ASTM Volume 04.05 now available

ASTM Volume 04.05 Chemical-Resistant Nonmetallic Materials; Vitrified Clay Pipe; Concrete Pipe; Fiber-Reinforced Cement Products; Mortars and Grouts; Masonry; Precast Concrete is now available.

The 80+ volume Annual Book of ASTM Standards contains ASTM's 12,000+ standards and is available in print and Online formats. The volumes can be purchased individually, as a section (at a 25% discount) or as the complete 80+ volume set (at a 50% discount).

Under the heading of chemical-resistant nonmetallic materials, this volume provides specifications, tests, and practices for measuring the properties of mortars, grouts, and monolithic surfacing.

Also included are standards on mortar and grout for masonry construction and manufactured masonry units. Volume 04.05 also features specifications for concrete pipe, joints, manholes, vitrified clay pipe, clay drain tile, fiber-cement products, and precast concrete products.
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic