ASTM C936/C936M-23a
(Specification)Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
ABSTRACT
This specification is intended for interlocking concrete pavers used in the construction of paved surfaces and manufactured from cementitious materials, aggregates, chemical admixtures, and other constituents such as integral water repellents. The specification also offers guidelines for physical requirements, sampling and testing, visual inspection, and rejection of specimens.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for interlocking concrete pavers manufactured for the construction of paved surfaces.
1.2 Concrete units covered by this specification shall be made with lightweight or normal weight aggregates or both.
Note 1: If particular features are desired, such as weight classification, higher compressive strength, surface textures, finish, color, or other special features, such properties should be specified by the purchaser. Local sellers, however, should be consulted as to availability of units having the desired features.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2023
- Technical Committee
- C15 - Masonry – Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts
- Drafting Committee
- C15.03 - Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2022
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
Overview
ASTM C936/C936M-23a: Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units establishes the necessary criteria and procedures for manufacturing concrete interlocking pavers. Developed by ASTM International, this specification is intended for use in the construction of paved surfaces such as driveways, walkways, plazas, and parking areas. The standard applies to interlocking concrete paving units made from cementitious materials, aggregates, pigments, chemical admixtures, and other approved constituents.
This document also outlines guidelines for physical requirements, materials, visual inspection, sampling, testing, and acceptance or rejection of concrete paving units. Its scope covers both lightweight and normal weight aggregates, provides tolerances for dimensional accuracy, and sets forth consistent testing and quality measures to ensure performance and durability.
Key Topics
- Material Requirements: Specifies the use of cementitious materials, aggregates, pigments, and admixtures that must comply with referenced ASTM standards, ensuring quality and consistency across concrete interlocking pavers.
- Physical Properties: Establishes minimum requirements for compressive strength, absorption, abrasion resistance, freeze-thaw durability, and dimensional tolerances for paving units.
- Manufacturing Flexibility: Permits adjustment in the mix proportion and grading of aggregates to accommodate manufacturing needs, provided the finished units meet all specified criteria.
- Testing and Inspection: Provides explicit sampling and testing methods for strength, absorption, dimensional tolerances, freeze-thaw resistance, and abrasion, referencing procedures such as ASTM C140/C140M, C1645, and C418 for accurate assessment.
- Visual Inspection and Acceptance: Requires units to be free from defects that could compromise placement, performance, or structural integrity. Minor chipping or surface cracks resulting from manufacturing or handling are not cause for automatic rejection.
- Compliance and Rejection Protocol: Details steps for evaluating failed samples, including options for re-sampling and retesting, thus supporting fair and reproducible conformity assessment.
Applications
The ASTM C936/C936M-23a standard is critical for engineers, architects, contractors, and manufacturers involved in:
- Public and private walkways and sidewalks
- Driveways and residential paving projects
- Commercial plazas, courtyards, and shopping centers
- Urban infrastructure like bus stops and pedestrian zones
- Parking areas, traffic lanes, and road shoulders
- Permeable pavement systems for stormwater management
By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and project stakeholders can ensure long-term performance, weather resistance, and structural reliability for paved surfaces utilizing solid concrete interlocking pavers. Compliance also supports uniformity in appearance, durability, and maintainability across projects, meeting specifications for both functional and aesthetic requirements.
Related Standards
Several ASTM standards are referenced in ASTM C936/C936M-23a to ensure comprehensive quality control:
- ASTM C33/C33M: Specification for Concrete Aggregates
- ASTM C140/C140M: Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
- ASTM C150/C150M, C595/C595M, C1157/C1157M: Specifications for Portland cement and hydraulic cements
- ASTM C618, C989/C989M, C1240: Specifications for pozzolans, slag cement, and silica fume
- ASTM C418: Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete by Sandblasting
- ASTM C1645: Test Method for Freeze-thaw and De-icing Salt Durability of Concrete Pavers
- ASTM C979/C979M: Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete
These related standards provide detailed methods for testing, classifying, and approving the materials and finished products described in ASTM C936/C936M-23a, facilitating robust quality assurance and international compatibility in concrete paving projects.
