Designation: C192/C192M − 15

Standard Practice for

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the
Laboratory1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C192/C192M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield,

1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
test specimens of concrete in the laboratory under accurate C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
control of materials and test conditions using concrete that can Concrete
be consolidated by rodding or vibration as described herein. C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
crete
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in Concrete by the Volumetric Method
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each C231/C231M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining Concrete by the Pressure Method
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
with the standard. Structural Concrete
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the C403/C403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- C470/C470M Specification for Molds for Forming Concrete
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Test Cylinders Vertically
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause Concrete
chemical burns to exposed skin and tissue upon prolonged C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
exposure.2) Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
2. Referenced Documents C566 Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 Aggregate by Drying
C70 Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate C617/C617M Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag- Specimens
gregates C1064/C1064M Test Method for Temperature of Freshly
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete
C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
and Absorption of Fine Aggregate Testing Agency Evaluation
2.2 American Concrete Institute Publications:4
211.3 Practice for Selecting Proportions for No-Slump Con-
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete crete
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61 on 309R Guide for Consolidation of Concrete
Testing for Strength.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published June 2015. Originally 3. Significance and Use
approved in 1944. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C192/C192M – 14.
DOI: 10.1520/C0192_C0192M-15. 3.1 This practice provides standardized requirements for
2
See section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, preparation of materials, mixing concrete, and making and
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
curing concrete test specimens under laboratory conditions.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
the ASTM website. Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.aci-int.org.

*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

1
 C192/C192M − 15
3.2 If specimen preparation is controlled as stipulated long, firmly fastened to the plate for embedment in the
herein, the specimens may be used to develop information for concrete. One base plate shall be drilled from the inside at an
the following purposes: angle to permit the lead wire from the strain gage to exit the
3.2.1 Mixture proportioning for project concrete, specimen through the edge of the plate. Provision shall be
3.2.2 Evaluation of different mixtures and materials, made for accurately positioning the strain gage. All necessary
3.2.3 Correlation with nondestructive tests, and holes shall be as small as possible to minimize disturbance to
3.2.4 Providing specimens for research purposes. subsequent strain measurements and shall be sealed to prevent
leakage.
NOTE 1—The concrete test results for concrete specimens made and
cured using this practice are widely used. They may be the basis for 4.3 Beam and Prism Molds shall be rectangular in shape
acceptance testing for project concrete, research evaluations, and other (unless otherwise specified) and of the dimensions required to
studies. Careful and knowledgeable handling of materials, mixing produce the desired specimen size. The inside surfaces of the
concrete, molding test specimens, and curing test specimens is necessary.
Many laboratories performing this important work are independently
molds shall be smooth and free from indentations. The sides,
inspected or accredited. Practice C1077 identifies and defines the duties, bottom, and ends shall be at right angles to each other and shall
responsibilities, and minimum technical qualification requirements of be straight and true and free of warpage. Maximum variation
