Designation: C1090 − 10

Standard Test Method for

Measuring Changes in Height of Cylindrical Specimens of
Hydraulic-Cement Grout1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1090; 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.

1. Scope* C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements

1.1 This test method covers measurement of the changes in for Test Methods for Construction Materials
height of hydraulic-cement grout by the use of 75 by 150-mm C827 Test Method for Change in Height at Early Ages of
(3 by 6-in.) cylinders, when the cylinders are protected so that Cylindrical Specimens of Cementitious Mixtures
the tendency to change in height does not include evaporation C939 Test Method for Flow of Grout for Preplaced-
so as to cause drying, uptake of moisture, carbonation, or Aggregate Concrete (Flow Cone Method)
exposure to temperatures outside the range 23 6 2.0 °C (73 6
3 °F) or, optionally, to another specified temperature controlled 3. Terminology
within 6 2.0 °C (6 3 °F). 3.1 Definitions:
1.2 If desired, this test method can be adapted to studies of 3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
changes in height involving either schedules or environmental to Terminologies C125 and C219.
treatment different from the standard procedures prescribed by
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
this test method.
3.2.1 change in height—either an increase or decrease in the
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the vertical dimension of a test specimen, provided the change has
standard. been caused by factors other than externally applied forces,
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the changes in ambient temperature not conforming to the speci-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the fied range, drying caused by evaporation, carbonation, or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- uptake of moisture.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents 4.1 This test method is intended to provide a means of
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 assessing the ability of a hydraulic-cement grout to retain a
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag- stable volume during the stipulated testing period of 28 days,
gregates provided that the tendency to change height does not include
C172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete the effects of drying caused by evaporation, uptake of moisture,
C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement carbonation, or exposure to temperatures outside the range 23.0
C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement 6 2.0 °C (73 6 3 °F) (Note 1). An exception is made when the
Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency options described in the section on test conditions are exer-
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets, cised.
Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the NOTE 1—This test method does not measure the change in height before
Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes hardening (see Test Method C827).

1
5. Apparatus
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 5.1 Cylinder Molds steel cylindrical molds with minimum
C09.68 on Volume Change.
Current edition approved June 15, 2010. Published July 2010. Originally wall thickness of 6 mm (1⁄4 in.) fitted with clamp assemblies for
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as C1090–01(2005)´1. closing, 75 mm (3 in.) 6 1 % in inside diameter by 150 mm (6
DOI: 10.1520/C1090-10.
2
in.) 6 2 % in height (Note 2)), fitted with a removable 6-mm
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
(1⁄4-in.) steel base plate that can be clamped in place with the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on cylinder molds, top edge machined to a narrow rim as shown
the ASTM website. in Fig. 1.

