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: C579 − 18

Standard Test Methods for

Compressive Strength of Chemical-Resistant Mortars,
Grouts, Monolithic Surfacings, and Polymer Concretes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C579; 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 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
compressive strength of chemical-resistant mortars, grouts, C470/C470M Specification for Molds for Forming Concrete
monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes. These materials Test Cylinders Vertically
may be based on resin, silicate, silica, or sulfur binders. C904 Terminology Relating to Chemical-Resistant Nonme-
tallic Materials
1.2 Test Method A outlines the testing procedure generally
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
used for systems containing aggregate less than 0.0625 in. (1.6
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
mm) in size. Test Method B covers the testing procedure
ASTM Test Methods
generally used for systems containing aggregate from 0.0625
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
to 0.4 in. (1.6 to 10 mm) in size. Test Method C is used for
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
systems containing aggregate larger than 0.4 in.
1.3 These test methods provide two different methods for 3. Terminology
controlling the testing rate. 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in these test
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded methods, see Terminology C904.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 4. Significance and Use
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. 4.1 These test methods offer a means of determining the
compressive strength of chemical-resistant mortars, grouts,
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5. Apparatus
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 5.1 Equipment, capable of weighing materials or specimens
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. to 60.3 % accuracy.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 5.2 Specimen Molds:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 5.2.1 Test Method A—These molds shall be right cylinder 1
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 6 1⁄32 in. (25 6 0.8 mm) in diameter by 1 6 1⁄32 in. high. The
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical molds may be constructed in any manner that will allow
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. formation of a test specimen of the desired size. Typical molds
consist of a 1-in. thick, flat plastic sheet in which 1-in.
diameter, smooth-sided holes have been cut, and to the bottom
of which a 1⁄4-in. (6-mm) thick, flat plastic sheet (without
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct
2
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C579 – 01 (2012). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C0579-18. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Dec 4 08:09:12 EST 2018
1
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad Nacional De Colombia (Universidad Nacional De Colombia) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C579 − 18
matching holes) is attached by means of screws or bolts. Practices E4. The testing machine shall be equipped with two
Alternately, the molds may consist of sections of round plastic steel bearing blocks with hardened faces, one of which is a
tubing or pipe, 1-in. inside diameter and 1 in. long, having spherically seated block that will bear on the top bearing plate,
sufficient wall thickness to be rigid and retain dimensional and the other a plain rigid block that will support the bottom
stability during the molding operation, and a 1⁄4-in. thick, flat bearing plate. The diameter of the spherical bearing block shall
plastic sheet on which one open end of each section can be be at least 75 % of the width of the specimen. The bearing
rested. With the latter style of mold, the tubing segment may be faces shall not depart from a plane by more than 0.001 in.
sealed with a material, such as caulking compound or stopcock (0.025 mm) in any 6-in. (150-mm) diameter circle.
grease. For most types of specimens it is satisfactory to simply
seal one end of the tubing segment with masking tape. 6. Test Specimens
NOTE 1—For use with sulfur mortars an additional piece of flat plastic 6.1 Make all specimens for a single determination from a
sheet at least 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) thick containing a 1⁄4-in. (6-mm) hole and a single mix.
section of plastic tubing or pipe 1 in. (25 mm) in diameter by 1 in. high
are required. They are used to form a pouring gate and reservoir in the 6.2 Test Method A—Prepare test specimens to be used in
preparation of sulfur mortar specimens. accordance with Test Method A as described in 6.5. Test
5.2.2 Test Method B—Molds for the 2 in. (50 mm) cube specimens shall be right cylinders 1 + 1 ⁄ 32 , − 1 ⁄ 16 in.
specimens shall be tight fitting and leakproof. The molds shall (25 + 0.8, − 1.6 mm) in diameter by 1 6 1⁄16 in. (25 6 1.6 mm)
have not more than three cube compartments and shall be high. If the faces of the specimen are not flat, smooth, and
separable into not more than three parts. The parts of the normal to the cylinder axis, they may be sanded, ground, or
molds, when assembled, shall be positively held together. The machined to specification. Exercise care that the frictional heat
molds shall be made of materials not attacked by the product developed during such operations does not damage the speci-
being tested. The sides of the molds shall be sufficiently rigid mens.
