ASTM C243

Overview of ASTM C243 standard for Bleeding of Cement Pastes and Mortars

1. Overview

  • 1.1 Purpose: This method measures the rate and total amount of bleeding in cement paste and mortar.

  • 1.2 Measurement Units: SI units are the primary standard; other units are supplementary.

  • 1.3 Safety and Compliance: The standard doesn't cover all safety concerns. Users must ensure safety and compliance with relevant regulations. Refer to Section 5 for hazard information.

2. Referenced Standards

  • 2.1 Associated ASTM Standards: Includes C 109 (Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars), C 230 (Flow Table for Hydraulic Cement), C 305 (Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars), C 778 (Standard Sand), and C 1005 (Weights and Weighing Devices for Testing Hydraulic Cements).

3. Application

  • 3.1 Use Case: Primarily for research into the bleeding behaviour of cement pastes and mortars.

4. Required Equipment

  • 4.1 Scales and Balances: Must comply with ASTM C 1005, with a minimum capacity of 5000 g.

  • 4.2 Tamper: Made from nonabsorptive, nonabrasive material, sized and shaped as specified.

  • 4.3 Bleeding Measurement Device: Includes a noncorroding metal container and a calibrated liquid displacement setup with specific dimensions.

  • 4.4 Mixer: A mechanical mixer that meets ASTM C 305 standards.

  • 4.5 Flow Table and Mold: Should conform to ASTM C 230 specifications.

5. Safety Precautions

  • 5.1 Handling Hazards: Caution with chlorinated hydrocarbons; use in ventilated areas.

  • 5.2 Equipment Setup: Minimize vibration and use appropriate cushioning under the bleeding apparatus.

6. Environmental Conditions

  • 6.1 Temperature Control: Maintain a specific temperature range for the test environment and materials.

  • 6.2 Humidity Requirements: Ensure a minimum relative humidity in the testing area.

7. Testing Cement Pastes

  • 7.1 Composition: Specific cement and water proportions.

  • 7.2 Mixing Process: Detailed steps for mixing, resting, and further mixing of the paste.

  • 7.3 Test Execution: Instructions for filling the container, starting the test, and conducting measurements.

8. Testing Cement Mortars

  • 8.1 Composition: Defined ratios of cement, sand, and water.

  • 8.2 Mixing Process: Sequential steps for adding and mixing materials.

  • 8.3 Flow Determination: Adjustments to the standard flow test method.

  • 8.4 Test Execution: Detailed procedure for mortar testing, similar to paste testing.

9. Data Analysis

  • 9.1 Bleeding Rate Calculation: Formula and variables for calculating the rate of bleeding.

  • 9.2 Bleeding Capacity Calculation: Method for determining the total bleeding capacity.

10. Reporting Results

  • 10.1 Documentation: Report bleeding rate and capacity with specified precision.

11. Method Precision

  • 11.1 Limitations: Acknowledges the challenges in specifying the precision of the test method.

12. Key Terms

  • 12.1 Definitions: Includes terms like bleeding capacity, bleeding rate, cement mortar, and cement paste.

This reworded description of ASTM Standard C 243 outlines the methodology for assessing the bleeding characteristics of cement paste and mortar, including equipment requirements, safety measures, test procedures, and reporting standards.

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