This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C31/C31M − 17

Standard Practice for

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C31/C31M; 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* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
cylinder and beam specimens from representative samples of C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
fresh concrete for a construction project. gregates
1.2 The concrete used to make the molded specimens shall C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield,
be sampled after all on-site adjustments have been made to the and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
mixture proportions, including the addition of mix water and C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
admixtures. This practice is not satisfactory for making speci- Concrete
mens from concrete not having measurable slump or requiring C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
other sizes or shapes of specimens. crete
1.3 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
1.4 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 C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
chemical burns to exposed skin and tissue upon prolonged Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
exposure.2) C617/C617M Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete
1.5 The text of this standard references notes which provide Specimens
explanatory material. These notes shall not be considered as C1064/C1064M Test Method for Temperature of Freshly
requirements of the standard. Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Testing Agency Evaluation
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- C1758/C1758M Practice for Fabricating Test Specimens
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical with Self-Consolidating Concrete
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 2.2 American Concrete Institute Publication:4
309R Guide for Consolidation of Concrete
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61
3
on Testing for Strength. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 15, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C31/C31M–15aɛ1. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C0031_C0031M-17. the ASTM website.
2 4
See Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02. Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.aci-int.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 C31/C31M − 17
3. Terminology TABLE 1 Tamping Rod Diameter Requirements
Diameter of Cylinder
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to or Width of Beam
Diameter or Rod
Terminology C125. mm [in.]
mm [in.]
<150 [6] 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ]
4. Significance and Use $150 [6] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ]
4.1 This practice provides standardized requirements for
making, curing, protecting, and transporting concrete test
specimens under field conditions. length of the tamping rod shall be at least 100 mm [4 in.]
4.2 If the specimens are made and standard cured, as greater than the depth of the mold in which rodding is being
stipulated herein, the resulting strength test data when the performed, but not greater than 600 mm [24 in.] in overall
specimens are tested are able to be used for the following length (see Note 1). The rod shall have the tamping end or both
purposes: ends rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the
4.2.1 Acceptance testing for specified strength, rod.
4.2.2 Checking adequacy of mixture proportions for NOTE 1—A rod length of 400 mm [16 in.] to 600 mm [24 in.] meets the
strength, and requirements of the following: Practice C31/C31M, Test Method C138/
C138M, Test Method C143/C143M, Test Method C173/C173M, and Test
4.2.3 Quality control. Method C231/C231M.
4.3 If the specimens are made and field cured, as stipulated 5.5 Vibrators—Internal vibrators shall be used. The vibrator
herein, the resulting strength test data when the specimens are frequency shall be at least 150 Hz [9000 vibrations per minute]
tested are able to be used for the following purposes: while the vibrator is operating in the concrete. The diameter of
4.3.1 Determination of whether a structure is capable of a round vibrator shall be no more than one-fourth the diameter
being put in service, of the cylinder mold or one-fourth the width of the beam mold.
4.3.2 Comparison with test results of standard cured speci- Other shaped vibrators shall have a perimeter equivalent to the
mens or with test results from various in-place test methods, circumference of an appropriate round vibrator. The combined
4.3.3 Adequacy of curing and protection of concrete in the length of the vibrator shaft and vibrating element shall exceed
structure, or the depth of the section being vibrated by at least 75 mm [3
4.3.4 Form or shoring removal time requirements. in.]. The vibrator frequency shall be checked periodically with
5. Apparatus a vibrating-reed tachometer or other suitable device.
5.1 Molds, General—Molds for specimens or fastenings NOTE 2—For information on size and frequency of various vibrators
and a method to periodically check vibrator frequency see ACI 309R.
thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of steel, cast
iron, or other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete 5.6 Mallet—A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head weigh-
containing portland or other hydraulic cements. Molds shall ing 0.6 6 0.2 kg [1.25 6 0.50 lb] shall be used.
hold their dimensions and shape under all conditions of use. 5.7 Placement Tools—of a size large enough so each amount
Molds shall be watertight during use as judged by their ability of concrete obtained from the sampling receptacle is represen-
to hold water poured into them. Provisions for tests of water tative and small enough so concrete is not spilled during
leakage are given in the Test Methods for Elongation, placement in the mold. For placing concrete in a cylinder mold,
Absorption, and Water Leakage section of Specification C470/ the acceptable tool is a scoop. For placing concrete in a beam
C470M. A suitable sealant, such as heavy grease, modeling mold, either a shovel or scoop is permitted.
clay, or microcrystalline wax shall be used where necessary to
5.8 Finishing Tools—a handheld float or a trowel.
prevent leakage through the joints. Positive means shall be
provided to hold base plates firmly to the molds. Reusable 5.9 Slump Apparatus—The apparatus for measurement of
molds shall be lightly coated with mineral oil or a suitable slump shall conform to the requirements of Test Method
nonreactive form release material before use. C143/C143M.
