Designation: C 482 – 81 (Reapproved 1996)

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Standard Test Method for

Bond Strength of Ceramic Tile to Portland Cement1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 482; 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.

1. Scope stronger than normal setting bed for the test specimens is
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the ability specified. This avoids failure of the setting bed before the
of glazed ceramic wall tile, ceramic mosaic tile, quarry tile, and desired failure at the tile-bond coat interface occurs. In real tile
pavers to be bonded to portland cement. This test method installations with portland cement an entirely different loading
includes both face-mounted and back-mounted tile. mechanism, usually generated primarily by shrinking of the
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded setting bed or structural backing, results in mild tension in
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for setting bed and mild compression in the tile, but the same type
information only. of shear stress occurs between tile and bond coat as does in
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the response to the laboratory loading method. The finding of an
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the adequate bond strength under the conditions of this test method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- can be taken as proof that the tested tile could be permanently
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- bonded in a properly installed conventional installation using
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. the lean, low-shrinkage mortars customarily specified for this
particular purpose.
2. Referenced Documents 4.4 To maintain practical sample size and limit maximum
2.1 ASTM Standards: breaking load, tile larger than nominal 41⁄4 in. (108 mm) on a
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement2 side must be cut to 4 in. (102 mm).
C 185 Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement
5. Significance and Use
Mortar2
C 207 Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Pur- 5.1 This test method provides a means of determining
poses2 whether or not tile of the types indicated in 1.1 can be bonded
C 242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related with adequate strength to portland cement. Tile specifications
Products3 can refer to this test method in order to establish minimum
bond strength limits appropriate to the service conditions that
3. Terminology are anticipated.
3.1 Definitions: 5.2 Separation between bond coat and setting bed, or
3.1.1 For definitions of the types of tile listed in 1.1, refer to breakage of the setting bed itself shall not be considered
Terminology C 242. failures of tile bond.

4. Summary of Test Method 6. Apparatus

4.1 This test method consists of bonding tile under con- 6.1 Molds—Five frame-type molds having inside dimen-
trolled conditions to a pure cement bond coat, supported by a sions 6 by 41⁄2 by 2 in. (152 by 114 by 51 mm) in depth. The
cement mortar bed. molds shall be made of 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) thick rigid material
4.2 After proper cure of the test assembly, a load is applied such as brass, and the inside faces of the molds shall present a
to one edge of the tile and the load increased at a definite rate smooth surface. They shall be constructed in such a manner
until the bond between tile and bond coat is broken. that they can be taken apart without damage to the molded
4.3 Because the laboratory method of applying shear stress cement block. Diagrams of suitable molds are shown in Fig. 1.
rapidly loads both tile and setting bed in compression, a 6.2 Compression Testing Machine—The testing machine
may be either a hydraulic or screw type, with an accuracy of
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-21 on
61.0 %. It shall be capable of applying a uniformly distributed
Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products and is the direct responsibility of shearing load at a rate of 200 6 20 psi/min (1.4 6 0.1
Subcommittee C21.06 on Ceramic Tile. MPa/min) to the tile being tested. To obtain the actual loading
Current edition approved Dec. 28, 1981. Published March 1982. Originally rate in lbf/min (kgf/min) for a particular tile size, multiply the
published as C 482 – 61 T. Last previous edition C 482– 78.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01.
bonded area of the tile in square inches by 200 6 20 (in pascals
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.02. by 1.4 6 0.1).

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 C 482

Metric Equivalents
Letter in. mm
A ⁄
3 16 4.8
B 3⁄8 9.5
C 6 152
D 63⁄4 171
E 41⁄2 114
F 51⁄4 133
G 11⁄4 32
H 2 51

FIG. 1 Mold for Mortar Block (Five Required)

6.3 Fixture, for holding the specimen assembly in an upright 7.3 Standard Sand—Dry, Standard Ottawa sand con-
position to prevent tilting while the specimen assembly is forming to the requirements given in Section 9 of Test Method
under load. The construction of such a fixture is shown in Fig. C 185.
2.
6.4 Keys—Differently sized keys, each for use with a 8. Test Sample
different size range of tile, to be inserted between the edge of 8.1 Size of Sample—The number of tile comprising a
the bonded tile and the head of the compression testing sample varies according to the size of the tile (see Table 1).
machine. Their exact dimensions are shown in Fig. 3. Specially 8.2 Selection and Preparation:
dimensioned keys may be required for unusual tile thicknesses. 8.2.1 Tile in the number specified in 8.1 shall be selected at
random from the lot to be tested.
7. Materials 8.2.2 Mounted tile shall be separated from one another by
7.1 Portland Cement—Type I of Specification C 150. mechanical means, but water or other solvent shall not be used
7.2 Hydrated Lime—Type S of Specification C 207. to remove the mounting media, except as directed in 8.2.4. (It