laboratory personnel and the minimum requirements for equipment used from the nominal cross section shall not exceed 3 mm [1⁄8 in.]
in testing concrete and concrete aggregates. for molds with depth or breadth of 150 mm [6 in.] or more, or
2 mm [1⁄16 in.] for molds of smaller depth or breadth. Except
4. Apparatus for flexure specimens, molds shall not vary from the nominal
4.1 Molds, General—Molds for specimens or fastenings length by more than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.]. Flexure molds shall not be
thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of steel, cast shorter than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.] of the required length, but may
iron, or other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete exceed it by more than that amount.
containing portland or other hydraulic cements. Molds shall 4.4 Tamping Rod—A round, smooth, straight, steel rod with
conform to the dimensions and tolerances specified in the a diameter conforming to the requirements in Table 2. The
method for which the specimens are required. Molds shall hold length of the tamping rod shall be at least 100 mm [4 in.]
their dimensions and shape under all conditions of use. greater than the depth of the mold in which rodding is being
Watertightness of molds during use shall be judged by their performed, but not greater than 600 mm [24 in.] in overall
ability to hold water poured into them. Test procedures for length (see Note 2). The rod shall have the tamping end or both
watertightness are given in the section on Test Methods for ends rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the
Elongation, Absorption, and Watertightness of Specification rod.
C470/C470M. A suitable sealant, such as heavy grease, mod-
eling clay, or microcrystalline wax, shall be used where NOTE 2—A rod length of 400 mm [16 in.] to 600 mm [24 in.] meets the
requirements of the following: Practice C31/C31M, Test Method C138/
necessary to prevent leakage through the joints. Positive means C138M, Test Method C143/C143M, Test Method C173/C173M, and Test
shall be provided to hold base plates firmly to the molds. Method C231/C231M.
Reusable molds shall be lightly coated with mineral oil or a
4.5 Mallets—A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head weigh-
suitable nonreactive release material before use.
ing 0.6 6 0.2 kg [1.25 6 0.50 lb] shall be used.
4.2 Cylinder Molds:
4.6 Vibrators:
4.2.1 Molds for Casting Specimens Vertically shall conform 4.6.1 Internal Vibrators—The vibrator frequency shall be at
to the requirements of 4.1 and Specification C470/C470M. least 9000 vibrations per minute [150 Hz] while the vibrator is
4.2.2 Horizontal Molds for Creep Test Cylinders shall operating in the concrete. The diameter of a round vibrator
conform to the requirements of 4.1 and to the requirements for shall be no more than one fourth the diameter of the cylinder
symmetry and dimensional tolerance in the section on General mold or one fourth the width of the beam or prism mold. Other
Requirements except for verticality requirements of Specifica- shaped vibrators shall have a perimeter equivalent to the
tion C470/C470M. The use of horizontal molds is intended
only for creep specimens that contain axially embedded strain
gages. Molds for creep cylinders to be filled while supported in TABLE 1 Number of Layers Required for Specimens
a horizontal position shall have a filling slot parallel to the axis Specimen Type and Size Mode of Numbers of Layers
Consolidation of Approximate
of the mold which extends the full length to receive the Equal Depth
concrete. The width of the slot shall be one half the diameter of Cylinders:
the specimen. If necessary the edges of the slot shall be Diameter, mm [in.]
reinforced to maintain dimensional stability. Unless specimens 75 to 100 [3 or 4] rodding 2
150 [6] rodding 3
are to be capped or ground to produce plane ends, the molds 225 [9] rodding 4
shall be provided with two machined metal end plates at least up to 225 [9] vibration 2
25 mm [1 in.] thick and the working surfaces shall comply with
Prisms and horizontal creep Cylinders:
the requirements for planeness and surface roughness given in Depth, mm [in.]
the section on Capping Plates of Practice C617/C617M. up to 200 [8] rodding 2
Provision shall be made for fixing both end plates firmly to the over 200 [8] rodding 3 or more
up to 200 [8] vibration 1
mold. The inside surface of each end plate shall be provided over 200 [8] vibration 2 or more
with at least three lugs or studs approximately 25 mm [1 in.]