5.2 Cylinder Molds—Molds for casting concrete test speci- 5.10 Sampling Receptacle—The receptacle shall be a suit-
mens shall conform to the requirements of Specification able heavy gauge metal pan, wheelbarrow, or flat, clean
C470/C470M. nonabsorbent board of sufficient capacity to allow easy remix-
ing of the entire sample with a shovel or trowel.
5.3 Beam Molds—Beam molds shall be of the shape and
dimensions required to produce the specimens stipulated in 6.2. 5.11 Air Content Apparatus—The apparatus for measuring
The inside surfaces of the molds shall be smooth. The sides, air content shall conform to the requirements of Test Methods
bottom, and ends shall be at right angles to each other and shall C173/C173M or C231/C231M.
be straight and true and free of warpage. Maximum variation 5.12 Temperature Measuring Devices—The temperature
from the nominal cross section shall not exceed 3 mm [1⁄8 in.] measuring devices shall conform to the applicable require-
for molds with depth or breadth of 150 mm [6 in.] or more. ments of Test Method C1064/C1064M.
Molds shall produce specimens at least as long but not more
than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.] shorter than the required length in 6.2. 6. Testing Requirements
5.4 Tamping Rod—A round, smooth, straight, steel rod with 6.1 Cylindrical Specimens—Compressive or splitting tensile
a diameter conforming to the requirements in Table 1. The strength specimens shall be cylinders cast and allowed to set in

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 C31/C31M − 17
an upright position. The number and size of cylinders cast shall 150 mm [6 by 6 in.] and a 115 by 115 mm [4.5 by 4.5 in.] may vary from
be as directed by the specifier of the tests. In addition, the 0.86 to 1.00.6
NOTE 5—It has been shown that the variability of individual test results
length shall be twice the diameter and the cylinder diameter increases as the specimen size decreases.5,6
shall be at least 3 times the nominal maximum size of the
coarse aggregate. When the nominal maximum size of the 6.3 Field Technicians—The field technicians making and
coarse aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the concrete sample curing specimens for acceptance testing shall meet the person-
shall be treated by wet sieving through a 50-mm [2-in.] sieve nel qualification requirements of Practice C1077.
as described in Practice C172/C172M. For acceptance testing
7. Sampling Concrete
for specified compressive strength, cylinders shall be 150 by
300 mm [6 by 12 in.] or 100 by 200 mm [4 by 8 in.] (Note 3). 7.1 The samples used to fabricate test specimens under this
standard shall be obtained in accordance with Practice C172/
NOTE 3—When molds in SI units are required and not available,
equivalent inch-pound unit size mold should be permitted.
C172M unless an alternative procedure has been approved.
6.2 Beam Specimens—Flexural strength specimens shall be 7.2 Record the identification of the sample with respect to
beams of concrete cast and hardened in the horizontal position. the location of the concrete represented and the time of casting.
The length shall be at least 50 mm [2 in.] greater than three
8. Slump, Air Content, and Temperature
times the depth as tested. The ratio of width to depth as molded
shall not exceed 1.5. 8.1 Slump—Measure and record the slump of each batch of
6.2.1 The minimum cross-sectional dimension of the beam concrete from which specimens are made immediately after
shall be as stated in Table 2. Unless otherwise specified by the remixing in the receptacle, as required in Test Method C143/
specifier of tests, the standard beam shall be 150 by 150 mm [6 C143M.
by 6 in.] in cross section. 8.2 Air Content—Determine and record the air content in
6.2.2 When the nominal maximum size of the coarse accordance with either Test Method C173/C173M or Test
aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the concrete sample shall be Method C231/C231M. The concrete used in performing the air
treated by wet sieving through a 50-mm [2-in.] sieve as content test shall not be used in fabricating test specimens.
described in Practice C172/C172M.
