ASTM C1623-17a PDF Download

The ASTM C1623-17a standard covers the requirements for concrete masonry lintels (beams) that are solid in cross-section and reinforced for flexure. These lintels are made from hydraulic cement, water, and mineral aggregates, with the possibility of including other materials. They can be used for both loadbearing and nonloadbearing applications.

The lintels covered by this standard undergo compression and absorption tests to ensure they meet the specified requirements. It is important to note that all lintels must contain reinforcement due to building code limitations on masonry lintel design. This standard does not address issues related to shear reinforcement or prestressed concrete lintels.

The lintels manufactured according to this standard use a no-slump concrete mix, providing a surface texture similar to that of concrete masonry. Both machine-made and hand-tamped lintels are included in this specification.

The lintels can be made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or a combination of both. However, U-shaped lintels or those with cross-sections that are not 100% solid are not covered by this specification. Additionally, this specification does not cover grouted concrete masonry lintels or precast or cast-in-place lintels made of slump concrete.

It is also important to note that the design and analysis of lintel capacity are not addressed in this specification. Structural evaluations must be performed separately, taking into account factors such as the characteristics of the materials used, the amount and location of reinforcement, and the manufacturing and curing procedures. Design and analysis methods should be referred to Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, TMS 402.

The standard includes referencing notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material but should not be considered as requirements of the standard, excluding those in tables and figures.