. Therefore, after each
tive of those being used in the construction. One set of prisms consolidation, additional grout should be added as necessary
(containing three individual prisms) is constructed for each and be screeded level with the top of the prism to facilitate
combination of materials and each testing age for which the capping. Reinforcement is not included in prisms. Immediately
compressive strength is to be determined. For multi-wythe following prism grouting, the moisture-tight bag is resealed
masonry construction, with different units or mortar in each around each prism.
wythe, separate prisms should be built representative of each If the corresponding construction will be partially grouted,
wythe, and tested separately. Prisms should be constructed on two sets of prisms are constructed—one set grouted and one
a flat and level location where they can remain undisturbed set ungrouted.
until they are transported for testing, at least 48 hours.
All units used to construct the prisms must be of the same Transporting Prisms
configuration and oriented in the same way so that webs and Since mishandling prisms during transportation from the
face shells are aligned one on top of the other. Units are laid in job site to the testing facility can have significant detrimental
stack bond on a full mortar bed using mortar representative of effects on the tested compressive strength of prisms, extreme
that used in the corresponding construction. Mortar joints are care should be taken to protect against damage during transport.
cut flush regardless of the type of mortar joint tooling used in Prior to transporting, the prisms should be strapped or clamped
the construction. Prisms composed of units that contain closed as shown in Figure 4 to prevent damage. Tightly clamping or
cells must have at least one complete cell with one full-width strapping plywood to the top and bottom of a prism prevents
cross web on either end. Various prism configurations are the mortar joint from being subjected to tensile stresses during
shown in Figure 1. handling. The prisms should also be secured during transport
Since masonry prisms can be heavy, especially grouted
prisms, it often proves effective to construct prisms using half-
length units. The criteria for constructing prisms of reduced- Portion
Discard
sized units are (also see Figure 2): used in testing
• that hollow units contain fully closed cells,
• that the cross section is as symmetrical as possible, and
• that the length is not less than 4 in. (102 mm).
As a result, handling, transporting, capping, and testing
the reduced sized prisms is easier, resulting in less potential
for damage to the prisms. Using reduced-length prisms also Saw-cut
reduces the required plate thicknesses for compression machines
and typically result in higher and more accurate assessments
of masonry strengths.
Immediately following construction of the prisms, each
prism is sealed in a moisture-tight bag, as shown in Figure 3.
The prism test method requires prisms to be cured in sealed
plastic bags to ensure uniform hydration of the mortar and the Portion
grout if used. Under actual field conditions, it may require used in testing Discard
longer periods for hydration and the corresponding strengths x x
to be achieved. Curing prisms in sealed plastic bags results in Where:
x < tFS
measured strengths which are representative of those exhibited
by the masonry throughout the life of the structure. Bag curing tFS
also provides a uniform and repeatable testing procedure.
Where the corresponding construction is to be grouted
solid, each prism is grouted solid using grout representative of
Saw-cut
that being used in the corresponding construction. When prisms
are used for field quality control or assurance, prisms must be
constructed at the same time as the corresponding construction
and grouted when the construction is being grouted. When
prisms are used for other purposes, such as preconstruction or
for research, prism grouting must occur between 4 hours and Portion
48 hours following the construction of the prisms. Discard used in testing
After grouting, the grout in each prism is consolidated and
reconsolidated using procedures representative of those used
in the corresponding construction. After each consolidation, Figure 2—Saw-Cut Locations for
Reduced-Size Prisms