6.2.3 The specifier of tests shall specify the specimen size 8.3 Temperature—Determine and record the temperature in
and the number of specimens to be tested to obtain an average accordance with Test Method C1064/C1064M.
test result (Note 4 and Note 5). The same specimen size shall NOTE 6—Some specifications may require the measurement of the unit
be used when comparing results and for mixture qualification weight of concrete. The volume of concrete produced per batch may be
and acceptance testing. desired on some projects. Also, additional information on the air content
measurements may be desired. Test Method C138/C138M is used to
NOTE 4—The modulus of rupture can be determined using different measure the unit weight, yield, and gravimetric air content of freshly
specimen sizes. However, measured modulus of rupture generally in- mixed concrete.
creases as specimen size decreases.5,6 The strength ratio for beams of
different sizes depends primarily on the maximum size of aggregate.7 9. Molding Specimens
Experimental data obtained in two different studies have shown that for
maximum aggregate size between 19.0 and 25.0 mm [3⁄4 and 1 in.], the 9.1 Place of Molding—Mold specimens promptly on a
ratio between the modulus of rupture determined with a 150 by 150 mm level, rigid surface, free of vibration and other disturbances, at
[6 by 6 in.] and a 100 by 100 mm [4 by 4 in.] may vary from 0.90 to 1.075 a place as near as practicable to the location where they are to
and for maximum aggregate size between 9.5 and 37.5 mm [3⁄8 and 11⁄2 be stored.
in.], the ratio between the modulus of rupture determined with a 150 by
9.2 Casting Cylinders—Select the proper tamping rod from
5.4 and Table 1 or the proper vibrator from 5.5. Determine the
5
method of consolidation from Table 3, unless another method
Tanesi, J; Ardani, A. Leavitt, J. "Reducing the Specimen Size of Concrete
Flexural Strength Test (AASHTO T97) for Safety and Ease of Handling," Trans- is specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, deter-
portation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. mine molding requirements from Table 4. If the method of
2342, Transportation Research Board of National Academies, Washington, D.C., consolidation is vibration, determine molding requirements
2013.
6
Carrasquillo, P.M. and Carrasquillo, R. L “Improved Concrete Quality Control
from Table 5. Select a scoop of the size described in 5.7. While
Procedures Using Third Point Loading”, Research Report 119-1F, Project 3-9-87- placing the concrete in the mold, move the scoop around the
1119, Center for Transportation Research, The University of Texas at Austin, perimeter of the mold opening to ensure an even distribution of
November 1987. the concrete with minimal segregation. Each layer of concrete
7
Bazant, Z. and Novak, D. "Proposal for Standard Test of Modulus of Rupture
of Concrete with its Size Dependence," ACI Materials Journal, January-February shall be consolidated as required. In placing the final layer, add
2001. an amount of concrete that will fill the mold after consolida-
tion.
TABLE 2 Minimum Cross-Sectional Dimension of Beams
Nominal
Minimum
Maximum TABLE 3 Method of Consolidation Requirements
Cross-Sectional
Aggregate
Dimension Slump, mm [in.] Method of Consolidation
Size (NMAS)
# 25 mm [1 in.] 100 by 100 mm [4 by 4 in.] $25 [1] rodding or vibration
25 mm [1 in.] < NMAS # 50 mm [2 in.] 150 by 150 mm [6 by 6 in.] < 25 [1] vibration

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 C31/C31M − 17
TABLE 4 Molding Requirements by Rodding 9.4.1 Rodding—Place the concrete in the mold in the
Specimen Type Number of Layers of
Number of required number of layers of approximately equal volume. Rod
Roddings
and Size Approximately Equal Depth
per Layer
each layer uniformly over the cross section with the rounded
Cylinders:
end of the rod using the required number of strokes. Rod the
Diameter, mm [in.] bottom layer throughout its depth. In rodding this layer, use
100 [4] 2 25 care not to damage the bottom of the mold. For each upper
150 [6] 3 25
225 [9] 4 50
layer, allow the rod to penetrate through the layer being rodded
and into the layer below approximately 25 mm [1 in.]. After
Beams: each layer is rodded, tap the outsides of the mold lightly 10 to
Width, mm [in.]