Keywords: ASTM C936, interlocking concrete pavers, paving units, concrete block paving, physical requirements, freeze-thaw durability, abrasion resistance, construction standards, segmental paving.
Buy Documents
ASTM C936/C936M-23a - Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
REDLINE ASTM C936/C936M-23a - Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije (ZAG) - Inšpekcija
ZAG inspection body for construction products, structures, and materials.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C936/C936M-23a is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification is intended for interlocking concrete pavers used in the construction of paved surfaces and manufactured from cementitious materials, aggregates, chemical admixtures, and other constituents such as integral water repellents. The specification also offers guidelines for physical requirements, sampling and testing, visual inspection, and rejection of specimens. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for interlocking concrete pavers manufactured for the construction of paved surfaces. 1.2 Concrete units covered by this specification shall be made with lightweight or normal weight aggregates or both. Note 1: If particular features are desired, such as weight classification, higher compressive strength, surface textures, finish, color, or other special features, such properties should be specified by the purchaser. Local sellers, however, should be consulted as to availability of units having the desired features. 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification is intended for interlocking concrete pavers used in the construction of paved surfaces and manufactured from cementitious materials, aggregates, chemical admixtures, and other constituents such as integral water repellents. The specification also offers guidelines for physical requirements, sampling and testing, visual inspection, and rejection of specimens. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for interlocking concrete pavers manufactured for the construction of paved surfaces. 1.2 Concrete units covered by this specification shall be made with lightweight or normal weight aggregates or both. Note 1: If particular features are desired, such as weight classification, higher compressive strength, surface textures, finish, color, or other special features, such properties should be specified by the purchaser. Local sellers, however, should be consulted as to availability of units having the desired features. 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM C936/C936M-23a is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C936/C936M-23a has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C936/C936M-23, ASTM C989/C989M-24, ASTM C140/C140M-23a, ASTM C140/C140M-23, ASTM C989/C989M-22, ASTM C1781/C1781M-21, ASTM C1645-22a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C936/C936M-23a is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C936/C936M − 23a
Standard Specification for
Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C936/C936M; 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* Concrete Masonry Units
C418 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete by
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for interlock-
Sandblasting
ing concrete pavers manufactured for the construction of paved
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
surfaces.
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined
1.2 Concrete units covered by this specification shall be
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
made with lightweight or normal weight aggregates or both.
C979/C979M Specification for Pigments for Integrally Col-
ored Concrete
NOTE 1—If particular features are desired, such as weight classification,
higher compressive strength, surface textures, finish, color, or other
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in
special features, such properties should be specified by the purchaser.
Concrete and Mortars
Local sellers, however, should be consulted as to availability of units
C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic
having the desired features.
Cement
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
Mixtures
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
C1645 Test Method for Freeze-thaw and De-icing Salt
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
Durability of Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
3. Terminology
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1 Definitions:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.1 architectural finishes, n—surface modified by me-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
chanical means such as blasting, hammering, polishing,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tumbling, washing, or other methods.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Materials
4.1 Cementitious Materials—Cementitious materials shall
2. Referenced Documents
conform to the following applicable specifications:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1.1 Portland Cements—Specification C150/C150M.
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
4.1.2 Modified Portland Cement—Portland cement con-
C140/C140M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Con-
forming to Specification C150/C150M, modified as follows:
crete Masonry Units and Related Units
(1) Limestone—If calcium carbonate is added to the
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
cement, the CaCO content shall not be less than 85 %.
C207 Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Pur-
(2) Limitation on Insoluble Residue—1.5 %.
poses
(3) Limitation on Air Content of Mortar—Volume percent,
C331/C331M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
22 % max.
(4) Limitation on Loss on Ignition—7 %.
4.1.3 Blended Hydraulic Cements—Specification C595/
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on
C595M.
Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C15.03 on Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units.
4.1.4 Hydraulic Cement—Specification C1157/C1157M.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally
4.1.5 Pozzolans—Specification C618.
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as C936/C936M – 23.
