ASTM C55

This specification covers solid, dry-cast, concrete building brick intended for interior and exterior use in constructing structural masonry, and are made from portland cement, water, and suitable mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials. Materials to be used in the manufacture of brick include Portland cement, limestone, hydraulic cement, pozzolan, blast furnace slag cement, aggregates, and other constituents like air-entraining agents, coloring pigments, integral water repellents, and finely ground silica. All units shall be sound and free of cracks or other defects that interfere with the proper placement of the units or significantly impair the strength or permanence of the construction.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers solid, dry-cast, concrete building brick intended for interior and exterior use in constructing structural masonry, and are made from portland cement, water, and suitable mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials.

Specification C 1634 addresses concrete facing brick used in facing applications and other exposures (previously referred to in earlier editions of this standard as Grade N-for use as architectural veneer and facing units in exterior walls and for use where high-strength and resistance to moisture penetration and severe frost action are desired). This specification differs from C 1634 in that it addresses properties for concrete building brick used in non-facing, utilitarian applications (previously referred to in earlier editions of this specification as Grade S-for general use where moderate strength and resistance to frost action and moisture penetration are required).

1.2 The text of this specification references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. Note 2Concrete building brick covered by this specification are made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both.

When particular features are desired, such as density classification, high compressive strength, surface textures for appearance or bond, finish, color, fire resistance, insulation, acoustical properties, or other special features, such properties should be specified separately by the purchaser. Suppliers should be consulted as to the availability of concrete building brick having the desired features.

2. Referenced Documents

C1157 Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
C1209 Terminology of Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
C1232 Terminology of Masonry
C140 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
C1634 Specification for Concrete Facing Brick
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C331 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units
C426 Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of Concrete Masonry Units
C595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C989 Specification for Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete and Mortars

Index Terms

absorption; compressive strength; concrete brick; concrete building brick; concrete masonry units; linear shrinkage; portland cement; ICS Number Code 91.100.30

Citing ASTM Standards

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