ASTM C151

Standard Test Method for

Autoclave Expansion of Hydraulic
Cement
 Significance and Use

The autoclave expansion test provides an

index of potential delayed expansion caused
by the hydration of CaO or MgO, or both,
when present in hydraulic cement.
Apparatus/Equipment
Reference Masses
and Devices for
Determining Mass
Glass Graduates
Molds
Flat Trowel
Autoclave Machine
consisting of a high-pressure
steam vessel provided with a
thermometer well. The autoclave
shall be equipped with automatic
controls and either a rupture disk
with a bursting pressure of 2.4
MPa [350 psi] ± 5 % or a safety
valve that actuates at this
pressure. In addition, the
autoclave shall be equipped with a
vent valve to allow the escape of
air during the early part of the
heating period and to release any
steam pressure remaining at the
end of the cooling period.
Length Comparator
Moist Cabinet
 Reporting of Results

Report as percent of effective gauge length to the

nearest 0.01 %.
 Specification Requirement

- 0.8 % max.
 Computation of Autoclave Expansion

Autoclave Expansion,% = ((Lb-La))/G x 100

Lb – Length of comparator reading after autoclaving

La – Length of comparator reading before autoclaving
G – 250 mm
Sample Computation

The comparator reading before and after autoclaving are 3.861

mm and 4.867, respectively, compute for the autoclave
expansion.

Autoclave Expansion,% = ((Lb-La))/G x 100

= ((4.867-3.861))/250 x 100
= 0.4024
= 0.40 %