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 C 482

Metric Equivalents
Letter in. mm Letter in. mm
A ⁄
38 9.5 H 9 229
B 13⁄8 35 I 1⁄4 6.4
C 3⁄4 19 J 1⁄8 3.2
D 11⁄2 38 K 2 51
E 1⁄2 13 L 15⁄16 33
F 7 178 M 25⁄16 59
G 8 203 N 41⁄2 114

FIG. 2 Fixture for Bond Strength Test

Metric Equivalents
Tile Size, in. (mm) A B C D E
11⁄16 (27) and smaller ⁄ (19)
34 11⁄8 (29) ⁄ (4.8)
3 16 ⁄ (3.2)
18 ⁄ (9.5)
38

11⁄8 (29) to 19⁄16 (40) 11⁄8 (29) 11⁄8 (29) 3⁄16 (4.8) 1⁄8 (3.2) 3⁄8 (9.5)

25⁄8 (41) to 21⁄4 (57) 15⁄8 (41) 13⁄4 (44) 3⁄16 (4.8) 1⁄8 (3.2) 3⁄8 (9.5)

25⁄16 (59) to 31⁄2 (88) 21⁄2 (64) 13⁄4 (44) 3⁄16 (4.8) 1⁄8 (3.2) 3⁄8 (9.5)

39⁄16 (90) to 41⁄4 (108) (1⁄4 (6.4) to 3⁄8 (9.5) 41⁄4 (108) 21⁄2 (76) 1⁄4 (6.4) 1⁄8 (3.2) 3⁄8 (9.5)

thick)
33⁄4(94) to 41⁄4 (108) (over 3⁄8 (9.5) thick) 41⁄4 (108) 21⁄2 (76) ⁄ (9.5)
38 ⁄ (3.2)
18 ⁄ (9.5)
38

FIG. 3 Key Detail for Fixture in Fig. 2

is not necessary to remove mounting media completely, pro- trimmed with a saw 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) in from an edge, and
vided it does not interfere with the methods prescribed in either preferably, perpendicular to any directional back-pattern, to
8.2.4 or Section 9.) provide one smooth, straight edge.
8.2.3 If any dimension between opposite edges of a tile 8.2.4 Tile that are cut on a saw requiring that they be wetted
exceeds nominally 41⁄4 in. (108 mm), the tile shall be cut on a with water shall subsequently be thoroughly washed, rinsed at
diamond or abrasive saw, so that the dimension is reduced to 4 least once in clean water, and dried in an oven at a temperature
in. (102 mm). Any tile that has lugs or other protuberances on of 225 6 10°F (107 6 5°C) for 4 h. They shall be allowed to
its edges, or that does not have a straight, square edge, shall be cool to room temperature before they are set on a mortar bed.

