ASTM C689-09(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Unfired Clays
Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Unfired Clays
ABSTRACT
This test method details the standard procedure for the determination of modulus of rupture of ceramic whiteware clays, both dry and after conditioning at specified relative humidity, or both. The apparatuses needed for this method are a conditioning cabinet, and a testing machine. Extruded, clay-flint, and solid cast specimens shall be prepared accordingly. Specific procedures as to handling, warpage, drying, and storage, and the corresponding calculations are discussed thoroughly.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain values of rupture modulus of clays before firing, under various processing conditions (relative humidity).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the modulus of rupture of ceramic whiteware clays both dry and after conditioning at 50 or 80 % relative humidity, or both.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Sep-2019
- Technical Committee
- C21 - Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
- Drafting Committee
- C21.04 - Raw Materials
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2003
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-1997
Overview
ASTM C689-09(2019) - Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Unfired Clays establishes a consistent procedure for determining the modulus of rupture of unfired ceramic whiteware clays. This test method applies to both dry and humidity-conditioned clay specimens and is essential for characterizing the strength of clays prior to firing. The method supports quality assurance, research, and the development of ceramic products by providing reliable mechanical strength data under varying moisture conditions.
This standard, developed by ASTM Committee C21 on Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products, is recognized internationally and supports compliance with World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) guidelines.
Key Topics
- Test Scope: Covers the determination of modulus of rupture for unfired ceramic whiteware clays, including both dry and humidity-conditioned (50% and 80% RH) specimens.
- Specimen Preparation: Detailed procedures for preparing extruded, clay-flint, and solid cast bar specimens using specific mixing, aging, and forming methods.
- Conditioning: Use of conditioning cabinets or desiccators for controlling specimen moisture, with storage methods adapted to desired relative humidity conditions.
- Apparatus Requirements: Specifies equipment, such as testing machines capable of applying uniform loads, steel support bars, and conditioning enclosures.
- Testing Procedure: Testing at least ten round bar specimens per condition, with defined dimensions and loading rates to ensure repeatability and comparability.
- Reporting: Requirements for data reporting include identification of materials, modulus of rupture values, moisture content, specimen dimensions, and observed defects.
- Safety Considerations: Users must establish safety, health, and environmental protocols appropriate for their testing environment.
Applications
The ASTM C689-09(2019) test method is applied in diverse sectors of the ceramics and materials industries:
- Raw Material Evaluation: Assesses the mechanical strength of unfired clays as a key parameter for selection and formulation.
- Quality Control: Enables manufacturers to monitor and control clay properties during production, supporting consistent product quality.
- Research and Development: Provides baseline data on clay strength under various humidity conditions, aiding in new material development and process optimization.
- Performance Comparison: Assists in comparing the behavior of different clay blends or preparation techniques prior to firing.
- Specification Compliance: Supports the demonstration of product compliance with customer or regulatory strength requirements.
This standard is particularly valuable for ceramic whiteware manufacturers, laboratories, material scientists, and quality professionals seeking robust methods for mechanical property characterization.
Related Standards
Practitioners using ASTM C689-09(2019) may reference additional ASTM standards and guidelines for comprehensive material testing and sampling:
- ASTM C322 - Practice for Sampling Ceramic Whiteware Clays: Specifies best practices for representative sampling prior to testing.
- ASTM C67 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile: Provides complementary testing approaches for fired ceramic units.
- ASTM C326 - Standard Test Method for Drying and Firing Shrinkages of Ceramic Whiteware Clays: Assesses dimensional change properties relevant to modulus of rupture measurements.
Adherence to related standards enhances the accuracy and acceptance of test results and aligns laboratories with industry best practices.
Keywords: modulus of rupture, unfired clays, ceramic whiteware, ASTM C689, mechanical strength, humidity conditioning, clay testing, materials characterization, ceramic standards, quality control
Buy Documents
ASTM C689-09(2019) - Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Unfired Clays
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
DIN CERTCO
DIN Group product certification.

Aboma Certification B.V.
