Designation: C 94/C 94M – 04a

Standard Specification for

Ready-Mixed Concrete1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 94/C 94M; 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 C 109/C 109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of

1.1 This specification covers ready-mixed concrete manu- Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube
factured and delivered to a purchaser in a freshly mixed and Specimens)
unhardened state as hereinafter specified. Requirements for C 138/C 138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight),
quality of concrete shall be either as hereinafter specified or as Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
specified by the purchaser. In any case where the requirements C 143/C 143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic Ce-
of the purchaser differ from these in this specification, the ment Concrete
purchaser’s specification shall govern. This specification does C 150 Specification for Portland Cement
not cover the placement, consolidation, curing, or protection of C 172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
the concrete after delivery to the purchaser. C 173/C 173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly
1.2 The values stated in either SI units, shown in brackets, Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. C 191 Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Ce-
The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; ment by Vicat Needle
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. C 231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
Combining values from the two systems may result in non- Concrete by the Pressure Method
conformance with the standard. C 260 Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Con-
1.3 As used throughout this specification the manufacturer crete
shall be the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or producer C 330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Struc-
who furnishes the ready-mixed concrete. The purchaser shall tural Concrete
be the owner or representative thereof. C 494/C 494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes Concrete
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes C 567 Test Method for Determining Density of Structural
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered Lightweight Concrete
as requirements of the standard. C 595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C 618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
2. Referenced Documents Natural Pozzolan for Use as a Mineral Admixture in
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 Concrete
C 31/C 31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test C 637 Specification for Aggregates for Radiation-Shielding
Specimens in the Field Concrete
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates C 989 Specification for Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace
C 39/C 39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cy- Slag for Use in Concrete and Mortars
lindrical Concrete Specimens C 1017/C 1017M Specification for Chemical Admixtures
for Use in Producing Flowing Concrete
C 1064/C 1064M Test Method for Temperature of Freshly
Mixed Portland-Cement Concrete
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on C 1077 Practice for Laboratories Testing Concrete and Con-
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C09.40 on Ready-Mixed Concrete. crete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2004. Published September 2004. Originally Laboratory Evaluation
approved in 1933. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as C 94/C 94M–04.
2
C 1157 Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
C 1602 Specification for Mixing Water Used in the Produc-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on tion of Hydraulic Cement Concrete
the ASTM website. D 512 Test Methods for Chloride Ion in Water

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
TABLE 1 Recommended Total Air Content for Air-Entrained ConcreteA,B
Total Air Content, %
Exposure Nominal Maximum Sizes of Aggregate, in. [mm]
ConditionC ⁄ [9.5]
38 ⁄ [12.5]
12 ⁄ [19.0]
34 1 [25.0] 11⁄2 [37.5] 2 [50.0] 3 [75.0]
Mild 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5
Moderate 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.5
Severe 7.5 7.0 6.0 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5
A
For air-entrained concrete, when specified.
B
Unless exposure conditions dictate otherwise, it is permissible to reduce air contents recommended above by up to 1 % for concretes with specified compressive
strength, f8c, of 5000 psi [35 MPa] or above.
C
For description of exposure conditions, refer to Standard Practice ACI 211.1, Section 6.3.3, with attention to accompanying footnotes.

D 516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water 4.1.1 Designated size, or sizes, of coarse aggregate,
2.2 ACI Documents:3 4.1.2 Slump, or slumps, desired at the point of delivery (see
CP-1 Technician Workbook for ACI Certification of Con- Section 6 for acceptable tolerances),
crete Field Testing Technician–Grade I 4.1.3 When air-entrained concrete is specified, the air con-
211.1 Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Nor- tent of the samples taken at the point of discharge from the
mal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete transportation unit (see Section 7 and Table 1 for the total air
211.2 Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Struc- content and tolerances) (Note 2),
tural Lightweight Concrete
4.1.4 Which of Options A, B, or C shall be used as a basis
301 Standard Specifications for Structural Concrete
for determining the proportions of the concrete to produce the
305R Hot Weather Concreting
required quality,
306R Cold Weather Concreting
318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete 4.1.5 When structural lightweight concrete is specified, the
and Commentary mass per unit volume as wet mass, air-dry mass, or oven-dry
2.3 Other Documents: mass (Note 3), and
Bureau of Reclamation Concrete Manual4 4.1.6 If desired, any of the optional requirements of Table 2
AASHTO T26 Method of Test for Quality of Water to be in Specification C 1602.
Used in Concrete5
NOTE 2—In selecting the specified air content, the purchaser should
consider the exposure conditions to which the concrete will be subjected.
3. Basis of Purchase
Air contents less than shown in Table 1 may not give the required
3.1 The basis of purchase shall be the cubic yard or cubic resistance to freezing and thawing, which is the primary purpose of
metre of freshly mixed and unhardened concrete as discharged air-entrained concrete. Air contents higher than the levels shown may
from the mixer. reduce strength without contributing any further improvement of durabil-
3.2 The volume of freshly mixed and unhardened concrete ity.
in a given batch shall be determined from the total mass of the NOTE 3—The mass per unit volume of fresh concrete, which is the only
unit mass determinable at the time of delivery, is always higher than the
batch divided by the mass per unit volume of the concrete. The
air-dry or oven-dry mass. Definitions of, and methods for determining or
total mass of the batch shall be calculated either as the sum of calculating air-dry and oven-dry masses, are covered by Test Method
the masses of all materials, including water, entering the batch C 567.
or as the net mass of the concrete in the batch as delivered. The
mass per unit volume shall be determined in accordance with 4.2 Option A:
Test Method C 138/C 138M from the average of at least three 4.2.1 When the purchaser requires the manufacturer to
measurements, each on a different sample using a 1⁄2-ft3 [14-L3] assume full responsibility for the selection of the proportions
container. Each sample shall be taken from the midpoint of for the concrete mixture (Note 4), the purchaser shall also
each of three different truck loads by the procedure outlined in specify the following:
Practice C 172. 4.2.1.1 Requirements for compressive strength as deter-
NOTE 1—It should be understood that the volume of hardened concrete
mined on samples taken from the transportation unit at the
may be, or appear to be, less than expected due to waste and spillage, point of discharge evaluated in accordance with Section 17.
over-excavation, spreading forms, some loss of entrained air, or settlement The purchaser shall specify the requirements in terms of the
of wet mixtures, none of which are the responsibility of the producer. compressive strength of standard specimens cured under stan-
dard laboratory conditions for moist curing (see Section 17).
4. Ordering Information Unless otherwise specified the age at test shall be 28 days.
4.1 In the absence of designated applicable general specifi-
cations, the purchaser shall specify the following: NOTE 4—The purchaser, in selecting requirements for which he as-
sumes responsibility should give consideration to requirements for work-
ability, placeability, durability, surface texture, and density, in addition to
3 those for structural design. The purchaser is referred to Standard Practice
Available from American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive,
Farmington Hills, MI 48331.
ACI 211.1 and Standard Practice ACI 211.2 for the selection of propor-
4
Available from Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing tions that will result in concrete suitable for various types of structures and
Office, Washington, DC 20402. conditions of exposure. The water-cement ratio of most structural light-
5
Available from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation weight concretes cannot be determined with sufficient accuracy for use as
Officials, 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 225, Washington, DC 20001. a specification basis.

