Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing

Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing1
INTRODUCTION
This manual is intended to supplement, not in any way to supersede, the various ASTM test methods
for sampling and testing aggregate and freshly mixed and hardened portland-cement concrete. The
manual was prepared by Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and has been accepted
by the Society for publication as information only. The manual is not a part of the ASTM methods.
Comments and suggestions on the manual will be welcomed by Committee C09.
Many specifications for aggregates and concrete are based on the results of ASTM methods of
testing and therefore strict adherence to the requirements of the test methods is important. Improper
use of test procedures can result in inaccurate data and mistaken conclusions about aggregate and
concrete quality. Accordingly, this manual directs attention to many of the factors that might affect the
results of the tests.
This manual does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use.
It is the responsibility of the user of these standards to establish appropriate safety and health
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
The subjects covered in the manual appear in the following order:
Sections
Availability of Standards 1
Qualification of Personnel and Laboratory Evaluation 2
Samples 3
Terminology 4
Testing Apparatus 5
Safety Precautions 6
Inspection of Laboratory 7
Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate (C 29/C 29M) 8
Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field 9
(C 31)
Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens 10
(C 39)
Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete 11
(C 42)
Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate (C 70) 12
Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam with 13
Third-Point Loading (C 78)
Materials Finer than 75 µm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral 14
Aggregates by Washing (C 117)
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate (C 127) 15
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate (C 128) 16
Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates (C 136) 17
Unit Weight, Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Con- 18
crete (C 138)
Slump of Hydraulic Cement Concrete (C 143) 19
Length Change of Hardened Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and 20
Concrete (C 157)
Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete (C 172) 21
Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric 22
Method (C 173)
Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Labora- 23
tory (C 192)
Fundamental Transverse, Longitudinal, and Torsional Fre- 24
quencies of Concrete Specimens (C 215)
Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure 25
Method (C 231)
Bleeding of Concrete (C 232) 26
Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam with 27
Center-Point Loading) (C 293)
Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resis- 28
tance (C 403)
Molds for Forming Concrete Test Cylinders Vertically (C 470) 29
1
Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing
Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens 30

(C 496)
Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used 31
in the Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes (C 511)
Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying 32
(C 566)
Capping Cylindrical Concrete Specimens (C 617) 33
Resistance of Concrete to Rapid Freezing and Thawing (C 666) 34
Making, Accelerated Curing, and Testing Concrete Compres- 35
sion Test Specimens (C 684)
Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size (C 702) 36
Measuring Early Age Compressive Strength and Projecting 37
Later Age Strength (C 918)
Use of Unbonded Caps in Determination of Compressive 38
Strength of Hardened Concrete Cylinders (C 1231)
Sampling Aggregates (D 75) 39
Force Verification of Testing Machines (E 4) 40
1. AVAILABILITY OF STANDARDS for Use in Construction and Criteria for Laboratory Evalua-
Copies of the current Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol tion,2 identify and define the duties, responsibilities and re-
04.02—Concrete and Mineral Aggregates, should be readily quirements for personnel and equipment used in the testing and
available to all laboratory workers and inspectors in the field. inspection of concrete and related materials.
Vol 04.01—Cement; Lime; Gypsum contains the Manual on 2.2 The Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory
Cement Testing which includes valuable information on pro- (CCRL),3 under the sponsorship of ASTM Committees C01
cedures and apparatus. New editions of ASTM standards and C09, and administered by ASTM and National Institute of
should be reviewed promptly for changes so that procedures Standards and Technology (NIST), formerly the National
can be kept current.1 Bureau of Standards, has a laboratory inspection service (for
1.1 Construction specifications may refer to ASTM stan- details of this service, see Section 7) for concrete and concrete
dards either with or without the year designation. If the year aggregates. CCRL also has a proficiency sample program for
designation is given, the standard bearing that designation concrete, cement and pozzolans. Identical samples of material
should be used. If the year designation is not given, normally are issued to participating laboratories who test the material
the standard in effect at the time the bidding documents are and report the results to CCRL. These results are statistically
issued is the one which is used unless the job specifications analyzed and a final report issued to the participating labora-
state otherwise. Sometimes the job specifications might state tories including a rating of their results as compared to all other
that the standard in effect at the time bids are received, or the laboratories returning data. A similar reference sample program
contract is awarded, or the current standard should be used. Job exists for aggregates. This program, conducted by an organi-
specifications should be checked to determine that the correct zation jointly administered by the Highway Subcommittee on
standard is used, should there be differences. Unfortunately, materials of the American Association of State Highway and
sometimes job specifications refer to ASTM standards that are Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and NIST, is called the
obsolete and several years out of date. It is possible in some AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL).4
such cases that the specification writer might wish to use an 2.3 A number of accreditation programs for concrete testing
older standard because of some provision it contains that does laboratories exist. The AASHTO Accreditation Program
not appear in later editions. (AAP),5 which uses the CCRL concrete and concrete aggregate
inspection for the onsite review of equipment and personnel,
2. QUALIFICATION OF PERSONNEL AND the National Voluntary Accreditation Program (NVLAP),6 the
LABORATORY EVALUATION Concrete Materials Engineering Council (CMEC),7 and Ameri-
There is increasing emphasis and a requirement in many can Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)8 all offer
cases by building codes, political jurisdictions and job speci- accreditation for concrete and concrete aggregate testing labo-
fications that personnel, laboratories, and plants which test, ratories.
inspect, or produce materials or do construction work be 2.4 A number of technician certification programs also
approved, registered, licensed, inspected, certified, or accred- exist. These include the following: National Institute for
ited in various ways. Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET),9 American
2.1 ASTM Practice E 329, for Use in the Evaluation of
Testing and Inspection Agencies as Used in Construction,2 and
Practice C 1077, for Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregate 3
CCRL, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg 226, Rm A365,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
4
AMRL, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg 226, Rm A365,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
1 5
This manual is under the jurisdiction of the ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete AAP, 444 North Capitol Street, N.W. Suite 225, Washington, DC 20001.
6
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.97 on NVLAP, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bldg 101, Rm A531,
Manual of Testing. Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
7
Published as information, October 1965; revised 1967, 1969, 1977, 1978, 1983, CMEC, 649 Vassar Street, Orlando, FL 32804.
8
1987, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. A2LA, 656 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
2 9
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. NICET, 2029 K Street, N.W., Washington DC 20006.
2
Concrete Institute (ACI),10 National Ready Mixed Concrete obtain results typical of the lot. Samples should not be biased
Association (NRMCA), 11 Portland Cement Association by procedures that intentionally select either the best or poorest
(PCA),12 and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute materials. Representative samples upon which the acceptance
(PCI).13 or rejection of a material is based should be taken by the
2.5 Other programs include an inspection and certification purchaser’s authorized agent.
program of concrete plants by NRMCA, a certification pro- 3.1 The fundamentals of probability sampling have been set
gram for special inspector—Reinforced Concrete offered by forth by ASTM Committee E11. The coal and ore industries,
the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO),14 who have many problems similar to those found in the
and a plant certification program for manufacturers of precast/ aggregate field, have developed practical approaches that can
prestressed concrete offered by PCI. be adapted to the concrete field. The following references are
useful:
3. SAMPLES (1) ASTM Practice E 105, for Probability Sampling of
Although this manual is primarily concerned with testing, Materials15
some brief remarks about sampling are necessary. Sampling is (2) ASTM Practice E 122, for Choice of Sample Size to
discussed in more detail in later Sections and in ASTM STP 169 Estimate the Average Quality of a Lot or Process16
B, Significance of Tests and Properties of Concrete and (3) ASTM Practice E 141, for Acceptance of Evidence
Concrete Making Materials. No amount of testing will yield Based on the Results of Probability Sampling16
correct answers if the samples are carelessly taken and do not (4) Bicking, C. A.“ Bibliography on Sampling of Raw
represent the material sampled. It is better not to test a material Materials and Products in Bulk,” Technical Association of the
improperly sampled because erroneous conclusions can be Pulp and Paper Industry, Vol 47, No. 5, May 1964
drawn from the test results. In any sampling system there are (5) Symposium on Bulk Sampling, ASTM STP 242, Am.
perhaps four stages, each of which requires careful attention Soc. Testing Mats., ASTTA, 1958
and planning: (1) selection of a sampling plan which will (6) Symposium on Coal Sampling, ASTM STP 162, Am.
provide the greatest amount of information at the least cost; (2) Soc. Testing Mats., ASTTA, March 1955
physical selection or gathering of samples in accordance with (7) Symposium on Bulk Sampling, ASTM STP 114, Am.
predetermined procedures for the preselected locations; (3) Soc. Testing Mats., ASTTA, 1951
testing; and (4) analysis of the data obtained. The first and last (8) Tanner, L., and Deming, E.,“ Some Problems in the
of these four items are those that are most often neglected. Sampling of Bulk Material,” Proceedings, Am. Soc. Testing
ASTM Practice D 75, Sampling Aggregates,2 and Practice Mats., ASTEA, Vol 49, 1949, pp. 1181–1188
C 172, Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete,2 provide informa- (9) Symposium on Usefulness and Limitations of
tion needed to obtain the samples, but do not discuss the Samples,” Proceedings, Am. Soc. Testing Mats., ASTEA, Vol
problem of developing a specific sampling plan. Strictly 48, 1948, pp. 857–895
speaking, there is no such thing as a representative sample. All (10) Shook, J. F., “Significance of Test Results Obtained
materials are subject to periodic variation. Different shipments, from Random Samples, ASTM STP 362, 1964, p. 13
lots, truck loads, car loads, or batches from a given supply will (11) Duncan, A. J., “An Introduction to Acceptance Sam-
vary to some extent. In addition, the material comprising any of pling Plans,” ASTM Standardization News, Vol 3, No. 9,
the specific units will seldom be precisely homogeneous. September 1975, p. 10
However, a successful sampling plan can establish the average (12) Duncan, A. J., “What Sampling Plan to Use,” ASTM
characteristic of the material and determine the nature and Standardization News, Vol 3, No. 9, Sept., 1975, pp. 15–19
extent of variability. As data become available it is possible to (13) Hahn, G. J. and Schilling, E. G., “An Introduction to
detect trends and decide if changes in production procedures or the MIL-STD-105D Acceptance Sampling Scheme,” ASTM
processes are required to deliver materials of acceptable quality Standardization News, Vol 3, No. 9, Sept., 1975, pp. 20–30
with reasonably low percentages of defective or substandard (14) Abdun-Nur, E. A., “Significance of Tests and Proper-
material. Prior to starting of construction, a statistical or ties of Concrete and Concrete-Making Materials,” ASTM STP
probability sampling plan should be developed and instructions 169B, pp. 5–23
furnished to inspectors. Since the amount and nature of the Additional information is given in ASTM methods and
variations may be unknown, it will be necessary to take specifications, and in publications of the Federal Government,
samples more frequently at the start. Later, after patterns are Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Reclamation.
revealed, it should be possible to decrease sampling frequency 3.2 Samples must be adequately identified and shipped in
unless or until excessive variation develops. Inspectors must clean, strong containers. Samples of cement should be shipped
take samples in the manner, at the time, and from the location in moisture-proof containers, packed in a suitable shipping
specified in the sampling plan if conclusions based on the data box. For coarse aggregate samples, heavy cloth bags, such as
are to be of value. The purpose of statistical sampling is to duck of about 9-oz (300 g/m2) weight, is suitable, but in any
case the instructions of the supervising official should be
followed. Bags or boxes for samples containing fine materials
10
ACI, 22400 West Seven Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48219.
11
NRMCA, 900 Spring Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
12
PCA, 5420 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077.
13 15
PCI, 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vols 07.02, and 14.02.
14 16
ICBO, 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
3
must be tight enough to prevent the loss of the “fines.” If the be checked to see that it meets requirements of newly revised
moisture content of a sample is important, the container must specifications.
be moisture tight. Containers must be clean. Samples must not 5.1 Proper maintenance of testing apparatus should be
be placed in “used” sacks that contain residues of undesirable emphasized not only for the sake of appearance but because
or injurious material, such as sugar, flour, or certain sack good housekeeping in a laboratory promotes care and interest
preservatives. The sizing in some new sacks can contaminate in the work. Operators should be instructed and trained so that
damp sand samples and entrain small percentages of air if the the proper use and maintenance of apparatus becomes a habit,
sand is used in concrete. not an occasional observance.
3.3 The sample container should be labeled or tagged to 5.2 Because weighing equipment is so widely used in the
convey the necessary information. A duplicate label that will concrete and concrete-aggregate tests, some general remarks
not rot or mildew should be placed in the container. A about such apparatus are presented here. Scales and balances
transmitting letter should be sent to the laboratory with a copy should have appropriate capacities, and should also possess the
of the letter inside the sample container if possible. Tags and sensitivity and accuracy required by the particular test method
letters should contain all the data requested or deemed perti- being used. Sensitivity and accuracy should not be confused as
nent. If the sample container has a removable top, the identi- they are not the same. Noncompensating spring scales should
fying marking must be placed on, or connected to, the body of not be used. The operator is cautioned against small weighings
the container, not on the top. (Tops may become interchanged.) on scales of large capacity. Weighing apparatus should be
If certain samples are later transferred to laboratory storage periodically checked to ensure that it is in good condition and
containers, the numbers should be affixed to the containers, not meets the requirements of the aggregate and concrete tests
to removable lids. involved. The accuracy of scales should be checked: at least
3.4 When samples are received at the laboratory, pertinent every 6 months; when there is some doubt about their
identifying information should be recorded in a permanent accuracy; or after they have been transported or mistreated.
book or log. The assignment of consecutive numbers to The accuracy can be verified with test weights kept for this
samples as received is a common practice, but numbers should purpose alone or by utilizing the services of others such as
not be repeated, as starting anew each year, unless the numbers state, county, or city weights and measures departments or the
contain additional identification such as using the year desig- service department of scale manufacturers. Information about
nation in the number code. Repetition of numbers has caused requirements and definitions for weighing apparatus, as well as
serious confusion in studying the results of old tests. Among the methods of testing such equipment are found in the
suggested data to be recorded in a sample book are: kind of appropriate federal publications. One reference that should be
material, source, date of sampling, name of the person who on file in every concrete laboratory is a recent edition of the
sampled the material, date of receipt of the sample at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44,
laboratory, project, reference to related correspondence, tests to Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements
be made, person assigned the tests, and date of completion of for Weighing and Measuring Devices.17
the report of tests. Many laboratories use specially printed 5.2.1 All parts of balances and scales should be kept free
forms or books for properly associating results of tests with the from sand and dirt. Overloading must be avoided. Balances
samples they represent. should be located on a substantial, stable base, and should not
3.5 Samples that have been tested should be retained until rest on easily removable shims. Zero settings are readily
questions regarding them or the tests are not likely to arise. disturbed if the balances rest on uneven, slippery slabs. The
weighing of relatively small quantities of some materials, such
4. TERMINOLOGY as an admixture, will usually require weighing equipment other
Definitions of terms relating to concrete and concrete aggre- than that used for the aggregates and cement. Balances must be
gates are to be found in ASTM Terminology C 125, Relating to glass-enclosed if weighings are to be made to fractions of a
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates,2 and related methods and gram. All weights used with the laboratory scales and balances
specifications. should be plainly marked; their magnitude and units should not
be a matter of memory or guess. The weights should be kept in
5. TESTING APPARATUS suitable protective containers, and they should be periodically
Testing equipment should be purchased subject to compli- checked for accuracy. Care should be taken not to intermix the
ance with ASTM specifications. In any event, the apparatus weights from a number of platform scales that may have
should be tested for dimensions, weight, volume, material, different lever ratios; such intermingling of weights has oc-
performance, and any other pertinent requirements. The opera- curred and has caused large errors in the weighings of the
tor should not assume that new equipment meets ASTM component parts of laboratory concrete mixes. Care should be
specifications. The operator should be satisfied that the equip- taken to avoid the loss of set screws or other parts of rider
ment meets all requirements. With equipment use, wear does weights on balances and platform scales.
occur and the original calibrations may no longer be valid. 5.3 It is sometimes helpful to make one member of the
Before making calibrations, reference should be made to laboratory staff responsible for periodic maintenance and
applicable sections of ASTM standards and publications of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology relative to
weights, weighing devices, measurements of volumetric glass- 17
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
ware, and pertinent standard tables. Existing equipment should Office, Washington, DC 20402.
4
calibration of equipment. A schedule for this should be glasses, goggles, or face shields to keep concrete from splash-
established. The dates and results of calibrations should be ing into the eyes. When working around noisy equipment such
recorded. as crushers or screening plants, use ear plugs. Use dust masks
5.4 Apparatus for measuring and controlling temperature, in dusty areas. Safety shoes are always advised.
relative humidity, or both, should be frequently checked to 6.5 A protective screen or curved shield of perforated metal
determine whether the specified conditions are being main- should be used to surround concrete test specimens that are
tained. Recording instruments must be checked frequently, expected to shatter at high load. Such a shield can rest loosely
particularly as to whether the proper charts are being used. upon the machine platen a small distance from the specimen.
5.5 Parts of apparatus that come into contact with concrete The operator should wear goggles, safety glasses, or a face
and mortar should not be made of material that will react with shield if the material scatters enough to warrant such precau-
the concrete or mortar under the conditions of the test. tion. The clutch on the gears of the screw-loaded testing
5.6 Information that relates to the care and use of apparatus machine should be kept in proper adjustment so that it will not
in specific methods of test is usually included in the related test fall into gear unexpectedly while preparations are being made
sections of the manual. for test of a specimen.
6.6 Keep from under suspended loads. Use a distinctive
6. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS color of paint for the moving parts of laboratory machinery.
Safety precautions are essential, and one person should be Provide elevators and freight lifts with automatic gates. Use
authorized to see that the required safety precautions are goggles, safety glasses, face shields, hard hats, safety shoes,
observed. First aid training not only provides instruction on gloves, and respirators whenever they are needed. Do not use
procedures to be followed in an emergency but also points up chisels with broomed ends. Be cautious about flying fragments.
the importance of safety measures. Emergency instructions on Remember that dry cement splashes like water and that eye
proper storage of combustible or explosive materials as well as protection is necessary, particularly if the cement is hot.
telephone numbers of fire department, doctors, ambulance and Provide collectors for such dust as may be produced in dry
police should be conspicuously posted. grinding, sawing, or otherwise finishing or cutting concrete
6.1 Among some of the more commonly mentioned precau- specimens.
tions are: proper grounds on electric equipment, proper fusing, 6.7 Some materials now in use in the concrete laboratory
suitable extension cords where their use is necessary, and warrant special precautions, for example, sulfur, sodium hy-
adequate lighting. droxide, mercury, sulfur cements, benzol, alcohol, and carbon
6.2 Provide suitable enclosures for moving parts of ma- tetrachloride. An emergency eye wash station is advisable.
chines, particularly belts and gears. Laboratory personnel have 6.8 Some special lamps must be properly shielded to protect
been badly injured by contact with exposed gears or by being the eyesight of workers. Proper ventilation should be provided,
caught in a machine while testing specimens while alone in a particularly in closed air-conditioned laboratories. Hoods
laboratory. In a latter case, the operator managed to kick the should be provided with suitable fire extinguishing equipment
switch off with his foot; this he could not have done if the when warranted. Safety showers and eye wash fountains
switch had been located at a distance. Keep hands out of should be at hand for operators in some lines of work, and
moving machinery, and do not touch revolving shafts or rolls, these should be in working order. Their water supply line must
or even the ends of the moving shafts, even though the parts not be controlled by any valve or valves that can be turned off
may be polished and smooth. It is particularly dangerous to by unauthorized personnel.
touch such moving parts with rags or gloves. One experienced 6.9 Doors to all rooms and special chambers, particularly
laboratory man lost part of a hand when he touched a moving fog rooms and freezing-and-thawing spaces, should be fitted
roll with his rubber-gloved hand while cleaning the apparatus with latches that can be readily operated from the inside as well
in the process of grinding some material. Moving parts will as from the outside.
quickly seize cloth, rubber, and so forth, and may draw the 6.10 A telephone should always be available, particularly
operator’s hand or arm into the machinery. when an operator is working in the laboratory alone or at night.