2
 C192/C192M − 15
TABLE 2 Diameter of Rod and Number of Roddings to be Used in Molding Test Specimens
Cylinders
Diameter of Cylinder, mm [in.] Diameter of Rod mm [in.] Number of Strokes/Layer
75 [3] to < 150 [6] 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 25
150 [6] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 25
200 [8] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 50
250 [10] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 75
Beams and Prisms
Top Surface Area of Specimen, cm2 [in.2] Diameter of Rod mm [in.] Number of Roddings/Layer
160 [25] or less 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 25
165 to 310 [26 to 49] 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] one for each 7 cm2 [1 in.2] of surface
320 [50] or more 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] one for each 14 cm2 [2 in. 2] of surface
Horizontal Creep Cylinders
Diameter of Cylinder mm [in.] Diameter of Rod mm [in.] Number of Roddings/Layer
150 [6] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 50 total, 25 along both sides of axis

circumference of an appropriate round vibrator. The combined determined on large capacity scales. In many applications the smallest
length of the vibrator shaft and vibrating element shall exceed mass determined on a scale should be greater than about 10 % of the
maximum capacity of the scale; however, this will vary with the
the depth of the section being vibrated by at least 75 mm [3 performance characteristics of the scale and the required accuracy of the
in.]. The vibrator frequency shall be checked with a vibrating- determination. Acceptable scales used for determining the mass for
reed tachometer or other suitable device at an interval not to concrete materials preferably should determine mass accurately to about
exceed two years. If the vibrator manufacturer recommends a 0.1 % of total capacity and the foregoing precaution is applicable.
shorter verification interval or a verification procedure, the However, certain analytical and precision balances are exceptions to this
rule and should weigh accurately to 0.001 %. Particular care must be
manufacturer’s recommendation shall be followed. exercised in measuring small quantities of material by determining the
NOTE 3—For information on size and frequency of various vibrators difference between two much larger masses.
and method to check vibrator frequency, see ACI 309R. 4.13 Temperature Measuring Device—The temperature
4.6.2 External Vibrators—The two types of external vibra- measuring device shall conform to the requirements of Test
tors permitted are either table or plank. The external vibrator Method C1064/C1064M.
frequency shall be 3600 vibrations per minute (60 Hz) or 4.14 Concrete Mixer—A power-driven concrete mixer shall
higher. be a revolving drum, tilting mixer, or suitable revolving pan or
4.6.3 Provisions shall be made for clamping the mold revolving-paddle mixer capable of thoroughly mixing batches
securely to the apparatus for both types of vibrators. of the prescribed sizes at the required slump.
NOTE 4—Vibratory impulses are frequently imparted to a table or plank NOTE 6—A pan mixer is usually more suitable for mixing concrete with
vibrator through electromagnetic means, or by use of an eccentric weight less than 25 mm [1 in.] slump than a revolving drum mixer. The rate of
on the shaft of an electric motor or on a separate shaft driven by a motor. rotation, degree of tilt, and rated capacity of tilting mixers are not always
4.7 Small Tools—Tools and items such as shovels, pails, suitable for laboratory mixed concrete. It may be found desirable to reduce
trowels, wood float, blunted trowels, straightedge, feeler gage, the rate of rotation, decrease the angle of tilt from the horizontal, and use
the mixer at somewhat less than the manufacturer’s rated capacity.
scoops, rulers, rubber gloves, and metal mixing bowls shall be
provided. 5. Specimens
4.8 Slump Apparatus—The apparatus for measurement of 5.1 Cylindrical Specimens—Cylinder dimensions shall be as
slump shall conform to the requirements of Test Method stipulated in the specification, test method or practice for the
C143/C143M. laboratory studies being performed and shall meet the require-
4.9 Sampling and Mixing Pan—The pan shall be flat-bottom ments of 5.4. If dimensions are not stipulated in a specification,
and of heavy-gage metal, watertight, of convenient depth, and test method, or practice, the specimen selected shall have a
of sufficient capacity to allow easy mixing by shovel or trowel length that is twice the diameter and meet the requirements of
of the entire batch; or, if mixing is by machine, to receive the 5.4.
entire batch on discharge of the mixer and allow remixing in NOTE 7—The same cylinder size should be used for the reference
the pan by trowel or shovel. (control) concrete mixture and test concrete mixtures when conducting
4.10 Wet-Sieving Equipment—If wet-sieving is required, the comparative studies such as those required in Specification C494/C494M.
For mixture proportioning of project concrete, it is preferable for the
equipment shall conform to the requirements of Practice cylinder size in the laboratory to be the same as that specified for
C172/C172M. acceptance testing.
4.11 Air Content Apparatus—The apparatus for measuring NOTE 8—When molds in SI units are required and not available,
equivalent inch-pound unit size mold should be permitted.
air content shall conform to the requirements of either Test
Methods C231/C231M or C173/C173M. 5.1.1 Cylindrical specimens for tests other than creep shall
be molded and allowed to harden with the axis of the cylinder
4.12 Scales—Scales for determining the mass of batches of vertical.
materials and concrete shall be accurate within 0.3 % of the test 5.1.2 Cylindrical creep specimens may be cast with the
load at any point within the range of use. cylindrical axis either vertical or horizontal and allowed to
NOTE 5—In general the mass of small quantities should not be harden in the position in which cast.