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
4.2.2 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall, 4.4.2 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall,
prior to the actual delivery of the concrete, furnish a statement prior to the actual delivery of the concrete, furnish a statement
to the purchaser, giving the dry masses of cement and saturated to the purchaser, giving the dry masses of cement and saturated
surface-dry-masses of fine and coarse aggregate and quantities, surface-dry masses of fine and coarse aggregate and quantities,
type, and name of admixtures (if any) and of water per cubic type, and name of admixture (if any) and of water per cubic
yard or cubic metre of concrete that will be used in the yard or cubic metre of concrete that will be used in the
manufacture of each class of concrete ordered by the purchaser. manufacture of each class of concrete ordered by the purchaser.
He shall also furnish evidence satisfactory to the purchaser that He shall also furnish evidence satisfactory to the purchaser that
the materials to be used and proportions selected will produce the materials to be used and proportions selected will produce
concrete of the quality specified. concrete of the quality specified. Whatever strengths are
4.3 Option B: attained the quantity of cement used shall not be less than the
4.3.1 When the purchaser assumes responsibility for the minimum specified.
proportioning of the concrete mixture, he shall also specify the 4.5 The proportions arrived at by Options A, B, or C for
following: each class of concrete and approved for use in a project shall
4.3.1.1 Cement content in bags or pounds per cubic yard be assigned a designation to facilitate identification of each
[kilograms per cubic metre] of concrete, concrete mixture delivered to the project. This is the designa-
4.3.1.2 Maximum allowable water content in gallons per tion required in 13.1.7 and supplies information on concrete
cubic yard [litres per cubic metre] of concrete, including proportions when they are not given separately on each
surface moisture on the aggregates, but excluding water of delivery ticket as outlined in 13.2. A certified copy of all
absorption (Note 4), and proportions as established in Options A, B, or C shall be on file
4.3.1.3 If admixtures are required, the type, name, and at the batch plant.
dosage to be used. The cement content shall not be reduced 4.6 The purchaser shall ensure that the manufacturer is
when admixtures are used under this option without the written provided copies of all reports of tests performed on concrete
approval of the purchaser. samples taken to determine compliance with specification
4.3.2 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall, requirements. Reports shall be provided on a timely basis.
prior to the actual delivery of the concrete, furnish a statement
to the purchaser giving the sources, densities, and sieve 5. Materials
analyses of the aggregates and the dry masses of cement and
5.1 In the absence of designated applicable specifications
saturated-surface-dry masses of fine and coarse aggregate and
covering requirements for quality of materials, the following
quantities, type and name of admixture (if any) and of water
specifications shall govern:
per cubic yard or cubic metre of concrete that will be used in
the manufacture of each class of concrete ordered by the 5.1.1 Cement—Cement shall conform to Specification
purchaser. C 150, Specification C 595, or Specification C 1157 (see Note
4.4 Option C: 6). The purchaser shall specify the type or types required, but
4.4.1 When the purchaser requires the manufacturer to if no type is specified, the requirements of Type I as prescribed
assume responsibility for the selection of the proportions for in Specification C 150 shall apply.
the concrete mixture with the minimum allowable cement NOTE 6—These different cements will produce concretes of different
content specified (Note 5), the purchaser shall also specify the properties and should not be used interchangeably.
following:
5.1.2 Aggregates—Normal weight aggregates shall conform
4.4.1.1 Required compressive strength as determined on
to Specification C 33. Lightweight aggregates shall conform to
samples taken from the transportation unit at the point of
Specification C 330 and heavyweight aggregates shall conform
discharge evaluated in accordance with Section 17. The pur-
to Specification C 637.
chaser shall specify the requirements for strength in terms of
tests of standard specimens cured under standard laboratory 5.1.3 Water—Water shall conform to Specification C 1602.
conditions for moist curing (see Section 17). Unless otherwise 5.1.4 Mineral Admixtures—Coal fly ash and raw or calcined
specified the age at test shall be 28 days. natural pozzolan shall conform to Specification C 618 as
4.4.1.2 Minimum cement content in bags or pounds per applicable.
cubic yard [kilograms per cubic metre] of concrete. 5.1.5 Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag—Ground
4.4.1.3 If admixtures are required, the type, name, and granulated blast- furnace slag shall conform to Specification
dosage to be used. The cement content shall not be reduced C 989.
when admixtures are used. 5.1.6 Air-Entraining Admixtures—Air-entraining admix-
NOTE 5—Option C can be distinctive and useful only if the designated
tures shall conform to Specification C 260 (Note 7).
minimum cement content is at about the same level that would ordinarily 5.1.7 Chemical Admixtures—Chemical admixtures shall
be required for the strength, aggregate size, and slump specified. At the conform to either Specification C 494/C 494M or C 1017/
same time, it must be an amount that will be sufficient to ensure durability C 1017M as applicable (Note 7).
under expected service conditions, as well as satisfactory surface texture
and density, in the event specified strength is attained with it. For NOTE 7—In any given instance, the required dosage of air-entraining,
additional information refer to Standard Practice ACI 211.1 and Standard accelerating, and retarding admixtures may vary. Therefore, a range of
Practice 211.2 referred to in Note 4. dosages should be allowed which will permit obtaining the desired effect.