6.3 Contact with cement powder or fresh (unhardened) 6.11 Capping room, when sulfur is used, should be properly
cementitious mixtures can cause skin irritation, severe chemi- ventilated with an exhaust fan or hood. A fire extinguisher
cal burns, or serious eye damage. Avoid contact with eyes and should also be located in the room.
skin. Wear waterproof gloves, a fully buttoned long sleeve 6.12 Most of these safety admonitions have been prompted
shirt, full-length trousers, and tight fitting eye protection when by recollections of actual happenings and they should not be
working with these materials. Wash cement powder or fresh treated lightly. Most of all, use common sense.
(unhardened) cementitious mixtures from your skin with fresh,
clean water immediately after contact. Indirect contact through 7. INSPECTION OF LABORATORY
clothing can be as serious as direct contact, so promptly rinse An occasional inspection of a concrete laboratory by appro-
out cement powder or fresh (unhardened) cementitious mix- priate members of that laboratory’s staff is suggested to learn
tures from clothing. Seek immediate medical attention if you if the laboratory has proper equipment, employs standard test
have persistent or severe discomfort. In case of eye contact, procedures, practices good housekeeping, and observes safety
flush with plenty of water for at least 15 min. Consult a precautions. This inspection should indicate management’s
physician immediately. interest in the maintenance and improvement of the laboratory
6.4 When mixing or testing fresh concrete, wear safety as a whole.
5
7.1 Since 1929, there has been maintained at the National Jigging, vibration, or jolting may give appreciably different
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) a Research results from those obtained by rodding, particularly in the case
Associate Program presently known as the “Cement and of the finer materials. Reports should state clearly how the
Concrete Reference Laboratory.” This program is a cooperative measure was filled. When this method is used for lightweight
project of NIST and the American Society for Testing and aggregate, ASTM Specifications C 330, C 331, or C 332,2 the
Materials, under the sponsorship of ASTM Committees C01 on shoveling procedure is used.
Cement and C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates. The 8.3 It is difficult to strike off the aggregate at the top of the
most important function of the CCRL is to promote uniformity measure when large pieces of aggregate protrude above the
and improvement in testing through the field inspection of level of the rim. It may be necessary to remove a few pieces of
cement, concrete, concrete aggregate, steel reinforcing bar, and the aggregate by hand in order to secure an average filled
pozzolan testing laboratories. Using load cells, micrometers, condition but no finer aggregate should be added to fill the
balances, testing weights, and thermometers, which are trace- voids in the surface. Overmanipulation during strike off will
able to the NIST, the CCRL inspectors evaluate equipment and introduce additional compaction. Strike-off procedures are
procedures to the requirements listed in the relevant test particularly important in loose weight determinations made by
methods. In the concrete and concrete aggregate areas, the the shoveling procedure. Uniform procedures must be followed
inspection work is based on ASTM C 1077, Practice for if different laboratories, different operators, or duplicate tests
Laboratories Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregates for by the same operator are to check within the precision
Use in Construction and Criteria for Laboratory Evaluation.2 requirements of the method.
These services are advisory in nature, utilization is on a 8.4 The method provides the formula for calculating the
voluntary basis, and there is no direct regulatory action voids in aggregates after compacting in a standard size measure
involved. A second important function is the distribution of in accordance with C 29/C 29M procedures; the term “voids”
proficiency samples of construction materials such as hydraulic applies to the space between the aggregate particles under test
cements, pozzolan, and concrete. Laboratories participating in and is expressed as a percentage of total volume.
these cooperative testing programs find them to be of great 8.5 Determinations of voids in aggregate also can be per-
assistance in evaluating the quality of their work. Charges are formed on material compacted on a damp-loose or an inun-
made for both the inspection and proficiency sample services. dated basis for special reasons. In addition, flow methods of
Inquiries should be addressed to the Cement and Concrete loose consolidation as proposed by Rex and Peck (Public
Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Roads) and M. H. Wills (ASTM) are sometimes used to
Technology, 100 Bureau Drive Stop 8622, Gaithersburg, MD determine void content which provides an index of particle
20899-8622. shape which can be used to estimate mixing water required in
concrete proportioning.
8. UNIT WEIGHT AND VOIDS IN AGGREGATE 8.6 The percentage of voids has an effect on the concrete
(See Test Method C 29/C 29M)2 proportions determined by ACI 211 procedures. The shape and
Samples for test must be carefully selected. Before use, the grading of particles affects the voids and, generally, smooth,
sample should be thoroughly mixed and spread to a uniform rounded particles will show less voids contained than crushed,
depth on a flat surface. The use of a flat rectangular scoop with angular particles.
sides approximately the same depth as the pile of aggregate to
be tested will tend to reduce segregation when filling the 9. MAKING AND CURING CONCRETE TEST
measure. SPECIMENS IN THE FIELD
8.1 Measures, particularly the larger ones, should be pro- (See Practice C 31)2
vided with suitable handles for the safety and convenience of The sampling of concrete is discussed in Sections 3 and 21
personnel. Attention must be given to the requirements of the of this manual. Improper sampling may be costly to a concrete
method regarding relation between size of measure and size of supplier by negatively influencing the compressive strength,
largest particles of aggregate. The measures should be cali- and it may affect the slump, unit weight, and air content.
brated as described in the test method. A glass plate is used 9.1 For compressive strength specimens made in the field in
during the calibration to make sure that the water completely accordance with Practice C 31 the specified mold size is 6 by
fills the vessel. A film of water pump grease or chasis grease 12 in. (152 by 305 mm). The use of smaller sizes is permitted
placed on the rim of the container will help prevent leaking. only when required by project specification. If smaller sizes are
Occasionally the rims of new containers are not plane, and required, the minimum size of the mold depends upon the
calibration is impossible unless high spots are removed. The maximum size aggregate used. The diameter of the mold must
rim can be made plane by inverting the measure and grinding be at least three times the maximum size aggregate in the
it on a steel or glass plate using emery cloth, carborundum, or concrete. In cases where the maximum aggregate is larger than
valve grinding compound as an abrasive. 2 in. (50 mm), a mold larger than 6 by 12 in. (152 by 305 mm)
8.2 The rodding method requires that for the second and will be required or the concrete sample can be wet sieved as
final layers, the tamping rod shall penetrate the last preceding described in Practice C 172 to remove aggregate larger than 2
layer of aggregate in the measure; it is not practicable to attain in. (50 mm).
this much penetration with many graded coarse aggregates. 9.1.1 The concrete cylinders should be molded where the
During rodding, the measure should rest firmly on a rigid base, cylinders will be stored for the first 24 6 8 h. Cylinders should
and there should be no shaking or jolting of the measure. not be moved even a few feet if there is any way to avoid it. If
6
cylinders must be moved they should be supported by the base temperature of 60 to 80°F (16 to 27°C) for 48 6 8 h. Storage
of the mold and moved within 15 min of molding. The molds conditions are very important because of the effect on strength
should stand on a level and firm surface that is free from development. Research has indicated that concrete subjected to
vibration. If the axis of the cylinder is not vertical, the ends high temperature (above 90°F (32°C)) during the first 24 h and
may not be parallel and will need to be sawed or ground to thereafter cured at 73.4 6 3°F (23 6 1.7°C) may have lower
prevent thick wedge-shaped caps. This condition may ad- strength at 28 days than similar concrete cured at 73.4 6 3°F
versely affect compressive strength results. (23 6 1.7°C) throughout the entire 28 days. Any non-standard
9.1.2 Cylinders should be properly filled and consolidated curing conditions should be noted in the final report. For
by rodding or vibration, as required. Lack of attention to these security reasons, curing boxes or buildings in the field should
details can result in segregation and honeycombing. Excessive be provided with a lock and key.
over-filling of the last mold layer can cause a concentration of 9.1.6 Care should be taken to ensure that the moisture
large aggregate at the top, with accompanying overflow of condition of field cured cylinders at the time of removal from
mortar. When rodding the second and third layers, the rod the site is maintained throughout the period of transportation
should just penetrate the preceding layer of the earlier placed from the job, storage in the laboratory, and during capping and
material. Ideally, only enough concrete should be added as the testing. If cylinders are not transported to the laboratory within
top layer so that it can be finished without addition or removal 48 h, then moist curing at the site should begin within 24 6 8
of concrete. When rodding each layer, tap the outside of the h of molding.
mold lightly 10 to 15 times with a mallet to close any holes left 9.1.7 Three major problems in transporting cylinders from
by rodding and to release any large air bubbles that may have the field to the laboratory are moisture loss, damage from
been trapped. If consolidation is by vibration, care should be jarring, and temperatures outside the curing range. Moisture
taken not to overvibrate. Usually sufficient vibration has been loss can be prevented by wrapping demolded cylinders in
applied as soon as the surface of the concrete has become plastic or by surrounding the molded specimens in wet sand or
relatively smooth. Continue vibration only long enough to wet sawdust. Damage due to jarring can be prevented by
achieve proper consolidation of the concrete. Over-vibration placing the cylinders in padded containers that prevent move-
may cause segregation. Removal of the vibrating element too ment. In extreme weather conditions cylinders should be
quickly may result in the creation of a mortar pocket. Unusual placed in the driving compartment of the vehicle. Practice C 31
care must be used in molding concrete of dry consistency in requires that transportation not exceed 4 h.
single use molds to prevent damage to the bottom of the mold. 9.2 Practice C 31 also covers the making and curing of
The mold should stand on a solid, level surface. When the flexural test specimens or beams in the field. The earlier
single use mold rests on a soft or uneven surface, the bottom of discussion of selecting a site to mold the cylindrical test
the specimen may be uneven and difficult to prepare for the specimens and the curing after molding apply to the flexural
compression test. In fabricating more than one specimen at a specimens as well.
time, the preferred method is to fill and consolidate the same 9.2.1 Practice C 31 requires that molds shall be watertight
layer of all specimens before continuing with the next layer. as judged by their ability to hold water poured into them. Most
This will increase the uniformity of the cylinders. Place beam molds require the use of a sealant to meet this require-
identifying marks on the outside of the molds, in case the ment. In addition to the grease, modeling clay, or molten
specimen molds are disarranged in handling or transfer. microcrystalline wax mentioned in the practice, the laboratory
9.1.3 Practice C 31 specifies that the molded cylinder be may wish to consider the use of silicon, latex or acrylic
protected against moisture loss. The top of the cylinder should caulking as possible sealants. Their ease in application, quick
be covered by a plastic or metal lid, a metal or glass plate, or setting time, continued flexibility and availability make any
a plastic bag. When using a cover made from a flexible one of the three a good choice. Care should be taken in
material, do not allow the cover to contact the concrete. A applying the sealant to the joints to avoid excess sealing
plastic bag placed over the top of the cylinder with a rubber material in the interior of the mold. This could result in
band near the top of the mold does an excellent job. When irregularities along the edges of the beam. A smooth bead of
using cardboard molds, the rubber band should be placed close sealant approximately 1⁄16 in. fillet on the interior corners is
to the top of the mold to avoid wetting the outside of the paper recommended.
mold from condensation inside the plastic bag. Burlap or wood 9.2.2 Many beam molds are of the reusable type and, as
should not be in contact with the fresh concrete. such, should be maintained in good condition. The inside
9.1.4 When hardened specimens are removed from the surfaces should be smooth and free from a build-up of
molds, they should be marked to retain their identity during hardened concrete. The use of mineral oil or a non-reactive
curing. Black graphite crayon is good for marking a concrete form release agent is required on the inner surfaces of the
surface that has been in contact with an oily mold. Felt tip mold. Unless required by project specification the minimum
marking pens are generally satisfactory. Avoid ordinary colored size of beams made in the field shall have a depth and width of
crayons, because in moist air their markings will quickly at least 6 in. The length of the mold shall be at least three times
vanish. If identification marks are placed on the top of a larger than the depth plus two inches. For 6 in. deep beams the
cylinder, they should also be placed on the sides to prevent loss minimum is 20 in. The sides and bottom of the mold shall be
of identification after capping. free of warpage and be within 1⁄8 in. of the nominal 6 in. width
9.1.5 Molded cylinders shall be stored at an initial curing or depth. Molds not conforming to the requirements of the
7
practice can adversely affect test results. on the unbonded capping system refer to section 40 of this
9.2.3 In molding the beam, consolidation is accomplished manual. However, when using the unbonded capping system,
by rodding or vibration. If rodding is used the number of section 10 should be read for a complete understanding of
strokes per layer is dependent on the top surface area. Use one making and curing concrete test specimens.
stroke for every 2 in.2 of top surface area of the specimen. If 10.1 In order to report the compressive strength, the cross-
consolidation is by vibration, care should be taken not to sectional area of the cylinder must be calculated prior to test.
over-vibrate. Usually, sufficient vibration has been applied as To determine the cross-sectional area the diameter of the
soon as the surface of the concrete has become relatively cylinder must be calculated. The calipers and scale shown in
smooth. Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper Fig. 1 can be used to measure the diameter of the cylinder
consolidation of the concrete. Over-vibration can result in provided the scale is accurate to 0.01 in. (0.25 mm). Another
segregation of the concrete. Removal of the vibrating element option for this measurement is micrometer calipers. Two
too quickly may result in the creation of a mortar pocket. measurements at right angles at a midpoint on the cylinder
9.2.4 If consolidation has been accomplished with rodding, should be made. The diameter used to calculate the cross-
after closing the voids of each layer by tapping the outside of sectional area is the average of these two measurements. If
the mold, spade the concrete along the sides and ends of the cylinders are molded with molds that consistently produce a
mold with a trowel. Do not spade a beam that has been cylinder diameter within a range of 0.02 in. (0.51 mm),
consolidated by vibration. measurement of cylinders can be reduced to three a day or one
9.2.5 When demolding the beam, the mold should be in every ten, whichever number of measurements is greater.
completely disassembled and the beam carefully removed to The measurement of the height is only necessary if the length
avoid damage to the young concrete. Do not attempt to remove to diameter ratio exceeds 2.2 or is less than 1.8. If the L/D ratio
the beam by force. Tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, is less than 1.8, refer to the calculation section in Test Method
mallets, or tamping rods can damage both the molds and the C 39. If the L/D ratio is greater than 2.2, the end of the cylinder
concrete and should not be used.
9.2.6 An important factor in developing the ultimate
strength of the test specimen is the curing. If the beams are
allowed to dry out during any part of the curing period the
shrinkage cracks may form in the specimen lowering the
flexural strength. It is especially important that beams be
protected from moisture loss during the initial period of curing
in the mold. This may be accomplished by covering the
specimen with a plastic sheet. Additional protection can be
provided by placing a layer of damp burlap on top of the plastic
sheet. A good way to avoid the shrinkage cracks is to store the
beams in saturated lime water for the entire curing period after
demolding. Curing requirements of beams are the same as for
cylinders except that for a minimum of 20 h prior to testing, the
beams must be immersed in saturated lime water.
9.2.7 A major problem can be the transportation of beams
from the job site to the curing environment. In addition to the
problems of moisture loss already discussed, other concerns
are the weight of the beam and the need to continually support
the beam over its entire length. If at all possible, beams should
be made at the location of the final curing. If beams must be
transported, a bed of damp sand and wet burlap covers are
recommended. The beams should not be transported on end.
10. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CYLINDRICAL
CONCRETE SPECIMENS (See Test Method C 39)2
Test Method C 39 describes the testing of concrete cylindri-
cal test specimens for compressive strength. Molded cylinders
are prepared based on Practice C 312 which describes field
preparation or Practice C 1922 for laboratory preparation.
Drilled concrete cores which are also cylindrical test specimens
are obtained by following procedures in Test Method C 42.2
Prior to testing, cylinder ends should be capped or ground in
NOTE 1—The outside caliper and the scale are used to measure the
accordance with the requirements of Practice C 617.2 An
diameter of the cylinder for computing the area.
alternative to C 6172 is the unbonded cap system described in FIG. 1 Checking Planeness of the Capped End of a Concrete
Practice C 1231.2 The remainder of section 10 assumes that Cylinder Prior to Testing Using a 6-in. (152-mm) Machinists’s
C 6172 is used for end treatment of cylinders. For information Parallel and a 0.002-in. (0.05-mm) Feeler Gage
8
could be saw cut to the proper length. sive strength of a tested cylinder is less than anticipated the
10.2 After capping the cylinders with sulfur mortar, a 2 h type of fracture may be of assistance in determining the cause.
waiting period is required. During this period considerable Fig. 2 shows a typical conical fracture of a concrete cylinder in
moisture may be lost from the sides of the cylinder unless the compression. Conical fractures are typically better defined than
cylinders are stored in moist air, under water, or wrapped in is shown in this figure. Fig. 3 shows a cylinder which does not
wet burlap until time of test. Cylinders should never be allowed have the typical conical fracture expected. This type of failure
to dry for long periods before or after capping. was noted in a large number of tested cylinders in a discarded
10.3 Test Method C 39 requires that the cylinder be centered cylinder pile at a laboratory and was brought to the attention of
with relation to the upper spherically seated bearing block. the supervisor. It was found that non-standard testing proce-
This phase of the testing operation often does not receive dures caused this type of failure. Correction of the testing
adequate attention. If a skewed cylinder is centered on the procedure resulted in conical fractures and an increase in
lower bearing block, the requirement that the axis of the compressive strength of about 40 %.
cylinder be aligned with the center of thrust of the spherically 10.6 The following are numerous comments on testing
seated block cannot be met. Suitable jigs have been used to machines, their use, and maintenance. Some of the remarks are
conveniently locate the specimen with respect to the bearing general, while others refer to only one type of machine.
blocks, but it is necessary that the blocks themselves be well
centered if they are to be the basis for measurements. Lower 10.6.1 Testing machines should be inspected and calibrated
blocks may not always be in proper position. The upper bearing every twelve months and there should be some fixed respon-
block assembly in some types of machines may sometimes be sibility for maintenance. They should be kept clean with no
out of position with respect to center of the crosshead, accumulation of debris or dust between platens and crosshead
generally because of improper positioning when the assembly screws and around the base of the loading ram. Use of
was last replaced in the machine. In these cases, reposition the protective shields on rams, exposed screws, and test specimens
upper head prior to testing. The upper bearing block should be may prove helpful in this respect. Machines should be lubri-
rotated as it is brought to bear on the specimen to obtain cated according to an appropriate schedule. Smooth operation
uniform seating. of loading and crosshead screws may be facilitated by applying
10.4 Test Method C 39 specifies a rate of loading of 20 to 50 a mixture of heavy lubricating oil and flake graphite, worked
psi/s. For a 6 in. diameter cylinder the increase in load in a 30 well into the threads by a brush and by running the crosshead
s interval should be 17 000 to 42 000 lbf. The specified rate of up and down a few times. Fuses, travel limit switches, safety
loading must be observed, but the rate cannot be increased in cutouts on gages, and safety by-pass valves on loading lines
an attempt to maintain the rate when the specimen begins to should be checked occasionally. The main switches of the
fail. The actual observed maximum or breaking load should be machine should be relocated if not within immediate reach of
recorded, as well as the computed compressive strength. the operator.
