ASTM C 1623 : 2006

1.1 This specification covers concrete masonry lintels (beams) that are solid in cross-section, are reinforced for flexure, and are made from hydraulic cement, water, and mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials. These lintels are suitable for both loadbearing and nonloadbearing applications.

This specification covers only concrete masonry lintels containing reinforcement. Due to building code imposed limitations on the design of masonry lintels, all lintels must contain reinforcement. Concrete masonry lintels are not typically manufactured using shear reinforcement (stirrups or other vertical reinforcement). Therefore, this standard does not address issues related to such. For further guidance, refer to Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, ACI 530 /ASCE 5 /TMS 402. Prestressed concrete lintels are not covered by this standard.

1.2 Lintels are manufactured using a no-slump concrete mix to provide a surface texture similar to that of concrete masonry. This specification applies to both machine-made and hand-tamped concrete masonry lintels intended for use in concrete masonry applications.

1.3 Concrete masonry lintels covered by this specification are made from lightweight or normal weight aggregates, or both.

1.4 This specification does not address the design or analysis of lintel capacity. Structural evaluations must be performed separately. The strength of a lintel is a function of factors including, but not limited to, the characteristics of the materials used in manufacturing (concrete materials and reinforcement), the amount and location of reinforcement, and the manufacturing and curing procedures. For design and analysis methods, refer to Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, ACI 530 /ASCE 5 /TMS 402.

1.5 This specification does not cover U-shaped lintels or those of other cross-sections that are not 100 % solid.

1.6 This specification does not cover lintels of grouted concrete masonry lintels, or precast or cast-in-place lintels of slump concrete.

1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.