Designation: C 90 – 06

Standard Specification for

Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 90; 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 (e) 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* C 426 Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of Con-

1.1 This specification covers hollow and solid (see 5.3 and crete Masonry Units
5.4) concrete masonry units made from hydraulic cement, C 595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
water, and mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of C 618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
other materials. There are three classes of concrete masonry Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
units: (1) normal weight, (2) medium weight, and (3) light- C 989 Specification for Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace
weight. These units are suitable for both loadbearing and Slag for Use in Concrete and Mortars
nonloadbearing applications. C 1157 Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
1.2 Concrete masonry units covered by this specification are C 1209 Terminology of Concrete Masonry Units and Re-
made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both. lated Units
1.3 The text of this specification references notes and C 1232 Terminology of Masonry
footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and C 1314 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Masonry
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be Prisms
considered as requirements of the standard. E 519 Test Method for Diagonal Tension (Shear) in Ma-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded sonry Assemblages
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for E 72 Test Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels
information only. for Building Construction
NOTE 1—When particular features are desired such as surface textures 3. Terminology
for appearance or bond, finish, color, or particular properties such as
3.1 Terminology defined in Terminology C 1209 and Ter-
weight classification, higher compressive strength, fire resistance, thermal
performance or acoustical performance, these features should be specified minology C 1232 shall apply for this specification.
separately by the purchaser. Local suppliers should be consulted as to the
availability of units having the desired features.
4. Materials
4.1 Cementitious Materials—Materials shall conform to the
2. Referenced Documents following applicable specifications:
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 4.1.1 Portland Cement—Specification C 150.
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates 4.1.2 Modified Portland Cement—Portland cement con-
C 140 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete forming to Specification C 150, modified as follows:
Masonry Units and Related Units (1) Limestone—If calcium carbonate is added to the
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement cement, the CaCO3 content shall not be less than 85 %.
C 331 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Con- (2) Limitation on Insoluble Residue—1.5 %.
crete Masonry Units (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 C 595.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on 4.1.4 Hydraulic Cement—Specification C 1157.
Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C15.03 on Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units. 4.1.5 Pozzolans—Specification C 618.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2006. Published February 2006. Originally 4.1.6 Blast Furnace Slag Cement—Specification C 989.
approved in 1931. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as C 90–05a.
2
4.2 Aggregates—Aggregates shall conform to the following
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
specifications, except that grading requirements shall not
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on necessarily apply:
the ASTM website. 4.2.1 Normal Weight Aggregates—Specification C 33.

*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.