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
6. Tolerances in Slump distinct from those used for other materials. The mass of the
6.1 Unless other tolerances are included in the project cement shall be measured before mineral admixtures. When
specifications, the following shall apply. the quantity of cement exceeds 30 % of the full capacity of the
6.1.1 When the project specifications for slump are written scale, the quantity of the cement shall be within6 1 % of the
as a “maximum” or “not to exceed” requirement: required mass, and the cumulative quantity of cement plus
Specified slump:
mineral admixtures shall also be within 6 1 % of the required
mass. For smaller batches to a minimum of 1 yd3 [1 m3], the
If 3 in. [75 mm] If more than 3 in. quantity of the cement and the cumulative quantity of cement
or less [75 mm]
Plus tolerance: 0 0
plus mineral admixture used shall be not less than the required
Minus tolerance: 11⁄2 in. [40 mm] 21⁄2 in. [65 mm] amount nor more than 4 % in excess. Under special circum-
This option is to be used only if one addition of water is stances approved by the purchaser, cement is permitted to be
permitted on the job provided such addition does not increase measured in bags of standard mass (Note 9). No fraction of a
the water-cement ratio above the maximum permitted by the bag of cement shall be used unless its mass has been deter-
specifications. mined.
6.1.2 When the project specifications for slump are not NOTE 9—In the United States the standard mass of a bag of portland
written as a “maximum” or “not to exceed” requirement: cement is 94 lb [42.6 kg] 6 3 %.
Tolerances for Nominal Slumps 8.2 Aggregate shall be measured by mass. Batch mass
For Specified Slump of: Tolerance
measurements shall be based on dry materials and shall be the
required masses of dry materials plus the total mass of moisture
2 in. [50 mm] and less 61⁄2 in. [15 mm] (both absorbed and surface) contained in the aggregate. The
More than 2 through 4 in. [50 to 100 mm] 61 in. [25 mm]
More than 4 in. [100 mm] 611⁄2 in. [40 mm]
quantity of aggregate used in any batch of concrete as indicated
by the scale shall be within 62 % of the required mass when
6.2 Concrete shall be available within the permissible range the mass is measured in individual aggregate weigh batchers.
of slump for a period of 30 min starting either on arrival at the In a cumulative aggregate weigh batcher, the cumulative
job site or after the initial slump adjustment permitted in 11.7, weight after each successive weighing shall be within 61 % of
whichever is later. The first and last 1⁄4 yd3 or 1⁄4 m3 discharged the required cumulative amount up to that point when the scale
are exempt from this requirement. If the user is unprepared for is used in excess of 30 % of its capacity. For cumulative
discharge of the concrete from the vehicle, the producer shall weights for less than 30 % of scale capacity, the tolerance shall
not be responsible for the limitation of minimum slump after be 60.3 % of scale capacity or 63 % of the required cumula-
30 min have elapsed starting either on arrival of the vehicle at tive weight, whichever is less.
the prescribed destination or at the requested delivery time, 8.3 Mixing water shall consist of water added to the batch,
whichever is later. ice added to the batch, water occurring as surface moisture on
the aggregates, and water introduced in the form of admixtures.
7. Air-Entrained Concrete The added water shall be measured by weight or volume to an
7.1 When air-entrained concrete is desired the purchaser accuracy of 1 % of the required total mixing water. Added ice
shall specify the total air content of the concrete. See Table 1 shall be measured by weight. In the case of truck mixers, any
for recommended total air contents (Note 7). wash water retained in the drum for use in the next batch of
7.2 The air content of air-entrained concrete when sampled concrete shall be accurately measured; if this proves imprac-
from the transportation unit at the point of discharge shall be tical or impossible the wash water shall be discharged prior to
within a tolerance of 6 1.5 of the specified value. loading the next batch of concrete. Total water (including any
7.3 When a preliminary sample taken within the time limits wash water) shall be measured or weighed to an accuracy of
of 11.7 and prior to discharge for placement shows an air 63 % of the specified total amount.
content below the specified level by more than the allowable 8.4 Admixtures in powdered form shall be measured by
tolerance in accordance with 7.2, the manufacturer may use mass. Liquid admixtures shall be batched by mass or volume.
additional air entraining admixture to achieve the desired air Admixtures, except mineral admixtures (see 8.1), measured by
content level, followed by a minimum of 30 revolutions at either mass or volume, shall be batched with an accuracy of
mixing speed, so long as the revolution limit of 11.7 is not 63 % of the total amount required or plus or minus the amount
exceeded (see Note 8). or dosage required for 100 lb [50 kg] of cement, whichever is
NOTE 8—Acceptance sampling and testing in accordance with Practice
greater.
C 172 is not obviated by this provision. NOTE 10—Admixture dispensers of the mechanical type capable of
adjustment for variation of dosage, and of simple calibration, are
8. Measuring Materials recommended.
8.1 Except as otherwise specifically permitted, cement shall
be measured by mass. When mineral admixtures (including 9. Batching Plant
ground granulated blast-furnace slag, coal fly ash, silica fume, 9.1 Bins with adequate separate compartments shall be
or other pozzolans) are specified in the concrete proportions, provided in the batching plant for fine and for each required
the cumulative mass is permitted to be measured with cement, size of coarse aggregate. Each bin compartment shall be
but in a batch hopper and on a scale which is separate and designed and operated so as to discharge efficiently and freely,