NCMA TEK 18-1B 3

to prevent jarring, bouncing or tipping. area is the net cross-sectional area of the masonry units deter-
mined in accordance with ASTM C140 on concrete masonry
Curing Prisms units identical to those used to construct the prisms. When
As previously stated, each prism is constructed in a reduced sized units are used to construct ungrouted prisms, the
moisture-tight bag (Figure 3) large enough to enclose and seal net cross-sectional area is based on the reduced sized units.
the completed prism. The bags should have adequate thickness When testing fully grouted prisms, net cross-sectional
to prevent tearing; a thickness of 2 mils (0.0051 mm) or greater area is determined by multiplying the actual length and width
has been found to work well. After the initial 48 hours of job of the prism per ASTM C1314. These areas are illustrated in
site curing in the moisture-tight bag, each prism is carefully Figure 5.
moved to a location where the temperature is maintained at
75 ± 15° F (24 ± 8° C) for full curing prior to testing. Testing Prisms
Two days prior to the 28 day time interval or the designated
Prism Net Cross-Sectional Area testing time, each prism is removed from the moisture tight
To provide accurate an accurate strength calculation, bag. Prism age is determined from the time of laying units for
the laboratory needs to determine the net area of the prisms. ungrouted prisms, and from the time of grouting for grouted
Ungrouted masonry prisms should be delivered to the testing prisms.
agency with three additional units, identical to those used to To provide a smooth bearing surface, prisms are capped
construct the prism. If reduced-length prisms are used, addi- with either a sulfur or high-strength gypsum compound in ac-
tional reduced-length units should accompany the prisms to cordance with ASTM C1552, Standard Practice for Capping
the laboratory for this purpose. Concrete Masonry Units, Related Units and Masonry Prisms
The net cross-sectional area used to calculate compressive for Compression Testing (ref. 12). No other capping materials
strength of a prism depends on whether the prisms are grouted are permitted, nor are unbonded caps.
or ungrouted. For ungrouted full-size prisms, the cross-sectional Capping provides level and uniform bearing surfaces for
testing, thereby eliminating point loads due to surface irregu-
larities. The result is more uniform and reliable compressive
strength values. Patching of caps is not permitted because it
is difficult to maintain a planar surface within the tolerances
of ASTM C1552.
Capping materials must have a compressive strength of at
least 3,500 psi (24.13 MPa) at an age of 2 hours when cubes
of the material are tested in accordance with ASTM C617,
Standard Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
(ref. 13).
The average thickness of the cap must not exceed 1/8 in.
(3.2 mm). Caps are to be aged for at least 2 hours before test-
ing the specimens, regardless of the type of capping material.
Capping plates of adequate stiffness and smoothness are critical
to achieving accurate results. Machined steel plates of 1 in.
(25.4 mm) minimum thickness are required as a base. Glass

Plywood
sheet

Masonry Steel thread

prism or steel strap

Plywood sheet
Figure 3—Constructing a Half-Length Prism in a
Plastic Bag
Figure 4—Transporting Prisms

4 NCMA TEK 18-1B

 For prisms that are non-symmetrical about an axis, the location
Net cross-sectional area of grouted prism of that axis can be determined by balancing the masonry unit
on a knife edge or a metal rod placed parallel to that axis. If
a metal rod is used, the rod must be straight, cylindrical (able
to roll freely on a flat surface), have a diameter between 1/4 in.
and 3/4 in. (6.4 and 19.1 mm), and it must be longer than the
specimen. Once determined, the centroidal axis can be marked
on the end of the prism.
To test the prism, it is placed in the compression machine
with both centroidal axes of the specimen aligned with the ma-
chine's center of thrust. The maximum load and type of fracture
is recorded. Prism strength is calculated from the maximum
load divided by the prism net area. This prism strength is then
corrected as described below.
Net cross-sectional area of ungrouted prism
Corrections for Prism Aspect Ratio
Since the ratio of height, hp, to least lateral dimension,
tp,—designated the aspect ratio or hp/tp—of the prism can
Figure 5—Net Cross-Sectional Areas of
significantly affect the load carrying capacity of the masonry
Grouted and Ungrouted Prisms
prism, ASTM C1314 contains correction factors for prisms
having different aspect ratios, as outlined in Table 2.
plates not less than 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) in thickness may be used
To use the values in Table 2, simply multiply the measured
as a wearing surface to protect the plates. The capping wear
compressive strength of the prism by the correction factor
plate must be plane within 0.003 in. in 16 in. (0.075 mm in 400
corresponding to the aspect ratio for that prism. Correction
mm) and free of gouges, grooves and indentations greater than
factors shown in Table 3 can be linearly interpolated between
0.010 in. (0.25 mm) deep or greater than 0.05 in.2 (32 mm2).
values, but cannot be extrapolated for aspect ratios less than
One of the most common oversights in testing masonry
1.3 or greater than 5.0.
prisms is compliance with the established requirements for
the testing machine itself. The testing machine is required
PRISMS FROM EXISTING CONSTRUCTION
to have a spherically seated head with a minimum 6 in. (150
mm) diameter and capable of rotating in any direction. The
The majority of quality assurance testing of concrete
spherically seated head is then attached to a single thickness
masonry materials is conducted on samples representative of
steel bearing plate having a width and length at least 1/4 in.
those used in the construction. In some cases, however, it may
(6.4 mm) greater than the length and width of the prism be-
be necessary or desirable to evaluate the properties of existing
ing tested. The required thickness of the steel bearing plate
masonry construction using the actual construction materials
depends on the diameter of the spherically seated head and
instead of representative samples. Examples where the in-
the width and length of the prism being tested. The thickness
place (in-situ) masonry properties might need to be considered
of the steel bearing plate must equal or exceed the maximum
include old or damaged construction, or during the construc-
distance from the outside of the spherically seated head to the
tion process, when: a testing variable or construction practice
outmost corner of the prism—designated d in Figure 6. Fail-
fails to meet specifications; a test specimen is damaged prior
ure to provide the required minimum bearing plate thickness
to testing; test records are lost; or representative samples are
decreases the measured compressive strength of the prism due
not otherwise available.
to the bearing plate bending during testing. It is also required
that the bearing faces of the plates have a Rockwell hardness
of at least HRC 60 (BHN 620).
The last step prior to testing a prism in compression is
Table 2—Prism Aspect Ratio Correction
determining the prisms center of mass. The center of mass of
Factors (ref. 3)
a prism can be thought of as the point on the cross-section of a
prism where it could physically balance on a point. The prism hp/tp: Correction factor:
is then centered within the test machine such that the center 1.3 0.75
of mass coincides with the center of thrust (which coincides 1.5 0.86
with the center of the spherically seated head). 2.0 1.00
Failure to align the center of mass with the center of thrust
2.5 1.04
results in a nonuniform application of load and therefore lower
measured compressive strengths. For prisms having symmetric 3.0 1.07
cross-sections, the mass centroid coincides with the geometric 4.0 1.15
centroid—or the center of the prism as measured with a ruler. 5.0 1.22