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

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 C1090 − 10

FIG. 1 Cylinder Mold with Machined (Tapered) Top Edge

NOTE 2—Satisfactory molds can be made from lengths of steel tubing

or pipe that is slit on one side parallel to the longitudinal axis and fitted
with a means of closing the vertical slit as well as a means of attaching a
base plate.
5.2 Glass Plate approximately 100 mm (4 in.) square by 6
mm (1⁄4 in.) thick, coated as thinly as possible on one surface
with a silicone-base spray or other inert material such as
mineral oil, and permitted to dry before use.
5.3 Hold-Down Weight having a mass of 1.5 kg (3 lb.) 6
1 %.
5.4 designed to support and hold one cylinder in a level,
firm position (Fig. 2), with steel rods, and a top made of
noncorroding metal, not more than 1 mm (3⁄64 in.) larger than
the diameter of the measuring shaft of the micrometer depth
NOTE 1—All parts of this bridge shall be made of a noncorroding metal.
gage, and numbered 1 to 4 (Note 3). NOTE 2—The diameter of the measuring shaft of the depth micrometer
NOTE 3—The four holes should be 30 6 2 mm (11⁄4 6 1⁄16 in.) from the shall be 3.0 6 0.4 mm (1⁄8 6 1⁄64 in. The four holes should be 25 6 1 mm
center of the hold-down device. (1 6 1⁄16 in. from the center of the cylinder as shown in Fig. 1.
FIG. 2 Dimensions of Micrometer Bridge
5.5 Micrometer Depth Gage having a range from 25 to 50
mm. (1.000 to 2.000 in) graduated in units not larger than 0.02
mm (0.001 in.) (Note 4). 6. Preparation of Sample
NOTE 4—The diameter of the shaft of the depth micrometer should be 6.1 Take a sample of the freshly mixed grout to be tested
3.0 6 0.4 mm (1⁄8 6 1⁄64 in.). either in accordance with Practice C172 or prepared in suffi-
5.6 Outside Micrometer Caliper, used to measure the thick- cient quantity to permit molding at least one test specimen for
ness of the plate, with a capacity of at least 12 mm (1⁄2 in.) and height-change measurements and such additional tests as may
graduated in units not larger than 0.02 mm (0.001 in.) having be required or specified.
throat depth of at least 50 mm (2.0 in.). 6.2 If the grout to be tested is blended from individual
5.7 Tamping Rod, a straight steel rod with at least the components, mix in accordance with Practice C305 (Note 6). If
tamping end rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same the grout is made using a packaged product, proceed as
diameter as the rod, 10 mm (3⁄8 in.) in diameter and at last 250 follows, unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.
mm (10 in.) long. 6.2.1 Use 3000 to 3500 g of dry material as required and the
proportionate amount of water required for the test. Record
5.8 Mechanical Mixer, as described in Practice C305 (Note
amounts used.
5).
6.2.2 Place mixing water in mixing bowl.
NOTE 5—This mixer has clearances between paddle and bowl that are 6.2.3 Add dry material during the first 30-s period while
suitable only for mortars made with fine aggregates that are finer than the mixing at slow speed, 140 6 5 r/min.
850-µm (No. 20) sieve. Mortars made with aggregates containing particles
coarser than the 850-µm sieve may require special clearance or a different 6.2.4 Continue mixing for 3 min, stopping the mixer for not
type of paddle to permit the mixer to operate freely and avoid damage to over 15 s after 1 min to scrape down into the batch any grout
the paddle and bowl. that may have collected on the side of the bowl.