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
with minimum segregation, into the weighing hopper. Means time or the number of revolutions specified in 10.5, into a
of control shall be provided so that, as the quantity desired in thoroughly mixed and uniform mass and of discharging the
the weighing hopper is approached, the material shall be shut concrete so that not less than five of the six requirements
off with precision. Weighing hoppers shall be constructed so as shown in Table A1.1 shall have been met.
to eliminate accumulations of tare materials and to discharge
NOTE 12—The sequence or method of charging the mixer will have an
fully. important effect on the uniformity of the concrete.
9.2 Indicating devices shall be in full view and near enough
to be read accurately by the operator while charging the hopper. 10.3 The agitator shall be capable of maintaining the mixed
The operator shall have convenient access to all controls. concrete in a thoroughly mixed and uniform mass and of
9.3 Scales shall be considered accurate when at least one discharging the concrete with a satisfactory degree of unifor-
static load test within each quarter of the scale capacity can be mity as defined by Annex A1.
shown to be within 60.2 % of the total capacity of the scale. 10.4 Slump tests of individual samples taken after discharge
9.4 Adequate standard test weights shall be available for of approximately 15 % and 85 % of the load will provide a
checking accuracy. All exposed fulcrums, clevises, and similar quick check of the probable degree of uniformity (Note 13).
working parts of scales shall be kept clean. Beam scales shall These two samples shall be obtained within an elapsed time of
be equipped with a balance indicator sensitive enough to show not more than 15 min. If these slumps differ more than that
movement when a weight equal to 0.1 % of the nominal specified in Annex A1, the mixer or agitator shall not be used
capacity of the scale is placed in the batch hopper. Pointer unless the condition is corrected, except as provided in 10.5.
travel shall be a minimum of 5 % of the net-rated capacity of NOTE 13—No samples should be taken before 10 % or after 90 % of the
the largest weigh beam for underweight and 4 % for over- batch has been discharged. Due to the difficulty of determining the actual
weight. quantity of concrete discharged, the intent is to provide samples that are
9.5 The device for the measurement of the added water shall representative of widely separated portions, but not the beginning and end
of the load.
be capable of delivering to the batch the quantity required
within the accuracy required in 8.3. The device shall be so 10.5 Use of the equipment is permitted when operation with
arranged that the measurements will not be affected by variable a longer mixing time, a smaller load, or a more efficient
pressures in the water supply line. Measuring tanks shall be charging sequence will permit the requirements of Annex A1 to
equipped with outside taps and valves to provide for checking be met.
their calibration unless other means are provided for readily 10.6 Mixers and agitators shall be examined or their mass
and accurately determining the amount of water in the tank. determined as frequently as necessary to detect changes in
condition due to accumulations of hardened concrete or mortar
NOTE 11—The scale accuracy limitations of the National Ready Mixed
and examined to detect wear of blades. When such changes are
Concrete Association Plant Certification meet the requirements of this
specification. extensive enough to affect the mixer performance, the proof-
tests described in Annex A1 shall be performed to show
10. Mixers and Agitators whether the correction of deficiencies is required.
10.1 Mixers will be stationary mixers or truck mixers.
Agitators will be truck mixers or truck agitators. 11. Mixing and Delivery
10.1.1 Stationary mixers shall be equipped with a metal 11.1 Ready-mixed concrete shall be mixed and delivered to
plate or plates on which are plainly marked the mixing speed the point designated by the purchaser by means of one of the
of the drum or paddles, and the maximum capacity in terms of following combinations of operations:
the volume of mixed concrete. When used for the complete 11.1.1 Central-Mixed Concrete.
mixing of concrete, stationary mixers shall be equipped with an 11.1.2 Shrink-Mixed Concrete.
acceptable timing device that will not permit the batch to be 11.1.3 Truck-Mixed Concrete.
discharged until the specified mixing time has elapsed. 11.2 Mixers and agitators shall be operated within the limits
10.1.2 Each truck mixer or agitator shall have attached of capacity and speed of rotation designated by the manufac-
thereto in a prominent place a metal plate or plates on which turer of the equipment.
are plainly marked the gross volume of the drum, the capacity 11.3 Central-Mixed Concrete—Concrete that is mixed com-
of the drum or container in terms of the volume of mixed pletely in a stationary mixer and transported to the point of
concrete, and the minimum and maximum mixing speeds of delivery either in a truck agitator, or a truck mixer operating at
rotation of the drum, blades, or paddles. When the concrete is agitating speed, or in nonagitating equipment approved by the
truck mixed as described in 11.5, or shrink mixed as described purchaser and meeting the requirements of Section 12, shall
in 11.4, the volume of mixed concrete shall not exceed 63 % of conform to the following: The mixing time shall be counted
the total volume of the drum or container. When the concrete from the time all the solid materials are in the drum. The batch
is central mixed as described in 11.3, the volume of concrete in shall be so charged into the mixer that some water will enter in
the truck mixer or agitator shall not exceed 80 % of the total advance of the cement and aggregate, and all water shall be in
volume of the drum or container. Truck mixers and agitators the drum by the end of the first one fourth of the specified
shall be equipped with means to readily verify the number of mixing time.
revolutions of the drum, blades, or paddles. 11.3.1 Where no mixer performance tests are made, the
10.2 All stationary and truck mixers shall be capable of acceptable mixing time for mixers having capacities of 1 yd3
combining the ingredients of the concrete within the specified [0.76 m3] or less shall be not less than 1 min. For mixers of