3
 C192/C192M − 15
5.2 Prismatic Specimens—Beams for flexural strength, fraction. The number of size fractions will generally be between 2 and 5
prisms for freezing and thawing, bond, length change, volume for aggregate smaller than 60 mm [21⁄2 in.]. When a size fraction to be
batched is present in amounts in excess of 10 %, the ratio of the opening
change, etc., shall be formed with their long axes horizontal, of the larger to the smaller sieve should not exceed 2.0. More closely sized
unless otherwise required by the method of test in question, groups are sometimes advisable.
and shall conform in dimension to the requirements of the
6.3.1 Unless fine aggregate is separated into individual size
specific test method.
fractions, maintain it in a damp condition or restore to a damp
5.3 Other Specimens—Other shapes and sizes of specimens condition until use, to prevent segregation, unless material
for particular tests may be molded as desired following the uniformly graded is subdivided into batch size lots using a
general procedures set forth in this practice. sample splitter with proper size openings. If unusual gradings
5.4 Specimen Size versus Aggregate Size—The diameter of a are being studied, the fine aggregate may need to be dried and
cylindrical specimen or minimum cross-sectional dimension of separated into individual sizes. In this instance, if the total
a rectangular section shall be at least three times the nominal quantity of fine aggregate required is larger than can be
maximum size of the coarse aggregate in the concrete as efficiently blended in a single unit, then the individual size
defined in Terminology C125. When the nominal maximum fractions should be determined in a mass required for each
size of the coarse aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the sample individual batch. When the total quantity of fine aggregate
shall be treated by wet sieving through a 50 mm (2 in.) sieve needed for the complete investigation is such that it can be
as described in Practice C172/C172M, unless otherwise stipu- thoroughly mixed, blended, and maintained in a damp
lated. condition, then it should be handled in that manner. Determine
the specific gravity and absorption of aggregates in accordance
5.5 Number of Specimens—The number of specimens and
with either Test Methods C127 or C128.
the number of test batches are dependent on established
practice and the nature of the test program. Guidance is usually 6.3.2 Before incorporating in concrete, prepare the aggre-
given in the test method or specification for which the gate to ensure a definite and uniform condition of moisture.
specimens are made. Usually three or more specimens are Determine the weight of aggregate to be used in the batch by
molded for each test age and test condition unless otherwise one of the following procedures:
specified (Note 9). Specimens involving a given variable 6.3.2.1 Determine the mass of low-absorption aggregates
should be made from three separate batches mixed on different (absorption less than 1.0 %) in the room-dry condition with
days. An equal number of specimens for each variable should allowance made for the amount of water that will be absorbed
be made on any given day. When it is impossible to make at from the unset concrete (Note 11). This procedure is particu-
least one specimen for each variable on a given day, the mixing larly useful for coarse aggregate which must be batched as
of the entire series of specimens should be completed in as few individual sizes; because of the danger of segregation it can be
days as possible, and one of the mixtures should be repeated used for fine aggregate only when the fine aggregate is
each day as a standard of comparison. separated into individual size fractions.

NOTE 9—Test ages often used are 7 and 28 days for compressive NOTE 11—When using aggregates with low absorption in room-dry
strength tests, or 14 and 28 days for flexural strength tests. Specimens condition the amount of water that will be absorbed by the aggregates
containing Type III cement are often tested at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days. For later before the concrete sets may be assumed to be 80 % of the difference
test ages, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year are often used for both between the 24-h absorption of the aggregates determined by Test
compressive and flexural strength tests. Other test ages may be required Methods C127 or C128, and the amount of water in the pores of the
for other types of specimens. aggregates in their room-dry state, as determined by Test Method C566.
6.3.2.2 Individual size fractions of aggregate may be
6. Preparation of Materials weighed separately, recombined into a tared container in the
6.1 Temperature—Before mixing the concrete, bring the amounts required for the batch, and immersed in water for 24
concrete materials to room temperature in the range from 20 to h prior to use. After immersion the excess water is decanted
30°C [68 to 86°F], except when the temperature of the concrete and the combined weight of aggregate and mixing water
is stipulated. When a concrete temperature is stipulated, the determined. Allowance shall be made for the amount of water
method proposed to obtain the concrete temperature needs absorbed by the aggregate. The moisture content of the
approval of the stipulator. aggregates may be determined in accordance with Test Meth-
6.2 Cement—Store the cement in a dry place, in moisture- ods C70 and C566.
proof containers, preferably made of metal. The cement shall 6.3.2.3 The aggregate may be brought to and maintained in
be thoroughly mixed to provide a uniform supply throughout a saturated condition, with surface moisture contained in
the tests. It shall be passed through a 850-µm (No. 20) or finer sufficiently small amounts to preclude loss by draining, at least
sieve to remove all lumps, remixed on a plastic sheet, and 24 h prior to use. When this method is used, the moisture
returned to sample containers. content of the aggregate must be determined to permit calcu-
lation of proper quantities of the damp aggregate. The quantity
6.3 Aggregates—In order to preclude segregation of a of surface moisture present must be counted as a part of the
coarse aggregate, separate into individual size fractions and for required amount of mixing water. Surface moisture in fine
each batch recombine in the proper proportions to produce the aggregate may be determined in accordance with Test Methods
desired grading. C70 and C566, making due allowance for the amount of water
NOTE 10—Only rarely is a coarse aggregate batched as a single size absorbed. The method outlined here (moisture content slightly