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 C 90 – 06
4.2.2 Lightweight Aggregates—Specification C 331. 5.5 End Flanges:
4.3 Other Constituents—Air-entraining agents, coloring 5.5.1 For units having end flanges, the thickness of each
pigments, integral water repellents, finely ground silica, and flange shall not be less than the minimum face shell thickness.
other constituents shall be previously established as suitable for
use in concrete masonry units and shall conform to applicable NOTE 5—Flanges beveled at the ends for mortarless head joint appli-
cations that will be filled with grout are exempt from this requirement.
ASTM standards or shall be shown by test or experience not to
Flanges which are specially shaped for mortarless head joint applications
be detrimental to the durability of the concrete masonry units which have been shown by testing or field experience to provide
or any material customarily used in masonry construction. equivalent performance are exempt from this requirement.
5. Physical Requirements Physical Requirements 6. Permissible Variations in Dimensions
5.1 At the time of delivery to the purchaser, units shall
conform to the physical requirements prescribed in Table 1 and 6.1 Standard Units—For standard units, no overall dimen-
Table 2. sion (width, height, and length) shall differ by more than 61⁄8
in. (3.2 mm) from the specified dimensions.
NOTE 2—Higher compressive strengths than those listed in Table 2 may 6.2 Particular Feature Units—For particular feature units,
be specified where required by design. Consult with local suppliers to
dimensions shall be in accordance with the following:
determine availability of units of higher compressive strength.
6.2.1 For molded face units, no overall dimension (width,
5.2 At the time of delivery to the purchaser, the linear height, and length) shall differ by more than 61⁄8 in. (3.2 mm)
shrinkage of units shall not exceed 0.065 %. from the specified standard dimension. Dimensions of molded
NOTE 3—The purchaser is the public body or authority, association, features shall be within 61⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) of the specified
corporation, partnership, or individual entering into a contract or agree- standard dimensions and shall be within 61⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) of
ment to purchase or install, or both, concrete masonry units. The time of the specified placement of the molded feature.
delivery to the purchaser is FOB plant when the purchaser or the
purchaser’s agent transports the concrete masonry units, or at the time NOTE 6—Molded features include, but are not limited to: ribs, scores,
unloaded at the worksite if the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s agent hex-shapes, and patterns.
transports the concrete masonry units.
6.2.2 For split-faced units, all non-split overall dimensions
5.3 Hollow Units: shall differ by not more than 61⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) from the
5.3.1 Face shell thickness (tfs) and web thickness (tw) shall specified standard dimensions. On faces that are split, overall
conform to the requirements prescribed in Table 1. dimension will vary. Consult with local suppliers to determine
NOTE 4—Web thickness (tw) not conforming to the requirements achievable dimensional tolerances.
prescribed in Table 1 may be approved, provided equivalent structural 6.2.3 For slump units, no overall height dimension shall
capability has been established when tested in accordance with the
differ by more than 61⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) from the specified
applicable provisions of Test Methods E 72, C 1314, E 519, or other
applicable tests and the appropriate design criteria developed is in standard dimension. On faces that are slumped, overall dimen-
accordance with applicable building codes. sions will vary. Consult with local suppliers to determine
achievable dimensional tolerances.
5.4 Solid Units:
5.4.1 The net cross-sectional area of solid units in every
7. Finish and Appearance
plane parallel to the bearing surface shall be not less than 75 %
of the gross cross-sectional area measured in the same plane. 7.1 All units shall be sound and free of cracks or other
defects that interfere with the proper placement of the unit or
TABLE 1 Minimum Thickness of Face Shells and WebsA significantly impair the strength or permanence of the construc-
Web Thickness (tw) tion. Minor cracks, incidental to the usual method of manufac-
Nominal Width (W) of
Face Shell Equivalent Web ture or minor chipping resulting from customary methods of
Thickness (tfs), Thickness, min, handling in shipment and delivery, are not grounds for rejec-
Units, in. (mm) B,C Webs B,D,C
min, in.
min, in. (mm) in./linear ftE (mm/
(mm)
linear m)
tion.
3 (76.2) and 4 (102) 3⁄4 (19) ⁄ (19)
34 15⁄8 (136)
7.2 Where units are to be used in exposed wall construction,
6 (152) 1 (25) 1 (25) 21⁄4 (188) the face or faces that are to be exposed shall not show chips or
8 (203) 11⁄4 (32) 1 (25) 21⁄4 (188) cracks, not otherwise permitted, or other imperfections when
10 (254) and greater 11⁄4 (32) 11⁄8 (29) 21⁄2 (209)
viewed from a distance of not less than 20 ft (6.1 m) under
A
Average of measurements on a minimum of 3 units when measured as diffused lighting.
described in Test Methods C 140.
B
When this standard is used for units having split surfaces, a maximum of 10 % 7.2.1 Five percent of a shipment containing chips, not larger
of the split surface is permitted to have thickness less than those shown, but not than 1 in. (25.4 mm) in any dimension, or cracks not wider than
less than 3⁄4 in. (19.1 mm). When the units are to be solid grouted, the 10 % limit
does not apply and Footnote C establishes a thickness requirement for the entire 0.02 in. (0.5 mm) and not longer than 25 % of the nominal
faceshell. height of the unit, is permitted.
C
When the units are to be solid grouted, minimum face shell and web thickness
shall be not less than 5⁄8 in. (16 mm).
7.3 The color and texture of units shall be specified by the
D
The minimum web thickness for units with webs closer than 1 in. (25.4 mm) purchaser. The finished surfaces that will be exposed in place
apart shall be 3⁄4 in. (19.1 mm). shall conform to an approved sample, consisting of not less
E
Equivalent web thickness does not apply to the portion of the unit to be filled
with grout. The length of that portion shall be deducted from the overall length of than four units, representing the range of texture and color
the unit for the calculation of the equivalent web thickness. permitted.

