ASTM C109 Compression Testing of Cement Mortar

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ASTM C109 : Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)

ASTM C109 is the fundamental test method for determining the compressive strength of hydraulic cement using 2-inch (50-mm) mortar cubes. It specifies a standardized procedure to prepare, cure, and test 50-mm (2-in.) cube mortar specimens for compressive strength. The mortar mix ratio is 1 part cement to 2.75 parts standard sand (by mass). For Portland/air-entraining Portland/Portland-limestone cements, water content is fixed; for other cements, water is adjusted to achieve a flow of 110±5 (per 25 drops on a flow table, ASTM C230). Specimens are compacted in two layers by tamping, cured, and loaded in compression until failure to calculate strength as peak load divided by cross-sectional area.

The test principle:

A standardized mortar is prepared from the cement to be tested, a specified graded sand, and a measured water amount. The mortar is molded into cubes, cured under controlled conditions, and then crushed in a compression machine at specific ages (e.g., 3, 7, 28 days). The compressive strength is calculated by dividing the maximum load at failure by the cross-sectional area of the cube.

Concrete/cement mortars are strong in compression but weak in tension. The test applies axial compressive load to the cube’s face to measure peak load at failure. Compressive strength is calculated as fm=P/A (where P = peak load, A = loaded area, 2500 mm² for 50-mm cube), reflecting the mortar’s ability to resist crushing loads—critical for cement quality and mix design validation.

Test Specimen Information of ASTM C109:

Type	Mortar cubes.
Dimensions	50 mm (2 inches) on each side. This is a critical, non-negotiable specification.
Number	A minimum of three cubes are tested for each test age (e.g., three cubes broken at 7 days).
Mold Material	Non-absorbent molds (typically hard metal or plastic) that maintain the precise dimensions.
Mortar Proportion	A fixed weight ratio of 1 part cement : 2.75 parts graded standard sand : 0.485 parts water (for a water-cement ratio of 0.485). The standard sand is a natural silica sand meeting ASTM C778 specifications.

ASTM C109 Compression Testing of Cement Mortar

Test Equipment associated with ASTM C109 concrete test:

Compression Testing Machine	A hydraulic or screw-type machine conforming to ASTM C349 or the more general ASTM E4. It must be capable of applying load at a controlled rate and have hardened bearing blocks slightly larger than the cube faces.
Mixer & Mixing Bowl	A standardized mechanical mixer (as per ASTM C305) that ensures uniform, reproducible mortar.
Cube Molds	2-inch (50-mm) cube molds, typically in gangs of three or six.
Trowel & Tamper	A straight-edged trowel and a tamper for compacting mortar in the molds.
Moist Room/Curing Tank	For moist curing at 73.5 ± 3.5°F (23.0 ± 2.0°C) and >95% relative humidity.
Weights and Scales	For accurately measuring materials.
Mortar Flow Consistometer	(As per ASTM C1437) to determine the water required to achieve a standard flow of 110 ± 5% for the mortar. This is a critical preliminary step.
Glass Graduates	250-mL capacity, meets ASTM E438/E694 for water measurement

Why The Compressive Strength Is Important in Concrete Engineering?

Compressive strength is the single most important property measured in cement mortar and concrete engineering. It serves as the primary indicator of structural capacity and quality control.

In essence, compressive strength measures a material's ability to withstand axial loads that push it together—the dominant stress in most concrete elements like columns, foundations, walls, and dams. A high compressive strength directly correlates to the load-bearing capacity of a structure, ensuring it can support its own weight, occupant loads, and environmental forces safely.

Beyond raw capacity, it is a key proxy for overall quality and durability. A well-proportioned, properly mixed, and adequately cured mix will develop high compressive strength. This strength implies a dense, impermeable microstructure that better resists penetration by water, chlorides, and sulfates, thereby enhancing longevity and reducing maintenance.

For engineers, it is the fundamental specification criterion. Design codes are based on characteristic compressive strengths (e.g., 20 MPa, 30 MPa). The test per ASTM C109 provides a standardized, reliable benchmark to verify that a cement or mortar mix meets its specified strength grade, ensuring consistency and safety across projects.

In summary, compressive strength is the essential metric that links material science to structural performance, dictating safety, durability, and the economical design of virtually all cement-based construction.

Test Procedure (Step-by-Step details):

Flow Test (Preliminary): A trial batch of mortar is mixed and its flow is measured on a flow table. The water content is adjusted until the mortar has a flow of 110 ± 5%. This water-to-cement ratio (typically close to 0.485) is then used for all subsequent compressive strength batches.

Mixing: The cement, sand, and water are mixed in the mechanical mixer following a strict sequence and timing outlined in the standard (ASTM C305).

Molding: The mortar is placed in cube molds in two layers. Each layer is tamped a specified number of times to consolidate it, then the excess is struck off with a trowel for a smooth finish.

Initial Curing: Molds are stored in the moist room for 20-24 hours before demolding.

Demolding & Final Curing: After demolding, the cubes are immediately placed in lime-saturated water for curing until the moment of testing. The water temperature is maintained at 73.5 ± 3.5°F (23.0 ± 2.0°C).

Testing (Breaking):

Cubes are tested at prescribed ages (commonly 3, 7, and 28 days). The age is calculated from the time of water addition to the cement.

The cube is centered on the lower platen of the testing machine.

The load is applied continuously and without shock at a rate of 900 to 1800 N/s (200 to 400 lbf/s) until failure.

The maximum load (in N or lbf) sustained by the cube is recorded.