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
greater capacity, this minimum shall be increased 15 s for each 11.5.1 Sampling for Uniformity of Concrete Produced in
cubic yard [cubic metre] or fraction thereof of additional Truck Mixers—The concrete shall be discharged at the normal
capacity. operating rate for the mixer being tested, with care being
11.3.2 Where mixer performance tests have been made on exercised not to obstruct or retard the discharge by an incom-
given concrete mixtures in accordance with the testing program pletely opened gate or seal. Separate samples, each consisting
set forth in the following paragraphs, and the mixers have been of approximately 2 ft3 [0.1 m3 approximately] shall be taken
charged to their rated capacity, the acceptable mixing time is after discharge of approximately 15 % and 85 % of the load
permitted to be reduced for those particular circumstances to a (Note 13). These samples shall be obtained within an elapsed
point at which satisfactory mixing defined in 11.3.3 shall have time of not more than 15 min. The samples shall be secured in
been accomplished. When the mixing time is so reduced the accordance with Practice C 172, but shall be kept separate to
maximum time of mixing shall not exceed this reduced time by represent specific points in the batch rather than combined to
more than 60 s for air-entrained concrete. form a composite sample. Between samples, where necessary
11.3.3 Sampling for Uniformity Tests of Stationary to maintain slump, the mixer shall be turned in mixing
Mixers—Samples of concrete for comparative purposes shall direction at agitating speed. During sampling the receptacle
be obtained immediately after arbitrarily designated mixing shall receive the full discharge of the chute. Sufficient person-
times, in accordance with one of the following procedures: nel must be available to perform the required tests promptly.
11.3.3.1 Alternative Procedure 1—The mixer shall be Segregation during sampling and handling must be avoided.
stopped, and the required samples removed by any suitable Each sample shall be remixed the minimum amount to ensure
means from the concrete at approximately equal distances from uniformity before specimens are molded for a particular test.
the front and back of the drum, or 11.6 When a truck mixer or truck agitator is used for
11.3.3.2 Alternative Procedure 2—As the mixer is being transporting concrete that has been completely mixed in a
emptied, individual samples shall be taken after discharge of stationary mixer, any turning during transportation shall be at
approximately 15 % and 85 % of the load. The method of the speed designated by the manufacturer of the equipment as
sampling shall provide that the samples are representative of agitating speed.
widely separated portions, but not from the very ends of the 11.7 When a truck mixer or agitator is approved for mixing
batch (Note 13). or delivery of concrete, no water from the truck water system
11.3.3.3 The samples of concrete shall be tested in accor- or elsewhere shall be added after the initial introduction of
dance with Section 17, and differences in test results for the mixing water for the batch except when on arrival at the job
two samples shall not exceed those given in Annex A1. Mixer site the slump of the concrete is less than that specified. Such
performance tests shall be repeated whenever the appearance additional water to bring the slump within required limits shall
of the concrete or the coarse aggregate content of samples be injected into the mixer under such pressure and direction of
selected as outlined in this section indicates that adequate flow that the requirements for uniformity specified in Annex
mixing has not been accomplished. A1 are met. The drum or blades shall be turned an additional
11.4 Shrink-Mixed Concrete—Concrete that is first partially 30 revolutions or more if necessary, at mixing speed, until the
mixed in a stationary mixer, and then mixed completely in a uniformity of the concrete is within these limits. Water shall
truck mixer, shall conform to the following: The time of partial not be added to the batch at any later time. Discharge of the
mixing shall be minimum required to intermingle the ingredi- concrete shall be completed within 11⁄2 h, or before the drum
ents. After transfer to a truck mixer the amount of mixing at the has revolved 300 revolutions, whichever comes first, after the
designated mixing speed will be that necessary to meet the introduction of the mixing water to the cement and aggregates
requirements for uniformity of concrete as indicated in Annex or the introduction of the cement to the aggregates. These
A1. Tests to confirm such performance shall be made in limitations are permitted to be waived by the purchaser if the
accordance with 11.3.3 and 11.3.3.3. Additional turning of the concrete is of such slump after the 11⁄2-h time or 300-revolution
mixer, if any, shall be at a designated agitating speed. limit has been reached that it can be placed, without the
11.5 Truck-Mixed Concrete—Concrete that is completely addition of water, to the batch. In hot weather, or under
mixed in a truck mixer, 70 to 100 revolutions at the mixing conditions contributing to quick stiffening of the concrete, a
speed designated by the manufacturer to produce the unifor- time less than 11⁄2 h is permitted to be specified by the
mity of concrete indicated in Annex A1. Concrete uniformity purchaser.
tests shall be made in accordance with 11.5.1 and if require- 11.8 Concrete delivered in cold weather shall have the
ments for uniformity of concrete indicated in Annex A1 are not applicable minimum temperature indicated in the following
met with 100 revolutions of mixing, after all ingredients table. (The purchaser shall inform the producer as to the type
including water, are in the drum, that mixer shall not be used of construction for which the concrete is intended.)
until the condition is corrected, except as provided in 10.5.
Minimum Concrete Temperature as Placed
When satisfactory performance is found in one truck mixer, the
performance of mixers of substantially the same design and Section Size, in. [mm] Temperature, min, °F [C]
condition of blades are permitted to be regarded as satisfactory.
<12 [<300] 55 [13]
Additional revolutions of the mixer beyond the number found 12–36 [300–900] 50 [10]
to produce the required uniformity of concrete shall be at a 36–72 [900–1800] 45 [7]
designated agitating speed. >72 [>1800] 40 [5]