to prevent spreading or warping. The interior faces of the 6.3 Test Method B—Prepare test specimens to be used in
molds shall be manufactured to ensure plane surfaces with a accordance with Test Method B as described in 6.5. Test
permissible variation of 0.002 in. (0.05 mm). The distances specimens shall be cubes with dimensions of 2 + 1⁄16, − 1⁄8 in.
between opposite faces shall be 2 6 1⁄16 in. (50 6 0.8 mm). The (50 + 1.5, − 3.0 mm). If the faces of the cube are not flat,
height of the molds, measured separately for each cube smooth, and normal to each other, they may be sanded, ground,
compartment, shall be 2 6 1⁄16 in. The angle between adjacent or machined to specification. Exercise care that the frictional
interior faces and between interior faces and top and bottom heat developed during such operations does not damage the
planes of the mold shall be 90 6 0.5° measured at points specimens.
slightly removed from the intersection of the faces.
5.2.3 Test Method C—Molds shall be right cylinders made 6.4 Test Method C—Prepare test specimens to be used in
of heavy gage metal or other rigid nonabsorbent material. The accordance with Test Method C as described in 6.6.
cylinder diameter shall be at least four times the nominal 6.4.1 Do not test specimens if any individual diameter of a
maximum aggregate size in the mix. The minimum cylinder cylinder differs from any other diameter of the same cylinder
diameter shall be 2 in. (50 mm). The cylinder height shall be by more than 2 %.
two times the diameter. The plane of the rim of the mold shall 6.4.2 Neither end of compressive test specimens, when
be at right angles to the axis within 0.5°. The mold shall be at tested, shall depart from perpendicular to the axis by more than
right angles to the axis within 0.5°. The mold shall not vary 0.5° (approximately equivalent to 1⁄8 in. in 12 in. (3 mm in 300
from the prescribed diameter by more than 1⁄16 in. (1.5 mm) nor mm). Cap the ends of compression test specimens that are not
from the prescribed height by more than 1⁄8 in. (3 mm). Molds flat within 0.002 in. (0.05 mm) in accordance with 6.6, sawed
shall be provided with a flat base plate with a means for or ground. Determine the diameter used for calculating the
securing it to the mold at a right angle to the axis of the cross-sectional area of the test specimen to the nearest 0.01 in.
cylinder in the instance of reusable metal molds. For molds (0.25 mm) by averaging two diameters measured at right
other than metal, a mechanically attached smooth flat metal or angles to each other at about mid-height of the specimen.
integrally molded flat bottom of the same material, as the sides
shall be used. Single-use molds shall conform to Specification 6.5 Specimen Preparation for Test Methods A and B:
C470/C470M. 6.5.1 Resin, Silicate, and Silica Materials—Mix a sufficient
amount of the components in the proportions and in the manner
NOTE 2—The material from which the mold is constructed must be specified by the manufacturer of the materials. Fill the molds
chemically inert and have antistick properties. Polyethylene,
polypropylene, polytetrafluorethylene, and metal forms having either a
one-half full. Remove any entrapped air by using a cutting and
sintered coating of tetrafluoroethylene or a suitable release agent compat- stabbing motion with a spatula or rounded-end rod. Fill the
ible with the material being tested are satisfactory. Because of their remainder of the mold, working down into the previously
superior heat resistance, only trifluorochloroethylene and tetrafluoroeth- placed portion. Upon completion of the filling operation, the
ylene mold release agents should be used with sulfur materials. tops of the specimens should extend slightly above the tops of
5.3 The testing machine may be of any type of sufficient the molds. When the molds have been filled, strike off the
capacity which will provide the rates of loading prescribed. It excess material, even with the top of the mold. Permit the
shall have been verified to have an accuracy of 1.0 %, or better, material to remain in the mold until it has set sufficiently to
within twelve months of the time of use in accordance with allow removal without danger of deformation or breakage.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Dec 4 08:09:12 EST 2018
2
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad Nacional De Colombia (Universidad Nacional De Colombia) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C579 − 18
6.5.1.1 Silicate Materials—Some silicates may require cov- tolerance shall be machined flat or a capping compound shall
ering during the curing period. After removal from the molds, be applied if the test load is to be applied to the surface.