4.1.6 Slag Cement—Specification C989/C989M.
DOI: 10.1520/C0936_C0936M-23A.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4.1.7 Silica Fume—Specification C1240.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.2 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to the following
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. specifications, except for the grading requirements:
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C936/C936M − 23a
4.2.1 Normal Weight Aggregates—Specification C33/ tested shall not be greater than: (a) 225 g/m when subject to
C33M. 28 freeze-thaw cycles, or (b) 500 g/m when subject to 49
4.2.2 Lightweight Aggregates—Specification C331/C331M. freeze-thaw cycles.
NOTE 2—The grading requirements of Specifications C33/C33M and NOTE 3—For some pavement applications subject to severe winter
C331/C331M may not be suitable for segmental concrete paving unit temperatures and deicing materials, a lower freezing temperature should
production. Because of this, producers are allowed to modify grading to be considered when conducting Test C1645 using a 3 % saline solution.
meet their needs and the requirements of this specification. See the non-mandatory Appendix X1 for this temperature option.
4.3 Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete— 5.6 Abrasion Resistance—When requested by the specifier
Specification C979/C979M. or purchaser, sample and test in accordance with 7.4 using Test
Method C418 or the manufacturer shall provide adequate
4.4 Other Constituents—Air-entraining agents, integral wa-
record of field performance from a similar application. Speci-
ter repellents, and other constituents shall be previously estab-
mens shall not have an average volume loss greater than 0.92
lished as suitable for use in segmental concrete paving units
3 2 3 2
in. /7.75 in. [15 cm /50 cm ]. The average thickness loss shall
and shall conform to applicable ASTM standards or shall be
not exceed 0.118 in. [3 mm].
shown by test or experience not to be detrimental to the
durability of the segmental concrete paving units or any
NOTE 4—Applications that may require testing include areas with
severe abrasion, such as exposure to point loads from the repeated turning
material customarily used in segmental pavement construction.
of hard rubber non-pneumatic wheels or heavy channelized foot traffic.
Vehicular traffic usually does not constitute a severe abrasion condition.
5. Physical Requirements
5.7 Dimensional Tolerance—Measured length or width of
5.1 Units shall have an exposed face area ≤101 in. [0.065
test specimens shall not differ by more than 60.063 in. [61.6
m ], and their overall length divided by thickness shall be ≤4.
mm] from the average of the measured dimensions of the
The minimum specified thickness shall be 2.36 in. [60 mm].
specimens. Measured thickness of test specimens shall not
See Fig. 1.
differ by more than 60.125 in. [63.2 mm] from the specified
5.2 Concrete units covered by this specification may be
dimension. All tests shall be performed in accordance with 7.2.
made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates or mixed
Units shall meet dimensional tolerances prior to the application
lightweight and normal weight aggregates.
of architectural finishes.
5.3 Compressive Strength—At the time of delivery to the
6. Visual Inspection
work site, the average compressive strength of the test samples
6.1 All units shall be sound and free of defects that would
shall be not less than 8000 psi [55 MPa] with no individual unit
interfere with the proper placing of the units or impair the
less than 7200 psi [50 MPa] in accordance with 7.2.
strength or performance of the construction. Minor cracks
5.4 Absorption—The average absorption of the test samples
incidental to the usual methods of manufacture or minor
shall not be greater than 5 % with no individual unit greater
chipping resulting from customary methods of handling in
than 7 % in accordance with
...
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: C936/C936M − 23 C936/C936M − 23a
Standard Specification for
Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C936/C936M; 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*
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for interlocking concrete pavers manufactured for the construction of paved
surfaces.
1.2 Concrete units covered by this specification shall be made with lightweight or normal weight aggregates or both.
NOTE 1—If particular features are desired, such as weight classification, higher compressive strength, surface textures, finish, color, or other special
features, such properties should be specified by the purchaser. Local sellers, however, should be consulted as to availability of units having the desired
features.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C140/C140M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C207 Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes
C331/C331M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units
C418 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete by Sandblasting
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C979/C979M Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures
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 June 15, 2023Dec. 1, 2023. Published June 2023December 2023. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20212023 as
C936/C936M – 21b.C936/C936M – 23. DOI: 10.1520/C0936_C0936M-23.10.1520/C0936_C0936M-23A.