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 C 482
TABLE 1 Number of Tile per Sample 9.6 Immediately after each tile is placed on the mortar bed
Facial Dimensions of Tile in the proper position, tap it firmly to assure 100 % contact
Number of Tile
Over, in. Not over, in. per Sample
between the bond coat and the mortar bed, and then carefully
(mm) (mm) remove all excess cement paste from around the edges and
... 1 (25) 20 between the tile. Under no condition should the surface level of
1 (25) 11⁄2 (38) 15 the mortar bed under the tile be disturbed.
11⁄2 (38) 21⁄4 (57) 10
21⁄4 (57) ... 5 9.7 Damp cure the five complete specimen assemblies in the
molds for 16 to 24 h by covering them with moist cloths and
polyethylene film. Remove them from the molds; cure for an
Tile cut dry shall be brushed with a dry cloth to remove dust additional 6 days at approximately 70°F (21°C) and at least
from the bonding surface. 90 % relative humidity prior to testing. Ninety percent relative
8.2.5 Immerse nonvitreous and semivitreous tile (tile with a humidity shall be obtained by wrapping the specimen assem-
water absorption over 3 %) in water for at least 1⁄2 h prior to blies immediately after removal from the molds in an imper-
use, and fully drain them of surface moisture before installa- vious film or foil.
tion. Nonvitreous and semivitreous tile, mounted with water- 9.8 Immediately upon removing the specimen assembly
soluble adhesive, must have mounting media and adhesive from the film or foil (after 7 days total curing time), place it on
carefully and completely removed under running water before edge into the holding fixture with the edge of the mortar bed
immersion to prevent contamination of the bonding surface. from which the tile are recessed 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) facing upward
and the opposite edge resting on a piece of felt 1⁄8in. (3.2 mm)
9. Procedure thick (see Fig. 2). Adjust the back of the assembly to rest
9.1 Lightly oil the inside surfaces of the molds to permit against the upright part of the fixture. Fasten the assembly to
easy removal of the specimen assemblies after fabrication. Fill the fixture by means of two clamps and place the fixture with
the molds, without voids, to an excess with one of the the specimen assembly in the compression testing machine.
following mortars: Place the appropriate key on the edge of the tile specimen, with
9.1.1 For nonvitreous tile (water absorption over 7 %): One a 1⁄8-in. (3.2-mm) thick felt strip between the key and the tile
part portland cement, 0.25 part hydrated lime, 3.30 parts dry edge as shown in Fig. 2. Use that key which most nearly covers
standard sand, and 0.55 part potable water; all parts by mass. the full length of the tile edge to be loaded without touching
9.1.2 For impervious, vitreous, or semivitreous tile (water adjacent tile. The key shall cover not less than 70 % of the tile
absorption not over 7 %): One part portland cement, 3.30 parts edge and be centered on it. Load one specimen at a time at the
standard sand, and 0.50 part potable water; all parts by mass. rate of 200 6 20 psi/min (1.4 6 0.1 MPa/min) in a shear until
9.2 Screed the surface of the mortar to receive the tile by the bond is broken.
drawing a straight-edge, resting on opposite sides of the mold,
across the mold to remove the excess mortar placed therein; do 10. Calculation
not float, puddle, or trowel the surface. The prepared mortar 10.1 Calculate the strength of the bond, B, in pounds-force
beds must receive the tile not less than 1 h nor more than 11⁄2h per square inch (or pascals), as follows:
after screeding. Use a freshly prepared, smooth paste of one
B 5 P/A (1)
part by weight of portland cement passing through a No. 200
(75-µm) sieve and 0.36 part by weight of potable water as a where:
uniform bond coat on the surface of the prepared tile intended B 5 bond strength, psi (or Pa),
for bonding, in an amount sufficient to form a continuous layer P 5 maximum load, lbf (or N), and
not less than 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) or more than 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) A 5 bonded area of the tile, in.2 (or m2).
over it, in addition to filling any depressions in it.
9.3 Place the tile on the mortar bed with one smooth, 11. Report
straight edge 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) in from a 6-in. (152-mm) long 11.1 Report the following information:
edge of the mortar bed and parallel to it. Center one fifth of the 11.1.1 Identification of the material being tested,
tile in the sample along the edge of the mortar bed with a space 11.1.2 Type of design on the back of the tile and its
between tile, when more than one tile is used, of 1⁄8 in. (3.2 orientation with respect to the direction of the load,
mm) or more. Use a jig that will project over the edge of the 11.1.3 Bond strength in pounds-force per square inch (or
mortar bed to facilitate placing the tile at the specified 1⁄4 in. pascals) for each tile,
(6.4 mm) from, and parallel to, the edge. 11.1.4 Location of failure for each tile; that is in the tile
9.4 Place prepared oblong tile (except nominally square tile itself, between tile and bond coat, between bond coat and
with a trimmed edge) on the mortar bed so that their lengths mortar setting bed, in the setting bed itself, and
will be vertical during loading. Place tile that are not rectan- 11.1.5 Average bond strength in pounds-force per square
gular so that they are loaded on a straight edge and are inch (or pascals) for the sample.
symmetrical about a vertical center line.
9.5 Place tile that have a directional back-pattern on the 12. Precision and Bias
mortar bed with the direction of the back-pattern parallel to the 12.1 Measurements of shear bond strength between ceramic
direction of loading, except when there is conflict with the tile and portland cement mortar are not precise. The range
instructions in 9.4; those instructions shall take precedence. among five or more strength determinations in a set is

4
 C 482
frequently as large as 80 % of the lower recorded strength.
Accuracy is 610 to 20 % of the average bond strength.

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if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
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