acid-treat the specimens, if required, in accordance with the 6.6.2.1 Capping, if used, shall be made as thin as practicable
recommendations given by the manufacturer. No other treat- and shall be applied before removal of the polymer concrete
ment shall be permitted. Record the method of treatment in from the molds.
9.1.8. 6.6.2.2 If a polymer paste or mortar is used for capping, it is
6.5.2 Sulfur Materials: preferable that the polymer used be the same as the one used to
6.5.2.1 Sulfur Mortars—Slowly melt a minimum of 2 lb make the specimen. Fillers used may be the fine portion used
(900 g) of the material in a suitable container at a temperature in the polymer concrete or another mineral powder.
of 265 to 290°F (130 to 145°C) with constant agitation. Stir to 6.6.2.3 For capping in the mold, a suitable capping com-
lift and blend the aggregate without beating air into the melt. pound may be made from a polymer mortar. The surface of the
Place the piece of plastic sheet containing the 1⁄4-in. (6-mm) polymer concrete shall be wiped off after hardening, and a
round hole over the open face of the mold with the hole polymer mortar or polymer paste with suitable fillers shall be
centered on the face. On top of the piece of plastic sheet and deposited and pressed down uniformly to the top edge of the
surrounding the hole, place a section of plastic tubing or pipe mold with a capping plate. In order to prevent the capping plate
1 in. (25 mm) in diameter by 1 in. high. Pour the melted from bonding to the paste or mortar, the underside of the
material through the hole into the mold and continue to pour capping plate shall be covered with a release agent.
until the section of tubing or pipe is completely filled. The 6.6.2.4 For capping after mold removal, stiff polymer paste
excess material contained in the hole in the plastic sheet acts as or mortar or a low-melting-point alloy for capping shall be
a reservoir to compensate for shrinkage of the material during used. A suitable apparatus to maintain parallel ends on the
cooling. specimens shall be used.
6.5.2.2 Allow the specimen to remain in the mold until it NOTE 3—Any capping compound to be used with polymer concrete
has completely solidified. Upon removal, file, grind, or sand should be tested to ascertain that its strength is high enough to prevent
premature failure in the cap when testing in high compressive strength
the surface flush, removing the excess material remaining at polymer concretes. Cap failure may result in substantially lower compres-
the pouring gate. sive strength results.
6.5.2.3 Sulfur Concrete—Heat and mix a sufficient amount
of aggregate components and sulfur cement in the proportions 7. Conditioning
and in the manner specified by the manufacturer to a tempera- 7.1 Resin and Silica Materials—Age the test specimens in
ture of 265 to 290°F (130 to 145°C). Fill the molds one-half air at 73 6 4°F (23 6 2°C) for a period of seven days,
full. Rod 25 times using a rounded 5⁄8-in. (15-mm) diameter including the time in the mold before testing.
rod. Distribute the strokes uniformly over the cross section of
the mold. Repeat with two additional portions allowing the rod 7.2 Silicate Materials—Follow the same procedure as given
to penetrate about 1⁄2 in. (12 mm) into the underlying layer. in 7.1, the only exception being that the relative humidity of the
After consolidation, the tops of the specimens should extend surrounding air must be kept below 80 %.
slightly above the tops of the molds. Finish the top surface by 7.3 Sulfur Materials—Age the test specimens in air at 73°F
striking off the excess material even with the top of the mold. 6 4°F for at least 24 h including the time in the mold, before
Permit the material to remain in the mold until it has cooled testing.