4
 C192/C192M − 15
exceeding absorption) is particularly useful for fine aggregate. is important not to vary the mixing sequence and procedure
It is used less frequently for coarse aggregate because of the from batch to batch unless the effect of such variation is under
difficulty of accurately determining the moisture content, but if study.
used, each size fraction must be handled separately to ensure 7.1.2 Machine Mixing—Prior to starting rotation of the
that the proper grading is obtained. mixer add the coarse aggregate, some of the mixing water, and
6.3.2.4 Aggregates, fine or coarse, may be brought to and the solution of admixture, when required, in accordance with
maintained in a saturated surface-dry condition until batched 6.5. When feasible, disperse the admixture in the mixing water
for use. This method is used primarily to prepare material for before addition. Start the mixer, then add the fine aggregate,
batches not exceeding 0.007 m3 [1⁄4 ft3] in volume. Care must cement, and water with the mixer running. If it is impractical
be taken to prevent drying during weighing and use. for a particular mixer or for a particular test to add the fine
6.4 Lightweight Aggregates—The procedures for specific aggregate, cement, and water while the mixer is running, these
gravity, absorption, and preparation of aggregates mentioned in components may be added to the stopped mixer after permit-
this practice pertain to materials with normal absorption ting it to turn a few revolutions following charging with coarse
values. Lightweight aggregates, air-cooled slag, and certain aggregate and some of the water (Note 13). Mix the concrete,
highly porous or vesicular natural aggregate may be so after all ingredients are in the mixer, for 3 min followed by a
absorptive as to be difficult to treat as described. The moisture 3-min rest, followed by a 2-min final mixing. Cover the open
content of lightweight aggregate at the time of mixing may end or top of the mixer to prevent evaporation during the rest
have important effects on properties of freshly mixed and period. Take precautions to compensate for mortar retained by
hardened concretes such as slump loss, compressive strength, the mixer so that the discharged batch, as used, will be
and resistance to freezing and thawing. correctly proportioned (Note 14). To eliminate segregation,
deposit machine-mixed concrete in the clean, damp mixing pan
6.5 Admixtures—Powdered admixtures that are entirely or and remix by shovel or trowel until it appears to be uniform.
largely insoluble, that do not contain hygroscopic salts and are
to be added in small quantities, should be mixed with a portion NOTE 13—An experienced operator may add water incrementally
of the cement before introduction into the batch in the mixer so during mixing to adjust to the desired slump.
as to ensure thorough distribution throughout the concrete. NOTE 14—It is difficult to recover all of the mortar from mixers. To
compensate for this difficulty one of the following procedures may be used
Essentially insoluble materials which are used in amounts to ensure the correct final proportions in the batch:
exceeding 10 % by mass of cement, such as pozzolans, should (1) “Buttering” the Mixer—Just prior to mixing the test batch, the
be handled and added to the batch in the same manner as mixer is “buttered” by mixing a batch proportioned to simulate closely the
cement. Powdered admixtures which are largely insoluble but test batch. The mortar adhering to the mixer after discharging is intended
contain hygroscopic salts may cause balling of cement and to compensate for loss of mortar from the test batch.
(2) “Over-Mortaring” the Mix—The test mix is proportioned by the use
should be mixed with the sand. Water-soluble and liquid of an excess mortar, the amount established in advance, to compensate for
admixtures should be added to the mixer in solution in the that which, on the average, adheres to the mixer. In this case the mixer is
mixing water. The quantity of such solution used shall be cleaned before mixing the test batch.
included in the calculation of the water content of the concrete. 7.1.3 Hand Mixing—Mix the batch in a watertight, clean
Admixtures, incompatible in concentrated form, such as solu- (Note 12), damp, metal pan or bowl, with a bricklayer’s
tions of calcium chloride and certain air-entraining and set- blunted trowel, using the following procedure when aggregates
retarding admixtures, should not be intermixed prior to their have been prepared in accordance with 6.3.2.1, 6.3.2.3, and
addition to concrete. The time, sequence, and method of adding 6.3.2.4.
some admixtures to a batch of concrete can have important 7.1.3.1 Mix the cement, powdered insoluble admixture, if
effects on concrete properties such as time of set and air used, and fine aggregate without addition of water until they
content. The method selected must remain unchanged from are thoroughly blended.
batch to batch.
7.1.3.2 Add the coarse aggregate and mix the entire batch
NOTE 12—The mixing apparatus and accessories shall be thoroughly without addition of water until the coarse aggregate is uni-
cleaned to ensure that chemical additions or admixtures used in dissimilar formly distributed throughout the batch.
batches of concrete do not affect subsequent batches.
7.1.3.3 Add water, and the admixture solution if used, and
7. Procedure mix the mass until the concrete is homogeneous in appearance
and has the desired consistency. If prolonged mixing is
7.1 Mixing Concrete:
necessary because of the addition of water in increments while
7.1.1 General—Mix concrete in a suitable mixer or by hand
adjusting the consistency, discard the batch and make a new
in batches of such size as to leave about 10 % excess after
batch in which the mixing is not interrupted to make trial
molding the test specimens. Hand-mixing procedures are not
consistency tests.
applicable to air-entrained concrete or concrete with no mea-
7.1.4 Mixed Concrete—Select the portions of the batch of
surable slump. Hand mixing should be limited to batches of
mixed concrete to be used in tests for molding specimens so as
0.007 m3 [1⁄4 ft3] volume or less. Mixing procedures are given
to be representative of the actual proportions and condition of
in 7.1.2 and 7.1.3. However, other procedures may be used
the concrete. When the concrete is not being remixed or
when it is desired to simulate special conditions or practices, or
sampled cover it to prevent evaporation.
when the procedures specified are impracticable. A machine-
mixing procedure suitable for drum-type mixers is described. It 7.2 Slump, Air Content, Yield, and Temperature:

