ASTM C1708-11 - 1.8.2011
 
Significance and Use

The test methods in this standard are used to evaluate freshly mixed properties such as the initial flow, flow retention, and healing time as well as hardened properties such as compressive strength, setting time, and flexural strength, of self-leveling mortars.

Tests are conducted under standardized conditions for comparative purposes and results are not intended to be representative of performance under field conditions.

 
1. Scope

1.1 These test methods are appropriate to evaluate the performance of self-leveling mortars containing hydraulic cements that are used to improve the levelness, smoothness, and flatness of existing floors. These materials may be used as an underlayment to receive floor finishes, or as an overlayment to serve as the wear surface. The self-leveling mortars covered by these test methods consist of proprietary blends of hydraulic cements, along with fine aggregate, polymers, fillers, and other additives.

1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Some values have only SI units because the inch-pound equivalents are not used in practice.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (WarningFresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)

 
2. Referenced Documents

C1107/C1107M-26

Standard Specification for Packaged Dry, Hydraulic-Cement Grout (Nonshrink)

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

C109/C109M-26a

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens) (Includes all amendments and changes 7/30/2026).

C125-26

Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

C157/C157M-24e1

Standard Test Method for Length Change of Hardened Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete (Includes all amendments and changes 10/14/2024).

C191-26

Standard Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle

C305-20

Standard Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency

C348-21

Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars

C1005-20

Standard Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass and Volume for Use in Physical Testing of Hydraulic Cements

C490-07

Standard Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and Concrete

C670-24ae1

Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 2/21/2025).

C778-26

Standard Specification for Standard Sand

C928/C928M-25

Standard Specification for Packaged, Dry, Rapid-Hardening Cementitious Materials for Concrete Repairs