sufficiently to allow removal without danger of deformation or
breakage. 8. Procedure
6.5.3 Number of Test Specimens—Prepare six test speci- 8.1 Measurement of Specimens:
mens for each material formulation. 8.1.1 Test Method A and Test Method C—Immediately
6.6 Specimen Preparation for Test Method C—Prepare following the conditioning period, measure the diameter of all
specimens in accordance with 6.5 with the following additional test specimens to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.0254 mm), using a
considerations: micrometer. Make two measurements at right angles to each
6.6.1 Use of vibrators is generally not required for sulfur other at mid-height and record the diameter as the average of
concrete but may be required for other materials using Test the two.
Method C. The type and method of vibrating will be as 8.1.1.1 Immediately after measuring, proceed to test as
recommended by the manufacturer and shall be specified in the described in 8.2.
test report. 8.1.2 Test Method B—Immediately following the condition-
6.6.2 Filling and Capping for Cylindrical Resin, Silica, and ing period, measure the cross-sectional dimensions of all test
Silicate Specimens—The top layer may be filled to slightly specimens to the nearest 0.001 in. (25 µm) using a micrometer.
below the top edge of the mold except for sulfur materials. For Take two measurements for each dimension at mid-height and
sulfur materials, fill slightly above the top edge and strike off perpendicular to the load axis and average them.
flush with the top edge. The top surface of the specimen shall 8.1.2.1 Immediately after measuring, proceed to test as
be finished as much as practicable to a plane perpendicular to described in 8.2.
the axis of the specimen. The flatness of the finished specimen 8.2 Compression Testing:
shall be within 0.010 in. (0.25 mm). Specimens exceeding this 8.2.1 Compression tests shall be performed at 73 6 4°F.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Dec 4 08:09:12 EST 2018
3
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad Nacional De Colombia (Universidad Nacional De Colombia) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C579 − 18
8.2.2 Placing the Specimen—Place the bearing block, with 9.1.4 Capping material and method, if used,
its hardened face up, on the table or platen of the testing 9.1.5 Specimen dimensions,
machine directly under the spherically seated (upper) bearing 9.1.6 Description of failure including type of failure, ap-
block. Wipe clean the bearing faces of the upper and lower pearance of specimen, and whether aggregate was fractured,
bearing blocks and of the test specimen and place the test 9.1.7 Defects in specimens,
specimen on the lower bearing block. As the spherically seated 9.1.8 Conditioning procedure,
block is brought to bear on the specimen, rotate its movable 9.1.9 Test conditions (temperature and humidity),
portion gently by hand so that uniform seating is obtained. 9.1.10 Loading rate,
8.2.3 Rate of Loading: 9.1.11 Maximum load indicated by testing machine, and
8.2.3.1 Load Rate I—Apply the load continuously and 9.1.12 Individual and average compressive strength values.
without shock. Test at a rate of 6000 psi/min (41 MPa/min).
Make no adjustment in the controls of the testing machine 10. Precision and Bias3
while a specimen is rapidly yielding, immediately before 10.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
failure. interlaboratory study of ASTM C579, Standard Test Methods
8.2.3.2 Load Rate II—Set the testing machine to a crosshead for Compressive Strength of Chemical-Resistant Mortars,
speed of 0.1 to 0.125 in./min times the specimen height in Grouts, Monolithic Surfacings, and Polymer Concretes, con-
inches (0.1 to 0.125 cm/min times the specimen height in ducted in 2017. Six facilities participated in this study. Each
centimetres) when the machine is running without load. participant reported three replicate test results. Every “test
NOTE 4—The above methods of controlling machine crosshead rate are result” reported represents the average of six individual deter-
not identical and may produce different compressive strength values. minations. Except for the inclusion of just a single material
type, Practice E691 was followed for the design and analysis of
8.2.4 Load the test specimen to failure and record the
the data; the details are given in ASTM Research Report
maximum load (W).
RR:D01-1188.