5
 C192/C192M − 15
7.2.1 Slump—Measure the slump of each batch of concrete NOTE 16—Concrete of such low water content that it cannot be properly
immediately after mixing in accordance with Test Method consolidated by the methods described herein is not covered by this
practice. Provisions for specimens and methods of testing will be found in
C143/C143M. the standards concerned. There are concretes that can be consolidated by
NOTE 15—The slump test is unsuitable for concrete so dry that it slumps external vibration, but additional forces on the surface are required to
less than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.]. Methods for measuring the consistency of embed the coarse aggregate thoroughly and consolidate the mixture. For
no-slump concrete are described in ACI 211.3. such mixtures the following procedures may be followed: using external
vibration fill 150 by 300-mm [6 by 12-in.] cylinder molds in 75 mm [3 in.]
7.2.2 Air Content—Determine the air content, when lifts using a 4.5-kg [10-lb] cylindrical surcharge, or 75 by 150-mm [3 by
required, in accordance with either Test Methods C173/C173M 6-in.] cylinder molds in 50 mm [2 in.] lifts using a 1-kg [2.5-lb] cylindrical
or C231/C231M. Test Method C231/C231M shall not be used surcharge. The surcharge should have a diameter 6 mm [1⁄4 in.] less than
the inside of the mold. Simultaneously each lift should be compacted by
with concretes made with lightweight aggregates, air-cooled external vibration with the surcharge on the top surface of the concrete,
blast-furnace slag, or aggregates of high porosity. Discard the until the mortar begins to ooze around the bottom of the surcharge.
concrete used for the determination of air content. 7.4.2 Rodding—Place the concrete in the mold, in the
7.2.3 Yield—Determine the yield of each batch of concrete, required number of layers of approximately equal volume. Rod
if required, in accordance with Test Method C138/C138M. each layer with the rounded end of the rod using the number of
Concrete used for slump and yield tests may be returned to the strokes and size of rod specified in Table 2. Rod the bottom
mixing pan and remixed into the batch. layer throughout its depth. Distribute the strokes uniformly
7.2.4 Temperature—Determine the temperature of each over the cross section of the mold and for each upper layer
batch of concrete in accordance with Test Method C1064/ allow the rod to penetrate through the layer being rodded and
C1064M. into the layer below about 25 mm [1 in.]. After each layer is
7.3 Making Specimens: rodded, tap the outsides of the mold lightly 10 to 15 times with
7.3.1 Place of Molding—Mold specimens as near as practi- the mallet to close any holes left by rodding and to release any
cable to the place where they are to be stored during the first 24 large air bubbles that may have been trapped. Use an open hand
h. If it is not practicable to mold the specimens where they will to tap light-gage single-use molds which are susceptible to
be stored, move them to the place of storage immediately after damage if tapped with a mallet. After tapping, spade the
being struck off. Place molds on a rigid surface free from concrete along the sides and ends of beam and prism molds
vibration and other disturbances. Avoid jarring, striking, tilting, with a trowel or other suitable tool.
or scarring of the surface of the specimens when moving the 7.4.3 Vibration—Maintain a uniform duration of vibration
specimens to the storage place. for the particular kind of concrete, vibrator, and specimen mold
7.3.2 Placing—Place the concrete in the molds using a involved. The duration of vibration required will depend upon
scoop, blunted trowel, or shovel. Select each scoopful, the workability of the concrete and the effectiveness of the
trowelful, or shovelful of concrete from the mixing pan to vibrator. Usually sufficient vibration has been applied as soon
ensure that it is representative of the batch. It may be necessary as the surface of the concrete becomes relatively smooth and
to remix the concrete in the mixing pan with a shovel or trowel large air bubbles cease to break through the top surface.
to prevent segregation during the molding of specimens. Move Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper con-
the scoop or trowel around the top edge of the mold as the solidation of the concrete (see Note 17). Fill the molds and
concrete is discharged in order to ensure a symmetrical vibrate in the required number of approximately equal layers
distribution of the concrete and to minimize segregation of (Table 2). Place all the concrete for each layer in the mold
coarse aggregate within the mold. Further distribute the con- before starting vibration of that layer. When placing the final
crete by use of a tamping rod prior to the start of consolidation. layer, avoid overfilling by more than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.]. When the
In placing the final layer the operator shall attempt to add an finish is applied after vibration, add only enough concrete with
amount of concrete that will exactly fill the mold after a trowel to overfill the mold about 3 mm [1⁄8 in.], work it into
compaction. Do not add nonrepresentative samples of concrete the surface and then strike it off.
to an underfilled mold. NOTE 17—Generally, no more than 5 s of vibration should be required
7.3.2.1 Number of Layers—Make specimens in layers as for each insertion to adequately consolidate the concrete with a slump
greater than 75 mm [3 in.]. Longer times may be required for lower slump
indicated in Table 1.
concrete, but the vibration time should rarely have to exceed 10 s per
7.4 Consolidation: insertion. Overvibration may cause segregation.
7.4.1 Methods of Consolidation—Preparation of satisfactory 7.4.3.1 Internal Vibration—In compacting the specimen
specimens requires different methods of consolidation. The insert the vibrator slowly and do not allow the vibrator to rest
methods of consolidation are rodding, and internal or external on or touch the bottom or sides of the mold or strike embedded
vibration. Base the selection of the method on the slump, items such as strain meters. Slowly withdraw the vibrator so
unless the method is stated in the specifications under which that no large air pockets are left in the specimen.
the work is being performed. Rod or vibrate concrete with 7.4.3.2 Cylinders—The number of insertions of the vibrator
slump greater than or equal to 25 mm [1 in.]. Vibrate concrete is given in Table 3. When more than one insertion per layer is
with slump less than 25 mm [1 in.] (Note 16). Do not use required, distribute the insertions uniformly within each layer.
internal vibration for cylinders with a diameter less than 100 Allow the vibrator to penetrate into the layer below about 25
mm [4 in.], and for beams or prisms with breadth or depth less mm. [1 in]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the outside of the
than 100 mm [4 in.]. mold at least 10 times with the mallet to close the holes that