10.5 The cylinder must be tested to failure in order to 10.6.2 Each operator should be adequately instructed in the
determine the type of fracture. The type of fracture should be operation of his machine. Instructions for the use and mainte-
reported along with the compressive strength. If the compres- nance of the machine should be available to the operator; too
NOTE 1—Cones are usually better defined. The upper cap on this cylinder is too thick.
FIG. 2 Typical Conical Fracture Expected in the Compressive-Strength Test
9
damage during the tension operation. Under no circumstances

should the testing machine be used as a press, as in forcing
shafts out of assemblies. Such misuse has been known to
necessitate expensive refinishing of the faces of the large
spherical block assembly. To prevent unauthorized use of the
testing machine for this purpose it may be advisable to keep a
lock on the switch box.
10.6.5 Drainage is recommended for all machine pits to
guard against flooding and consequent damage to motors,
bearings, screws, pumps, weighing systems, and so forth. This
is very important in the case of the larger machines. If dust is
to be blown out of machines and motors, an electrically driven
portable hand blower or a commercial size vacuum cleaner
with rubber or plastic nozzle should be used in order to avoid
the occasional moisture and scale from ordinary compressed
air lines.
10.6.6 The hydraulic testing machines vary in design and
operation. The instructions of the manufacturer should be
followed strictly to avoid damage to the machine and to secure
the best operation. The motor of the hydraulic pump should not
be stopped before releasing the load on the weighing system.
Control and release valves should be used properly so as to
avoid shocks to the weighing system. Oil in the pump reservoir
should be maintained at the proper level. If loads cannot be
obtained or maintained satisfactorily, check the reservoir,
pressure relief valves, and also the voltage on the line to the
loading pump. The crosshead should not be jammed nor should
the ram be used at its lowest point of travel.
10.6.6.1 The load indicating gage should be tapped lightly
when setting the hand at zero load. Maximum hands should be
NOTE 1—Correction of testing procedures resulted in increase of checked for satisfactory free movement. Be sure that dials,
compressive strength of about 40 % in similar concrete. particularly the smallest of a number of ranges, are not being
FIG. 3 Atypical Failure of a Concrete Cylinder Due to Incorrect overloaded. If the machine is equipped with more than one
Testing Procedures
dial, occasionally note the nature of the agreement of different
dials at the same load. Remove the load gradually, and have
often such papers have been found filed with the purchase
gage control valves set so as to avoid excessive backlash in the
papers.
dial mechanism when a specimen breaks.
10.6.3 The moving head of a machine should not be allowed
to come in contact with the upper frame or the lower platen. If 10.6.6.2 Capsule clearances, if a feature of the machine,
contact must be made, as in changing heavy bearing blocks or should be frequently checked to determine whether the correct
imposing a load for some adjusting purposes, an intervening amount of oil is in the weighing system. Capsule clearances are
wooden block should be in position between the metal faces. measured by inserting a feeler gage into the multiple openings
Should the cross-head become accidentally jammed against the below the ram. The average of these readings should be
lower block or face of the weighing table, it would be well to compared to the clearance stamped on the capsule. When the
try to remove the load by hand operation of the gears instead average of capsule clearance varies from the assigned clear-
of using the motor. Under no circumstances should a testing ance by more than 0.003 in. adjustments to the capsule should
machine be left unattended while running, even for a short be made. Add oil when capsule clearances are greater than the
time. Damage to the machine may result. maximum allowed. When oil is added, precautions should be
10.6.4 The surface of the platen or table of the machine taken to avoid the introduction of air into the system.
should be carefully maintained. The use of a supplemental 10.6.6.3 The specified air pressure should be maintained for
lower bearing block will be helpful. In cases where a supple- the null type weighing systems. Compressed air used in such
mental bottom bearing block is used and the platen is large, a systems should be filtered and dehydrated to remove oil, rust,
piece of plywood has been used to protect the platen surface. dirt, and water. This filter should be checked periodically.
The plywood is cut to the shape of the platen with a cut-out to 10.6.6.4 Use proper wrenches on oil valves on hydraulic
accommodate the lower block. Concrete specimens should be weighing systems to avoid defacing or damaging the special
set in place, not pushed across the platen, and the surface of the valve assemblies. If trapped air in a hydraulic line is bled from
platen should not be used to grind or rub cylinders. If the the weighing system, tighten the plug in the Bourdon tube
machine is a universal type and is also used to test specimens before releasing the load. If oil is being lost rapidly from the
in tension, the platen should be properly protected from weighing system, check for loose joints on lines and loose
10
packings on valves. Use the oil recommended by the manu- upper block are required when the diameter of the block
facturer for replacement. exceeds the diameter of the specimen by 1⁄2 in. Concentric rings
10.6.6.5 Portable cylinder testers of the hydraulic type are on the upper spherically seated bearing blocks are necessary to
frequently used in the field and in field offices. There are a secure the specified end-loading conditions. Lower bearing
number of makes, and their details vary. Regardless of design, blocks are important in providing the necessary loading con-
machines should conform to all requirements of Test Method ditions, protecting the lower platen of the machine against wear
C 39. Any testing machine used for testing concrete cylinders and concentration of high loads, and facilitating the placing of
must be power operated and continuous loading within certain the test specimens. Concentric rings for the lower block are
rates of loading. In addition, the section in Test Method C 39 optional.
entitled Load Indications should be reviewed thoroughly to 10.7.1 The upper spherically seated block should comply
ensure the dials of the machine are of proper design. The with all the requirements of the applicable test method. The
machine must be calibrated annually or after each time the center of the sphere must coincide with the center of the
machine is moved, and an appropriate certificate posted or bearing face. Ease of movement is important in securing the
readily available for inspection (see Section 41 on Load proper seating of the block when subjecting the test specimen
Verification of Testing Machines). to load. To maintain this ease of movement, the spherical
10.6.6.6 The latest type of indication for compression ma- portion and the socket should be cleaned and oiled periodically.
chines is the liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting Do not use pressure type grease. The spherical portion and the
diode (LED) read-out. Generally speaking, they employ a socket should be held in close contact with each other.
hydraulic ram to exert pressure on the test specimen. This 10.7.2 Avoid heavy concentration of load, such as encoun-
hydraulic pressure is converted to an electrical signal by means tered with proving rings, without appropriate intervening
of a transducer. Some machines have multiple ranges on the special bearing blocks or plates. Avoid use of cast iron bearing
same read-out. Some difficulty with the single read-out may be blocks, particularly with concentrated loads, even though the
encountered in the area of increment of load change where a block has a hardened center insert.
smaller transducer stops and one with a larger capacity takes 10.7.3 When verifying the compression machine with prov-
over. ing rings, the combination of the spherically seated bearing
10.7 It is important that proper bearing blocks be used and block, the small diameter of the proving ring at the contact
be kept in good condition. The faces of the upper and lower surfaces, the rounded boss at the top of the proving ring, and a
bearing blocks should be checked for planeness and hardness. poorly centered proving ring may result in eccentric loading of
The check on planeness can be made with a straightedge and the ring. When this occurs, the machine is no longer applying
0.001 in. feeler stock. A block should be refinished when the pressure directly to the top and bottom of the ring but rather to
planeness requirement is not met. Fig. 4 shows the planeness of a corner of the top and the opposite corner of the bottom.
upper and lower bearing blocks being checked with a 6 in. (152 Warning: The condition described above can cause inaccurate
mm) machinist’s parallel and a feeler stock of the required verification results and is extremely dangerous. In one case, the
thickness. Scribed concentric circles on the bearing face of the ring was thrown from the machine resulting in serious injury to
FIG. 4 Checking Planeness of Upper and Lower Bearing Blocks for a Testing Machine Using a Machinist’s Parallel and a Feeler Gage of
the Required Thickness
11
the operator. During verification, remove the spherical bearing 12. SURFACE MOISTURE IN FINE AGGREGATE
block and replace it with a solid bearing block, or if a (See Test Method C 70)2
replacement block is not available lock or shim the spherical In Test Method C 70 the weight and volume of a sample of
block into a position parallel to the lower block or platen. The damp sand are determined. With an accurate knowledge of the
use of load cells to verify compression machines varies saturated surface dry specific gravity of the sand, the free
appreciably from the procedures used with the proving rings, moisture content can then be computed. If the saturated surface
but the same precautions and care should be followed to ensure dry specific gravity of the sand does not change and the same
safe and accurate verification results. weight of sample is always used, the rather involved formulas
10.7.4 Provide a suitable ratio for length of overhang and can be simplified, or graphs prepared for their simple, rapid
thickness of any extra bearing plates used between the bearing solution.
blocks proper and large test specimens. Check for loose 12.1 The calcium carbide gas pressure method, although not
hardened inserts in bearing blocks. an ASTM test method, is frequently used in the laboratory. In
10.8 Keep any centering pinholes clean; debris from test this method, a small sample of damp sand is placed in a closed
specimens sometimes becomes packed so tightly in these holes container with calcium carbide. The free water reacts with the
that it interferes with the proper seating of the lower block. calcium carbide, producing acetylene gas and, therefore, a gas
pressure. The pressure gage is calibrated in percentage of free
11. OBTAINING AND TESTING DRILLED CORES moisture in the sand. Because of the small quantity of sand
AND SAWED BEAMS OF CONCRETE used, sampling technique is particularly critical.
(See Test Method C 42)2 12.2 Electrical and nuclear moisture meters are widely used
in the field, but they are not well adapted to laboratory work.
Test Method C 42 applies to securing test specimens from
12.3 In concrete technology, the total moisture content is the
hardened concrete. When samples are taken from hardened
sum of the amounts of water absorbed on the interior of the
concrete, the safety or adequacy of the structure is often under
particles and the free water on the surface of the particles. Hot
question. Under these conditions the locations from which
plate and oven drying methods dry samples to constant weight
samples are to be taken must be selected with care in order to and therefore measure total moisture content. Displacement
obtain the desired information. The selection of sampling and calcium carbide gas pressure methods measure free or
locations may be aided by applying non-destructive test surface moisture. Electrical and nuclear methods do not mea-
methods such as Test Method C 803, Penetration Resistance of sure moisture per se. Their indication will depend upon the
Hardened Concrete2 or C 805, Rebound Number of Hardened method used to calibrate the meter.
Concrete2 which, when used by qualified personnel, can be
12.3.1 The method used to compute moisture content is
helpful in assessing the uniformity of concrete in situ, or to important and will determine the calculation procedures used
delineate zones or regions (areas) of poor quality or deterio- to adjust batch weights.
rated concrete in structures. The selection of sampling loca-
tions must not be left to personnel who are unfamiliar with the 13. FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE (USING
structural requirements. Specifications for pavements usually SIMPLE BEAM WITH THIRD–POINT LOADING)
specify the number and location of drilled cores. Test Method (See Test Method C 78)2
C 42 covers quite well the details of securing the samples, but
the following comments should be considered. The dimensional tolerances for beam molds are less exacting
than those for cylinder molds. Tolerances of 6 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm)
11.1 Large strains in the core can occur during drilling if the
are permitted for cross-sectional dimensions, but since the
vertical shaft wobbles. This condition is usually caused by
beams are measured to 0.1 in. (3 mm) at the section of failure,
worn or loose drill bearings, or by lack of rigidity of the frame
a variation of more than 1⁄8 in. is not considered to be
of the core drill. Cores obtained under such conditions often objectionable. It is desirable that the inside vertical and bottom
will not meet the requirements for dimensions specified in the surfaces of the mold be smooth and plane so that contacts
test method. between the bearing surfaces of the beam molded therein and
11.2 It is particularly important that the ends of the cores be the metal bearing blocks will require little or no correction to
properly prepared for testing. The ends of cores that are not meet the requirements of Test Method C 78 for testing of
drilled perpendicular to the surface of a slab should be sawed beams.
to produce square ends in order to avoid the use of thick 13.1 The curing of concrete beams and their moisture
wedge-shaped caps. The bottom end of cores should be content at the time of flexure strength tests are much more
prepared in strict accordance with the requirements of the test important than in comparative strength tests of concrete
method, wherein are prescribed the tolerances in projections in cylinders. Beams that are to be cured in accordance with the
end surfaces, variations in diameter, and departures from requirements of the section on curing in Practice C 31 should
perpendicularity between the end surfaces and the axis of the never be cured with liquid membrane-forming compounds
core. Core ends that do not come within the tolerances should instead of wet burlap, and should never be allowed to lose
be finished by sawing or tooling until they conform. moisture before testing. All beams and cylinders tested in
11.3 Test Method C 42 requires that the temperature of the accordance with Practice C 31 should have free moisture on
water in which the specimens are stored shall be 73.4 6 3.0°F their surfaces up to the time the specimens are placed in the
(23 6 1.7°C). testing machine.
12
13.2 Check the flexural testing apparatus for conformance reserved for this test only and not used for dry sieving.
with dimensional requirements and operating characteristics.
13.3 There are several types of portable devices for flexural 15. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF
testing of beams in the field. In one type, the ultimate load is COARSE AGGREGATE (See Test Method C 127)2
measured by a proving ring; in another, by a pair of calibrated The test method is not considered applicable to highly
beams; and in a third, a hydraulic machine, by a Bourdon tube. porous lightweight aggregates because of difficulties involved
If removable, these load-indicating devices should be cali- in properly drying the very irregular, rough surfaces of these
brated in a precision testing machine; if not removable, the particles. Surface drying of normal weight aggregates having
whole machine should be calibrated with load indicators in rough, vesicular surfaces is also difficult and must be carefully
place. done if consistent results are to be obtained.
13.4 Test Method C 78 does not specify the moisture 15.1 The balance should be suited to weighing the amount
condition for beams at the time of test. Practices C 31 and of material required. The container for holding the immersed
C 192 describe the curing conditions for beams made in the sample should be immersed to a depth sufficient to cover the
field and those made in the laboratory, respectively. Both container at all times. The wire bails supporting the container
practices require that beams be tested after storage in moist air should be of the smallest practical size to minimize the effects
or in limewater. Since the amount and location of the water in of a variable immersed length of wire bail. Entrapped air
a beam at the time of testing in flexure affects the strength, no should be freed from the sample prior to determining the
moist-cured beam should be permitted to lose water at any weight of the immersed sample by shaking the container while
time, and there must be free moisture on all surfaces at the time immersed.
of testing. Concrete beams sawed from pavements or structures 15.2 Because of the difficulty of surface drying small
are required by Test Method C 42 to be completely submerged aggregate particles within the coarse aggregate test sample, the
in water at room temperature for at least 40 h immediately prior material smaller than the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve is generally
to the flexure test. Loss of moisture from any surface should be discarded. Test Method C 127 provides for separating material
prevented by covering with wet burlap or wet blankets during at the 2.36-mm (No. 8) sieve for very fine coarse aggregate.
the time between removal from water storage and testing. It is 15.3 When the results of the test are to be used for
required that the specimens be tested in a moist condition, proportioning concrete mixtures with aggregates used in a
unless the agency for whom the testing is being done specifies moist condition, drying to a constant weight at the start of the
otherwise. test may be eliminated. The oven-dry weight is not needed if
bulk specific gravity (SSD) will provide sufficient information.
14. MATERIALS FINER THAN 75-µm (NO. 200) The oven-dry weight will be needed to determine the absorp-
SIEVE IN MINERAL AGGREGATES BY tion of aggregate. Using aggregate without drying prior to
WASHING (See Test Method C 117)2 soaking may be preferable when testing certain aggregates of
When accurate determination of the total amount passing the relatively high absorption, since preliminary oven drying prior
75-µm (No. 200) sieve is desired as stated in Method C 136, for to test may remove moisture that cannot be regained in 24 h of
Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregate2, both washing soaking.
and subsequent dry sieving on the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve may
be required. It is essential to refer to the applicable aggregate 16. SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF FINE
specifications to determine if both washing and dry sieving are AGGREGATE (See Test Method C 128)2
required to establish compliance with the required specifica- In performing the determinations described in this test
tions. method, probably the most important step is that of bringing
14.1 Certain agencies require the use of a wetting agent the sample to the saturated surface dry condition. The drying
(household detergent) in wash water, although the historical procedure specified does not involve the use of heat other than
procedure used by ASTM has been without a wetting agent. a gentle current of warm air, since the application of heat may
Washing with plain water shall be used unless otherwise remove moisture from within the particle. The intent is to
specified by the specification with which the test results are to remove water from between the particles and from the surfaces
be compared, or when directed by the agency for which the of the particles. Care must be exercised to prevent the loss of
work is being performed. A wetting agent will weaken the bond fines when free water is drained from the sample in the initial
holding clay particles to larger aggregate particles, and is drying procedure. In addition, the sample should be stirred or
necessary to cut the oily film which occurs on aggregate raked rather frequently during the drying to avoid undue drying
particles which have been through a dryer for use in bitumi- of particles at the edge of the pile. The cone procedure
nous mixtures and for aggregates extracted from bituminous employed in this test method accurately defines the saturated-
mixtures. For other aggregates, using a wetting agent will surface-dry condition for the vast majority of sands; however,
frequently reduce the number of washings required to remove for a few angular sands and sands containing small quantities
the fine material and may increase the amount of material of certain highly plastic clays, the sample will not slump until
detected. With many aggregates, using a wetting agent or plain after the average surface-dry condition has been passed. In
water will cause very little difference in the result. As with all these instances the technician may have to exercise some
test procedures, the sampling procedure, sample size, and judgment in determining the end point by observing the typical
accuracy of weighing are important to obtaining proper results. color change that takes place as the sample reaches the
14.2 The 75-µm (No. 200) sieve used for this test should be saturated-surface-dry condition. Another procedure involves
13
placing a pat of sand on a dull or dark surface for 1 min; if the as the edge of metal trash cans, to protect them from cuts and
surface appears damp after removal of the sand it is not yet indentations. Damaged frames make it unlikely that the sieves
SSD and additional drying is required. will nest properly. Sieves of finer mesh size require delicate
16.1 Additional precautions should be taken to ensure that handling and striking on a firm pad to prevent damage to the
the material used for the mold is sufficiently rigid to prevent sensitive wire cloth.
deformation with continued use. A minimum thickness of 17.4 The importance of sample preparation cannot be over-
0.032 in. (0.8 mm) is required. emphasized. Loss of dust and fine particles must be avoided in
16.2 When filling the volumetric flask, the operator must be quartering, splitting, and otherwise handling samples for sieve
sure that all air bubbles which may be trapped between the analysis. When sand is quartered it should contain sufficient
sand grains are eliminated by inverting and agitating the flask. moisture to avoid the free-flowing condition characteristics of
Air remaining with the sample will result in erroneous specific dry sands. Excessive moisture content will make the recovery
gravity values. The final temperature of the flask, water and of fines difficult and should also be avoided. To avoid loss of
sand is important and must not change. fines, coarse aggregate should possess moisture content
16.3 During removal of the aggregate from the pycnometer, slightly above the saturated surface dry condition for quarter-
care should be exercised to avoid the loss of fine material, since ing or splitting. The sample should be dried to constant weight
after drying, this weight will be compared to the original using a convection oven for the sieve analysis test. For control
weight to determine the absorption. testing where rapid results are desirable, samples may be dried
17. SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE in a microwave oven or hotplate, or it may be possible to use
AGGREGATES (See Test Method C 136)2 samples of coarse aggregate in a damp condition. The provi-
sions relating to the size of the sample required for coarse
Careful maintenance of sieves will make them last longer
aggregates of different maximum sizes should be carefully
and preserve the efficiency. The fine aggregate sieves, usually
observed. Such provisions in ASTM Specifications C 330, for
8 in. (203 mm) in diameter, should be brushed clean to reduce
Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete;2 C 331, for
blinding of the mesh openings to a practical minimum. It is
Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units;2 and
unnecessary to remove all particles lodged in the sieve after
C 332, for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulating Concrete,2
each use. For sieves 300-µm (No. 50) and coarser, use a stiff
are discussed in 17.9. A sample that is smaller than specified
bristle brush (soft brass bristles and stencil brushes are satis-
may be nonrepresentative. The maximum amount retained on
factory) to the underside of the sieve, but avoiding a harsh
any sieve is limited to 0.62 g/cm2(.009 lbs/in.2) of sieving
raking action. For sieves 150-µm (No. 100) and finer, use a soft
surface (200 g for the usual 8 in. (203-mm) diameter sieve) for
bristle brush to the underside after each test, taking care not to
damage the wire cloth by too much pressure or by scraping. fine aggregate as stated in Method C 136. This requirement is
17.1 The laboratory should have two complete sets of fine intended to prevent overloading the individual sieve, and in
aggregate sieves that are reserved for more important routine many cases will determine the maximum amount of material to
work. When duplicate tests are made, one test should be made be sieved at one time. When the sample size required for the
in each set. A third set of fine aggregate sieves should be aggregate exceeds the allowable amount of material to be
reserved for referee and reference tests. This set can be used for sieved at one time, then additional intermediate size sieves can
tests made in the Aggregate Reference Sample Program of the be inserted between the critical sieve and the next larger sieve.
