ASTM C90-12

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C90 − 11b C90 − 12
Standard Specification for
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Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C90; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers hollow and solid (see 5.3 and 5.4) concrete masonry units made from hydraulic cement, water, and
mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials. There are three classes of concrete masonry units: (1) normal
weight, (2) medium weight, and (3) lightweight. These units are suitable for both loadbearing and nonloadbearing applications.
1.2 Concrete masonry units covered by this specification are made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both.
NOTE 1—The requirements of this specification have been researched, evaluated, and established for over a century, resulting in the physical properties
and attributes defined here. These requirements are uniquely and solely applicable to concrete masonry units manufactured on equipment using low or
zero slump concrete and the constituent materials defined herein. Many performance attributes of concrete masonry units are indirectly accounted for,
or inherently reflected within, the requirements of this specification without direct measurement, assessment, or evaluation. Applying the requirements
of this specification to products that may be similar in appearance, use, or nature to those covered by this specification may not address all pertinent
physical properties necessary to ensure performance or serviceability of the resulting construction in real-world applications under typical exposure
environments. Products manufactured using alternative materials, manufacturing methods, or curing processes not covered by this specification should
not be evaluated solely using the requirements in this specification, however, developers of new products can consider the property requirements of this
specification as a beginning benchmark for unit performance. It is reasonable to test new products for system performance as well as unit performance.
1.3 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.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
NOTE 2—When particular features are desired such as surface textures for appearance or bond, finish, color, or particular properties such as density
classification, higher compressive strength, fire resistance, thermal performance or acoustical performance, these features should be specified separately
by the purchaser. Suppliers should be consulted as to the availability of units having the desired features.
2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C140 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
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
C979 Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete
C989 Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
C1157 Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
C1232 Terminology of Masonry
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures
C1314 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Masonry Prisms
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This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.03 on
Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2011Aug. 1, 2012. Published January 2012August 2012. Originally approved in 1931. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as
C90 – 11a.C90 – 11b. DOI: 10.1520/C0090-11B.10.1520/C0090-12.
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.a
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