Laboratory Results: Effects on Compressive Strength and Shrinkage of the Addition of Easy Spread Admixture to SPEC-JOINT 46 Type N Repointing Mortar
Note: EZ-Spred is not manufactured, distributed or endorsed by Edison Coatings, Inc. This work is published as
an impartial set of data for the information and benefit of our visitors.
The following are results of laboratory tests performed at the State University of New York at Amherst, Ellicott Complex repointing project. The project ultimately involved
approximately 1,500,000 square feet of masonry repointing using Edison Coatings SPEC-JOINT 46 Type N Lime-Cement custom prepackaged repointing mortar. Over 27,000 50-lb. bags were used over a three year period
. The mortar was custom matched to the existing, and was designated as formula 963. It was formulated to meet the requirements of ASTM C270 Type N. Laboratory work was
performed by CME Associates, Inc. of Buffalo, NY, an independent Construction Materials Evaluation Laboratory. Comments, background information and descriptions are by provided by Edison Coatings, Inc.
Mix Design & Variations
Proportions of cement, hydrated lime, color additives and aggregates were rigidly controlled by
weight at the factory, throughout the mortar batching and packaging process. Mortar was packaged in 55-lb. bags. The EZ Spred admixture was measured using a measuring cup (volume), and was
added to the mixing water prior to mortar mix addition to a mechanical mortar mixer. The rate of addition was 3.5 ounces of EZ Spred per 55-lb. bag of SPEC JOINT 46 mortar. Mortar was then
placed using a Thin Line pump, in two "lifts".Weather during the project's execution in May through August 1999 was generally hot, and some variations in retempering water addition levels were
reported, which may correspond with variations in the reported 28 day strengths.All reported strengths are the average for 3 specimens.
C
Date Moulded
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Day Tested
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Avg. (3) @ 7-Days
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Day Tested
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Avg (3) @ 28 Days
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Remarks
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5/19/99
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5/26/99
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1839 psi
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6/16/99
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2213 psi
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Fargo Test Panel, Spec-Joint 46
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5/19/99
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5/26/99
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445
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6/16/99
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501
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Test panel at Fargo w/Spec-Joint 46 & easy spred*
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5/21/99
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5/28/99
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1390
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6/18/99
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1990
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Fargo- Elevation 3 - Level 2
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5/25/99
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6/1/99
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2028
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6/22/99
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1770
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Porter- West Wall - Level 2
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5/26/99
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6/2/99
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1243
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6/23/99
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1663
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Fargo #1- North Wall - Level 2
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5/27/99
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6/3/99
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1783
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6/24/99
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2317
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Porter- East wall -Level 2
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5/28/99
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6/4/99
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1520
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6/25/99
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2447
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Fargo - Bldg. 1 - Level 2
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6/1/99
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6/8/99
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1263
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6/29/99
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1479
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Porter - Bldg. 1 - Level 3
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6/1/99
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6/8/99
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933
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6/29/99
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1046
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Test panel @ Fargo w/Spec-Joint & Easy Spread
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|
ompressive Strength (ASTM C109)
* E Z S pred was used at a higher rate in this specimen
Comments:
The first test panel with EZ Spred utilized a higher level of addition and mortar failed to meet the 28
day strength requirement of 750 psi minimum. The second panel was at the 3.5 oz. per 55 lbs.level. Overall, the admixture appears to reduce compressive strength by approximately 50% at this level,
but meets the ASTM C270 requirements.
Shrinkage (ASTM C1148)
SPEC JOINT 46 SPECIMENS
Batched & Molded 6/14/99 Batched & Molded 6/16/99
Date Tested (Age)
|
Avg. (5), % Shrinkage
|
6/17 (3 days)
|
-
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6/18 (4)
|
0.076
|
6/25 (11)
|
0.124
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7/2 (18)
|
0.128
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7/9 (25)
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0.128
|
|
Date Tested (Age)
|
Avg. (5), % Shrinkage
|
6/19 (3 days)
|
-
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6/21 (5)
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0.066
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6/27 (11)
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0.136
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7/03 (17)
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0.136
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7/10 (24)
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0.136
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|
Batched & Molded 6/21/99
Date Tested (Age)
|
Avg. (5), % Shrinkage
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6/24 (3 days)
|
-
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6/25 (4)
|
0.027
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7/02 (11)
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0.080
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7/09 (18)
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0.092
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7/16 (25)
|
0.098
|
|
SPEC-JOINT 46 w/EZ Spred
Batched & Molded 6/23/99 Batched & Molded 6/30/99
Date Tested (Age)
|
Avg. (5), % Shrinkage
|
6/26 (3 days)
|
-
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6/27 (4)
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0.081
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7/03 (10)
|
0.149
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7/10 (17)
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0.173
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7/19 (26)
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0.187
|
|
Date Tested (Age)
|
Avg. (5), % Shrinkage
|
7/03 (3 days)
|
-
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7/06 (6)
|
0.089
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7/10 (10)
|
0.083
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7/26 (26)
|
0.133
|
|
|
|
Date Tested (Age)
|
Avg. (5), % Shrinkage
|
7/10 (3 days)
|
-
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7/12 (6)
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0.023
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7/17 (11)
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0.081
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7/26 (20)
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0.112
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Comments:
All reported data are for average of 5 specimens. Overall the EZ-Spred/Spec-Joint 46 mortars appear
to exhibit approximately 15% higher shrinkage, but all reported shrinkages may be considered typical for Type N mortars.
Update: Phases 2 & 3 (May 2000, June 2001)
Phase 2 of this project began in May of 2000. Spec Joint 46 Type N, Color #963, was used, once again
. But EZ-Spred additive was not used on this phase due to uncertainty regarding long-term performance.The phase 2 work was similar in size and scope to Phase 1. Phase 3 was begun in June
2001, and was of similar scope and size to the previous phases. The contractor was able to efficiently place thousands of units of mortar using electric pointing guns and without the addition
of any additional admixtures.
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