6
 C192/C192M − 15
TABLE 3 Number of Vibrator Insertions per Layer the specimens are removed from the molds. Placing a sheet of
Specimen Type and Size Number of Insertions per Layer plastic over the burlap will facilitate keeping it wet. To prevent
Cylinder: Diameter, mm [in.] damage to specimens, protect the outside of cardboard molds
200 [4] 1
150 [6] 2 from contact with wet burlap or other sources of water until the
225 [9] 4 molds are removed. Record the maximum and minimum
ambient temperatures during the initial curing.
8.2 Removal from Molds—Remove the specimens from the
remain and to release entrapped air voids. Use an open hand to molds 24 6 8 h after casting. For concrete with prolonged
tap cardboard or single-use metal molds that are susceptible to setting time, molds shall not be removed until 20 6 4 h after
damage if tapped with a mallet. final set. If needed, determine the setting times in accordance
7.4.3.3 Beams, Prisms, and Horizontal Creep Cylinders— with Test Method C403/C403M.
Insert the vibrator at intervals not exceeding 150 mm [6 in.]
along the center line of the long dimension of the specimen, or 8.3 Curing Environment—Unless otherwise specified all
along both sides but not in contact with the strain gage in the specimens shall be moist cured at 23.0 6 2.0°C [73.5 6 3.5°F]
case of creep cylinders. For specimens wider than 150 mm [6 from the time of molding until the moment of test (Note 18).
in.], use alternating insertions along two lines. Allow the shaft Storage during the first 48 h of curing shall be in a vibration-
of the vibrator to penetrate into the bottom layer about 25 mm free environment. As applied to the treatment of demolded
[1 in.]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides of the mold specimens, moist curing means that the test specimens shall
sharply at least 10 times with the mallet to close holes left by have free water maintained on the entire surface area at all
vibrating and to release entrapped air voids. times. This condition is met by using water storage tanks or a
7.4.4 External Vibration—When external vibration is used, moist room in accordance with the requirements of Specifica-
take care to ensure that the mold is rigidly attached to or tion C511. Cure structural lightweight concrete cylinders in
securely held against the vibrating element or vibrating surface accordance with Specification C330/C330M.
(Note 16). NOTE 18—The temperature within damp sand and under wet burlap or
7.5 Finishing—After consolidation by any of the methods, similar materials will always be lower than the temperature in the
surrounding atmosphere if evaporation takes place.
strike off the surface of the concrete and float or trowel it in
accordance with the method concerned. If no finish is specified, 8.4 Flexural Strength Test Specimens—Cure the flexural
finish the surface with a wood or magnesium float. Perform all strength test specimens in accordance with 8.1 and 8.2 except
finishing with the minimum manipulation necessary to produce that while in storage for a minimum period of 20 h immediately
a flat even surface that is level with the rim or edge of the mold prior to testing they shall be immersed in water saturated with
and which has no depressions or projections larger than 3 mm calcium hydroxide at 23.0 6 2.0°C [73.5 6 3.5°F]. At the end
[1⁄8 in.]. of the curing period, between the time the specimen is removed
7.5.1 Cylinders—After consolidation finish the top surfaces from curing until testing is completed, drying of the surfaces
by striking them off with the tamping rod where the consis- shall be prevented.
tency of the concrete permits, or with a wood float or trowel.
NOTE 19—Relatively small amounts of drying of the surface of flexural