AMRL and to check the operating sets of sieves or any new Alternately the sample can be reduced to several smaller
sieves before they are put in service. Older or suspect sieves subsamples through the use of quartering or splitting and the
should be used for rough work, scalping and other nonsensitive results from these subsample portions can then be combined
work. The sieves in routine work should be checked by sieving after sieving. Weighing out an exact predetermined weight is
a prepared sample alternately in the reference set. This should not permitted.
be done about once a year or whenever there is reason to 17.5 The need for using the hand sieving method to test the
suspect the condition of the sieves in use. thoroughness of sieving by mechanical devices is particularly
17.2 Sieves suspected of wear and damage should be important in the case of very fine or angular materials or when
checked in comparison with good sieves. Periodically, sieves in an 8-in. (203-mm) diameter sieve retains more than about 150
daily use, particularly those with smaller mesh, should be g of material. The material on each sieve should be observed to
examined for holes and breaks around the edges. Observation see that it consists of discrete or separate particles and not
of the particles on each sieve for uniformity of size can help agglomerations of particles. Agglomerations may occur with
detect defective sieves. Noncorrosive flux, such as rosin core, dirty aggregate.
should be used in making repairs to cloth or refastening to the 17.6 Only sieves of the U.S. Standard Series and conform-
frames. Whenever heating fine mesh sieves for drying the ing to ASTM Specification E 11 are to be used with this test
temperature must be less than the melting point of solder, procedure. Specification E 11, Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing
approximately 375°F (191°C). Purposes,2 contains sieve numbers, dimensions of openings
17.3 Jolting sieve cloths by impact to dislodge aggregate and wires, and tolerances in those dimensions for the U.S.
particles caught in the openings can result in damage to the Standard Series sieves. Other sieve series should not be
wire mesh or the frame. Sieve frames may be tapped sharply on confused with the U.S. Standard Series. Other series sieves
a hard, durable table top to accomplish removal of such having the same number may not have the same opening as the
wedged particles. Avoid striking sieves on another object, such Standard Series and would give different results. Old and worn
14
sieves that do not have the specified openings should not be Method C 138 gives detailed instructions for calculating these
used. Care should be taken to avoid confusing sieve numbers parameters from the batch weights of materials used and from
and number of meshes per inch. Note that Specification E 11 results of the unit weight test. Since the air content is computed
specifies wire diameter. Since the weave prevents the wires from the difference between the theoretical and actual unit
from lying in precisely the same plane, the wire diameter used weights of the concrete, small errors in the unit weight test or
affects the size of the separated particles. For this reason the in the theoretical unit weight caused by errors in the specific
use of larger than standard wires in order to increase screen life gravity of the materials can result in relatively large errors in
will produce nonstandard test results. In addition, larger than the air content as computed in this test method.
standard wire diameters will reduce the percentage of open 18.1 The test method provides for a range of container sizes
screen area and may increase required sieving time. from 0.2 to 3.5 ft3(6 to 99 dm3) for concrete having a range of
17.7 The oven dry weight of the sample before the test and maximum nominal aggregate sizes of 1 in. (25 mm) to 6 in.
of each fraction of the separated material should be determined (152 mm). The larger size containers when filled with concrete
and recorded, thus securing a check on the work. It is advisable are too large to be lifted by hand. Mechanical means, such as
to retain each separate fraction until the original sample weight hoists and trolleys are necessary to move them onto scales and
can be compared with the sum of the weights of the individual to empty them. It is, however, advisable to use the largest
fractions. convenient measure to improve accuracy of test.
17.8 The computation of the fineness modulus (FM) of an 18.2 When calibrating the measure with water and a glass
aggregate is described in the calculations section of Method plate, it is necessary that the open upper end of the measure be
C 136. The FM of an aggregate, determined in accordance with plane. By inverting the measure on a glass plate that has been
Method C 136, is the empirical number obtained by adding the coated with a light coat of machinist’s blue, it is easy to detect
total percentages retained on each of a specified series of any high spots that require work to provide the planeness
sieves, and dividing the sum by 100. The percentage retained required.
on a given sieve is cumulative in the sense that any material 18.3 In the final filling of the measure, if it is necessary to
retained on a sieve with a larger opening would also be retained add or remove concrete, it should be done by adding or
on that given sieve and, therefore, regarded as retained removing concrete, not mortar, so that the concrete proportions
material. The U.S. Standard sieve sizes used for the fineness remain the same. The optimum amount of concrete is such that
modulus calculation are 150 µm (No. 100), 300 µm (No. 50), after the rodding and tapping operation no concrete will have
600 µm (No. 30), 1.18 mm (No. 16), 2.36 mm (No. 8), 4.75 to be added or removed. This ideal situation is rarely achieved
mm (No. 4), and sizes 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.), 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.), 37.5 so the usual practice is to have a very slight excess to be
mm (11⁄2 in.), and larger, increasing in sieve openings in the removed by a strike off-plate. A flat plate of glass, acrylic or
ratio of 2 to 1. Use values for all sieves in this series, but no metal is required for striking off and finishing the surface of the
other sieves. Intermediate sieves such as the 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) concrete. The plates should be at least 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) thick for
or 25.0 mm (1 in.) which are not in the fineness modulus series steel and 1⁄2 in. (12 mm) for acrylic or glass. The edges of the
will frequently be employed when the aggregate has a narrow glass plates should be ground. Erroneously, a tamping rod,
range of sizes or to determine compliance with some specifi- trowel, wood float or straightedge is sometimes used instead of
cations, but are not used in calculating the FM. In general, a the specified plate to strike off the concrete. The tendency when
small value for fineness modulus indicates a fine material, using these instead of the plate is to leave the concrete high
while a large value indicates a coarse material. However, the resulting in a higher indicated unit weight which affects the
same FM may be obtained from a number of different computations which depend upon the unit weight.
gradations. Fineness moduli of concrete sands will range from
about 2.30 for fine sands to 3.10 for coarse sands. 19. SLUMP OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT CONCRETE
17.9 When testing lightweight aggregates, the sieve analysis (See Test Method C 143)2
should be made following the special provisions of Specifica- Test Method C 143 describes the slump mold and Fig. 1 in
tions C 330, C 331, and C 332, for lightweight aggregates. The this test method shows a slump mold having a riveted vertical
specifications require that the weight of the fine aggregate sieve strip and riveted foot pieces and handles. A spun metal mold
sample shall be in accordance with the tables given. The coarse with welded handles and footpieces is preferable. When riveted
aggregate sieve sample shall be 2830 cm3(0.1 ft.3) or more of molds are used, the interior surface of the rivets and the joint
the material used for the unit weight test. To minimize should be smoothed. The interior surface of the mold should be
degradation, do not mechanically sieve lightweight aggregates smoothed and be free of dents, paint, oil, hardened concrete,
for more than 5 min. Hand sieving may be preferable for these cement paste, and hardened mortar. The periphery of the 8 in.
materials. (203 mm) base should be plane. If not, the slump cone should
be placed on a plane glass or steel plate, and filed or ground to
18. UNIT WEIGHT, YIELD, AND AIR CONTENT make uniform contact upon the plate, retaining perpendicular-
(GRAVIMETRIC) OF CONCRETE ity thereto. Slump cones may become out-of-round for various
(See Test Method C 138)2 reasons during shipment, transportation, or use and thus may
Data obtained in the determination of the weight per cubic be outside allowable specification tolerances. When this oc-
foot of the freshly mixed concrete by ASTM Test Method curs, they can sometimes be carefully bent to proper shape
C 138 is used to compute the yield or volume of a batch of within tolerances. The interior of the cone should be wetted just
concrete, cement content, and air content (gravimetric). Test prior to the test. This test method may not be applicable for
15
concrete with a slump less than 1⁄2in. (13 mm) and for concrete measurements should be made immediately. An inverted slump
with slump higher than 9 in. (230 mm). Due to the natural cone provides improved support for the rod in measuring the
angle of repose of the coarse aggregate in a sample of “flowing slump.
concrete”, this test method may not be applicable for slumps
higher than about 71⁄2 in. (190 mm). 20. LENGTH CHANGE OF HARDENED
19.1 The use of a flat, moist, nonabsorbent (rigid) base HYDRAULIC-CEMENT MORTAR AND
under the mold is mentioned, but no specific materials or CONCRETE (See Test Method C 157)2
dimensions are stated. A metal plate is preferable, but a metal Length change as determined by this test method is the
sheet (16 to 20 gage (1.5 to 0.9 mm)) or a nonabsorbent coating increase or decrease in a linear dimension of the test specimen.
on a wooden base can be used satisfactorily. One man The test method covers numerous details of the required
operation is facilitated if devices which clamp the foot pieces apparatus and procedure. Attention is directed to the required
firmly to the base plate are used. The devices must be capable control of temperature, relative humidity, and rate of evapora-
of releasing without moving the mold. A concrete floor is tion.
satisfactory provided it has a steel trowel finish, is kept damp, 20.1 The molds required are those specified in Practice
and is squeegeed surface dry immediately prior to making the C 490, Apparatus for Use in Measurement of Length Change of
slump test. For laboratory use, a heavy cast or steel plate with Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and Concrete.2 That practice
machined top surface will be very satisfactory and can be requires a thin coating of mineral oil on the interior surfaces of
quickly cleaned between tests. A wooden base is not satisfac- the mold. Do not use lard, animal, or vegetable oils since these
tory, since its surface rapidly becomes rough and uneven. The may soften the surfaces of specimens. Molds should be
slump cone should have sufficient contact with the base to pre-oiled before the gage studs are mounted, to prevent the
prevent the loss of water, paste, or mortar from the concrete in deposit of oil on the gage stud through contact with oily
the mold. When the test is made in the field, a small level will fingers, oily rag, or lubricating brush.
aid in leveling the base plate, which should be free from 20.2 Micrometer dials generally used on a comparator as
movement and vibration during a test. described in Practice C 490 frequently have a contact end
19.2 The mold is filled in three layers, each layer approxi- (anvil) that screws into the stem of the dial. This insert should
mately one third the volume, not the height, of the mold. Some not be permitted to become loose. The proper use of a
like to paint two stripes around the outside of the mold, one micrometer comparator requires that a check reading be made
25⁄8 in. (67 mm) from the bottom, the second 61⁄8 in. (155 mm) on a standard reference bar before and after making readings
from the bottom as an aid in determining the approximate on specimens, more frequently if a large number of measure-
depths for the equal volume points. In rodding the middle and ments are to be taken at a given time. The reference bar is
top layers of concrete the rod should penetrate only slightly described in Practice C 490. The length of the reference bar
into the layer below. Excessive penetration of the rod into the should be known, so that a replacement bar of the same length
lower layers must be avoided. The required “heaping” of the can be obtained should it be damaged or lost. The procurement
concrete above the mold rim before rodding the final layer can of a second reference bar, tied in by comparative measurements
be facilitated if an extension is used at the top of the cone. Such with the currently used bar might be considered. The hardened,
extension can be made from a discarded cone by cutting off the polished ends of the reference bar should be kept clean, but
upper 6 in. (150 mm), attaching lugs around the 4 in. (102 mm) caution is urged not to decrease the overall length by improper
diameter, and inverting the extension for use. By using such an cleaning methods. For example, the measurements of an
extension, and by carefully estimating the required amount of important long-term study were seriously affected by the
concrete, the surface of the last layer of rodded concrete should operator’s practice of rubbing the reference bar ends on a piece
be only slightly above the top of the mold before striking off of cloth or canvas that probably contained cement dust. These
the surface of the concrete with the tamping rod as specified in frequent rubbings over a long period of time were found to
the method. If the mold is obviously underfilled, pause after 10 have caused significant wear of the reference bar. When
or 15 strokes and add an additional representative sample of reading the dial micrometer, a gentle tapping with a pencil on
concrete. the dial case is recommended. The dial stem should be clean
19.3 The time element must not be overlooked when mak- and should move freely, but should not be lubricated.
ing the slump test since concrete may lose slump rapidly with 20.2.1 Practice C 490 describes in detail the apparatus for
time. The time requirements of the test should be adhered to use in Test Method C 157, and all precautions and recommen-
closely. Screed the top of the mold and remove any concrete dations therein should be observed.
that has collected around the outside of the base of the mold.
The mold must then be removed immediately in a vertical 21. SAMPLING FRESHLY MIXED CONCRETE
direction at a rate of 12 in. (300 mm) in 5 6 2 s. Completion (See Practice C 172)2
of the entire test must be accomplished within an elapsed time When samples are taken in the field, they should come from
of 21⁄2 min. from the start of molding the slump. Although predetermined batches in accordance with the sampling plan.
some technicians may rotate the cone before lifting to free the The practice of testing only batches of low or high slump will
surface of the concrete from the mold, such practice is not fail to accurately describe concrete quality and uniformity.
permissible and should not be allowed. The mold should be Practice C 172 is applicable to obtaining samples of fresh
removed carefully and uniformly, in a vertical direction. Slump concrete from stationary, paving, and truck mixers and from
16
agitating and nonagitating equipment used to transport cen- applicable for concretes having aggregates up to 11⁄2 in. (37.5
trally mixed concrete. Sampling should normally be performed mm) in size. If the concrete contains aggregate larger than this
as the concrete is discharged from this equipment at the project size, for example, 3 in. (75 mm) maximum size, the aggregate
site to the conveying vehicle used to transport the concrete to larger than 11⁄2 in. (37.5 mm) is removed by wet sieving, and
the forms; however, specifications may require other points of the slump test is made on the minus 11⁄2 in. (37.5 mm) fraction
sampling such as at the discharge of a concrete pump. Samples of the concrete.
from concrete that has been compacted or manipulated after its 21.3.1 Various other tests require that the concrete be
discharge from a mixer or agitator or conveyance are not wet-sieved if the maximum aggregate size is larger than is
suitable for making acceptance tests for consistency, air con- suitable for the size of the test equipment to be used or the test
tent, or potential strength. specimen to be made. Most test procedures require that the
21.1 Time limitations are imposed on taking different por- minimum dimension of the specimen or the mold shall be at
tions of the composite samples, on preparing the composite least three times the maximum size aggregate used in the test
samples for slump and air content tests, and for molding or the specimen. The specific requirements are given in the
specimens for strength tests. The time limitations should be various applicable test procedures.
carefully observed to ensure that results of tests are consis- 21.3.2 When there is a need to wet sieve concrete, this must
tently representative of the concrete. Elapsed time between be anticipated ahead of time, and wet-sieving equipment that
compositing samples and performing tests or molding test will satisfactorily accomplish the wet-sieving operation as
specimens should be the minimum possible. Compositing of rapidly as possible with a minimum of effort shall be provided.
samples and remixing should be performed at the place where Attempting to use an 8 in. (200 mm) diameter sieve by hand
tests are to be made or where specimens are to be molded. Tests method is not satisfactory.
and molding of specimens should be performed as close to the 21.3.3 Wet sieving concrete is best accomplished with
point of sampling as possible. equipment that shakes or moves back and forth rather than
21.2 The practice of sampling concrete from the discharge using high frequency vibration. Fig. 5 shows hand-operated
stream from a mixer or truck, or from a pile, by means of a wet-sieving equipment suitable for occasional or lighter-type
scoop or shovel, and then filling a test container (slump cone, wet-sieving work. This consists of an 18 by 26 in. (457 by 660
airmeter bowl, cylinder, or beam mold) with several such mm) Gilson sieve tray supported by a homemade wooden
samples without the required remixing should not be permitted. frame. The sieve tray is moved forward and backward by hand
The filling of a 6 by 12 in. (150 by 300 mm) cylinder mold by as rapidly as possible. The concrete which passes through the
placing it in the stream of discharging concrete is prohibited. sieve falls on a clean, moist, non-absorbent surface or pan, is
21.3 Practice C 172 provides for wet-sieving concrete remixed for testing.
where the concrete contains aggregate larger than can be 21.3.4 Fig. 6 shows wet-sieving equipment powered by an
accommodated by the test equipment or larger than is suitable electric motor suitable for larger jobs and for mass concrete.
for the size of the test specimens to be made. For example, Test The interchangeable sieve mounted on the movable frame
Method C 143 for the slump of concrete states that the test is which is tilted slightly is moved forward and backward by the
FIG. 5 Equipment for Wet Sieving Concrete by Hand
17
solid volume of 4.62 ft3. The volume of the −11⁄2 in. fraction of
the concrete is then 27.0 − 4.62 = 22.38 ft3. The air content of
the full mix is 4.9 3 22.38/27.00 = 4.1 %.