100 [4] to 2 see 9.3 15 times with the mallet to close any holes left by rodding and
200 [8] to release any large air bubbles that may have been trapped.
>200 [8] 3 or more equal depths, see 9.3
each not to exceed
Use an open hand to tap cylinder molds that are susceptible to
150 mm [6 in.]. denting or other permanent distortion if tapped with a mallet.
After tapping, spade each layer of the concrete along the sides
and ends of beam molds with a trowel or other suitable tool.
TABLE 5 Molding Requirements by Vibration Underfilled molds shall be adjusted with representative con-
Number of crete during consolidation of the top layer. Overfilled molds
Specimen Type Number of Vibrator Approximate Depth of
and Size Layers Insertions Layer, mm [in.]
shall have excess concrete removed.
per Layer 9.4.2 Vibration—Maintain a uniform duration of vibration
Cylinders: for the particular kind of concrete, vibrator, and specimen mold
Diameter, mm [in.]
100 [4] 2 1 one-half depth of specimen
involved. The duration of vibration required will depend upon
150 [6] 2 2 one-half depth of specimen the workability of the concrete and the effectiveness of the
2256 [9] 2 4 one-half depth of specimen vibrator. Usually sufficient vibration has been applied as soon
Beams: as the surface of the concrete has become relatively smooth and
Width, mm [in.] large air bubbles cease to break through the top surface.
100 [4] to 1 see 9.4.2 depth of specimen Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper con-
200 [8]
over 200 [8] 2 or more see 9.4.2 200 [8] as near as solidation of the concrete (see Note 7). Fill the molds and
practicable vibrate in the required number of approximately equal layers.
Place all the concrete for each layer in the mold before starting
vibration of that layer. In compacting the specimen, insert the
vibrator slowly and do not allow it to rest on the bottom or
9.2.1 Self-Consolidating Concrete—If casting cylinders of sides of the mold. Slowly withdraw the vibrator so that no large
self-consolidating concrete, use the mold filling procedures in air pockets are left in the specimen. When placing the final
Practice C1758/C1758M instead of the procedure in 9.2. After layer, avoid overfilling by more than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.].
filling the mold, finish the cylinders in accordance with 9.5, NOTE 7—Generally, no more than 5 s of vibration should be required for
without further consolidation. each insertion to adequately consolidate concrete with a slump greater
9.3 Casting Beams—Select the proper tamping rod from 5.4 than 75 mm [3 in.]. Longer times may be required for lower slump
concrete, but the vibration time should rarely have to exceed 10 s per
and Table 1 or proper vibrator from 5.5. Determine the method insertion.
of consolidation from Table 3, unless another method is
specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, determine 9.4.2.1 Cylinders—The number of insertions of the vibrator
the molding requirements from Table 4. If the method of per layer is given in Table 5. When more than one insertion per
consolidation is vibration, determine the molding requirements layer is required distribute the insertion uniformly within each
from Table 5. Determine the number of roddings per layer, one layer. Allow the vibrator to penetrate through the layer being
for each 14 cm2 [2 in.2] of the top surface area of the beam. vibrated, and into the layer below, about 25 mm [1 in.]. After
Select a placement tool as described in 5.7. Using the scoop or each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides of the mold at least 10
shovel, place the concrete in the mold to the height required for times with the mallet, to close holes that remain and to release
each layer. Place the concrete so that it is uniformly distributed entrapped air voids. Use an open hand to tap molds that are
within each layer with minimal segregation. Each layer shall be susceptible to denting or other permanent distortion if tapped
consolidated as required. In placing the final layer, add an with a mallet.
amount of concrete that will fill the mold after consolidation. 9.4.2.2 Beams—Insert the vibrator at intervals not exceed-
9.3.1 Self-Consolidating Concrete—If casting beams of ing 150 mm [6 in.] along the center line of the long dimension
self-consolidating concrete, use the mold filling procedures in of the specimen. For specimens wider than 150 mm [6 in.], use
Practice C1758/C1758M instead of the procedure in 9.3. After alternating insertions along two lines. Allow the shaft of the
filling the mold, finish the beams in accordance with 9.5, vibrator to penetrate into the bottom layer about 25 mm [1 in.].
without further consolidation. After each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides of the mold
9.4 Consolidation—The methods of consolidation for this sharply at least 10 times with the mallet to close holes left by
practice are rodding or internal vibration. vibrating and to release entrapped air voids.