If desired, cap the top surface of freshly made cylinders with a strength specimens will induce tensile stresses in the extreme fibers that
thin layer of stiff portland cement paste which is permitted to will markedly reduce the indicated flexural strength.
harden and cure with the specimen. See the section on Capping
Materials of Practice C617/C617M. 9. Precision and Bias
7.5.2 Horizontally Cast Creep Cylinders—After consolida-
tion strike off the specimen with a trowel or float, then trowel 9.1 Data to establish precision statements for various testing
the minimum amount required to form the concrete in the required by this standard were obtained in the Concrete
opening concentrically with the rest of the specimen. Use a Proficiency Sample Program of the Cement and Concrete
screed curved to the radius of the specimen to more precisely Reference Laboratory.
shape and finish the concrete in the opening. 9.2 The single-operator standard deviations for slump, unit
weight, air content, and 7-day compressive strength of trial
8. Curing batches have been found to be 0.7 in., 0.9 lb/ft3, 0.3 %, and 203
8.1 Initial Curing—To prevent evaporation of water from psi, respectively; therefore the results of properly conducted
unhardened concrete, cover the specimens immediately after tests on two trial batches made in the same laboratory should
finishing, preferably with a nonabsorptive, nonreactive plate or not differ by more than 2.0 in., 2.5 lb/ft3, 0.8 %, and 574 psi,
a sheet of tough, durable impervious plastic. Specimens shall respectively. This precision statement is considered applicable
be stored immediately after finishing until the removal of the to laboratory trial batches proportioned to contain prescribed
molds to prevent loss of moisture from the specimens. Select quantities of materials and to have a constant water-cement
an appropriate procedure or combination of procedures that ratio. The values should be used with caution for air-entrained
will prevent moisture loss and is nonabsorptive and nonreac- concrete, concrete with slump less than 50 mm [2 in.] or over
tive with the concrete. When wet burlap is used for covering, 150 mm [6 in.], or concrete made with other than normal
the burlap must not be in contact with the fresh concrete weight aggregate or aggregate larger than 25 mm [1 in.]
surface and care must be exercised to keep the burlap wet until nominal maximum size.

7
 C192/C192M − 15
9.3 The multilaboratory standard deviations for slump, unit air-entrained concrete, concrete with slump less than 50 mm [2
weight, air content, and 7-day compressive strength of trial in.] or over 150 mm [6 in.], or concrete made with other than
batches have been found to be 1.0 in., 1.4 lb/ft3 0.4 %, and 347 normal weight aggregate or aggregate larger than 25 mm [1 in.]
psi, respectively; therefore, the results of properly conducted nominal maximum size.
tests on single trial batches made in two different laboratories 9.4 Bias—The procedures for the test methods in 9.3 have
should not differ by more than 2.8 in., 4.0 lb/ft3, 1.1 %, and 981 no bias because the values obtained from each of those test
psi, respectively. This precision statement is considered appli- methods are defined only in terms of the test method.
cable to laboratory trial batches proportioned to contain pre-
scribed quantities of materials and to have a prescribed 10. Keywords
water-cement ratio. The values should be used with caution for 10.1 concrete; cylinders; laboratory; prisms; strength testing

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(C192/C192M – 14) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May 1, 2015.)

(1) Revised 4.6.1.

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