8.3 Calculation: 10.1.1 Repeatability (r)—The difference between repetitive
8.3.1 Test Method A and Test Method C: results obtained by the same operator in a given laboratory
8.3.1.1 Calculate compressive strength(s) as follows: applying the same test method with the same apparatus under
S 5 ~ 4W ! / ~ π 3 D 2 ! (1) constant operating conditions on identical test material within
short intervals of time would in the long run, in the normal and
where: correct operation of the test method, exceed the following
S = compressive strength, psi (MPa), values only in one case in 20.
W = maximum load, lb (N), and 10.1.1.1 Repeatability can be interpreted as the maximum
D = diameter measured in 8.1.1, in. (mm). difference between two results, obtained under repeatability
8.3.2 Test Method B: conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes
8.3.2.1 Calculate compressive strength(s) as follows: under normal and correct operation of the test method.
S 5 ~W!/~L1 3 L 10.1.1.2 Repeatability estimates are listed in Table 1.
2 ! (2)
10.1.2 Reproducibility (R)—The difference between two
where: single and independent results obtained by different operators
S = compressive strength, psi (MPa), applying the same test method in different laboratories using
W = maximum load, lb (N), and different apparatus on identical test material would, in the long
L1 and L2 = cross-section dimensions of cube measured in run, in the normal and correct operation of the test method,
8.1.2, in. (mm). exceed the following values only in one case in 20.
10.1.2.1 Reproducibility can be interpreted as the maximum
9. Report difference between two results, obtained under reproducibility
9.1 Report the following information: conditions, that is accepted as plausible due to random causes
9.1.1 Complete material identification, date, under normal and correct operation of the test method.
9.1.2 Mixing ratio,
9.1.3 Use of Test Method A, Test Method B, or Test Method 3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
C, be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D01-1188. Contact ASTM Customer
9.1.3.1 Use of Load Rate I or II. Service at service@astm.org.

TABLE 1 Compression Method B (psi)

Repeatability Reproducibility
Standard Standard Repeatability Reproducibility
Material Average A
Deviation Deviation Limit Limit
X̄ Sr SR r R
Chemical
Resistant 12401 349 1650 978 4620
Grout
A
The average of the laboratories’ reported averages.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Dec 4 08:09:12 EST 2018
4
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad Nacional De Colombia (Universidad Nacional De Colombia) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C579 − 18
10.1.2.2 Reproducibility estimates are listed in Table 1. 10.3 If any strength value(s) differs from the mean by more
10.1.3 The above terms (repeatability and reproducibility) than 15 %, the value farthest from the mean shall be rejected
are used as specified in Practice E177. and the mean recalculated. If any value(s) still differs from the
10.1.4 Any judgment in accordance with statements 10.1.1 new mean by more than 15 %, the farthest value should again
and 10.1.2 would normally have an approximate 95 % prob- be rejected and the mean recalculated. If any value(s) remains
ability of being correct, however the precision statistics ob- 15 % from the mean, the test should be rerun.
tained in this ILS must not be treated as exact mathematical 10.4 Bias—At the time of the study, there was no accepted
quantities which are applicable to all circumstances and uses. reference material suitable for determining the bias for this test
The limited number of materials tested guarantees that there method, therefore no statement on bias is being made.
will be times when differences greater than predicted by the
10.5 The precision statement was determined through sta-
ILS results will arise, sometimes with considerably greater or
tistical examination of 18 test results, from six facilities, on a
smaller frequency than the 95 % probability limit would imply.
single chemical resistant grout.
The repeatability limit and the reproducibility limit should be
considered as general guides, and the associated probability of 11. Keywords
95 % as only a rough indicator of what can be expected.
11.1 brick mortars; chemical-resistant; compressive
10.2 Test specimens that are manifestly faulty should be strength; machinery grouts; monolithic surfacings; polymer
rejected and not considered in determining the compressive concrete; resin materials; silicate materials; sulfur materials;
strength. tile grouts

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Dec 4 08:09:12 EST 2018
5
Downloaded/printed by
Universidad Nacional De Colombia (Universidad Nacional De Colombia) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.