Mortar Testing
This section introduces products used to evaluate compression, tensile strength, soundness, expansion, and setting time of cement mortar.
Cube Mold Set |
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Mortar Mixer |
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| Length Comparator The Length Comparator allows measurement of the changes in length of cement/mortar and concrete test bar specimens. The instrument is provided with substantial rigidity through the use of a solid frame and cast steel base. The lower fixed anvil and the upper movable anvil are designed to accept the cast-in points of the specimen bars. The comparator includes a precision dial indicator and an Invar steel reference bar. Applicable Standards: ASTM C 151, C227, C 490, C 531, C 359 AASHTO T-107, T-160 |
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| Specimen Contact Points The precision machined, stainless steel Specimen Contact Points, 0.25 in. diameter and 0.75 in. long, are cast into the specimen cement bars. They are used as reference points when placed in the Length Comparator. Applicable Standards: ASTM C 151, C 151, C 227, C 490 AASHTO T-107, T-160 |
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| Cement/Mortar Autoclave The Cement/Mortar Autoclave is used to conduct accelerated soundness test or autoclave expansion test on cement mixtures. Designed to provide a constant steam pressure, adjustable between 60 to 350 psi (414 to 2413 kN/m2), at a constant temperature. |
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| Test Specimen Holder The test specimen holder is used to hold bar specimens in an upright position when placed in the cement/mortar autoclave. It ensures that each of up to eight specimens are exposed to the pressurized steam in the same way. The holder is made from corrosion resistant materials. Applicable Standards: ASTM C 141, C 151 AASHTO T-107 |
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| Bar Molds Bar molds produce standard sized specimens for accelerated soundness testing using the autoclave. Available in three types for 10 in. (25.4 cm) long bar specimens. Applicable Standards: ASTM C 141, C 151 AASHTO T-107 < |
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| Flow Table The flow table provides an efficient means of determining the flow of cement pastes and hydraulic cement mortars. A specific volume of material is molded on the table using the included flow mold. The mold is then removed and the table subjected to a specific number of 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) drops using the crank handle. The increase in average diameter of the sample indicates the flow. An electric model is also available. |
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| Mortar Penetrometer The mortar penetrometer is used to determine the rate of hardening of the mortar component of fresh concrete. The mortar is extracted by sieving. Measurement is made by first attaching one of the six penetration needles to the calibrated spring dynamometer. The Penetrometer is then pushed into the sample and the sliding will indicate the maximum test reading on the handle stem. |
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| Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus The Blaine Apparatus is used to determine the fineness of Portland cement. The fineness is measured in terms of the specific area of cement expressed as total surface area in square centimeters per gram of cement. The apparatus consists of a stainless steel test cell incorporating a perforated disc and plunger with a ground joint for the test cell to attach to a calibrated U-tube manometer. A stopcock and rubber bulb are attached to the manometer to provide a means to draw a definite air volume through the test cell. It is supplied with an 8 oz (240 ml) bottle of red manometer fluid, filter paper, a wood block to hold the test cell during filling and a funnel. It is mounted on a finished wood panel. Applicable Standards: ASTM C 204 AASHTO T-153 |
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| Gilmore Apparatus The Gilmore Apparatus determines the time of set for cement. It comprises a rigid aluminum and steel frame with two precisely machined stainless steel points and associated weights. Applicable Standards: ASTM C 91, C 141, C266, C 266 AASHTO T-154 |
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Portable Mixers |
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Masonry Saw |
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