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 C31/C31M − 17
9.5 Finishing—Perform all finishing with the minimum ture environment can be controlled during the initial curing of the
manipulation necessary to produce a flat even surface that is specimens by one or more of the following procedures: (1) use of
ventilation, (2) use of ice, (3) use of thermostatically controlled heating or
level with the rim or edge of the mold and that has no cooling devices, or (4) use of heating methods such as stoves or light
depressions or projections larger than 3.3 mm [1⁄8 in.]. bulbs. Other suitable methods may be used provided the requirements
9.5.1 Cylinders—After consolidation, finish the top surfaces limiting specimen storage temperature and moisture loss are met. For
by striking them off with the tamping rod where the consis- concrete mixtures with a specified strength of 40 MPa [6000 psi] or
tency of the concrete permits or with a handheld float or trowel. greater, heat generated during the early ages may raise the temperature
above the required storage temperature. Immersion in water saturated with
If desired, cap the top surface of freshly made cylinders with a calcium hydroxide may be the easiest method to maintain the required
thin layer of stiff portland cement paste which is permitted to storage temperature. When specimens are to be immersed in water
harden and cure with the specimen. See section on Capping saturated with calcium hydroxide, specimens in cardboard molds or other
Materials of Practice C617/C617M. molds that expand when immersed in water should not be used. Early-age
9.5.2 Beams—After consolidation of the concrete, use a strength test results may be lower when stored at 16°C [60°F] and higher
when stored at 27°C [80°F]. On the other hand, at later ages, test results
handheld float or trowel to strike off the top surface to the may be lower for higher initial storage temperatures.
required tolerance to produce a flat, even surface.
10.1.3 Final Curing:
9.6 Identification—Mark the specimens to positively iden-
10.1.3.1 Cylinders—Upon completion of initial curing and
tify them and the concrete they represent. Use a method that
within 30 min after removing the molds, cure specimens with
will not alter the top surface of the concrete. Do not mark the
free water maintained on their surfaces at all times at a
removable caps. Upon removal of the molds, mark the test
temperature of 23.0 6 2.0°C [73.5 6 3.5°F] using water stor-
specimens to retain their identities.
age tanks or moist rooms complying with the requirements of
Specification C511, except when capping with sulfur mortar
10. Curing capping compound and immediately prior to testing. When
10.1 Standard Curing—Standard curing is the curing capping with sulfur mortar capping compound, the ends of the
method used when the specimens are made and cured for the cylinder shall be dry enough to preclude the formation of steam
purposes stated in 4.2. or foam pockets under or in cap larger than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.] as
10.1.1 Storage—If specimens cannot be molded at the place described in Practice C617/C617M. For a period not to exceed
where they will receive initial curing, immediately after 3 h immediately prior to test, standard curing temperature is
finishing move the specimens to an initial curing place for not required provided free moisture is maintained on the
storage. The supporting surface on which specimens are stored cylinders and ambient temperature is between 20 and 30°C [68
shall be level to within 20 mm/m [1⁄4 in. ⁄ft]. If cylinders in the and 86°F ].
single use molds are moved, lift and support the cylinders from 10.1.3.2 Beams—Beams are to be cured the same as cylin-
the bottom of the molds with a large trowel or similar device. ders (see 10.1.3.1) except that they shall be stored in water
If the top surface is marred during movement to place of initial saturated with calcium hydroxide at 23.0 6 2.0°C
storage, immediately refinish. [73.5 6 3.5°F] at least 20 h prior to testing. Drying of the
10.1.2 Initial Curing—Immediately after molding and surfaces of the beam shall be prevented between removal from
finishing, the specimens shall be stored for a period up to 48 h water storage and completion of testing.
in a temperature range from 16 to 27°C [60 to 80°F] and in an
environment preventing moisture loss from the specimens. For NOTE 9—Relatively small amounts of surface drying of flexural
specimens can induce tensile stresses in the extreme fibers that will
concrete mixtures with a specified strength of 40 MPa [6000 markedly reduce the indicated flexural strength.
