Designation: C 5 79 (Reapproved 1997)

Standard Specification for

Quicklime for Structural Purposes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 5; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope Calcium Lime Magnesium Lime

1.1 This specification covers all classes of quicklime such as Calcium oxide, min, % 75
crushed lime, granular lime, ground lime, lump lime, pebble Magnesium oxide, min, % 20
lime, and pulverized lime, used for structural purposes. Calcium and magnesium oxide, 95 95
min, %
Silica, alumina, and oxide of iron, 5 5
2. Referenced Documents max, %
2.1 ASTM Standards: Carbon dioxide, max, %:
If sample is taken at place of 3 3
C 25 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Limestone, manufacture
Quicklime, and Hydrated Lime2 If sample is taken at any other 10 10
C 50 Practice for Sampling, Inspection, Packing, and Mark- place
ing of Lime and Limestone Products2 5. Residue
C 51 Terminology Relating to Lime and Limestone (As
Used by the Industry)2 5.1 The quicklime shall contain no more than 15 weight %
C 110 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, of residue.
Hydrated Lime, and Limestone2 6. General Requirements
E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
6.1 Quicklime shall be slaked and aged in accordance with
poses3
the printed directions of the manufacturer. The resulting lime
3. Terminology putty shall be stored until cool.
3.1 DefinitionsUnless otherwise specified, for definitions 6.2 Lime putty prepared in accordance with X1.4.2 and
of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology C 51. adjusted to standard consistency in accordance with Test
Methods C 110, shall show no pops or pits when tested in
4. Chemical Composition accordance with Test Methods C 110.
4.1 The quicklime shall conform to the following require- 6.3 Lime putty prepared as above shall have a plasticity
ments as to chemical composition, calculated on a nonvolatile figure of not less than 200.
basis: 7. Sampling, Inspection, etc.
7.1 The sampling, inspection, rejection, retesting, packing,
and marking shall be conducted in accordance with Methods
C 50.
8. Test Methods
8.1 Conformance to chemical requirements shall be deter-
mined in accordance with Test Methods C 25.
8.2 Conformance to plasticity and residue requirements
shall be determined in accordance with Test Methods C 110.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-7 on Lime
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C07.02 on Structural Lime. 9. Keywords
Current edition approved Nov. 30, 1979. Published January 1980. Originally
published as C 5 13 T. Last previous edition C 5 59 (1974).
9.1 building (structural); calcium oxide; dolomitic lime;
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01. high calcium lime; lime putty; magnesium oxide; plasticity;
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. quicklime; residue; slaking

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 C5
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SLAKING AND PREPARATION OF LIME PUTTY

X1.1 Introduction available for immediate usea hose throwing a good stream,
X1.1.1 Quicklime can never be used as such for structural if possible. Watch the lime constantly. At the slightest appear-
purposes; it must always be slaked first. Since the method of ance of escaping steam, hoe thoroughly and quickly, and add
slaking is an important factor in determining the quality of the enough water to stop the steaming. Do not be afraid of using
finished product, the following directions for the preparation of too much water with this kind of lime.
lime putty are given, not as a part of the specification, but as X1.3.3 For mediumslaking lime, add the water to the lime.
information for the further protection of the purchaser. Add enough water so that the lime is about half submerged.
X1.1.2 Different kinds of lime vary considerably in the way Hoe occasionally if steam starts to escape. Add a little water
in which they behave with water. A little supervision over the now and then if necessary to prevent the putty from becoming
operation of slaking will amply pay for itself by ensuring the dry and crumbly. Be careful not to add any more water than
production of the greatest possible quantity and the best required, and not too much at a time.
possible quality of putty. To find out how to slake a new lot of X1.3.4 For slowslaking lime, add enough water to the lime
lime, it is safest to try a little of it and see how it works. Since to moisten it thoroughly. Let it stand until the reaction has
different lots of the same brand of lime vary somewhat, and started. Cautiously add more water, a little at a time, taking
since the weather conditions at the time have a decided care that the mass is not cooled by the fresh water. Do not hoe
influence, it is wise to try a sample from each lot used, whether until the slaking is practically complete. If the weather is very
familiar with the brand or not. cold, it is preferable to use hot water, but if this is not available,
the mortar box may be covered in some way to retain the heat.
X1.2 Classification of Limes
X1.2.1 In a bucket, put two or three lumps of lime about the X1.4 Preparation of Putty for Use
size of ones fist, or, in the case of granular lime, an equivalent
X1.4.1 After slaking, prepare putty for use as follows:
amount. Add sufficient water to just barely cover the lime, and
note how long it takes for slaking to begin. Slaking has begun X1.4.2 White CoatAfter slaking and aging finishing
when pieces split off from the lumps or when the lumps quicklime in accordance with the printed directions of the
crumble. Water of the same temperature should be used for test manufacturer, store the putty until cool. If no printed directions
and field practice. are provided by the manufacturer, prepare the putty for use as
X1.2.2 If slaking begins in less than 5 min, the lime is quick follows: After the action has ceased, run off the putty through
slaking; from 5 to 30 min, medium slaking; over 30 min, slow a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve conforming to Specification E 11,
slaking. and store for a minimum of 2 weeks.
X1.4.3 Base CoatsAfter the action has ceased, run off the
X1.3 Directions for Slaking putty through a No. 8 (2.36-mm) sieve conforming to Speci-
X1.3.1 Slake quicklime in accordance with the printed fication E 11. Add sand up to equal parts by weight, all of the
directions of the manufacturer. When such directions are not hair or other fibers required, and store for a minimum of 2
provided, proceed as follows: weeks.
X1.3.2 For quick-slaking lime, always add the lime to the X1.4.4 Masons MortarAfter the action has ceased, add
water, not the water to the lime. Have sufficient water at first to part or all of the sand required, and store for a minimum of 24
cover all the lime completely. Have a plentiful supply of water h.

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