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
The maximum temperature of concrete produced with 13.1.9 Time loaded or of first mixing of cement and
heated aggregates, heated water, or both, shall at no time aggregates, and
during its production or transportation exceed 90 °F [32 °C]. 13.1.10 Water added by receiver of concrete and his initials.
13.2 Additional information for certification purposes as
NOTE 14—When hot water is used rapid stiffening may occur if hot
water is brought in direct contact with the cement. Additional information designated by the purchaser and required by the job specifica-
on cold weather concreting is contained in ACI 306R. tions shall be furnished when requested; such information as:
13.2.1 Reading of revolution counter at the first addition of
11.9 The producer shall deliver the ready mixed concrete water,
during hot weather at concrete temperatures as low as practi- 13.2.2 Type, brand, and amount of cement,
cable, subject to the approval of the purchaser. 13.2.3 Class, brand, and amount of coal fly ash, or raw or
NOTE 15—In some situations difficulty may be encountered when calcined natural pozzolans,
concrete temperatures approach 90 °F [32 °C]. Additional information 13.2.4 Grade, brand, and amount of ground granulated
may be found in the Bureau of Reclamation Concrete Manual and in ACI blast-furnace slag,
305R. 13.2.5 Type, brand, and amount of silica fume,
13.2.6 Type, brand, and amount of admixtures
12. Use of Nonagitating Equipment 13.2.7 Type, brand, and amount of fiber reinforcement,
12.1 When the use of non-agitating transportation equip- 13.2.8 Source and amount of each metered or weighed
ment is approved by the purchaser, the concrete shall be water or recycled slurry,
manufactured in a central mix plant. The proportions of the 13.2.9 Information necessary to calculate the total mixing
concrete shall be approved by the purchaser and the following water. Total mixing water includes free water on aggregates,
limitations shall apply: batch water (metered or weighed) including ice batched at the
12.2 Bodies of nonagitating equipment shall be smooth, plant, wash water retained in the mixing drum, and water added
watertight, metal containers equipped with gates that will by the truck operator from the mixer tank,
permit control of the discharge of the concrete. Covers shall be 13.2.10 Maximum size of aggregate,
provided for protection against the weather when required by 13.2.11 Mass (amount) of fine and coarse aggregate,
the purchaser. 13.2.12 Ingredients certified as being previously approved,
12.3 The concrete shall be delivered to the site of the work and
in a thoroughly mixed and uniform mass and discharged with 13.2.13 Signature or initials of producer’s representative.
a satisfactory degree of uniformity as prescribed in Annex A1.
12.4 Slump tests of individual samples taken after discharge 14. Plant Inspection
of approximately 15 % and 85 % of the load will provide for a 14.1 The manufacturer shall afford the inspector all reason-
quick check of the probable degree of uniformity (Note 13). able access, without charge, for making necessary checks of
These two samples shall be obtained within an elapsed time of the production facilities and for securing necessary samples to
not more than 15 min. If these slumps differ more than that determine if the concrete is being produced in accordance with
specified in Table A1.1, the nonagitating equipment shall not this specification. All tests and inspection shall be so conducted
be used unless the conditions are corrected as provided in 12.5. as not to interfere unnecessarily with the manufacture and
12.5 If the requirements of Annex A1 are not met when the delivery of concrete.
nonagitating equipment is operated for the maximum time of
15. Practices, Test Methods, and Reporting
haul, and with the concrete mixed the minimum time, the
equipment shall only be used when operated using shorter 15.1 Test ready-mixed concrete in accordance with the
hauls, or longer mixing times, or combinations thereof that will following methods:
result in the requirements of Annex A1 being met. 15.1.1 Compression Test Specimens—Practice C 31/C 31M,
using standard moist curing in accordance with the applicable
13. Batch Ticket Information provisions of Practice C 31/C 31M.
15.1.2 Compression Tests—Test Method C 39/C 39M.
13.1 The manufacturer of the concrete shall furnish to the 15.1.3 Yield, Mass per Cubic Foot—Test Method C 138/
purchaser with each batch of concrete before unloading at the C 138M.
site, a delivery ticket on which is printed, stamped, or written, 15.1.4 Air Content—Test Method C 138/C 138M; Test
information concerning said concrete as follows: Method C 173/C 173M or Test Method C 231.
13.1.1 Name of ready-mix company and batch plant, or 15.1.5 Slump—Test Method C 143/C 143M.
batch plant number, 15.1.6 Sampling Fresh Concrete—Practice C 172.
13.1.2 Serial number of ticket, 15.1.7 Temperature—Test Method C 1064/C 1064M.
13.1.3 Date, 15.2 The testing laboratory performing acceptance tests of
13.1.4 Truck number, concrete shall meet the requirements of Practice C 1077.
13.1.5 Name of purchaser, 15.3 Laboratory reports of concrete test results used to
13.1.6 Specific designation of job (name and location), determine compliance with this specification shall include a
13.1.7 Specific class or designation of the concrete in statement that all tests performed by the laboratory or its agents
conformance with that employed in job specifications, were in accordance with the applicable test methods or shall
13.1.8 Amount of concrete in cubic yards (or cubic metres), note all known deviations from the prescribed procedures