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 C1090 − 10
NOTE 6—If the grout contains fine aggregate, the mixing procedure for but not to more than half the height of the cylinder. Gather and
mortar is applicable; if it does not, that for paste is applicable. tie the plastic bag just above the plunger and bridge.
6.3 Cast the sample and lock the glass plate, micrometer 8.2.3 Subsequent Storage—If after 28-days storage, as pre-
bridge, top plate, plunger, and weight into position within 4 viously described, it is desired to observe height change while
min after completion of mixing. Complete the initial measure- allowing some drying or carbonation, or both, to occur, remove
ments within 3 min after completion of these operations. the specimen from the moist room, or from being protected by
6.4 If it is required or desired to cast the specimen after a the plastic bag and damp towels, exposed to air at 50 6 4 %
longer holding period, continue mixing of either the whole or relative humidity and at the same temperature at which the test
remaining portion, as appropriate, at slow speed for the was previously maintained.
specified time and the sample cast, apparatus locked, and take
initial measurements within 3 min after completion of these 9. Procedure
operations. 9.1 Place the apparatus on a smooth, horizontal surface,
which is free of vibration or disturbance. Remove the top of the
7. Preparation of Apparatus
bridge after it has been pre-leveled parallel to the top of the
7.1 Coat the exterior seams of the cylinder mold and the mold rim by using the four lower nuts.
exterior joint between the mold and the base plate with melted
9.2 Determine consistency in accordance with Test Method
paraffin wax. Coat the interior of the cylinder mold and base
C827. Consider mixtures having a flow of less than 100 % as
plate lightly with mineral oil (Note 7). Attach the mold to the
“stiff plastic;” those having flows between 100 and 125 % are
micrometer bridge.
considered “plastic.” A “flowable” mixture shall have a flow
NOTE 7—The exterior of the mold and the base plate may be coated between 125 and 145 % when tested in accordance with Test
with paraffin wax to facilitate cleanup after completion of the test. Method C827, but not less than 30 s when tested in accordance
8. Conditioning with Test Method C939. A “fluid” mixture shall have a flow of
10 to 30 s when tested in accordance with Test Method C939.
8.1 Keep the air temperature at 23 6 2 °C (73 6 3 °F), and
a relative humidity of not less than 50 %. Store the test 9.3 When testing a material that does not flow easily into the
specimen at a temperature of 23 6 2 °C for the duration of the mold, fill by using three equal layers, rod each layer 15 times
test, unless otherwise specified. When it is desired to test the with the tamping rod. When testing materials that flow easily
height change of material that is permitted to be used in the into the mold, fill the mold and tap the side of the mold lightly
field at temperatures either below or above 23 6 2 °C, use such three times with the tamping rod. Use sufficient material so that
other temperatures controlled to 62 °C (3 °F) throughout after consolidation the mold is slightly overfilled.
instead of 23 6 2 °C. Record the temperature of the mixing 9.4 Carefully place the coated surface of the glass plate on
water, other materials, and of the mixture immediately after top of the test specimen as follows: Hold the plate, coated side
mixing is completed. Store the height-change apparatus in air down, with the index finger placed in the center and the thumb
at the desired test storage temperature within 62 °C before and other fingers on two opposite edges. Bring the plate, held
casting the specimen. at an angle of approximately 45°, to the beveled edge of the
8.2 Protect the test specimen from loss of moisture, absorp- cylinder mold at a point 12 mm (1⁄2 in.) from the lower edge of
tion of moisture, or reaction with carbon dioxide for the the plate. Using this contact point as a fixed hinge, lower the
duration of the test. Store the specimen in the moist room or in plate in a single motion until the excess material is extruded
laboratory air described as follows: Under either condition, the and full contact with the rim is established. Neither slide nor
specimen shall remain protected at all times during the test for use the glass plate in a screeding motion, as this will either
28 days except during removal of the glass plate and the taking smear the material on the glass or cover voids, thus making
of measurements. their detection at this time difficult. After placing the glass
8.2.1 Moist Room Storage—Immediately after taking the plate, maintain contact between the plate and the rim until the
initial measurements, cover the plunger and bridge apparatus plunger and weight have been placed.
with a plastic bag previously fitted and cut to a length that 9.4.1 Quickly examine the grout surface through the glass
extends downward to the midpoint of the specimen mold to plate for voids. If there is an area larger than 3.2 mm (1⁄8 in.) in
prevent water from dripping on the bridge, glass plate, or diameter which lacks contact with the plate, discard the entire
specimen. Then carefully place the specimen in a moist room test specimen (Note 8).
or moist cabinet meeting the requirements of Specification NOTE 8—In order to keep rejected test specimens to a minimum,
C511. operators conducting this operation for the first time have found it helpful
8.2.2 Laboratory Air Storage—Prior to casting the test to practice several times placing the plate on a cylinder filled with an
specimen, place the entire apparatus in a prefitted plastic bag easily available plain mortar before starting the test.
just large enough to be gathered and tied above the plunger and 9.5 Immediately after placing the glass plate, place the
bridge. Roll down or collapse the bag so as not to interfere with preleveled top plate of the micrometer bridge in position,
the casting operation. Immediately after taking the initial tighten wing nuts, and lower the plunger of the hold-down
measurement, place a damp, but not dripping, towel around the device until it makes contact with the top surface of the glass
outside of the lower portion of the four posts supporting the plate. To ensure firm contact between the plunger and the plate,
bridge, inside the plastic bag. The towel shall extend upward, place a 1.5-kg (3-lb) mass on the top of the plunger prior to the