21.4.1 Unit weight tests to be used for concrete-mix com-
putations are best made on the full mix, although unit weight
tests of a wet-sieved fraction of concrete can be corrected to the
full mix when the mix details are known.
21.5 The test sample of concrete should have a volume of at
least 25 % greater than that needed to make all required
specimens. The sample size requirement also applies to the
amount of material left after wet sieving when large aggregate
has been removed.
22. AIR CONTENT OF FRESHLY MIXED
CONCRETE BY THE VOLUMETRIC METHOD
(See Test Method C 173)2
This test method is applicable to concretes containing any
type of aggregate. It is the only procedure considered satisfac-
tory for determining air contents of concretes made with
lightweight aggregates, air-cooled slag, and highly porous or
vesicular natural aggregates. The test method presents the
details of the necessary apparatus and of its use. In using bowls
of the minimum capacity permitted, 0.075 ft3 (0.002 m3), very
careful attention must be given to ensure that a representative
sample of the concrete is obtained and tested. It is considered
desirable to at least occasionally determine the coarse aggre-
gate content of the sample tested and compare it with the
theoretical coarse aggregate content of the mix as a means of
checking possible sampling errors.
22.1 The rocking and rolling procedure in the test method
needs further amplification. To increase the accuracy of the test
FIG. 6 Mechanical Equipment for Wet Sieving Concrete and shorten the necessary rolling time it is important that all of
the concrete in the base is dislodged during the first shaking
driving mechanism. Concrete to be wet-sieved is shoveled onto and rolling operations. Tip the device upside down to get the
the sieve. Concrete that passes the sieve falls into the pan concrete out of the base and then slosh it from side to side to
underneath and is used for further testing after it is recombined allow the water movement to further break up the concrete.
with a shovel. Aggregate that does not pass the sieve rolls to Invert the measure again to make sure that all the concrete is
the lower end of the sieve and into a pan or wheelbarrow to be out of the base. You should be able to hear the aggregate rolling
discarded. Wet-sieving of concrete should be done rapidly, and around in the meter. Do not keep the measure upside down
the concrete should be protected from the sun and the wind. more than 5 s or so at a time once the aggregate is free or it may
The sieves should not be overloaded. become lodged in the neck of the meter. If this happens slosh
21.4 When wet-sieved concrete is used for the air content it from side to side to get the aggregate back down. After the
test, the air content measured is the wet-sieved fraction, not the measure is inverted and the concrete freed from the base the
total concrete. The aggregate larger than the designated size, inclined measure should be rolled vigorously for about 1 min
which is removed and coated with a small amount of mortar, is and returned to the upright position. If the concrete is air-
assumed to contain no (or little) air. Concrete specifications entrained, foam often obscures the water level and the top
may specify air content for the full mix or for a fraction of the should be opened and 2 or 3 measures of 70 % isopropyl
concrete wet-sieved to a designated size. If the test is made on alcohol poured in. With air entrained concrete it saves time if
the sample wet-sieved to a given size, the air content of the full the alcohol is added to bring the water-alcohol up to the zero
mix may be calculated if the concrete-mix proportions are mark in the initial filling operation. The level is read, if
known or determined. The air content of the full mix is possible, the top closed and the measure rolled vigorously for
obtained by multiplying the air content of the wet-sieved another 1 min period. At this point the level should be clearly
fraction by the ratio of the volume of the full mix. (This may visible and no further additions of alcohol necessary. The 1 min
be calculated from the known or determined mix for 1 yd3 or periods of rolling should be continued until the level changes
1 m3 of concrete.) For example, 3 in. nominal maximum size less than 0.1 percentage points between successive readings. If
aggregate concrete is being produced. The air content of too much alcohol is added, a syringe can be used to remove one
−11⁄2 in. wet-sieved fraction of the concrete as determined with or more cupfuls. When the apparatus is disassembled the
an airmeter is 4.9 %. From the mix calculations for 1 yd3(27.0 contents of the base should be examined to be sure that no
ft3) of this concrete, the +11⁄2 in. fraction has an absolute or concrete stuck in the base.
18
23. MAKING AND CURING CONCRETE TEST cement should be uniformly blended. The cement stock should
SPECIMENS IN THE LABORATORY be stored in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers, prefer-
(See Practice C 192)2 able metal, throughout the tests. A steel drum with an easily
Record Keeping—All pertinent information concerning the opened lock rim with a gasket is one of the preferred types and
materials used in preparing laboratory concrete should be is easily emptied and cleaned. Practice C 192 states that all
recorded. Experience has shown that such data may be valu- cement material shall be passed through a No. 20 sieve prior to
able long after when details cannot be readily supplied from testing. Special attention should be given to this detail when
memory. Record the actual weight of all materials used as well bricking or lumping are observed in the cement sample.
as the proportion of the mixture. The description of the cement 23.4 Material (Aggregate)—It is important that a represen-
should include type, manufacturer, source of shipment, type of tative sample of both the coarse and fine aggregate be used.
container, and any applicable laboratory sample numbers. If a Because aggregate may segregate during shipping, re-mix the
cement other than portland cement or other cementitious pile continuously during sampling. A description of the aggre-
materials is used, the specific gravity should be determined and gate should include absorption and moisture content. The
recorded. If bagged cement is being used, the weight per bag section on Preparation of Materials in Practice C 192 contains
should be recorded. The description of any admixture used in several procedures for determining the weight of the aggregate
the concrete should indicate the nature of the material, manu- and the weight of the water contained in the aggregate. No
facturer’s name, brand, and lot number. If solutions of admix- matter which procedure is used it is important to add the
tures are prepared in the laboratory, records should show the amount of free water (surface moisture) contained in the
actual quantities of admixture and water used. The quantity of aggregate to the amount of mixing water when reporting mix
any liquid used in the mix should be recorded. The quantity of water amounts. Due to the porous nature of lightweight
mixing water should be recorded in terms of the units actually aggregate it is important to saturate the aggregate prior to use.
used in the measurement, even though different units may be Otherwise the lightweight aggregate will remove mixing water
used in the final report. A description of the type and capacity from the batch during the mixing operation.
of the mixer should also be included along with the total 23.5 Material (Admixture)—Concrete produced in the labo-
mixing time. Note any deviation from the standard. ratory often involves the use of chemical and mineral admix-
23.1 Batch Size—The batch should be of sufficient volume tures which may be either in powdered or liquid form. Each
to leave about 10 % extra material after the test of plastic type is handled differently. Insoluble admixtures in powdered
concrete and specimen fabrication has been completed. The form should be pre-mixed with the cement prior to introduction
size of the batch must be within the working capacity of the into the mechanical mixer, and mixed with the sand and cement
mixer. A batch of less than one tenth of the mixer’s rated when mixing by hand. Care must be taken in adding the
capacity will not be mixed in the same manner as a standard powdered admixtures that are used in very small amounts
size batch, and the percentage of mortar retained in the mixer (often from 0.01 to 0.2 % by weight of cement) to distribute
will be excessive. Exceeding the recommended batch size may them evenly and blend them uniformly with the cement when
result in the sample not being thoroughly mixed, spillage, and preparing a concrete mixture.
damage to the driving unit. Concrete used to fill the slump cone 23.5.1 Soluble chemical admixtures should be prepared as a
and unit weight measure may be returned to the batch, water solution unless instructions dictate otherwise. Such
re-mixed by hand and reused. Concrete used in filling either the solutions and chemical admixtures that are marketed as liquids
pressure or volumetric air meter must be discarded after should generally be introduced into the mixer with the mixing
testing. The following is a list of equipment typically used and water. The solution should be included in the calculation of the
the volume of material needed to fill each vessel: water content of the concrete. Solutions that are not compat-
Volume of Material ible, such as calcium chloride and certain air-entraining agents
Test Equipment Required, ft3
Slump cone (C 143) 0.2 or set retarders, should not be intermixed prior to their
Cylinder mold (C 192) 6 3 12 in. 0.2 introduction to the mixer, but should be added to the batch of
Unit weight measure (C 138) 1⁄2 ft3A 0.5 concrete in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommenda-
Air content - pressure (C 231) Type B 0.25
Air content - volumetric (C 173) 0.075 tions. Air entraining admixtures, when used with either water-
Flexural beams (C 192) 6 by 6 by 20 in. 0.5 reducing or set controlling admixtures or both, are often added
A
Capacity of the measure may vary due to aggregate size. to the damp sand to reduce possible adverse effects when they
A batch of concrete using non-entrained, Portland Type I are added closely together.
cement with normal weight aggregates weighs approximately 23.5.2 Specification C 260, Air-Entraining Admixtures for
150 lb/ft3. Concrete2, and Test Method C 233, Air-Entraining Admixtures
23.2 Temperature of Materials—Practice C 192 requires for Concrete2, respectively, cover the requirements for and
that materials be at a uniform temperature, in the range from 68 methods of test for air-entraining admixtures. Specification
to 86°F (20 to 30°C). It is preferable to have the materials at C 494, Chemical Admixtures for Concrete2, covers the require-
this temperature for 24 h prior to testing. Comparative concrete ments for other chemical admixtures such as water-reducers,
mixtures should have about the same “as-mixed” temperatures. retarders, accelerators, high-range water reducers, and so forth.
23.3 Material (Cement)—Trial batches are usually made Specification C 618, Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
with bagged cement. If available, it is better to obtain a Natural Pozzolans for Use as a Mineral Admixture in Portland
representative sample from the bulk cement supply. The dry Cement Concrete2, covers the requirements for pozzolanic
19
admixtures. When using admixtures, attention should be given Weight of free water = free water, %3 oven-dried batch weight
to the instructions and precautions furnished by the manufac-
turer of the admixture with particular attention to dosage rate where:
and time of addition. Since the dosage size is relatively small, oven-dried batch weight = mix design quantities of oven-
make sure the method of measure is accurate and all of the dried aggregate adjusted pro-
admixture is delivered to the batch. Syringes, pipettes, or portionally to batch size.
cylindrical graduates have been found to be effective delivery
systems. Admixture manufacturers typically issue dosage rates Amount of water to be batched:
in oz/cwt (ounces per 100 weight) of cementitious material per Mixing water for the batch = design mix water – free water
cubic yard. When mixing batches with admixtures in the where:
laboratory, it is recommended that dosages be measured in design mix water = mix design quantities of water adjusted
millilitres due to the amount used. In calculating the dosage proportionally to batch size.
size of admixtures for trial batches, the following formulas
could prove useful:
23.6.2 Vessels for storage of water must be clean. Volumet-
Amount of cement used per cubic yard of concrete:
ric measures should be checked for accuracy and their capacity
X 3 94 (lb/bag) = lb of cement/yd3
should be marked thereon. The tare weights of vessels used for
where X = number of bags of cement per yard of concrete.
weighing water should be checked occasionally.
Amount of admixture used per cubic yard of concrete:
23.7 Safety—Belt, chain, or gear drives on mixers should be
(lb of cement/yd3/100) 3 D = ounces of admixture/yd3
adequately guarded to prevent injury. Fresh concrete can cause
where D = dosage rate of admixture, oz/cwt/yd3.
chemical burns. Personnel should wear safety glasses, goggles,
Amount of admixture used in mix batch:
or face shields to protect the eyes from concrete splatters
oz of admixture/yd3 3 (V/27) = oz of admixture/batch
during mixing. Hands and exposed skin should be protected
where V = volume of the concrete batch to be mixed in the
from contacting the concrete. If hardened specimens are cured
laboratory, ft3.
in limewater, technicians should wear waterproof gloves to
Convert ounces to millilitres:
protect skin from irritation and rashes on the hands and arms
ounces 3 29.57 = millilitres
when placing or removing specimens from water storage.
Solutions should be labeled and stored in accordance with the
Lifting devices are commercially available which allow cylin-
manufacturer’s guidelines. Nonmetallic containers are pre-
ders to be removed from the storage water without placing
ferred for storing solutions. Outdated solutions should not be
hands in the limewater.
used.
23.6 Material(Water)—In calculating the amount of water 23.8 Mixer Operation—The mixing action of tilting drum
for batching, allowance should be made for free and absorbed laboratory mixers should be critically observed and deficien-
water in the aggregate. cies corrected. Mixers of this type sometimes run too fast to
properly mix concrete of the type used in laboratory work. The
23.6.1 When mixing batches of concrete, the water cement
concrete should roll off the blades in a tumbling action for
ratio is usually specified or previously determined by trial
thorough mixing. Sometimes mixing action can be improved
batches in which the water-cement ratio is determined based on
by reducing the speed or changing the angle of inclination or
the strength of the concrete. The water-cement ratio is used to
tilt of the drum, or both.
calculate a mix design weight of water. Calculate the amount of
mixing water to be batched by determining the actual moisture 23.9 Batch Weighing—Practice C 192 requires that all ma-
content in both fine and coarse aggregate. In making these terials shall be weighed on scales in accordance with the
calculations, the following formulas may be of assistance. requirements for sensitivity and tolerances prescribed by the
Percentage of water in aggregates: National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook
Free water, %A= total moisture content, %– maximum absorp- 44.17 In weighing materials for batching, it is important to use
tion, % the correct capacity scale to ensure accurate scale readings. The
material to be weighed should have a weight greater than about
where: 10 % of the capacity of the scale but not more than the capacity
Total moisture content, % = total amount of water con- of the scale. Further clarification is provided in the Scales
tained in the aggregate ex- section of Practice C 192 and the accompanying note.
pressed as a percentage 23.10 Buttering—When a concrete mixer is first used, a
((weight of water in the coating of mortar is left on the interior surfaces of the mixer
aggregate/oven-dried after the batch has been discharged. To avoid this loss of the
weight)A 100), and batch material, the mixer should be buttered prior to batching
Maximum absorption (%) = maximum percentage of water concrete. The mixer is “buttered” by mixing a batch propor-
trapped in the aggregate ((ab- tioned to simulate closely the mortar portion of the first test
sorbed water/oven-dried batch. Discharge the contents of the mixer once all interior
weight)A 100) surfaces have been coated with the mortar. The coating of
A
A negative number for free water, %, means the aggregate mortar adhering to the mixer will prevent the loss of mortar
will absorb some of the mix water. from the test batch. “Over-mortaring” is another option to
Amount of free water in aggregates: “buttering.” In this technique, the mortar portion of the batch is
20
adjusted to include the amount of mortar that will remain in the should be avoided. Usually sufficient vibration has been
interior of the mixer after the batch is discharged. The amount applied as soon as the surface has become relatively smooth.
of mortar added to the batch is dependent on the size of the Excessive paste and bleed water on the top surface of the
mixer in the laboratory. specimen is an indication of over-vibrating. After the molding
23.11 Adding Admixtures—The timing and method of intro- operation has been completed, move specimens as little as
ducing the admixture into the batch can have important effects possible. Attention is invited to the Place of Molding section in
on properties of the concrete and it must be the same from Practice C 192.
batch to batch. For example, delaying the introduction of a 23.15 Curing—Practice C 192 requires that after 24 6 8 h
retarding admixture as little as 30 to 60 s after the start of in the molds, the concrete specimens be demolded and stored
mixing has been shown to have important effects on the time of in either moist air or limewater at 73 6 3°F (23 6 2°C). The
set, air content, and water requirement for a given consistency. moist storage rooms or water storage tanks used in curing shall
To avoid influencing future batching, the mixer or mixing pan be in accordance with the requirements of Specification C 511,
should be cleaned thoroughly after preparing concrete contain- Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms and Water Storage Tanks Used
ing a different chemical admixture. The cleaned mixer should in the Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes.2 Most
be re-buttered before mixing a new batch of concrete. laboratories use moist-air curing because of space required to
cure the typical number of specimens in an average size testing
23.12 Mixing—Practice C 192 describes the procedure for
facility, and the ease in locating a test specimen. There should
hand mixing of concrete. Hand mixing is not to be used for
be free air space around each specimen, and free water must be
air-entrained concrete. The requirement for a “damp” metal
maintained on all surfaces of the specimen. In a good moist
pan in hand mixing does not mean standing water in the pan.
room, the fog spray will be thick enough to hamper visibility at
Excess water will affect the slump of the concrete. One method
10 to 15 ft.
to prevent this from occurring is to place water in the pan and
23.15.1 When storing strength test specimens in water, the
wet all interior surfaces and then turn the pan upside down and
water should be saturated with calcium hydroxide (high
allow any excess water to drain. For either the revolving drum
calcium hydrated lime) as required in Specification C 511. The
or the open-pan type of mixer, the mixing cycle is clearly
purpose of the calcium hydroxide-saturated water is to prevent
presented in the Machine Mixing section of Practice C 192.
the leaching of calcium hydroxide from the test specimens.
The equipment, procedure, and time of mixing can greatly
Calcium hydroxide, sometimes referred to as “mason lime,”
affect the compressive strength and amount of entrained air,
should not be confused with ground limestone or “agricultural
and no variations from the required cycle should be permitted.
lime.” The water should be saturated with calcium hydroxide
If deviations occur, they should be recorded in the notes on the
and the temperature stabilized before immersing the first
batch.
cylinder. Storage water is considered to be saturated when the
23.13 Sampling After Mixing—Sampling of either hand- calcium hydroxide being added will not go into solution. The
mixed or machine-mixed concrete has an impact on the test water depth must be sufficient to completely cover specimens
results of concrete. It is necessary that each scoopful or at all times.
shovelful of concrete taken from the batch to fill the specimen
molds be representative of the batch. In order to maintain 24. FUNDAMENTAL TRANSVERSE,
uniformity of machine-mixed concrete, the concrete must be LONGITUDINAL, AND TORSIONAL
remixed by shovel or scoop after depositing in a clean, damp FREQUENCIES OF CONCRETE SPECIMENS18
pan. Concrete that tends to segregate (slumps larger than 3 in. (See Test Method C 215)2
(76 mm) or concrete containing nearly spherical coarse aggre- Two alternative procedures are permitted in determining the
gate) should be remixed after the removal of one or two fundamental resonant frequency. These procedures are: (1) the
scoopfuls or shovelfuls. Scoops or shovels should be used to forced resonance method or (2) the impact resonance proce-
sample the concrete. Sample the concrete, not in horizontal dure. The same procedure must be used for all specimens in a
layers, but throughout the depth of the batch with the leading given group.
edge of the scoop or shovel, sliding along the bottom of the 24.1 The forced resonance method uses an electro–me-
pan. chanical driving unit to vibrate a specimen. The driver unit is
23.14 Molding—After each layer of concrete is placed in operated by a variable–frequency oscillator. A lightweight
the mold, rod or vibrate test specimens in accordance with the pickup unit attached to the specimen is used to measure the
section on Methods of Consolidation in Practice C 192. When amplitude of vibration as the driving frequency is varied. The
using single-use plastic cylinder molds care should be used not amplitude of vibration is displayed on an electronic indicator.
to contact the mold with the vibrating element or tamping rod The value of the frequency causing maximum amplitude is the
during consolidation. Also, the tamping rod should not be used resonant frequency of the specimen.
in closing the voids left by rodding. When using light-gage or 24.1.1 The impact resonance method uses a small impactor
single-use plastic cylinder molds, the open hand may be used (hammer) and a lightweight accelerometer to measure the
to close these voids. When using a vibrator as a means of
consolidation, do not overfill the top layer of the mold before 18
For additional explanation see Whitehurst, E.A., “Evaluations of Concrete
vibration. In addition, it is preferable to vibrate all specimens
Properties From Sonic Tests” ACI Monograph No 2., and Malhotra, V.M., “Testing
of equal slump and proportions in a test group for the same Hardened Concrete Nondestructive Methods” ACI Monograph No. 9., American
length of time and in an identical manner. Over-vibration Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan.