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 C 90 – 06
TABLE 2 Strength, Absorption, and Weight Classification Requirements
Weight Classification Oven-Dry Density Maximum Water Minimum Net Area
of Concrete, lb/ft3(kg/m3) Absorption, lb/ft3(kg/m3) Compressive Strength, lb/in2(MPa)
Average of 3 Units Average of 3 Units Individual Units Average of 3 Units Individual Units
Lightweight Less than 105 (1680) 18 (288) 20 (320) 1900 (13.1) 1700 (11.7)
Medium Weight 105 to less than 125 (1680–2000) 15 (240) 17 (272) 1900 (13.1) 1700 (11.7)
Normal Weight 125 (2000) or more 13 (208) 15 (240) 1900 (13.1) 1700 (11.7)

7.4 A shipment shall not contain more than 5 % of units, purchaser from remaining units from the shipment with a
including broken units, that do not meet the requirements of similar configuration and dimension and tested at the expense
6.1, 7.1, 7.2, and 7.2.1. of the manufacturer. If the second sample meets the specified
requirements, the remaining portion of the shipment repre-
8. Sampling and Testing
sented by the sample meets the specified requirements. If the
8.1 The purchaser or authorized representative shall be second sample fails to meet the specified requirements, the
accorded proper facilities to inspect and sample the units at the remaining portion of the shipment represented by the sample
place of manufacture from the lots ready for delivery. fails to meet the specified requirements.
8.2 Sample and test units in accordance with Test Methods
C 140. NOTE 7—Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order, the cost of
8.3 Total linear drying shrinkage shall be based on tests of tests is typically borne as follows: (1) if the results of the tests show that
concrete masonry units made with the same materials, concrete the units do not conform to the requirements of this specification, the cost
mix design, manufacturing process, and curing method, con- is typically borne by the seller; (2) if the results of the tests show that the
ducted in accordance with Test Method C 426 and not more units conform to the specification requirements, the cost is typically borne
by the purchaser.
than 24 months prior to delivery.
9. Compliance 10. Keywords
9.1 If a sample fails to conform to the specified require- 10.1 absorption; concrete masonry units; equivalent web
ments, the manufacturer shall be permitted to remove units thickness; face shell; flange; lightweight; linear shrinkage;
from the shipment. A new sample shall be selected by the loadbearing; medium weight; normal weight; webs

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. WATER PENETRATION RESISTANCE

X1.1 Exterior walls are often subjected to moisture pen- flashing, and drainage should be provided. Proper water
etration from one or more sources. For example, basement penetration resistant treatments should be applied to the walls.
walls may be exposed to water from saturated soil. Above- While it is not within the scope of Specification C 90 to include
grade exterior walls are usually exposed to wind-driven rain. information on resistance to water penetration, such informa-
To prevent water penetration, proper detailing, construction, tion and guidelines are available from other organizations.

X2. CRACK CONTROL

X2.1 Restrained or differential movement in building other causes, proper design, detailing, construction, and mate-
elements and building materials can result in cracking. Some rials are necessary. Specification C 90 provides a maximum
common causes of movement are: loads created by wind, soil limitation on the total linear drying shrinkage potential of the
pressure, seismic forces, or other external sources; settlement units, but it is not within the scope of this specification to
of foundations; or volume changes in materials. For example, address other design, detailing, construction, or material rec-
volume changes in concrete masonry units can be caused by ommendations. This type of information and related guidelines
moisture gain and loss, thermal expansion and contraction, and for crack control are available from other organizations.
carbonation. To limit and control cracking due to these and

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 C 90 – 06
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C15 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (C 90 – 05a)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Feb. 15, 2006.)

(1) In Table 1, dual face shell thickness requirements for 10 in.

and greater units were removed and Footnote F was deleted.

Committee C15 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (C 90 – 05) that may
impact the use of this standard (Approved May 15, 2005).

(1) Table 1 footnotes were revised.

Committee C15 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (C 90 – 03) that may
impact the use of this standard (Approved Feb. 1, 2005).

(1) Table 2 was modified to define individual unit requirements (2) Footnote A in Table 2 was rewritten to define that weight
for water absorption. classifications shall be determined based on oven-dry density.

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