ASTM C413-18(2023) PDF

Overview

ASTM C413-18(2023) is the internationally recognized standard test method for evaluating the absorption of chemical-resistant mortars, grouts, monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes. Published and maintained by ASTM International, this standard provides a consistent method to determine how much liquid these materials can absorb under specified conditions. The results support informed decision-making for selecting chemical-resistant construction materials in applications where durability and low absorption are critical.

This standard is applicable to materials made with resin, silicate, silica, or sulfur binders, and accommodates varied aggregate sizes through the use of three specific molding procedures. It is important to note that ASTM C413 assesses absorption but does not measure or indicate the permeability of the materials tested.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose

  • Covers the determination of absorption for chemical-resistant mortars, grouts, monolithic surfacings, and polymer concretes.
  • Applicable to materials using resin, silicate, silica, or sulfur binders.
  • Not intended as a comprehensive basis for product selection; should be considered alongside other performance factors.

• Test Procedures

  • Method A: For systems with aggregate size less than 1.6 mm.
  • Method B: For aggregate sizes from 1.6 mm to 10 mm.
  • Method C: For systems with aggregates larger than 10 mm.

• Significance

  • Helps guide the selection of materials where chemical resistance and low absorption are crucial.
  • Results are specific to absorption and should not be used to infer permeability.
  • Provides repeatability and reproducibility limits for quality assurance.

• Units and Safety

  • Inch-pound units are standard; SI conversions are informational only.
  • Users must address safety, health, and environmental concerns as appropriate.

Applications

The ASTM C413-18(2023) test method is essential for industries where exposure to chemicals or moisture can compromise the structural or functional integrity of construction materials. Practical uses include:

• Industrial Flooring: Quality assurance for floors in chemical processing plants that require robust surfacing against chemical penetration.
• Secondary Containment: Testing polymer concrete or mortar linings used in tanks, troughs, or bunds for chemical containment.
• Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Selecting materials for areas exposed to aggressive effluents and cleaning agents.
• Food and Beverage Processing: Validating that flooring, grout, or mortar systems can withstand spills and cleaning chemicals.
• Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Environments: Assessing the performance of monolithic surfacings in highly controlled settings.

By following ASTM C413, manufacturers, specifiers, and contractors can compare materials reliably, ensuring selection of a product with proven low absorption properties for demanding environments.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced and frequently used in conjunction with ASTM C413-18(2023):

• ASTM C470/C470M: Specification for molds used in forming concrete test cylinders vertically.
• ASTM C904: Terminology relating to chemical-resistant nonmetallic materials.
• ASTM E177: Practice for use of the terms precision and bias in ASTM test methods.
• ASTM E691: Practice for conducting interlaboratory studies to determine test method precision.

These related standards assist with consistent specimen preparation, relevant terminology, and proper analysis of test data in the context of chemical-resistant construction materials.

Keywords: ASTM C413, absorption test, chemical-resistant mortars, polymer concretes, monolithic surfacings, industrial flooring, grout absorption, construction materials testing, chemical resistance, ASTM standards.