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 C1090 − 10
tightening of the setscrew of the plunger. Following the V2 = average of at least three-micrometer depth gage read-
tightening of the setscrew, remove the mass and immediately ings at test age, mm (in.).
insert the depth micrometer shaft through the four holes located
on the top plate of the bridge until the finger rests are in full 11. Report
contact with it. Turn the shaft down and determine four initial 11.1 Report the calculated height change (either positive or
measurements from this surface to the top surface of the glass negative) at each test age. Also report the temperature and
plate covering the cylinder mold. Make measurements to the relative humidity at which the tests were performed, mixture
nearest 0.02 mm (0.001 in.). Calculate the average; do not proportions (if not prepackaged), as-mixed temperature, and
round the numerical value. While the shaft is still touching the consistency. Also report any deviations from the provisions
glass plate, use a glass marker to make a circle around the given herein.
contact areas as the points at which later plate-thickness
measurements will be taken. 12. Precision and Bias
9.6 Release the plunger and remove the glass plate from the 12.1 Precision—Based on an analysis of results of coopera-
top of the test specimen 24 6 1⁄2 h after starting the mixing. tive tests of three materials tested at two consistencies, stored
at two storage conditions, it was concluded that separate
9.7 Immediately after removal, measure the thickness of the
precision statements are needed for flowable and fluid mix-
glass plate at the points of contact between the glass plate and
tures.
the micrometer depth gage and record to the nearest 0.02 mm
12.1.1 Flowable Mixtures—The single-operator standard
(0.001 in.).
deviation has been found to be 0.07 % (Note 9). This does not
9.8 At ages of 24 6 1⁄2 h, 3 days 6 1 h, 14 days 6 6 h, and vary with test age (up to 28 days) or with expansion (over the
28 days 6 12 h, measured from the time of contact of the dry range from 0.02 to 0.43 %). Therefore, results from two
materials and the mixing water, take four measurements properly conducted tests by the same operator on the same
directly to the top of the test specimen at the gage points. If the material should not differ by more than 0.196 % (Note 9).
rod end of the depth micrometer either contacts the specimen 12.1.1.1 The multilaboratory standard deviation has been
surface within a bubble that has formed after placing the glass found to be 0.08 % (Note 9). This does not vary with test age
plate or breaks through the surface of a hidden bubble or other (up to 28 days) or with expansion (over the range from 0.02 to
placing defect, discard the reading at that point. If less than 0.43 %). Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests on
three valid gage points remain, discard the test specimen. the same material in two laboratories should not differ by more
Measurements may be continued for additional specified peri- than 0.216 % (Note 9).
ods of time. Calculate the average; do not round the numerical 12.1.2 Fluid Mixtures—The single-operator standard devia-
value. tion has been found to be 0.11 % (Note 9). This does not vary
9.9 On completion of measurements, carefully strip the test with test age (up to 28 days) or with expansion (over the range
specimen and make careful visual examination of the cylindri- from 0.11 to 0.33 %). Therefore, results of two properly
cal surface. Discard measurements made on a specimen that is conducted tests by the same operator on the same material
cracked or otherwise manifestly faulty. should not differ by more than 0.3255 % (Note 9).
12.1.2.1 The multilaboratory standard deviation has been
10. Calculation found to be 0.11 % (Note 9). This does not vary with test age
10.1 To determine V1, correct the initial measurements by (up to 28 days) or with expansion (up to 0.43 %). Therefore,
adding the thickness of the glass plate measured at each results of two properly conducted tests on the same material in
corresponding contact point. Calculate the height change in two laboratories should not differ by more than 0.30 % (Note
percent for each age to the nearest 0.01 %, using non-rounded 9).
values for V1 and V2 as follows: NOTE 9—These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and (d2s)
V1 2 V2 limits as described in Practice C670.
V5 3 100 (1)
H 12.2 Bias—No statement on bias is being made because
there is no accepted reference material suitable for determining
where:
the bias in this test method.
V = height change, %,
V1 = average of at least three adjusted micrometer depth 13. Keywords
gage readings at beginning of test, mm (in.), 13.1 grout; height change; hydraulic cement; nonshrink
H = height, 152-mm (6-in.), and
grout

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 C1090 − 10
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C1090–01(2005)´1, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved June 15, 2010)

(1) Revised Terminology section to reference appropriate

terminology documents under C01 and C09.

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