Masonry Magazine June 2000 Page. 30
SI Unit Package Sizes for Cement:
Hard Metric Made Easy
During the June ASTM meeting, Committee C-01 approved a proposal to include a non-mandatory note in ASTM C 150 recommending 42 kg as an SI-unit ("SI" stands for the International System of Units, often known as metric units) package size for portland cement. ASTM standards for masonry cement, mortar cement, and plastic cement have already established suggested package sizes in SI units. The suggested SI-unit sizes compared to traditional package sizes are outlined in the chart (right).
The recommended package sizes are whole SI-units (hard metric conversion) rather than direct conversion of existing foot-pound units to SI-units (soft metric conversion). Thus they meet federal mandates and the ASTM Committee C-01 policy statement on SI-conversion. Of equal importance, the suggested package sizes are consistent with recommendations of the mason contractors who were on a PCA-sponsored Metric Task Force. Representing the largest user group of packaged cement products, the mason contractors supported selecting hard metric package sizes as close as possible to traditional package sizes to minimize disruption at the jobsite.
Traditionally, packaged cements for masonry have been based on one cubic foot of material by volume, which has an SI-unit volume equivalent to 28.3 liters. The recommended package sizes are based on a volume of 28 liters. The dual advantages of minimizing the actual change in bag sizes and maintaining relative package sizes for the different types of cements used in masonry mortars resulted in unanimous support of the Metric Task Force.
The new SI-unit package sizes are designed to be mixed with multiples of 28 liters of damp, loose sand. However, should the mason continue to measure sand in cubic foot increments, Continued on page 40
Every structure is a
monument to its creator.
That's why you use the finest materials. In masonry, that means genuine cement-lime mortar for dependable bond strength, reduced water penetration and ageless durability. And one family of mason's lime products stands above the rest . . . GenLime, made from dolomitic limestone said to be one of the purest in the world.
Mortaseal Mason's Lime
Bondcrete Mason's and Stucco Lime
Super Limoid Mason's Lime
Niagara Mature Lime Putty
GenLime Inc.
РО Вак 158, Gеnоа, ОН 43430
Tel. 800.537.4489 Fax 419.855.4602
www.genlime.com
We help you
keep them moving.
GRADALL
SKY TRAK
LULL
Replacement Parts
Quality! Delivery! Price!
Don't settle for second best. Let us supply your quality replacement parts with prompt delivery at competitive prices. Consult your TIFFIN PARTS DISTRIBUTOR today.
Tiffin Parts L.L.C.
235 Miami Street
Tiffin, OH 44883
Phone 800-219-6354
FAX 419-447-7527
E-mail: tifparts@bright.net