Specialized in construction, metal, and transport sectors.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C689-09(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Unfired Clays". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This test method details the standard procedure for the determination of modulus of rupture of ceramic whiteware clays, both dry and after conditioning at specified relative humidity, or both. The apparatuses needed for this method are a conditioning cabinet, and a testing machine. Extruded, clay-flint, and solid cast specimens shall be prepared accordingly. Specific procedures as to handling, warpage, drying, and storage, and the corresponding calculations are discussed thoroughly. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain values of rupture modulus of clays before firing, under various processing conditions (relative humidity). SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the modulus of rupture of ceramic whiteware clays both dry and after conditioning at 50 or 80 % relative humidity, or both. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This test method details the standard procedure for the determination of modulus of rupture of ceramic whiteware clays, both dry and after conditioning at specified relative humidity, or both. The apparatuses needed for this method are a conditioning cabinet, and a testing machine. Extruded, clay-flint, and solid cast specimens shall be prepared accordingly. Specific procedures as to handling, warpage, drying, and storage, and the corresponding calculations are discussed thoroughly. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain values of rupture modulus of clays before firing, under various processing conditions (relative humidity). SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the modulus of rupture of ceramic whiteware clays both dry and after conditioning at 50 or 80 % relative humidity, or both. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM C689-09(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C689-09(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C689-09(2014), ASTM C322-09(2014), ASTM C322-09, ASTM C322-03, ASTM C322-82(1997)e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C689-09(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C689 −09 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Modulus of Rupture of Unfired Clays
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C689; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* testing. Specimens for dry strength shall be stored with silica
gel desiccant. Specimens for 50 % relative humidity shall be
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the modu-
stored over a saturated solution of sodium dichromate
lus of rupture of ceramic whiteware clays both dry and after
(Na CR O ·2H O), and specimens for 80 % relative humidity
2 2 7 2
conditioning at 50 or 80 % relative humidity, or both.
shall be stored over a saturated solution of ammonium chloride
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
(NH Cl).
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4.2 Testing Machine—Any suitable testing machine may be
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
used, provided a uniform rate of direct loading can be
and are not considered standard.
maintained at no more than 1 lb/min (4.4 N/min) using the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
prescribedspecimens.Forthesupportofthetestspecimen,two
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
steel bars having a diameter of 0.5-in. (12.7-mm) shall be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
provided. The load shall be applied by means of a third steel
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
bar having a diameter of 0.5-in. (12.7-mm). All three bars are
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
to be smooth polished steel without surface defects such as
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
scratches or gouges.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 5. Test Specimen Preparation
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 PreparationofExtrudedSpecimens— 100 % clay speci-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
men preparation: The test sample shall be blunged with
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sufficient distilled water to give complete dispersion and
produceaslipofsufficientviscositytoavoidnoticeablesettling
2. Referenced Documents
of particles (usually in the range of 25 to 50 percent solids).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Slip shall be sieved through a No. 120 (125 µm) sieve or
C322 Practice for Sampling Ceramic Whiteware Clays
equivalent. After aging 24 h the slip shall be dewatered to a
plastic condition preferably by filter pressing. At this point the
3. Significance and Use
moisture content must be adjusted to optimum conditions for
3.1 The purpose of this test method is to obtain values of forming by some measure of plasticity such as Pfefferkorn
rupture modulus of clays before firing, under various process- apparatus, plumb bob penetration, or other acceptable means.
ing conditions (relative humidity). After the water of plasticity has been adjusted (usually will
range from 20 to 50 %), test specimens shall be formed by
4. Apparatus
extrusion. Where hand-operated extruder is used without
vacuum, the plastic clay shall be thoroughly hand-wedged to
4.1 Conditioning Cabinet—Any suitable airtight cabinet
eliminate entrapped air as a preliminary to forming test pieces.
with means for circulating air, or vacuum desiccator, wherein
Where a vacuum extruder is used, a vacuum of not less than
prescribed specimens can be conditioned as desired before
25 in. (635 mm) Hg shall be maintained during forming
operation.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C21 on Ceramic
5.1.1 Clay-FlintSpecimens—to be used in the case of strong
Whitewares and Related Productsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
clays that are considered bonding materials. Prepare specimens
C21.04 on Raw Materials.
as in 5.1 using a mixture of clay and 200 mesh potters flint in
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally
a 1/1 ratio blend that has been thoroughly dry mixed.
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C689 – 09 (2014).
DOI: 10.1520/C0689-09R19.
5.1.2 Solid Cast Specimens—100 % clay and clay-flint
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
specimens should be prepared by making a high solids slurry
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
deflocculated to minimum viscosity. Adjust the solids content
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. of the slurry to obtain a viscosity between 100-500 cps. The
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C689 − 09 (2019)
slurry should be cast in plaster molds until solid, and the bars loadingrateshouldbesuchastocausefailureinapproximately
then dried in accordance to the procedure outlined in 5.3 and one minute. Measure the diameter at the break to the nearest
5.4. 0.001 in. (0.03 mm). Use the average of at least three diameter
readings around the bar.
5.2 Dimension—The test specimens shall be round bars of
0.50 (12.8 mm)
...




Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...