ASTM C140/C140M-25 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C140/C140M-25 — Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units. This standard specifies procedures for sampling, dimensional measurement, and laboratory tests commonly used to evaluate physical and mechanical characteristics of concrete masonry units and related concrete units (for example compressive strength, absorption, unit weight/density, moisture content, and flexural load). The document includes general test methods in the body and unit-type–specific procedures in annexes.

Abstract

Provides standardized test methods for obtaining representative samples and performing laboratory testing of concrete masonry units and related products. Includes procedures for sampling, measurement of dimensions, compressive strength (including net-area and coupon tests), absorption and moisture-content determination, unit weight (density), flexural/load tests, and ballast-weight measurement. Annexes define reporting and test variations for specific unit types such as concrete masonry units, concrete brick, interlocking paving, segmental paving slabs, and manufactured ballast units. The standard is published in paired inch-pound and SI designations (C140/C140M).

General information

• Status: Active (current edition).
• Publication date: Designation -25 (approved as the 2025 edition); ASTM listing updated February 2, 2026.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 — Concrete and reinforced concrete.
• Edition / version: C0140_C0140M-25 (C140/C140M-25).
• Number of pages: 35 pages (current edition).

Scope

Specifies a suite of test methods applicable to a broad range of concrete masonry and related concrete units. The body contains general mandatory requirements that apply to all covered units; annexes contain specific procedures and reporting requirements for particular unit types (for example, concrete masonry units, concrete and calcium silicate brick, segmental retaining wall units, interlocking paving units, grid paving units, manufactured concrete ballast units, dry-cast articulating block, and segmental/pedestal-set paving slabs). Not every test is applicable to every unit type; the annexes clarify applicability and special provisions.

Key topics and requirements

• Sampling procedures and acceptance of production lots to obtain representative units for testing.
• Measurement of dimensions and dimensional tolerances for units.
• Compressive strength test methods, including net-area and coupon procedures for hollow and non-solid units.
• Absorption and moisture-content determination methods and conditioning requirements.
• Unit weight (density) and ballast-weight measurement procedures.
• Flexural testing and reporting for units where applicable.
• Dual-unit reporting: separate inch-pound and SI (metric) systems (C140 and C140M), to be used independently.
• Annexes and appendices providing unit-type–specific requirements, worksheets, and test report formats.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, block and brick manufacturers, specification writers, quality control/quality assurance personnel, inspection and acceptance agencies, civil/structural engineers, and contractors. Typical applications include production quality control, certification testing, project acceptance testing, research, and forensic/field investigations where standardized, repeatable test methods are required.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related ASTM standards include: C90, C129 (concrete masonry unit specifications); C55, C73, C1634 (concrete and calcium silicate brick); C1372 (segmental retaining wall units); C936/C936M (concrete interlocking paving units); C1319 (concrete grid paving units); C1884 (manufactured concrete ballast units); D6684 (dry-cast articulating concrete block); C1782/C1782M and C1944/C1944M (segmental/pedestal-set paving slabs); C1491 (concrete roof pavers) and Practice C1093 (laboratory evaluation). The annexes in C140/C140M refer to and harmonize test reporting with many of these product specifications.

Keywords

concrete masonry, concrete brick, sampling, compressive strength, absorption, unit weight, density, moisture content, flexural test, ballast, interlocking paving, segmental paving, ASTM, C140, C140M, sampling and test methods, dual units.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C140/C140M-25 is the ASTM standard that defines sampling and laboratory test methods for concrete masonry units and related concrete products, providing general testing requirements in the body and unit-specific procedures in annexes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling procedures, dimensional measurement, compressive strength testing (including net-area calculations), absorption and moisture content tests, unit weight/density determination, flexural/load tests, and ballast-weight measurement, plus reporting formats and annexes for specific unit types.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing labs, masonry product manufacturers, QA/QC personnel, inspection agencies, engineers, contractors, and specification writers use it for production control, acceptance testing, and research.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document indicated here is the active/current edition identified as C140/C140M-25. It supersedes earlier editions (for example C140/C140M-22 and prior revisions).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — C140/C140M is part of a suite of ASTM standards related to concrete masonry units and related products and is coordinated with product specifications (for example C90, C55, C936/C936M, C1884, etc.). It is issued in paired inch-pound (C140) and SI (C140M) formats.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sampling, concrete masonry units, compressive strength, absorption, unit weight/density, moisture content, flexural load, ballast units, interlocking paving, ASTM C140, C140M.