21
vibration of the specimen. The output of the accelerometer is mens the driver amplitude should be reduced so as to be
recorded by a computer–based system which determines the inaudible.
resonant frequency of the specimen by analyzing the recorded 24.2.6 The sonic equipment should be kept in a dry place.
data. 24.2.7 Drift can be determined by periodically checking
24.2 Forced Resonance Method—The accuracy of forced with the aluminum bar, an electronic counter, or by other
resonance method depends on the accuracy with which fre- means. If drift is detected, the instrument should be checked by
quency can be determined. The actual oscillator frequency a knowledgeable electronics technician or returned to the
should agree closely with the indicated frequency, within the manufacturer for repair.
specified 62 % or else a calibration curve should be prepared. 24.2.8 In measuring the fundamental resonant frequency,
The oscillator can be calibrated over its complete range by use the operator should have a general idea of the approximate
of an electronic counter or by synchronization with the value to be measured. Otherwise, it is possible to make a gross
standard time signals broadcast daily over station WWV by the error in the measured value of the resonant frequency. This
National Institute of Standards and Technology. If a calibrated error occurs when the specimen is driven at a frequency that is
electronic counter is included in the oscillator circuit, it may be a fraction of the fundamental resonant frequency. For example,
used for frequency determination, and the oscillator calibration if the fundamental resonant frequency is 3000 Hz and the
is not required. It is necessary only that the frequency output of specimen is driven at a frequency of 1500 Hz, the specimen
the oscillator at any setting be stable during the duration of the will vibrate at its fundamental resonant frequency and the
test. amplitude indicator will indicate a peak value. Thus the user
24.2.1 A 3 by 4 by 17–in. (76 by 104 by 430–mm) could report the resonant frequency as 1500 Hz. High ampli-
aluminum prismatic bar has been found suitable for system tude vibration would also occur if the specimen were driven at
verification. Such a bar may be used to check system operation 1000 Hz, that is 1⁄3 of the fundamental frequency. To avoid this
at about 2000, 2500, 3200, and 5900 cps (Hz). These corre- problem, the instrument should be equipped with an oscillo-
spond to two transverse resonant frequencies, the torsional scope that displays the oscillator output versus the receiver
resonant frequency, and the longitudinal resonant frequency. output. When the specimen is being driven at the fundamental
The resonant frequencies of the aluminum bar are determined resonant frequency, the oscilloscope shows an elliptical pat-
using the same procedure as for a concrete specimen. A tern. If the specimen is driven at 1⁄2 its fundamental resonant
reference bar of this type can be used at any time and can be frequency, the oscilloscope shows a pattern resembling the
shipped from place to place to check and synchronize several infinity sign, (`).
pieces of equipment. Smaller size aluminum or other metal 24.2.9 Usually torsional frequencies are determined only
prisms can also be used, however the resonant frequencies will when it is desired to determine Poisson’s ratio or the modulus
have a higher values than stated above. of rigidity. In order to calculate Poisson’s ratio, it is necessary
24.2.2 The sonic equipment should be allowed to warm up to determine the torsional frequency and either the transverse
for 2 min prior to use to stabilize the electronic circuits. or longitudinal frequency. Some laboratories routinely deter-
mine all three resonant frequencies when testing specimens. In
24.2.3 The driver unit can be conveniently mounted on a determining E from the longitudinal frequency, it is not
stand so that it can be readily placed against the test specimen. necessary to know Poisson’s ratio provided L/d is not less than
Some driver units are made from an audio speaker that has 2. The fundamental longitudinal frequency is normally consid-
been modified by attaching a steel tip to the speaker dia- erably higher than the fundamental transverse frequency. For
phragm. In contacting the concrete with the tip of the driver, the previously mentioned aluminum bar, the fundamental
care should be taken not to break the tip loose from the longitudinal frequency is about 5950 cps (Hz) and the funda-
diaphragm. The tip should not be struck sharply or subjected to mental transverse frequency in the direction of the smaller
great pressure. The driver unit should be pushed against the dimension is about 2000 cps (Hz). It is a matter of choice
specimen with just enough force to prevent a chattering sound whether to use longitudinal or transverse frequencies, since
when the specimen is being vibrated. Avoid excessive force. Young’s modulus can be calculated from either. The amplitude
The pickup unit can be held against the concrete by spring of vibration in the longitudinal direction is much smaller than
loading or by a rubber band, or by the weight of the pickup unit in the transverse direction, and more operator skill is required
alone if sufficient to provide good contact. The pickup should to determine the longitudinal resonant frequency. The choice
not be allowed to become wet, since water may damage it. A may also be influenced by the use of the data. The longitudinal
small amount of grease can be added to the tip of the stylus to frequency reflects the average condition of the specimen,
aid in coupling the transducer to the concrete. whereas surface disintegration produces a disproportionately
24.2.4 When moving the pickup and test specimen, the gain high reduction in transverse frequency. Test Method C 666
of the indicator circuit should be reduced to avoid damage to specifies transverse frequency because it is important to detect
the meter. surface deterioration as well as general deterioration.
24.2.5 The driving amplitude should be maintained as low 24.2.10 Temperature change within the normal laboratory
as is feasible for good response at resonance to avoid distor- range should not affect results appreciably. Moisture content
tion. Maintaining the driving amplitude as low as possible also probably has a slight effect on results but this is probably not
saves wear and tear on the equipment and spares the ears of significant unless the moisture content is changed appreciably
other laboratory employees. Between tests of individual speci- (completely dry to saturated, for example). Poisson’s ratio is
22
reported to increase with degree of saturation. technique. The user should know the approximate value of the
24.2.11 Specimens containing freezable water will show torsional resonant frequency as a check that the torsional mode
higher fundamental frequencies if tested when frozen. How- has in fact been excited by the impact.
ever, to eliminate completely effects of temperature and 24.4 The paper by Gerald Pickett, “Equations for Comput-
changes in moisture content, beams on which several succes- ing Elastic Constants from Flexural and Torsional Resonant
sive readings are to be taken should be kept at the same Frequencies of Vibration of Prisms and Cylinders,” Proceed-
temperature (above freezing) and moisture content, if possible. ings, ASTM, ASTEA, 1945, Vol. 45, p. 846, is a most useful
24.3 Impact Resonance Method—In the impact resonance reference when making calculations based on results obtained
method, the specimen is struck at the appropriate position with from sonic tests. By use of the charts and equations set forth in
a small hammer. The impact causes the specimen to vibrate in this paper, constants for flexural and torsional vibration of
its natural modes. An accelerometer mounted in the proper prisms and cylinders can be computed.
position is used to monitor the vibration of the specimen. The 25. AIR CONTENT OF FRESHLY MIXED
output of the accelerometer is analyzed to determine the CONCRETE BY THE PRESSURE METHOD
vibrational frequencies. This technique is analogous to ringing (See Test Method C 231)2
a bell by striking it with a hammer.
The test method describes apparatus of two basic operational
24.3.1 There are two common methods for determining the types employing the principle of Boyle’s law. The test method
resonant frequency from impact testing. One method is based is considered applicable to concretes and mortars made with
on counting the number of zero crossings of the accelerometer relatively dense aggregates. It is not applicable to concretes
signal. This is accomplished by electronic circuitry, and the made with lightweight aggregates, air-cooled blast furnace
instrument displays the digital value of the resonant frequency. slag, or aggregates of high porosity where the aggregate
The other technique uses a digital signal processing method correction factor exceeds about 0.5 %.
that determines the predominant frequencies contained in the 25.1 The internal surface of the assembly cover should be
accelerometer signal. These frequencies include the fundamen- kept clean and free from oil or grease; the surface should be
tal resonant frequency plus the frequencies of higher vibra- wet, to prevent the adherence of air bubbles that might be
tional modes. The output from the signal processing is a graph difficult to dislodge after assembly.
of amplitude versus frequency, known as the amplitude spec- 25.2 Leaky air valves, and dry, spongy or worn-out leathers
trum. Resonant frequencies appear as peaks in the amplitude in the hand pumps may cause difficulty in maintaining the
spectrum. The fundamental resonant frequency is the peak with desired air pressure. The air valve near the top of the cover
the highest amplitude and lowest frequency. In this second assembly should be kept clean and free from oil. It is advisable
method, the frequency resolution is the inverse of the duration to have on hand an extra pump and extra cores for the air valve.
of the sampling period. A longer sampling period results in The meter should be checked before being taken to the field
higher frequency resolution. For example, if the sampling after a period of nonuse. It is necessary to calibrate the Type A
frequency is 20 kHz (sampling interval of 0.00005 s) and 1024 meter whenever the elevation at which it will be used changes
points are recorded, the resolution is 19.5 Hz (1/0.0512 s). If by more than 600 ft (183 mm). The Type B meter is unaffected
the sampling frequency were lowered to 10 kHz, the frequency by elevation.
resolution would be 9.8 kHz. The user must make sure that the 25.3 The graduated precision-bore glass tube and the at-
sampling frequency is at least twice the resonant frequency to tached glass water gage (Type A) should be frequently cleaned
be measured. For example, if the sampling frequency is 20 internally, using a soft hair brush or a swab of waste or cloth.
kHz, the maximum frequency that can be measured is 10 kHz. Even with frequent cleaning, it is sometimes necessary to use
24.3.2 The nature of the impact is critical in the success of a dilute (1 + 4) solution of hydrochloric acid to remove the film
the impact resonance method. If the duration of the impact is that adheres to the inner surface of the glass on drying.
too long, it may not be possible to excite the fundamental 25.4 Some water pressure meters (Type B) have a flat gasket
resonant frequency of the specimen. Test Method C 215 instead of a tubular or conical gasket. When not properly
specifies a hammer that has been found to be suitable for the cemented to the bottom of the conical assembly, the flat gasket
typical specimens used in Test Method C 666. For smaller will permit the escape of water. A spare gasket should be
specimens, it may be necessary to use hammers of smaller available.
mass. The force of the hammer impact does not have an 25.5 The Type B airmeter is sometimes used for the
appreciable effect on the resonant frequency. However, the user determination of the air content of a fraction of the concrete
should use a similar impact force from specimen to specimen. wet-screened or hand-picked to a maximum size appropriate
Some practice may be required to learn the proper technique, for the size of the meter being used, with a correction being
which should be a sharp, quick impact. It is best to hold the made for the aggregate removed, which is assumed to contain
handle of the hammer loosely between thumb and forefinger no air. If wet-sieving is used, the effect of this operation in
when striking the specimen. reducing the air in the concrete must be considered. For
24.3.3 By using the impact resonance method, it is possible additional information see Section 21.4 on Sampling Freshly
to determine the torsional resonant frequency of a cylindrical Mixed Concrete.
specimen. To excite the torsional mode, it is necessary to strike 25.6 Base the selection of the method of consolidation on
the specimen with a tangential blow as shown in Fig. 4 of Test the slump unless the method is stated in the specification under
Method C 215. Practice will be required to develop the proper which the work is performed. Rod concretes with a slump
23
greater than 3 in. (75 mm). Rod or vibrate concretes with a brief time period. Although permitted by the standard, due to
slump of 1 to 3 in. (25 to 75 mm). Consolidate by vibration curing time consideration, the use of neat cement is not
concretes with a slump of less than 1 in. (25 mm). Failure to recommended here.
properly rod or to close voids left by the tamping rod will 27.3 Verify the planeness of the beam surface by placing the
indicate incorrect higher air contents. beam in the testing apparatus and bringing the load-applying
25.7 Vibration must be carefully done when used to con- block into contact with the surface of the specimen. Place a
solidate mass concrete, or smaller aggregate concrete in the slight load on beam and sight along each block looking for
smaller airmeters, permitted in Test Method C 231. Vibration is gaps between the specimen and block. If a gap of more than 1
easier for the operator and the tendency is to overvibrate in. in width is found check the gap using feeler gages of 0.004
resulting in loss of air and increased density. Vibration should and 0.015 in. If the 0.004 in. feeler gage can be placed in the
cease when all the coarse aggregate is submerged, and the gap for a length of 1 in. or more but not a 0.015 in. feeler gage,
surface takes on a smooth glistening appearance. shim the beam with leather shims. If the 0.015 in. feeler gage
25.8 The calibration procedures described in the text should can be placed in the gap for a length of 1 in. or more the beam
be followed carefully and methodically. Some meter manufac- must be capped or ground. If capping or grinding is required,
turers supply calibration instructions which are based on mark the location on the beam where it is contacted by the
procedures different from those given in the test method. blocks while it is still positioned in the testing machine. This
will help to locate the area requiring surface preparation on the
26. BLEEDING OF CONCRETE beam.
(See Test Methods C 232)2
27.4 Both Test Methods C 78 and C 293 refer to Practice
The methods of determining the relative amount of bleeding C 617 for capping or grinding if bearing surfaces of the beam
either without disturbance or with specified intermittent vibra- vary from planeness by more than 0.015 in. (0.38 mm).
tions are described in the procedure. Certain precautions Practice C 617 does not address capping of beams; however,
should be taken when making the bleeding test according to one of the materials specified in the practice, sulfur mortar, has
this test method. For concrete made in the laboratory, the been found to work well for the application.
aggregates and concrete should be prepared as prescribed in 27.5 A plane and level surface which exceeds the dimension
Practice C 192. The interior surface of the container must be of the beam is required as a capping plate. The plate should be
smooth and free from corrosion, coatings and lubricants. It is sufficiently rigid to prevent distortion under the weight of the
important that the concrete be properly placed in the container beam. Minimum thickness for various plate materials are listed
as specified in Test Method C 232, and kept within the under the Capping Equipment Section of Practice C 617.
temperature limits of 65° to 75°F (18° to 24°C) when so placed
27.6 The beam should be capped in the following manner:
and be free of vibration or unnecessary disturbance. Any
As a safety consideration and to facilitate handling, two
variation from the prescribed method may affect the bleeding
individuals may be required to handle the beam. Place the
rate. Test Method C 232 does not specify the ambient relative
beam on the capping surface and transfer the bearing locations
humidity, but does require that the filled container be covered
previously marked to the capping plate. Remove the beam and
with a suitable lid. The lid should fit the top of the container so
place a band of capping material on the plate at each bearing
that evaporation is reduced to a minimum and should be kept
location. Sufficient material should be used to provide a
in place throughout the test except when drawing off water.
finished beam surface of at least one inch wide across the entire
27. FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE (USING width of the beam. Carefully lower the beam into position and
SIMPLE BEAM WITH CENTER–POINT press down to spread the capping material under the beam to a
LOADING) (See Test Method C 293)2 thickness of not more than 1⁄4 in. Position the beam so that the
thickness of the capping material appears to be level. If
The comments on Test Method C 78 also apply generally to
capping is required on both sides, after hardening, repeat the
Test Method C 293. This method requires that the specimen be
process for the other side. During the curing of the capping
kept wet until the moment it is placed in the testing machine.
material, make sure that the beam is kept moist.
The last twenty hours of curing prior to testing the beams must
be immersed in water saturated with calcium hydroxide (high- 27.7 After testing, measurements of width and depth of
calcium hydrated lime). specimen at the point of fracture are required to be made to at
27.1 For testing, the beam should be placed on its side with least 0.05 in. (1 mm). The depth measurement is particularly
respect to the mold. If any protrusions on the edges of the beam important since the calculated strength varies inversely as the
are left from the molding process, carefully remove these by square of the depth. If fracture occurs at a capped section,
use of a mason’s rubbing stone or Carborundum. Grinding or include the cap thickness in the measurement.
rubbing should be minimized in as much as grinding may
change the physical characteristics of the beam. 28. TIME OF SETTING OF CONCRETE MIXTURES
27.2 The timing of the planeness determination is critical if BY PENETRATION RESISTANCE
the beam needs to be capped. Capping materials may require (See Test Method C 403)2
anywhere from two hours to six days to cure. The last 20 hours Test Method C 403 specifies apparatus and procedures for
of curing prior to testing the beam must be immersed in water. making the test in necessary detail. As added precautions in
Therefore, gypsum caps are not recommended because they making the test, specimens should be stored on a level base
soften or deteriorate in water if stored for more than a very free from vibration, and a specimen should not be tilted until
24
the surface has stiffened sufficiently to avoid displacement of 31.1 Attention is particularly directed to the paper by C. A.
the mortar. Carpenter, “Suggestions on the Planning of Fog Rooms for
28.1 The test method currently requires that not less than six Curing Concrete Test Specimens,” ASTM BULLETIN, ASTM,
penetration resistance determinations be made in each rate of October 1955, p. 33.
hardening test and that the time intervals between penetration 31.2 Specified curing conditions should be carefully main-
resistance determinations be such as to give a satisfactory rate tained. Effects of variation in temperature on certain properties
of hardening curve as indicated by equally spaced points. may be great, and numerous papers provide evidence of the
Points on the rate of hardening curves should be carefully need for good temperature control. In most cases, thermostati-
plotted and the times of setting determined as detailed in the cally controlled heating or cooling equipment, or both is
test method. required. Cooling coils in a moist room should not operate at so
low a temperature that they tend to coat with frost or seriously
29. MOLDS FOR FORMING CONCRETE TEST
interfere with the maintenance of the required moist condi-
CYLINDERS VERTICALLY
tions. The air in the storage room should be circulated.
(See Specification C 470)2
Sensitive bulbs of thermostatic controls should be exposed to
This specification requires that all types of molds be water- the air that is to be controlled, or in the water if tanks are
tight. The sealant used should be proved suitable prior to use by involved.
testing sealed molds for leakage when filled with water for 2 h. 31.3 Necessary humidification may be obtained by the use
Materials such as stiff grease, plastic compounds, caulking of suitable spray nozzles, air-water jets or fog sprays. Test
compound, rosin-paraffin, and micro-crystalline wax may be methods now require that the test specimens have free water on
suitable. The vertical seams in split cylinder molds usually their surfaces at all times in the case of moist storage. Not too
require sealing. Cardboard molds should be checked for much differential should exist between the temperature of the
absorption, volume change under wetting, height, and circular storage air and the spray water. An abundance of water does
cross section. If heavily coated cardboard molds are stored at not always mean high relative humidity, and therefore surface
temperatures above 90°F (32°C) the paraffin may melt and wet conditions should be maintained. There should be ample
collect in the bottom of the mold. This paraffin often adheres to space around individual specimens to permit free circulation of
the hardened cylinder and must be removed before the cylinder air. It is suggested that test specimens be stored on duck boards
is capped. or the like or in racks instead of on the concrete floor.
30. SPLITTING TENSILE STRENGTH OF 31.4 Moist storage room doors should be provided with
CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMENS safety latches so that the doors may be opened from within.