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 Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C936/C936M − 23a
C1645 Test Method for Freeze-thaw and De-icing Salt Durability of Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 architectural finishes, n—surface modified by mechanical means such as blasting, hammering, polishing, tumbling, washing,
or other methods.
4. Materials
4.1 Cementitious Materials—Materials Cementitious materials shall conform to the following applicable specifications:
4.1.1 Portland Cements—Specification C150/C150M.
4.1.2 Modified Portland Cement—Portland cement conforming to Specification C150/C150M, modified as follows:
(1) Limestone—If calcium carbonate is added to the cement, the CaCO content shall not be less than 85 %.
(2) Limitation on Insoluble Residue—1.5 %.
(3) Limitation on Air Content of Mortar—Volume percent, 22 % max.
(4) Limitation on Loss on Ignition—7 %.
4.1.3 Blended Hydraulic Cements—Specification C595/C595M.
4.1.4 Hydraulic Cement—Specification C1157/C1157M.
4.1.5 Pozzolans—Specification C618.
4.1.6 Slag Cement—Specification C989/C989M.
4.1.7 Silica Fume—Specification C1240.
4.2 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to the following specifications, except for the grading requirements:
4.2.1 Normal Weight Aggregates—Specification C33/C33M.
4.2.2 Lightweight Aggregates—Specification C331/C331M.
NOTE 2—The grading requirements of Specifications C33/C33M and C331/C331M may not be suitable for segmental concrete paving unit production.
Because of this, producers are allowed to modify grading to meet their needs and the requirements of this specification.
4.3 Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete—Specification C979/C979M.
4.4 Other Constituents—Air-entraining agents, integral water repellents, and other constituents shall be previously established as
suitable for use in segmental concrete paving units and shall conform to applicable ASTM standards or shall be shown by test or
experience not to be detrimental to the durability of the segmental concrete paving units or any material customarily used in
segmental pavement construction.
5. Physical Requirements
2 2
5.1 Units shall have an exposed face area ≤101 in. [0.065 m ], and their overall length divided by thickness shall be ≤4. The
minimum specified thickness shall be 2.36 in. [60 mm]. See Fig. 1.
5.2 Concrete units covered by this specification may be made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates or mixed lightweight
and normal weight aggregates.
5.3 Compressive Strength—At the time of delivery to the work site, the average compressive strength of the test samples shall be
not less than 8000 psi [55 MPa] with no individual unit less than 7200 psi [50 MPa] in accordance with 7.2.
C936/C936M − 23a
FIG. 1 Length, Width, and Thickness of Concrete Paving Units
5.4 Absorption—The average absorption of the test samples shall not be greater than 5 % with no individual unit greater than 7 %
in accordance with 7.2.
5.5 Resistance to Freezing and Thawing—If the units are exposed to freezing and deicing materials during service, the
manufacturer shall satisfy the purchaser either by proven field performance or a laboratory freezing-and-thawing test that the
paving units have adequate resistance to freezing and thawing. If a laboratory test is used, sample and test in accordance with 7.2
using Test Method C1645. Specimens sampled from units that will not be exposed to deicing salts in service shall be tested in tap
water. Specimens sampled from units that will be exposed to deicing materials in service shall be tested in 3 % saline solution.
The average mass loss of all the specimens tested shall not be greater than: (a) 225 g/m when subject to 28 freeze-thaw cycles,
or (b) 500 g/m when subject to 49 freeze-thaw cycles.
NOTE 3—For some pavement applications subject to severe winter temperatures and deicing materials, a lower freezing temperature should be considered
when conducting Test C1645 using a 3 % saline solution. See the non-mandatory Appendix X1 for this temperature option.
5.6 Abrasion Resistance—When requested by the specifier or purchaser, sample and test in accordance with 7.4 using Test Method
C418 or the manufacturer shall provide adequate record of field performance from a similar application. Specimens shall not have
3 2 3 2
an average volume loss greater than 0.92 in. /7.75 in. [15 cm /50 cm ]. The average thickness loss shall not exceed 0.118 in. [3
mm].
NOTE 4—Applications that may require testing include areas with severe abrasion, such as exposure to point loads from the repeated turning of hard rubber
non-pneumatic wheels or heavy channelized foot
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...