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
(Note 16). The reports shall also list any part of the test with the applicable provisions of Practice C 31/C 31M. The
methods not performed by the laboratory. technician performing the strength test shall be certified as an
ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician, Concrete Labora-
NOTE 16—Deviation from standard test methods may adversely affect
test results. tory Testing Technician—Grade II or by an equivalent written
NOTE 17—Deviation from standard moisture and temperature curing and performance test program covering the relevant test
conditions is often a reason for low strength test results. Such deviations methods. If acceptance is based upon compressive strength test
may invalidate the use of such test results as a basis for rejection of the results, the certification requirement is satisfied by certification
concrete. as an ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician—Grade I or
by an equivalent written and performance test program.
16. Sampling and Testing Fresh Concrete
17.2 For a strength test, at least two standard test specimens
16.1 The contractor shall afford the inspector all reasonable shall be made from a composite sample secured as required in
access and assistance, without charge, for the procurement of Section 16. A test shall be the average of the strengths of the
samples of fresh concrete at time of placement to determine specimens tested at the age specified in 4.2.1.1 or 4.4.1.1 (Note
conformance of it to this specification. 18). If a specimen shows definite evidence other than low
16.2 Tests of concrete required to determine compliance strength, of improper sampling, molding, handling, curing, or
with this specification shall be made by a certified ACI testing, it shall be discarded and the strength of the remaining
Concrete Field Testing Technician, Grade I or equivalent. cylinder shall then be considered the test result.
Equivalent personnel certification programs shall include both
written and performance examinations as outlined in ACI NOTE 18—Additional tests may be made at other ages to obtain
information for determining form removal time or when a structure may
CP-1. be put in service. Specimens for such tests are cured according to the
16.3 Samples of concrete shall be obtained in accordance section on Field Curing in Practice C 31/C 31M.
with Practice C 172, except when taken to determine unifor-
17.3 The representative of the purchaser shall ascertain and
mity of slump within any one batch or load of concrete (10.4,
record the delivery-ticket number for the concrete and the exact
11.3.3, 11.5.1, and 12.4).
location in the work at which each load represented by a
16.4 Slump, air-content, density, and temperature tests shall
strength test is deposited.
be made at the time of placement at the option of the inspector
17.4 To conform to the requirements of this specification,
as often as is necessary for control checks. In addition, these
strength tests representing each class of concrete must meet the
tests shall be made when specified and always when strength
following two requirements (Note 19):
specimens are made.
17.4.1 The average of any three consecutive strength tests
16.5 Strength tests as well as slump, temperature, density,
shall be equal to, or greater than, the specified strength, f 8c, and
and air content tests shall generally be made with a frequency
17.4.2 When the specified strength is 5000 psi [35 MPa] or
of not less than one test for each 150 yd3 (115 m3). Each test
less, no individual strength test (average of two cylinder tests)
shall be made from a separate batch. On each day concrete is
shall be more than 500 psi [3.5 MPa] below the specified
delivered, at least one strength test shall be made for each class
strength, f 8c.
of concrete.
16.6 If preliminary checks of slump or air content are made, NOTE 19—Due to variations in materials, operations, and testing, the
a single sample shall be taken after the discharge of not less average strength necessary to meet these requirements will be substan-
tially higher than the specified strength. The amount higher depends upon
than 1⁄4 yd3[1⁄4 m3]. All other requirements of Practice C 172
the standard deviation of the test results and the accuracy with which that
shall be retained. If the preliminary measurement of slump value can be estimated from prior data as explained in ACI 318 and
(11.7) or air content (7.3) falls outside the specified limits, ACI 301. Pertinent data are given in Appendix X1.
address as indicated in section 16.6.1 or 16.6.2 as appropriate. 17.4.3 When the specified strength is greater than 5000 psi
16.6.1 If the measured slump or air content, or both is [35 MPa], no individual strength test (average of two cylinder
greater than the specified upper limit, a check test shall be tests) shall be less than 0.90 f 8c.
made immediately on a new test sample. In the event the check
test fails, the concrete shall be considered to have failed the 18. Failure to Meet Strength Requirements
requirements of the specification. 18.1 In the event that concrete tested in accordance with the
16.6.2 If the measured slump or air content, or both is less requirements of Section 17 fails to meet the strength require-
than the lower limit, permit adjustments in accordance with ments of this specification, the manufacturer of the ready-
11.7 or 7.3 or both, as appropriate, and obtain a new sample. If mixed concrete and the purchaser shall confer to determine
the sample of the adjusted concrete fails, a check test shall be whether agreement can be reached as to what adjustment, if
made immediately on a new sample of the adjusted concrete. In any, shall be made. If an agreement on a mutually satisfactory
the event the check test fails, the concrete shall be considered adjustment cannot be reached by the manufacturer and the
to have failed the requirements of the specification. purchaser, a decision shall be made by a panel of three
qualified engineers, one of whom shall be designated by the
17. Strength purchaser, one by the manufacturer, and the third chosen by
17.1 When strength is used as a basis for acceptance of these two members of the panel. The question of responsibility
concrete, standard specimens shall be made in accordance to for the cost of such arbitration shall be determined by the
Practice C 31/C 31M. The specimens shall be cured under panel. Its decision shall be binding, except as modified by a
standard moisture and temperature conditions in accordance court decision.

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
19. Keywords
19.1 accuracy; blended hydraulic cement; certification;
ready-mixed concrete; scales; testing

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. CONCRETE UNIFORMITY REQUIREMENTS

A1.1 The variation within a batch as provided in Table A1.1 where:

shall be determined for each property listed as the difference P = mass % of coarse aggregate in concrete,
between the highest value and the lowest value obtained from c = saturated-surface-dry mass in lb [kg] of aggregate
the different portions of the same batch. For this specification retained on the No. 4 [4.75-mm] sieve, resulting from
the comparison will be between two samples, representing the washing all material finer than this sieve from the fresh
first and last portions of the batch being tested. Test results concrete, and
conforming to the limits of five of the six tests listed in Table b = mass of sample of fresh concrete in mass per unit
A1.1 shall indicate uniform concrete within the limits of this volume container, lb [kg].
specification. A1.3 Mass per Unit Volume of Air Free Mortar shall be
calculated as follows:
A1.2 Coarse Aggregate Content, using the washout test, Inch-pound units:
shall be computed from the following relations: b2c