(See Test Method C 496)2 There should be no gas outlets in the room. Electric switches
The details of testing are adequately covered in the test should be on the outside of the room and should be provided
method. When cardboard molds are used, the concrete cylinder with indicating lights. Lights inside the room should be of the
should be rotated to select the two diametral elements for type suitable for the moist conditions, and electric feeds should
loading that are nearest to being in a plane. Although the be by suitable cable in conduit.
plywood strips compensate for small irregularities in the line 31.5 The use of recording thermometers is required. If wet
bearings, specimens should be made in molds that comply with and dry bulb instruments are used, they should be of the
the requirements of Practice C 31. ventilated type, with air drawn over the bulbs to avoid the
30.1 The centering of the horizontal cylinder lengthwise effect of motor heat on the bulbs. Wicks should be kept in good
under the spherical bearing block requires unusual care if the condition, and constant level water bottles are to be preferred
diameter of the bearing block or the length of the bearing bar to running water for the wick trough supply. The recording
or plate is not the same as the length of the cylinder. If the instrument should not be in the moist air. Recording instru-
vertical axial plane of the cylinder does not pass through the ments should be checked frequently.
center of the spherical bearing block, the block will tilt, and the 31.6 If test specimens are to be cured in water, a saturated
load cannot be applied. The use of an aligning jig, as illustrated lime solution should be used and other specified storage
in Test Method C 496, is recommended. conditions, such as temperature, should be maintained. High-
calcium hydrated lime should be used to saturate the solution;
31. MOIST CABINETS, MOIST ROOMS, AND WATER crushed limestone is not acceptable. Heat may be provided by
STORAGE TANKS USED IN THE TESTING OF thermostatically controlled soil heating cable, water bed heat-
HYDRAULIC CEMENTS AND CONCRETES (See ers or other immersion heaters. Insulation applied to the
Specification C 511)2 outside of the tank may be helpful in both cold and warm
The maintenance of specified moist curing conditions is weather. Recording thermometers are required for the storage
important, particularly with specimens to be tested for flexural water if the tanks are independent of the moist room and
strength. For example, some moist-cured flexural test speci- located in a room not conditioned to 23 6 2°C (73 6 3°F). If
mens were maintained continuously wet except for the 24 h storage tanks are in work rooms, lids should be provided to
prior to test, when some of the specimens were stored in the air help in maintaining temperature to lessen the cooling effect of
of the laboratory. Reductions in flexural strength were as much evaporation, and to prevent local high humidity spots in the
as 20 % or more as the result of the 24 h dry storage just prior work room. Use separate tanks or containers for specimens
to the 28 day test. made using accelerators or other soluble special materials.
25
31.7 Record the position of moist cured specimens or follow Aggregate,2 provides the percentage of surface moisture in the
a system to facilitate locating them readily at the time they are sample.
to be tested. 32.2 With certain aggregates of relatively high absorption,
31.8 Material that will support the growth of slimes in a the method used to determine moisture content and absorption
moist room should not be used therein. Burlap, paper, and can affect the computed amount of surface moisture (see Test
some types of wood can aid or support the growth of molds, Method C 128 on Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine
slimes, and algae. The growth of slime on specimens may be Aggregate).
encouraged by certain vegetable and animal oils if these are
used to oil specimen molds. Although it is doubtful if such 33. CAPPING CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE
forms of lower life affect the strength or durability of concrete, SPECIMENS (See Practice C 617)2
they do cause a hazard in the handling of the specimens and in Practices C 6172 and C 12312 deal with the treatment of ends
walking over the slime-coated floor. The room should be of cylinders when testing for compressive strength. The infor-
cleaned regularly. The operation of the room should be checked mation in this section refers to Practice C 617.2 For informa-
daily. tion on the unbonded cap system, Practice C 1231,2 refer to
31.9 Racks should not be made of aluminum as the alkaline section 40 of this manual.
condition causes corrosion. Steel racks, hot-dipped galvanized 33.1 Prior to testing, the ends of the cylinders must be
after fabrication, have also been satisfactory. Racks made from checked for planeness and perpendicularity. If either end
reinforced concrete planks and concrete blocks are most departs from planeness by more than 0.002 in. (0.05 mm), or
satisfactory. Wood racks made of redwood liberally treated either end departs from perpendicularity by more than 0.5°
with a wood preservative after cutting and drilling and as- (1⁄16 in. in 6 in.), the end(s) of the cylinder must be ground or
sembled with galvanized bolts and nails have performed very capped. Three types of caps for cylinders are discussed in the
satisfactorily for more than 25 years. practice: sulfur mortar, gypsum plaster and neat cement paste.
31.10 It has been found that after constructing a well Sulfur mortar and gypsum plaster are used on hardened
insulated room within an air conditioned building, cooling was cylinders and cores. The neat cement paste is used on the top
not required. A small amount of heat required at times was surface of the freshly molded cylinders.
supplied by thermostatically controlled heat cables on racks 33.2 An alternative to capping is wet grinding. The draw-
within the room. Moisture was supplied to the room by two air backs of grinding are cost and lack of skilled operators and
operated fog nozzles. (Only one fog nozzle was needed—one proper apparatus. Grinding should be done by the wet lapping
is a spare when one may clog.) Air was supplied by a small air process. Dry grinding should not be used because it may cause
compressor. The air pressure was regulated to about 10 to 15 heat damage to the ends of the cylinder.
psi. It was found that much better fog and moisture condition 33.3 Sulfur mortar is a composition of sulfur and granular
was maintained in the room if the water temperature entering materials. This mixture is heated to a temperature of about
the fog nozzles was a little above the room temperature. This 265°F (130°C) until the sulfur is molten. The sulfur mortar is
was accomplished by putting a small tank containing a ladled into the bottom of a vertical capping device. The
thermostatically controlled immersion heater of low wattage in cylinder is immediately placed squarely against the guide bars
the supply line. The water level in the tank was controlled by and slowly lowered into the molten mortar. If a horizontal
a float valve. (An old toilet tank can be modified to serve this device is used the cylinder is placed in the device and the
purpose.) It was necessary to flush and clean the tank periodi- material is then poured into the device through openings at the
cally. top. After the sulfur mortar hardens, the cylinder is removed,
care being taken not to damage the capping plate or the mortar
32. TOTAL EVAPORABLE MOISTURE CONTENT OF cap.
AGGREGATE BY DRYING (See Test Method C 566)2 33.3.1 The sulfur mortar must have a compressive strength
Test Method C 566 requires the use of a ventilated oven for of at least 5000 psi (34.5 MPa) at 2 h when tested as a 2 in. (50
more precise determinations and when aggregates would be mm) cube. The procedure for testing the strength of the mortar
affected by excessive temperatures. The method permits other is detailed in Practice C 617. Sulfur mortar gains strength with
suitable heat sources such as a hotplate, heat lamp, or micro- age. For some materials, a 2 h strength of 5000 psi (34.5 MPa)
wave oven. As recognized in the test method, the procedure may increase to 9000 psi (62.1 MPa) at 24 h. Strengths are
will generally measure the moisture content in the test sample considerably lower at an age of less than 2 h. The required
more reliably than the sample can be made to represent the waiting period of at least 2 h between capping and testing of
aggregate supply. When the moisture content of a coarse cylinders capped with sulfur mortar should be strictly enforced
aggregate exceeds 3 or 4 % or a fine aggregate exceeds 7 to unless a sacrifice of apparent strength is allowable as expedient
9 %, the free water on the aggregate will drain or collect in the in job control of detensioning of prestressed concrete.
bottom layers and truly representative samples will be difficult 33.3.2 Sulfur mortar, either laboratory prepared or commer-
to obtain. cial type, can sometimes produce rubbery caps that deform or
32.1 All moisture contents are expressed as percentages of flow under load. This is caused by a plasticizer in the
oven-dry weight of aggregates. Total moisture content by Test commercial material, by contamination of either type with oil,
Method C 566, less the absorption by Test Method C 127, grease, water, paraffin, or by overheating. The capping material
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate,2 or Test should flow freely at the recommended temperature. If the
Method C 128, Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine material thickens from overheating, it must be cooled and
26
stirred until thin. In most instances, cooling will restore the capping. This can be prevented by storing the cylinder in moist
mixture to a satisfactory condition if it is stirred during cooling. air, underwater, or by wrapping in wet burlap, until the time of
If it is greatly overheated, it should be replaced. If water test.
contaminates the mortar, foaming may occur. In this case, the 33.3.7 The plates of the capping apparatus should be oiled
pot should be recharged with new mortar. Sulfur mortars or greased lightly before use, but the ends of the test specimens
having an exceptionally high sulfur content will produce caps should not be oiled before applying the sulfur mortar caps.
that warp or crack on cooling. Penetration oils should not be used to oil capping plates. Plates
33.3.3 The ends of cylinders should not be oiled before should neither be too hot or too cold. Cold plates will produce
capping, as is sometimes done to facilitate the removal and thick caps and should be warmed by pouring one or two ladles
reuse of caps from tested cylinders. Using reclaimed sulfur of material onto the plate, allowing it to harden, and then
mortar is not recommended unless the material is frequently removing before the first cylinder is capped. If plates are too
checked for strength and deformation under load. The practice hot, caps will harden slowly causing an unnecessary delay. The
limits the number of uses of the material to five times. use of additional plates will reduce excessive heat build up.
33.3.4 Reusable steel cylinder molds use mineral oil as a 33.3.8 Capping devices should be occasionally checked to
release agent between the steel and the concrete, and cardboard determine whether the plates meet the planeness requirements
cylinder molds use a coating of wax between the cardboard and in Practice C 617. Fig. 1 shows the planeness of caps being
concrete to prevent moisture loss and absorption. A residue of checked with a 6 in. (152 mm) machinist’s parallel and a 0.002
these materials may be found on the cylinders. A concrete in. (0.05 mm) feeler gage. The planeness of capping plates
cylinder with a coating of mineral oil or paraffin on the bottom should be checked periodically using the same apparatus.
should not be capped until the wax or oil has been removed. Quarterly reviews are recommended or whenever indentations
Prior to capping, the ends of the cylinders must also be free of are observed. Such checking does not eliminate the necessity
moisture. Clean the surface with a wire brush and rag. Failure of checking planeness of capped specimens since the caps may
to treat cylinder ends properly may result in air voids or steam warp when cooled.
pockets between the cap and the cylinder end. This will cause 33.3.9 The practice, in describing the capping device, refers
the cap to yield before the cylinder fails during testing. If to a recess in the capping plate which holds the molten sulfur
tapping with a piece of metal (for example, coin, key or light mortar. On most new capping devices, the recess has been
hammer) on a sulfur mortar cap produces a hollow sound, an replaced with a metal ring which is affixed to the top surface of
unsound cap is indicated. The unsound cap should be removed the plate. Whether a recess or ring is used the depth or height
and the cylinder end cleaned and recapped. of this device should not exceed 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm). This
33.3.5 Sulfur mortar caps should be as thin as practical; requirement assists in limiting the thickness of the sulfur
1⁄8 in. is ideal. In no instance shall any part of the cap be more mortar cap that can be produced in the capping device.
than 5⁄16 in. thick. A vertical capping device generally produces Limiting the thickness of the caps helps to prevent cylinders or
thinner caps than a horizontal apparatus. Cylinder ends that are cores with excessively sloped, uneven or convex ends from
sloped, very uneven, or highly convex should be rubbed down being capped without the ends being ground or sawed.
with a carborundum rubbing stone, or should be squared by 33.3.10 A suitable container and source of heat must be
cutting with an abrasive or diamond saw before capping. This provided for melting the sulfur mortar and maintaining the
is particularly important if sulfur mortar or high-strength preferred temperature of about 265°F (130°C). The melting pot
gypsum plaster is used. Poor finishing or handling are the should be of suitable design, electrically heated with automatic
major causes of unsatisfactory cylinder ends. Such conditions controls, and provided with thermal safety melting links. Due
should be reported to those responsible for making the cylin- to the corrosive action of the sulfur, electrical contacts should
ders so the work can be corrected and done properly in the be protected from sulfur fumes. A heavy gage steel lip around
future. Thicker caps may also be caused by the sulfur mortar the container may aid in protecting the pot when hardened
hardening somewhat before the cylinder is lowered into the sulfur mortar is chipped from around the edges. A metal ladle
molten mixture. This can be corrected by starting with a warm of sufficient capacity to fill the capping plate in one pour should
capping plate, using the capping material to preheat the plate, be provided. The use of a small air-driven stirring device in the
or by working faster, that is, placing the cylinder into the molten material will help to maintain the uniformity of the
molten sulfur mortar before it begins to harden. Warning: material. A large, perforated sheet metal strainer or spoon is
Technicians must be aware, however, of the hazards of helpful in removing small lumps of solid material.
dropping the cylinder into the molten sulfur mortar and thereby 33.3.11 Operators who handle hot sulfur mortar should wear
causing a splash of the material. leather-faced cotton or suitable work gloves, face shield or
33.3.6 When cylinders are capped with sulfur mortar, the safety glasses, and long sleeves. Due to the toxic nature of the
ends of the cylinders must be free of all surface moisture to sulfur fumes, the melting pot should be under a hood with
avoid steam pockets under the cap. During drying of the forced ventilation to the outside air. Warning: Severe burns
cylinder ends and in the process of capping, considerable have resulted from explosion of sulfur mortar being overheated
moisture may be lost from the sides of the cylinder. This can be when the material in the bottom of the pot melted and boiled
prevented by wrapping in wet burlap until time of test. before the surface had melted, causing a build-up of pressure.
Cylinders should never be allowed to dry for long periods In these cases, the explosion might have been prevented if the
before capping nor during the 2 h or more waiting period after metal ladle had been left in the pot. The ladle conducts heat up
27
from the bottom of the pot and thereby melting a relief channel and the curing of the hardened caps. Lack of moisture, and
to the surface of the mortar and preventing built-up pressure. absorption of moisture from the paste by the drying concrete
Heating elements located on the sidewalls of the pot have been can result in caps that are cracked, nonplane, or of poor
found to eliminate this problem. strength. The paste caps must be aged sufficiently so that they
33.3.12 The flash point of sulfur is approximately 440°F will exceed the strength of the concrete cylinder being tested.
(227°C) and the mixture can ignite due to overheating. To Caps should never be made with a mixture of plaster of paris
prevent fires caused by failure of electrical contacts, melting and portland cement. This mixture can have a strength consid-
pots specifically designed for continuous use with sulfur are erably lower than either of its constituents.
recommended. A tight cover for the melting pot or wet burlap 33.5.1 When using neat cement paste in capping a cylinder
bags should be located in the capping area. Either can be used in the mold, allow the cylinder to cure after molding for 2 to 4
to cover the pot in case of fire. A dry chemical fire extinguisher h before capping. A stiff cement paste that has been mixed 2 to
should also be available for emergencies. Warning: Sulfur 4 h prior to use will reduce the tendency of the cap to shrink.
burns with a low, blue flame and may be difficult to detect. In capping the cylinder, exercise care when working the glass
Hazards such as flammable materials or explosive gases should plate on the cement paste to avoid breakage and possible
not be present in the capping area. Practice C 386,19 is a useful injury. The cap should be checked for planeness before testing.
reference for safety considerations. Such capping is feasible only when rigid, watertight molds are
33.4 Another capping material permitted by Practice C 617 used, and the concrete specimen has no bleeding water on its
is gypsum plaster. This plaster can be used for capping concrete top surface.
specimens expected to have a compressive strength below
5000 psi (34.5 MPa), provided the plaster has a compressive 34. RESISTANCE OF CONCRETE TO RAPID
strength of 5000 psi (34.5 MPa) or greater when tested as 2 in. FREEZING AND THAWING
(50 mm) cubes. Reference is made to Method C 47220 for (See Test Method C 666)2
details on filling the cube mold and timing in striking off the There are two procedures for Test Method C 666 for
top surface of the plaster in the mold. performing laboratory freezing and thawing tests: Procedure A,
33.4.1 Certain problems and precautions are connected with Rapid Freezing and Thawing in Water; and Procedure B, Rapid
the use of high-strength gypsum plasters for capping. The Freezing in Air and Thawing in Water. Test Method C 671,
mixing water used should be between 26 to 30 %. The amount Critical Dilation of Concrete Specimens Subjected to Freez-
of water used in testing the plaster for strength should be ing,2 is another reference standard.
carefully measured and recorded, along with the air and water 34.1 These test methods describe the equipment and proce-
temperature, and the time interval between mixing and testing. dure in considerable detail and are intended for use in
The same proportion of gypsum plaster to water should be determining the effects of variations in the properties of
maintained in mixing for capping as was established in concrete on the resistance of the concrete to the freezing and
compressive strength testing. The temperatures of air and thawing procedures specified in the test methods. They are not
mixing water during the capping should be substantially the intended to provide a quantitative measure of the length of
same as when strength tests were made. Free water on the service that may be expected from a specific type of concrete.
surface of the concrete softens the gypsum cap, and should be 34.2 The freezing and thawing of water in concrete is one of
removed before applying the cap. After the cylinder has been the major causes of concrete deterioration. The intensity of
capped, it should be wrapped immediately in several layers of natural freezing and thawing ranges from slight to very great,
moist burlap, but the capped end or ends should not be covered. with no two cycles identical even at the same location.
It takes about 20 min for gypsum plaster caps to harden, but Freezing and thawing tests in the laboratory cannot duplicate
specimens must not be tested in less time than the interval natural exposure in all respects, but can evaluate relative
established during strength testing. durabilities under standardized exposure conditions. This is the
33.4.2 Gypsum plaster caps should be as thin as practical, main function of laboratory freezing and thawing tests, that is,
and a vertical capping jig is advisable to obtain thin and the determination of the relative durabilities of concretes or
parallel caps at right angles to the axis of the cylinder. Capping concrete materials.
plates, whether metal or glass, should meet the planeness 34.3 The Highway Research Board Committee on Durabil-
requirements of Practice C 617. Plate glass, 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) ity of Concrete—Physical Aspects, conducted an extensive
thick, 7 by 7 in. (180 by 180 mm) can be obtained with a cooperative evaluation of four freezing and thawing methods.
planeness of 0.002 in. (0.05 mm) in any 7 in. dimension. These results were published in Special Report 47, H.R.B.,
33.5 Neat cement paste caps made of portland cement are 1959. Among the numerous lessons learned was the impor-
applicable to freshly molded specimens. This method requires tance of preparatory matters such as condition of the aggre-
moist curing of the concrete specimens and constant moisture gates, air content, curing, and a variety of details prior to the
conditions must be maintained during the setting of the paste start of actual testing. These are discussed concisely in Appen-
dix F, Suggested Operating Procedures, of the H.R.B. report.
19
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.05. Because of the value of these suggestions they are reproduced
20
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01. in their entirety below.