NCMA TEK 18-1B 5

 The procedures covered in ASTM C1532, Standard Guide
for Selection, Removal, and Shipment of Manufactured Masonry
Units and Specimens from Existing Construction, (ref. 14), are
Spherical head useful when physical examination of an assembly’s compres-
sive strength, stiffness, flexural strength or bond strength is
Upper platen needed on a representative sample of the actual construction.
Upper bearing These specimens are a portion of the existing masonry, and
plate may include units, mortar, grout, reinforcing steel, collar joint
and masonry accessories. The specimens can be taken from
Lower bearing single or multiwythe construction. The procedures outlined
plate in C1532 focus on documenting the condition of the masonry
and protecting the specimens from damage during removal
Lower platen and transportation to the testing laboratory.
C1532 is very similar to ASTM C1420, Standard Guide for
Selection, Removal, and Shipment of Manufactured Masonry
Units Placed in Usage (ref. 15).
Example of determining the required
Standard Practice for Preparation of Field Removed
bearing plate thickness:
Manufactured Masonry Units and Masonry Specimens for
Compressive Strength Testing, ASTM C1587 (ref. 16), pro-
Diameter of spherically seated head = 8 in. (203 mm)
Width of prism = 7.64 in. (194 mm) vides procedures for preparing field-removed specimens for
Height of prism = 15.66 in. (398 mm) compressive strength testing, and covers procedures such as
Length of prism = 15.63 in. (397 mm) removing hardened mortar and cleaning.
Compressive strength test results of field-removed ma-
15.63 in. sonry units and assemblies are expected to vary from, and
(397 mm)
will likely be less than, compressive strength test results of
d new masonry units and newly assembled prisms. Therefore,
D 7.64 in. drawing relationships between the results of tests conducted
(194 mm)
on field-removed specimens to those of masonry units prior
to use or of constructed prisms is difficult.
Spherical head,
Prior to removal of specimens from existing construction,
Diameter = D = 8 in. (203 mm)
SH
a repair plan should be developed. This plan should include
replacement of units removed and repair of any disturbed or
cut reinforcement, including those unintentionally damaged
during the removal process.

Selecting Specimens
Specimens should be representative of the masonry
Therefore, the bearing plate thickness, T, must equal construction as a whole, considering variations within the
or exceed 4.70 in. (119 mm). construction such as: parapets, corbels, areas where different
masonry units are combined for architectural effects, as well as
If the prism is constructed of half-length units, how-
variations in the condition or exposure of the masonry. C1532
ever, T is significantly reduced from 4.7 in. (119 mm)
includes guidance on random sampling, location-specific
to 1.41 in. (35.7 mm):
sampling, and on condition-specific sampling. When testing
Width of prism = 7.64 in. (194 mm)
Length of prism = 7.65 in. (194 mm) to help quantify the effects of various exposures or conditions,
the sampling should represent each exposure condition.
Thorough documentation of the specimen’s condition prior
to removal is necessary to assess whether the specimen was
subsequently damaged during removal and transport, and for
comparative purposes with the other specimens.