Calculation: Compute compressive strength (fm=P/A) and report average of 3 specimens (discard outliers if >10% of mean).

Calculation of Compressive Strength of ASTM C109 cement motor

Formula:

Compressive Strength (psi or MPa) = Maximum Load (lbf or N) / Cross-sectional Area (in² or mm²)

The cross-sectional area is that of the cube face: 4 in² (2581 mm²) for a perfect 2-inch (50-mm) cube.

The result for each age is the average strength of the set of at least three cubes, reported to the nearest 10 psi (0.1 MPa).

Related standard with the ASTM C109 for cement motor compression testing:

ISO 679 Cement - Test methods - Determination of strength

EN 196-1 Methods of testing cement-Determination of strength

ASTM C349: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars (Using Portions of Prisms Broken in Flexure)

KS L 5105 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars

EN 1015 Methods of test for mortar for masonry-Determination of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar

BS 4551 Mortar. Methods of test for mortar and screed. Chemical analysis and physical testing

AS 2701 Methods of sampling and testing mortar for masonry construction

EN 934 Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout-Admixtures for grout for prestressing tendons. Definitions, requirements, conformity, marking and labelling

Main Test Application:

Determine compliance of hydraulic cements (like ASTM C150 Portland Cement or ASTM C595 Blended Cement) with their specified strength requirements.

Conduct research and development on cement properties.

Provide a standardized, reproducible benchmark for comparing different cements or the effect of admixtures, as it eliminates the variables of coarse aggregate present in concrete tests.

Quality Control/Assurance: Verifies cement compliance with ASTM C150/C595; ensures mortar batches meet project specs.

Mix Design Optimization: Evaluates cement type, admixtures, and sand gradation impact on strength.

Material R&D: Compares new cement formulations or supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) performance.

Specification Compliance: Mandatory for construction projects to confirm cement meets structural safety/durability requirements.

Curing Validation: Assesses curing effectiveness to prevent strength loss from improper hydration.

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Q1: Why do we test mortar cubes (ASTM C109) instead of concrete cylinders to evaluate cement?

A: Testing mortar eliminates the variability introduced by coarse aggregate—its shape, size, and absorption. By using a standardized sand (ASTM C778), C109 tests onlythe cementitious binder's strength potential. This provides a consistent, reproducible benchmark for comparing different cements or verifying that a cement meets its manufacturer's specification, independent of aggregate quality.

Q2: Why is the standard sand (ASTM C778) so important?

A: The uniformly graded Ottawa sand is chemically inert and of consistent hardness and gradation. Its sole purpose is to provide a standardized, universal filler. Using local sand would introduce unknown variables, making it impossible to compare test results between different labs or to the ASTM cement specifications. It ensures the test measures the cement'scontribution, not the sand's.

Q3: What is the purpose of the preliminary "flow test"?

A: The flow test (per ASTM C1437) determines the exact amount of water needed to produce a mortar with a standard workability (flow of 110% ± 5%). This ensures that all batches, regardless of the cement's fineness or chemistry, are tested at a consistent plasticity. It standardizes the water-cement ratio for the strength test, which is critical because strength is highly sensitive to the amount of mixing water.

Q4: Why are the cubes cured in lime-saturated water?

A: Lime-saturated water prevents leaching of calcium hydroxide from the mortar cubes. If stored in plain water, lime can dissolve out, weakening the surface and giving artificially low strength results. The saturated solution creates a chemical equilibrium, protecting the cement paste's microstructure during the crucial curing period.

Q5: My 2-inch (50-mm) mortar cube strength is 40 MPa. Does this mean my concrete will have the same strength?

A: Absolutely not. Mortar cube strength is significantly higher than the compressive strength of concrete made with the same cement. Concrete contains coarse aggregate, which introduces interfacial transition zones (ITZs)—the weakest link in the system. C109 strength is a quality-control index for the cement, not a design value for concrete. Concrete strength is determined by testing concrete cylinders per ASTM C39.

Q6: What are the most common sources of error in the C109 test?

A: Key errors include:

Improper Flow: Not hitting the 110% flow drastically changes the w/c ratio.

Poor Compaction: Inadequate tamping during molding can leave voids, weakening the cube.

Incorrect Curing: Temperature or humidity deviations from the standard.

Improper Loading Rate: Applying the load too fast or too slow per the specified rate (900-1800 N/s).

Machine Misalignment: Non-uniform bearing on the cube faces.

Q7: How is ASTM C109 related to cement purchase specifications?

A: Cement specifications like ASTM C150 for Portland Cement list minimum compressive strength requirements at 3, 7, and 28 days. Manufacturers test their cement regularly using C109 to certify it meets these requirements. Construction projects often require mill test reports showing C109 results as proof of cement quality before it is used.

Q8: Can I use this test for mortars with admixtures or supplementary cementitious materials (SCM)?

A: Yes, but with careful interpretation. C109 is the standard method to evaluate the strength activity index of pozzolans (like fly ash per ASTM C311) or to test the effect of chemical admixtures on cement. The test compares the strength of a control mortar (plain cement) to a modified mortar (with SCM or admixture). The results indicate the relative contribution of the additive.

Q9: What load rate is required for ASTM C109 compression testing?

A: A constant axial load rate of 900–1800 N/s (200–400 lbf/s) applied to the cube’s face until failure.

Q10: Why is ASTM C109 critical for cement and mortar quality control?

A: It provides a reproducible, standardized compressive strength metric to verify cement compliance with specs (e.g., ASTM C150), validate mix design, and ensure mortar can bear intended compressive loads in construction.

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