28
APPENDIX F
SUGGESTED OPERATING PROCEDURES
This research has produced no evidence that any of the room (relative humidity not less than 95 %) at 73 6 3°F
ASTM freezing-and-thawing test methods in its present form is covered with at least four layers of wet burlap.21
both sufficiently quantitative and reproducible to provide (b) After 24 6 4 h, strip the specimens from the molds,
absolute limits for the routine acceptance or rejection, on a mark them for identification on both ends and on the sides of
general basis, of concrete or concrete materials. The methods the specimens while they dry, and immerse them immediately
do, however, provide useful procedures for comparing the in a saturated limewater solution at 73 6 3°F. This operation
relative durability of different concretes within a given labo- shall be handled in such a way that the time between removal
ratory. In that connection, the Committee recommends atten- from the molds and immersion in the limewater is held to an
tion to the following cautions: absolute minimum and no surface drying of the specimens
1. Concretes to be compared should be mixed at as nearly occurs.
the same time as feasible, placed into and removed from curing For concrete containing a retarder, or insufficient cement to
at the same time, and exposed to freezing and thawing attain adequate strength, or if strength development is slow for
concurrently. any other reason, additional time in the molds up to 44 h may
2. Each class of concrete should be represented by at least be desirable.
three batches, preferably mixed on different days. It is desirable (c) Remove specimens from the limewater at the same age
to have three or more test specimens from each batch as a (14 days unless otherwise specified) and, after necessary
check on within-batch uniformity. As indicated under item 1, measurements of weight and fundamental frequencies, place
all classes of concrete to be compared should be mixed on each them in the thawing environment of the test exposure, taking
mixing day. care to minimize drying during handling.
3. Air content of the concrete should be known as accurately A drying period, after the initial minimum storage of 14 days
as possible, and, if the object is to evaluate relative durability in limewater, may sometimes be used as a specified variation of
of a given concrete, the air content of the freezing-and-thawing the test procedure. Drying should be under constant conditions
specimens should duplicate as closely as possible that of the of temperature and relative humidity. Normally, resaturation of
given concrete. If aggregate is the variable under study, the air the dried specimens in limewater prior to the beginning of the
content should be sufficiently high to provide positive frost freezing cycle will also be a part of the variation from the
protection for the cement paste. For all concretes to be standard procedure.
compared, the air content should be the same within 60.5 7. Every effort should be made to assure that all specimens
percentage point. Each specimen should be weighed in air and to be compared receive the same exposure to freezing and
under water to provide an indication of uniformity. Whenever thawing. Ability to accomplish this may depend not only on the
possible the air content and air-void characteristics should be characteristics of the apparatus but also on the arrangement and
determined by microscopic examination of the hardened con- location of the specimens. Turning specimens end for end and
crete specimens, and preferably on specimens which have changing location in the apparatus each time specimens are
actually been frozen and thawed. returned after measurement will help to minimize the effects of
4. Unless aggregate saturation is a controlled variable, the unavoidable differences in environment.
aggregates for all classes of concrete should be soaked in water 8. Supplementary tests and the keeping of detailed records
for seven days after they have been dried to essentially constant will often be helpful in accounting for poor reproducibility of
weight in air. The aggregates must not be allowed to dry out test results. Changes in weight of specimens during curing may
before incorporation in concrete. Necessary adjustments must reveal differences in saturation of presumably identical speci-
be made in the quantity of mixing water to compensate for the mens. Measurements of density may provide a check on
free moisture retained by the aggregates. In the case of certain uniformity of air content. Obviously, records of such things as
natural aggregates and many lightweight aggregates, a seven equipment breakdown and deviations from prescribed methods
day soaking period may not be desirable. Shorter periods of may be vital in interpreting test data. Such records are readily
soaking or no soaking may be called for in these special cases made at the time, but are often impossible to reconstruct after
as being more representative of actual conditions of use. the tests are completed.
5. Unless mixing condition or treatment of the fresh con- 34.4. A constant check should be made to ensure that the
crete is a variable, extreme care should be exercised to assure time-temperature cycles specified are being maintained. Note
that the procedures for mixing and handling the concrete and that the maintenance of a capacity load of specimens in the
fabricating specimens are as nearly identical as possible for all equipment at all times will materially aid in meeting these
classes of concrete which are to be compared. requirements. If specimen containers are used, it is essential
6. Unless treatment of test specimens is a controlled vari- that dimensions of both specimens and containers be highly
able, all specimens should be identically protected and cured uniform to secure a liquid zone of constant thickness, other-
between the time of molding and exposure to freezing and wise the rates of temperature change and, hence, the severity of
thawing. One acceptable sequence of operations is as follows:
(a) Immediately after molding, place the specimens in a fog 21
This recommendation differs from the procedure outlined in Practice C 192.
29
exposure may not be the same for all specimens. Note that after satisfy this requirement shall be verified by pretesting.
each measuring period the specimens should be turned end- 35.2.3 In procedure B, the boiling-water method, the speci-
for-end when returned to test. In addition, the specimens mens are stored for the first 23 h at an ambient temperature of
should be returned to random positions in the apparatus. 70 6 10°F (21 6 6°C). To minimize day to day variability in
Particular attention should be given to the various procedures test results, the ambient temperature conditions should be
outlined for handling the specimens in the event of an maintained as close as practicable to a constant value through-
interruption in the operation of the apparatus.
out the testing program.
34.5. The above discussion is based upon experience with
normal-weight concretes. It is believed that the freezing and 35.2.4 In procedure C, the Autogenous Method, elevated
thawing methods are applicable as well to concretes made with temperature is provided by containing the heat evolved by
lighweight aggregates. cement hydration. The temperature history of a particular
specimen depends on the total heat evolution, the insulating
35. MAKING, ACCELERATED CURING, AND efficiency of the container, and ambient temperature history for
TESTING CONCRETE COMPRESSION TEST the container. In interpreting test results account must be made
SPECIMENS (See Test Method C 684)2 of the actual temperature histories experienced by the speci-
There are two primary purposes for using accelerated or mens. Thus it may be desirable to monitor not only the
early-age strength testing. The first is to obtain reliable minimum and maximum temperature but also the complete
information at the earliest possible age about the potential temperature history of representative specimens.
strength of a concrete mixture. The other is to provide
35.2.4.1 When accelerated curing tests are used for estimat-
information on the variability of the concrete production
process so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken as ing an equivalent 28-day strength under conventional standard
promptly as is possible. curing conditions, a correlation relationship must be developed
35.1 Rather than wait until an age of 28 days to perform a by performing conventional and accelerated curing tests of
standard compression test, as is commonly done, strength tests concrete mixtures made with the same materials. In developing
may be performed at ages as early as 24 h depending on which this data, mixtures with different water-cement ratios must be
procedure is used. These early age tests are made after prepared so that a wide range of strength levels can be
specimens are subjected to either standard or elevated tempera- obtained. The correlation data should be subjected to rigorous
ture curing. statistical analysis so that meaningful confidence limits can be
35.2 In this test method, elevated curing temperatures are placed on the predicted 28-day strengths. The user is directed
provided so as to accelerate the cement hydration reactions. to the following publications for guidance on proper statistical
Depending on the procedure that is used, compression tests are treatment of data from accelerated curing tests: ASTM STP 169
performed at ages ranging from 24 to 48 h. At these early test B (Significance of Tests and Properties of Concrete and
ages, the strength of concrete is highly dependent on the actual Concrete-Making Materials); ACI 214.1R-81 (Use of Acceler-
temperature history, and proper control of curing temperatures ated Strength Testing); and ACI SP-56 (Accelerated Strength
is essential in order to reduce day-to-day variability in test Testing). It must be emphasized that the correlation relation-
results. Thus, it is essential to keep accurate records of the ship is only applicable for the same materials and testing
curing temperatures of the specimens. conditions used in its development.
35.2.1 The concrete specimens are exposed to elevated
temperatures and stored either under water or in sealed 35.3 The variability of properly conducted accelerated
containers. The cylinder molds must retain their original strength tests have been found to be similar to strength tests
shapes during curing to minimize the possibility of induced under conventional curing conditions. Hence, accelerated
early-age damage to the concrete resulting from dimensional strength test results can be used directly to monitor the
changes of the molds because of high temperature and mois- variability of concrete production and to signal the need for
ture. Cardboard molds and single-use plastic molds are not process adjustments. Correlation relationships or prediction
permitted for making specimens. equations are not required for such applications.
35.2.2 In procedure A, the warm water method, the speci-
mens are stored in a water bath whose temperature must be 36. REDUCING SAMPLES OF AGGREGATE TO
maintained at 95 6 5°F (35 6 3°C). To minimize variability of TESTING SIZE (See Practice C 702)2
test results the design of the curing tank must assure uniform
water temperature. This may be achieved by using mechanical The concrete laboratory will frequently find it necessary to
stirrers, circulating pumps, or natural convection currents. To reduce a sample of aggregate to a smaller volume. Such
achieve uniform temperature through convection currents, the reduction in sample volume must be done very carefully if the
heating elements must be uniformly distributed over the resulting smaller sample is to represent the larger lot accu-
bottom of the tank. Before using a curing tank, the water rately. Fine aggregate should be moistened before reduction to
temperature at various locations should be measured to assure minimize segregation and loss of dust, except when using an
that the required degree of uniformity is achieved. In addition, enclosed sample splitter. Practice C 702 describes procedures
the heaters should be of sufficient capacity to re-establish the for reducing field samples of aggregate to the appropriate size
required temperature within 15 min after immersion of the for testing which minimize variations in characteristics be-
colder specimens. The ability of the curing tank system to tween the test samples so selected.
30
37. MEASURING EARLY-AGE COMPRESSIVE area of the cylinder by acting as a hydraulic fluid. Different
STRENGTH AND PROJECTING LATER-AGE strength levels require different durometer hardness. Pad
STRENGTH (See Test Method C 918)2 manufacturers are required to supply the durometer hardness.
This test method uses the maturity concept and the strength Use the table located in the practice to determine the correct
versus maturity relationship proposed by Plowman (Magazine hardness number to be used and when qualification is required.
of Concrete Research, V.8, N.22, March 1956). Test specimens 38.1.1 The number of cylinders that can be tested using the
are cured following Practices C 31 or C 192, and a record is same pads varies with the strength levels of the concrete
maintained of the temperature immediately adjacent to the cylinders being tested and the hardness of the pad. Pads with
specimens. At an early age of about 24 h, the specimens are high durometer hardness generally last longer than softer pads
tested in compression. The value of maturity is calculated from when testing cylinders at higher strength levels. Use the table
the test age and the temperature record. Since most specimens in the practice to refer to the maximum number of reuses.
will be tested prior to an age of about 48 h, protection 38.2 Neoprene pads need not be qualified when testing
precautions in Practice C 31 concerning transportation and concrete with strength levels below 7000 psi and with less than
handling of early-age specimens should be followed. 100 reuses. Pads must be qualified after 100 reuses, if they are
37.1 The early-age strength and maturity values may be made from a material other than the neoprene listed in the
used to estimate the later age, such as 28-day, compressive Elastomeric Pad Section of the practice , or if the strength level
strength or may be compared to concrete mixture design data exceeds 7 000 psi. When qualification is required, contact the
at similar maturity. Later-age strengths are estimated by using manufacturer to see if they have the necessary qualification
a previously established prediction equation that was devel- data. If qualification tests are required; requalify the system
oped for the specific concrete being tested. The prediction when one of the following items have changed: (1) pad
equation is obtained by measuring the maturity and compres- material, (2) pad dimensions, (3) pad hardness, (4) retaining
sive strength of specimens at ages from 24 h to 28 days, ring design, and (5) retaining ring material. However, varia-
plotting the test results on a semi-log scale, and deriving the tions of a particular parameter need to be qualified only once.
best fitting equation for the data. Pad cap systems are qualified by testing companion cylinders;
one ground or capped in accordance with Practice C 617 and
38. USE OF UNBONDED CAPS IN DETERMINATION the other tested using pad caps. Companion cylinders are
OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF HARDENED cylinders made from the same batch, at the same time, by the
CONCRETE CYLINDERS (See Practice C 1231)2 same technician. A minimum of ten sets of companion cylin-
An alternative to the sulfur, gypsum, or cement capping ders shall be tested at the minimum strength level and ten sets
methods of Practice C 617 is the unbonded method described at the maximum strength level at which the pad caps will be
in Practice C 1231. The practice describes the use of elasto- used. These test results must be within a range of 1 000 psi, for
meric pads and metal retaining rings, commonly known as pad each strength level. Additional companion cylinders may be
caps, in testing concrete cylinders. The testing of cores by this needed to qualify the system. All test results of companion
practice is not permitted. The practice may be used when cylinders for a desired strength level should be included in the
anticipated strength levels are between 1 500 and 12 000 psi calculation for qualification. Pad cap systems are considered to
(10 to 85 mPa). Cylinder ends with depressions greater than be qualified if the results of the comparison tests indicate that
0.20 in. (5 mm) must be sawn or ground prior to using pad pad caps did not reduce the strength of the concrete by more
caps. If the ends of cylinders meet the requirements of Test than two percent when compared with the cylinders which
Method C 39 for planeness they may be tested with no caps. have been ground or capped in accordance with Practice C 617.
Although pad caps may be used on one end of the cylinder in If the laboratory wishes to use the pad beyond 100 uses, then
combination with methods mentioned in Practice C 617 on the it must be checked again at 200 uses. The cylinders used in
other end, normally the pad caps are used on both ends of the these qualification tests must be within a range of 2 000 psi of
cylinder. For testing, the pads are placed in the retaining rings each strength level.
and then placed on the ends of the cylinder. The cylinder and 38.3 The design of the retaining ring is important in the pad
caps are then centered in the compression machine using the cap system. Erroneous strength results are often produced
upper spherical block and upper retaining ring. After rotating when cylinders are not properly centered in the testing ma-
the upper spherically seated bearing block as contact is made, chine. Since the cylinder is centered in the testing machine by
the test specimen is initially loaded up to 10 % of the centering the retaining ring on the upper bearing block, a
anticipated total load and the cylinder is checked for perpen- means for centering the retaining ring should be considered. In
dicularity. When the cylinder is properly positioned, the test is some cases, metal straps may be used to attach the ring to the
completed in accordance with the procedure described in Test block as shown in Figure 1 of Practice C 1231 or the outer
Method C 39. surface of the retaining ring could be made circular to assist in
38.1 Neoprene pads conforming to the requirement listed in alignment. Centering the cylinder is easy when the diameter of
the Elastomeric Pad Section of the practice need not be the retaining ring is the same diameter as that of the bearing
qualified when used below 7 000 psi. Other elastomers are block. The practice requires that the diameter of the pad shall
permitted but must be qualified. The pads are required to have not be more than 1⁄16 in. (2 mm) smaller than the inside
a Shore “A” durometer hardness in a range of 50 to 70. The pad diameter of the retaining ring. Experience has shown that the
distributes the force of the compression over the entire surface inside diameter of the pad should be as close as possible to the
31
inside diameter of the retaining ring. The smaller the gap the pads has reported to have caused damage to some com-
between the ring and the pad, the less the pad will deform or pression testing machines.
spread laterally. Reducing the amount of lateral deformation or
spread will reduce the amount of cracks along the edge of the 39. SAMPLING AGGREGATES (See Practice D 75)2
pad and increase pad life. The practice requires that the base of Practice D 75 is of importance to laboratory personnel even
the ring which contacts the bearing blocks of the compression though sampling sources of concrete aggregate is not within
machine must be plane to 0.002 in. (0.05 mm). the scope of this manual. In many instances aggregate samples
38.4 In addition to being properly centered in the testing for trial batches and preliminary laboratory tests will be
machine, the cylinder must be tested in the vertical position. obtained several months before the job is started or even before
The pad is made of soft material and the only method to ensure the aggregates that will be used on the job are produced. Under
that the cylinder is perpendicular to the platen of the compres- these conditions samples must be taken with particular care.
sion machine is to check the perpendicularity of the cylinder Past production records should be examined to determine if the
under load. samples taken are likely to represent material to be produced in
38.4.1 Center the pad caps on the cylinder and place the the future. When construction is started, the material furnished
cylinder on the lower platen of the testing machine. As the to the project must be tested to determine if it is of similar
upper spherically seated block is brought to bear on the pad quality to that used in earlier tests. When aggregate samples are
cap, make sure to carefully center the upper pad on the block for preparation of trial batches the moisture condition of the
and rotate the block’s movable portion gently by hand so that material should be noted in order that the aggregate can be
uniform seating is obtained. incorporated in laboratory batches in a moisture condition
38.4.2 Begin applying load to the cylinder. Before the load representative of the aggregate to be used in the job concrete.
has reached 10 % of the anticipated cylinder strength, stop This is particularly important for highly porous aggregates
increasing the load. While holding the load constant, check to such as structural lightweight concrete aggregates.
see that the cylinder is vertical within a tolerance of 1⁄8 inch in
39.1 Particular attention is directed to the need for observ-
12 inches (3.2 mm in 300 mm) and that the ends of the cylinder
ing the requirements for minimum sample sizes in different
are centered in the retaining rings. If the cylinder alignment
methods. The test methods to be performed should be exam-
does not meet these requirements, release the load; remove the
ined carefully to determine the number and size of test portions
cylinder; and, check to make sure that the cylinder itself meets
required. The size of sample obtained from the field should be
the 1⁄8 inch in 12 inches (3.2 mm in 300 mm) criteria. If it does
at least twice as large as the total amount required for the tests
not, minor corrections can be made by sulfur mortar capping as
to be conducted to provide for any waste, reruns of tests, or
long as the cylinder meets the 1⁄8 in 6 inches (3.2 mm in 150
additional tests if required.
mm) requirement in the End Condition section of Practice
C 617. If the cylinder cannot be capped, the cylinder end must
40. FORCE VERIFICATION OF TESTING
be corrected by sawing or grinding. If the cylinder does meet
MACHINES (See Practices E 4)2
the requirements, repeat the above procedure, rechecking the
centering and alignment of the cylinder. If the cylinder is not By reference to Practices E 4, Test Method C 39 requires
perpendicular to the platen of the machine, the ultimate verification yearly for machines in constant use, every 2 or 3
strength may be reduced. years for machines used intermittently, whenever repairs are
38.5 The breaks of the cylinders will rarely be the conical made, and whenever there is reason to doubt the accuracy.
fractures typical of the sulfur mortar caps, and therefore, the Small portable testing machines and machines operating under
sketches shown in Figure 2 of Test Method C 39, are not unfavorable conditions may require more frequent verification.
descriptive. One reason for this difference is that the energy Verification tests at very small loads can be made on many
stored in the pad is released to the concrete resulting in a more machines by applying dead load.
explosive break with more rubble than is seen with sulfur caps. 40.1 Calibrated equipment, such as proving rings, require
Pad capped cylinders occasionally will develop early cracking very careful handling, and its use is not recommended unless
associated with the lateral flow of the cap, but will continue to the operator has become familiar through experience with the
carry increasing load and therefore should be tested to com- methods and precautions involved. Literature of the National
plete failure. Institute of Standards and Technology and ASTM covers many
38.6 Because of the explosive nature of breaks associated details of requirements for and use of verification equipment.
with pad caps, the testing machine needs to be fitted with some Definitions and information about verification of machines are
form of protective cage. The sudden release of energy stored in given in Practices E 4.
32

Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing

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Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing1

Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens 30

damage during the tension operation. Under no circumstances

FIG. 5 Equipment for Wet Sieving Concrete by Hand

SUGGESTED OPERATING PROCEDURES

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