Removing Specimens
Carefully remove each specimen at its perimeter, ensuring
Figure 6—Determination of
the specimen is the appropriate size for the intended testing.
Bearing Plate Thickness
Note that hydraulic or electric impact equipment should not
be used, due to the potential for damaging the specimens.
Saw-cutting or hand chiseling is preferred.

6 NCMA TEK 18-1B

 The following procedure is recommended. Make the first Prisms must: include at least one mortar bed joint; have
cut along the bottom of the specimen (on both sides of the an aspect ratio (hp/tp) between 1.3 and 5; have a height of at
wall if necessary) and insert shims. Make the two vertical cuts least two units (each of which is at least one-half the height of
at the sides of the specimen, then make the top cut. Provide a typical unit); have a length one-half the unit length and two
any necessary shoring, bracing and weather protection for unit lengths; not include vertical reinforcement. In addition,
the remaining construction. Similar to the pre-removal docu- when prisms contain units of different sizes and/or shapes, the
mentation, assess and document the specimen’s condition to unit height and length are considered to be that of the largest
determine if the specimen was damaged during removal. unit height or largest unit length within the prism.
The specimens should be prepared for capping by smooth-
Transporting Specimens ing and removing loose or otherwise unsound material from
The specimens should be confined as described in Trans- the bearing surfaces, to produce a plumb and level surface.
porting Prisms, page 4. In addition, each specimen should be Note that grouted or partially grouted specimens cannot
protected on all sides with material such as 1 in. (25 mm) thick contain vertical reinforcement. The specimens are photographed
packaging foam or bubble wrap, placed in sturdy crates, and to document specimen condition prior to capping. Capping
the crates completely filled with packing material to ensure and testing procedures are identical to those for constructed
the specimens cannot move within the crate during transport. prisms.
Field-removed prisms may have non-uniform dimensions
Testing Specimens that should be considered when determining net cross-sectional
It is not permitted to test grouted or partially grouted area for calculating compressive strength. Professional judge-
specimens that contain vertical reinforcement. Specimens cut ment should be used to determine the minimum bearing area
from existing construction containing horizontal reinforcement of a non-uniform prism. One effective method for face-shell
can be tested, but the presence and location of reinforcement bedded specimens is to multiply the length of the specimen
should be noted and reported. at the bed joint by the sum of the face shell thicknesses to
determine minimum bearing area.

NCMA TEK 18-1B 7

REFERENCES
1. Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, ACI 530-11/ASCE 5-11/TMS 402-11. Reported by the Masonry Standards
Joint Committee, 2011.
2. Specifications for Masonry Structures, ACI 530.1-11/ASCE 6-11/TMS 602-11. Reported by the Masonry Standards Joint Com-
mittee, 2011.
3. Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Masonry Prisms, ASTM C1314-10. ASTM International, Inc., 2010.
4. International Building Code, International Code Council, 2012.
5. Standard Test Methods of Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units, ASTM C140-11. ASTM International,
Inc., 2011.
6. Standard Specification for Concrete Building Brick, ASTM C55-09. ASTM International, Inc., 2009.
7. Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units, ASTM C90-11. ASTM International, Inc., 2011.
8. Standard Specification for Grout for Masonry,ASTM C476-10. ASTM International, Inc., 2010.
9. Standard Test Method for Sampling and Testing Grout, ASTM C1019-11. ASTM International, Inc., 2011.
10. Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry, ASTM C270-10. ASTM International, Inc., 2010.
11. Standard Specification for Mortar Cement, ASTM C1329-05. ASTM International, Inc., 2005.
12. Standard Practice for Capping Concrete Masonry Units, Related Units and Masonry Prisms for Compression Testing, ASTM
C1552-09a. ASTM International, Inc., 2009.
13. Standard Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete Specimens, ASTM C617-10. ASTM International, Inc., 2010.
14. Standard Guide for Seletion, Removal, and Shipment of Manufactured Masonry Units and Specimens from Existing Construction,
ASTM C1532-06. ASTM International, Inc., 2006.
15. Standard Guide for Selection, Removal, and Shipment of Manufactured Masonry Units Placed in Usage, ASTM C1420-03.
ASTM International, Inc., 2003.
16. Standard Practice for Preparation of Field Removed Manufactured Masonry Units and Masonry Specimens for Compres-
sive Strength Testing, ASTM C1587-09. ASTM International, Inc., 2009.

NCMA and the companies disseminating this technical information disclaim any and all responsibility and liability for the accuracy
and the application of the information contained in this publication.

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www.ncma.org

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8 NCMA TEK 18-1B