psi] or greater, the initial curing temperature shall be between
20 and 26°C [68 and 78°F]. Various procedures are capable of 10.2 Field Curing—Field curing is the curing method used
being used during the initial curing period to maintain the for the specimens made and cured as stated in 4.3.
specified moisture and temperature conditions. An appropriate 10.2.1 Cylinders—Store cylinders in or on the structure as
procedure or combination of procedures shall be used (Note 8). near to the point of deposit of the concrete represented as
Shield all specimens from the direct sunlight and, if used, possible. Protect all surfaces of the cylinders from the elements
radiant heating devices. The storage temperature shall be in as near as possible the same way as the formed work.
controlled by use of heating and cooling devices, as necessary. Provide the cylinders with the same temperature and moisture
Record the temperature using a maximum-minimum thermom- environment as the structural work. Test the specimens in the
eter. If cardboard molds are used, protect the outside surface of moisture condition resulting from the specified curing treat-
the molds from contact with wet burlap or other sources of ment. To meet these conditions, specimens made for the
water. purpose of determining when a structure is capable of being put
in service shall be removed from the molds at the time of
NOTE 8—A satisfactory moisture environment can be created during the
initial curing of the specimens by one or more of the following removal of form work.
procedures: (1) immediately immerse molded specimens with plastic lids 10.2.2 Beams—As nearly as practicable, cure beams in the
in water saturated with calcium hydroxide, (2) store in properly con- same manner as the concrete in the structure. At the end of
structed wooden boxes or structures, (3) place in damp sand pits, (4) cover 48 6 4 h after molding, take the molded specimens to the
with removable plastic lids, (5) place inside plastic bags, or (6) cover with
plastic sheets or nonabsorbent plates if provisions are made to avoid storage location and remove from the molds. Store specimens
drying and damp burlap is used inside the enclosure, but the burlap is representing pavements of slabs on grade by placing them on
prevented from contacting the concrete surfaces. A satisfactory tempera- the ground as molded, with their top surfaces up. Bank the

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 C31/C31M − 17
sides and ends of the specimens with earth or sand that shall be specimens in plastic, wet burlap, by surrounding them with wet
kept damp, leaving the top surfaces exposed to the specified sand, or tight fitting plastic caps on plastic molds. Transporta-
curing treatment. Store specimens representing structure con- tion time shall not exceed 4 h.
crete as near the point in the structure they represent as NOTE 10—Setting time may be measured by Test Method C403/
possible, and afford them the same temperature protection and C403M.
moisture environment as the structure. At the end of the curing
period leave the specimens in place exposed to the weather in 12. Report
the same manner as the structure. Remove all beam specimens 12.1 Report the following information to the laboratory that
from field storage and store in water saturated with calcium will test the specimens:
hydroxide at 23.0 6 2.0°C [73.5 6 3.5°F] for 24 6 4 h imme- 12.1.1 Identification number,
diately before time of testing to ensure uniform moisture 12.1.2 Location of concrete represented by the samples,
condition from specimen to specimen. Observe the precautions 12.1.3 Date, time and name of individual molding
given in 10.1.3.2 to guard against drying between time of specimens,
removal from curing to testing. 12.1.4 Slump, air content, and concrete temperature, test
10.3 Structural Lightweight Concrete Curing—Cure struc- results and results of any other tests on the fresh concrete and
tural lightweight concrete cylinders in accordance with Speci- any deviations from referenced standard test methods, and
fication C330/C330M. 12.1.5 Curing method. For standard curing method, report
the initial curing method with maximum and minimum tem-
11. Transportation of Specimens to Laboratory peratures and final curing method. For field curing method,
11.1 Prior to transporting, cure and protect specimens as report the location where stored, manner of protection from the
required in Section 10. Specimens shall not be transported until elements, temperature and moisture environment, and time of
at least 8 h after final set. (See Note 10). During transporting, removal from molds.
protect the specimens with suitable cushioning material to
prevent damage from jarring. During cold weather, protect the 13. Keywords
specimens from freezing with suitable insulation material. 13.1 beams; casting samples; concrete; curing; cylinders;
Prevent moisture loss during transportation by wrapping the testing

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this practice since the last issue,
C31/C31M–15aɛ1, that may impact the use of this practice. (Approved June 15, 2017.)

(1) Added Practice C1758/C1758M to Referenced Documents. (2) Added 9.2.1 and 9.3.1.

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