S D
M5 V3A c (A1.2)
P 5 ~c/b! 3 100 (A1.1)
V 2 100 1 G

TABLE A1.1 Requirements for Uniformity of Concrete

Requirement, Expressed as
Maximum Permissible Difference in
Test Results of Tests of Samples
Taken from Two Locations
in the Concrete Batch
Mass per cubic foot [mass per cubic meter] calculated to an air-free basis, lb/ft3[kg/m3] 1.0 [16]
Air content, volume % of concrete 1.0
Slump:
If average slump is 4 in. [100 mm] or less, in. [mm] 1.0 [25]
If average slump is 4 to 6 in. [100 to 150 mm], in. [mm] 1.5 [40]
Coarse aggregate content, portion by mass of each sample retained on No. 4 [4.75-mm] sieve, % 6.0
Mass per unit volume of air-free mortarA based on average for all comparative samples tested, %. 1.6
Average compressive strength at 7 days for each sample,B based on average strength of all comparative test specimens, % 7.5C
A
“Test for Variability of Constituents in Concrete,” Designation 26, Bureau of Reclamation Concrete Manual, 7th Edition.4
B
Not less than 3 cylinders will be molded and tested from each of the samples.
C
Approval of the mixer shall be tentative, pending results of the 7-day compressive strength tests.

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
SI units: b = mass of concrete sample in mass container, lb [kg],
b2c c = saturated-surface-dry mass of aggregate retained on
S D
M5 V3A c (A1.3)
No. 4 [4.75-mm] sieve, lb [kg],
V 2 100 1 G
V = volume of mass per unit volume container, ft3 [m3],
A = air content of concrete, %, measured in accordance
where: with 15.1.4 on the sample being tested, and
M = mass per unit volume of air-free mortar, lb/ft3 [kg/ G = density of coarse aggregate (SSD).
m3],

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. Calculation of the Average Compressive Strength (f *cr), Necessary to Meet the Strength Requirements of Sections 17.4.1, 17.4.2,
and 17.4.3

X1.1 Section 17.4 of this specification contains the same enough to conform to both averages of three consecutive tests
strength requirements as those contained in ACI 318 and and the requirements on minimum strength of a test, the one
ACI 301, except it does not require the submittal of the data which requires highest average strength (f 8cr) governs.
and calculation of the average strength, f 8cr necessary to meet X1.1.2 The first step in the process of calculating the
those ACI Code and Specifications. This Appendix does not over-design above f 8c or the required average strength is to
include all of the detailed requirements of the ACI Code and determine if a record of 30 consecutive tests is available for the
Specification that will govern a submittal for their respective proposed mixture or similar mixture with a design strength
purposes. The following material is intended to guide users of within 1000 psi [6.6 MPa] of the specified compressive
this specification when no formal submittal is required. strength proposed for use. If it is a new mixture or strength
X1.1.1 Table X1.1 provides the statistical formulas that can level and no standard deviation data is available then Table
be used to calculate the required average strength f 8cr when X1.2 provides default levels of over-design equal to 1000,
historical statistical data are available. The formula to achieve 1200 or (1.10f 8c +700) psi.
a satisfactory average of three consecutive strength tests as X1.1.3 Table X1.3 provides calculated values of over-
required in 17.4.1 is (Eq. X1.1) of Table X1.1. The formulas for design and required average strength for selected standard
the minimum strength of an individual strength test result as deviations and specified strength levels. Because of the large
required in 17.4.2 and 17.4.3 are (Eq. X1.2) and ( Eq. X1.3) in ranges of strength and standard deviations, the gray shaded
Table X1.1. Since the average strength, f 8cr, must be high areas are considered unusual or not likely to be encountered.

TABLE X1.1 Required Average Compressive Strength when Data are Available to Establish a Standard Deviation
Inch-pound System SI System
Specified Strength Required Average Strength Specified Strength Required Average Strength
f 8c, psi f 8cr, psi f 8c, MPa f 8cr, MPa

f 8c equal to Use the larger from f 8c equal to Use the larger from
or less than 5000 Eq X1.1 and X1.2 or less than 35 Eq X1.1 and X1.2m
f 8cr = f 8c + 1.34s (X1.1) f 8cr = f 8c + 1.34s (X1.1)
f 8cr = f 8c + 2.33s – 500 (X1.2) f 8cr = f 8c + 2.33s – 3.45 (X1.2m)

greater than 5000 Use the larger from greater than 35 Use the larger from
Eq X1.1 and X1.3 Eq X1.1 and X1.3
f 8cr = f 8c + 1.34s (X1.1) f 8cr = f 8c + 1.34s (X1.1)
f 8cr= 0.90f 8c + 2.33s (X1.3) f 8cr = 0.90f 8c + 2.33s (X1.3)

where:
f 8c = the specified compressive strength
f 8cr = the required average compressive strength
s = the standard deviation

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 C 94/C 94M – 04a
TABLE X1.2 Required Average Compressive Strength When Data Are Not Available to Establish a Standard Deviation
Inch-pound System SI System
Specified Strengthf 8c, psi Required Average Strength f 8cr, psi Specified Strengthf 8c, MPa Required Average Strength f 8cr, MPa

Less than 3000 f 8c + 1000 Less than 21 f 8c + 7.0

3000 to 5000 f 8c + 1200 21 to 35 f 8c + 8.5

greater than 5000 1.10f 8c + 700 greater than 35 1.10f 8c + 5.0

where:
f 8c = the specified compressive strength
f 8cr = the required average compressive strength
s = the standard deviation

TABLE X1.3 Overdesign Necessary to Conform to Specified Compressive Strength

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