M 241 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

Standard Specification for

Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing

AASHTO DESIGNATION: M 241-921

(ASTM DESIGNATION: C 685-86 REVISED)

1. SCOPE1 T 119 Slump of Portland Cement 3. BASIS OF PURCHASE

Concrete
1.1 This specification covers concrete T 121 Weight Per Cubic Foot, 3.1 The basis of purchase shall be the
made from materials continuously Yield, and Air Content (Gra- cubic yard (or cubic meter) of plastic and
batched by volume, mixed in a continu- vimetric) of Concrete unhardened concrete as it is continuously
ous mixer, and delivered to the purchaser T 131 Time of Setting of Hydraulic discharged from the batching and mixing
in a freshly mixed and unhardened state. Cement by Vicat Needle apparatus.
Tests and criteria for batching accuracy T 152 Air Content of Freshly Mixed NOTE 1-It should be understood that the
and mixing efficiency are specified Concrete by the Pressure volume of hardened concrete may be, or may
herein. Method appear to be, less than expected due to waste
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units and spillage, over-excavation, spreading
T 196 Air Content of Freshly Mixed
are to be regarded as the standard. forms, some loss of entrained air, or settlement
Concrete by the Volumetric of wet mixtures, none of which are the respon-
Method sibility of the producer.
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS T 260 Sampling and Testing for
3.2 The volume of plastic and unhard-
Total Chloride Ion in Con-
ened concrete shall be checked daily on
crete and Concrete Raw Ma-
2.1 AASHTO Standards: projects requiring more than 50 yd' (38
terials
M6 Fine Aggregate for Portland m') of concrete per day (see Section 6.4).
2.2 ASTM Standards: The amount of various ingredients (ce-
Cement Concrete
C 567 Test Method for Unit Weight ment, fine and coarse aggregate, admix-
M 80 Coarse Aggregate for Port- of Structural Lightweight tures, and water) shall be checked as
land Cement Concrete Concrete required in Section 6.5.
M 85 Portland Cement C 1017 Specifications for Chemical 3.3 The manufacturer of the concrete
M 154 Air-Entraining Admixtures Admixtures for the Use in shall conduct calibration and mixer effi-
for Concrete Producing Flowing Concrete ciency tests at intervals not exceeding 6
M 194 Chemical Admixtures for C 1064 Test Method for Temperature months. Data on such tests using materi-
Concrete of Freshly mixed Portland- als proposed for use in the project shall
Cement Concrete be furnished the purchaser upon request.
M 195 Lightweight Aggregates for
Structural Concrete D 516 Test Method for Sulphate Ion
M 240 Blended Hydraulic Cements in Water 4. MATERIALS
M 295 Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined 2.3 ACI Standards:2
Natural Pozzolan for Use as a 211.1 Recommended Practice for 4.1 In the absence of designated applica-
Mineral Admixture in Port- Selecting Proportions for ble specifications covering requirements
land Cement Concrete Normal and Heavyweight for quality of materials, the following
M 302 Ground Iron BlastFurnace Concrete specifications shall govern:
Slag for Use in Concrete and 211.2 Recommended Practice for 4.1.1 Cement-Cement shall conform to
Mortars Selecting Proportions for M 85 or M 240 (Note 2). The purchaser
T 22 Compressive Strength of Structural Lightweight Con- should specify the type or types required,
Cylindrical Concrete Speci- crete but if no type is specified, the require-
mens 214 Practice for Evaluation of ments of Type 1 as prescribed in M 85
Strength Test Results of Con- shall apply.
T 23 Making and Curing Concrete
Test Specimens in the Field crete NOTE 2-These different cements will produce
305R Hot Weather Concretin concretes of different properties and shall not
T 26 Quality of Water to be Used
be used interchangeably.
in Concrete 306R Cold Weather Concreting
T 71 Effect of Organic Impurities 2.4 Other Documents: 4.1.2 Aggregates-Aggregates shall
in Fine Aggregate on conform to M 6 and M 80 or M 195 if
Bureau of Reclamation Concrete Manual3 lightweight concrete is specified by the
Strength of Mortar
purchaser.
T 106 Compressive Strength of
Hydraulic Cement Mortars 4.1.3 Water:
2
Available from American Concrete Institute, Box 4.1.3.1 The mixing water shall be clear
4754, Detroit, Michigan 48219. and apparently clean. If it contains quan-
1
Except for Table 2, the exclusion of Sections 12.2 3
Available from Superintendent of Documents. U.S. tities of substances that discolor it or
and 13.2.4: M 241 agrees with C 685. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. make it smell or taste unusual or objec-
201022.

349
M 241 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

tionable, or cause suspicion, it shall not 5.1.1 Designated size or sizes of coarse 5.2.1 When the purchaser assumes
be used unless service records of concrete aggregate. responsibility for the proportioning of the
made with it (or other information) indi- 5.1.2 Slump or slumps desired at the concrete mixture, he shall also specify
cate that it is not injurious to the quality point of delivery (see Section 9.3). the following in addition to the require-
of the concrete. Water of questionable ments of Sections 5.1.1 through 5.1.5.
quality shall be subject to the acceptance 5.1.3 When air-entrained concrete is
specified, the air content of samples' 5.2.1.1 Cement content in bags or pounds
criteria of Table 1 and Table II or desig- per cubic yard (or kilograms per cubic
nated by purchaser. taken at the point of discharge from the
transportation unit (see Section 9 and meter) of concrete, or equivalent units.
4.1.3.2 Wash water from mixer washout 5.2.1.2 Maximum allowable water con-
operations may be used for mixing con- Table 3 for the total air content and toler-
ances) (Note 4). tent in gallons (or cubic meters) per cubic
crete provided tests of wash water com- yard (or cubic meter) of concrete or
ply with the physical tests of Table 1. 5.1.4 When structural lightweight equivalent units, including surface mois-
Wash water shall be tested at a weekly concrete is specified, the unit weight as ture on the aggregates, but excluding
intervals for approximately 4 weeks, and wet weight, air-dry weight, or oven-dry water of absorption (Note 6), and
thereafter at a monthly intervals provided weight (Note 5), and
no single test exceeds the applicable limit 5.2.1.3 If admixtures are required, the
5.1.5 Which of Alternatives 1, 2, or 3 type, name, and dosage range to be used.
(Note 3). Optional chemical tests in
shall be used as a basis for determining Those employed for air-entrainment or
Table 2 may be specified by the pur-
the proportions of the concrete to produce for control of set (acceleration. retarda-
chaser when appropriate for the construc-
the required quality (see Sections 5.2, tion) shall have maximum limitations set
tion. The testing frequency for chemical
5.3, or 5.4). as to dosage. Admixtures shall not be
limits should be as given above or as
specified by the purchaser. NOTE 4-In selecting the specified air content, used as a substitute for a portion of speci-
the purchaser should consider the exposure fied amounts of cement without the
NOTE 3-When recycled wash water is used, conditions to which the concrete will be written approval of the purchaser.
attention should be given to effects on the subjected. Air contents less than shown in
dosage rate and batching sequence of air NOTE 6-The purchaser, in selecting require-
Table 3 may not give the required resistance to
entraining and other chemical admixtures and ments for which he assumes responsibility,
freezing and thawing, which is the primary
a uniform amount should be used in consecu- should give consideration to requirements for
purpose of air-entrained concrete. Air contents
tive batches. workability, placeability, durability, surface
higher than the levels shown may reduce
texture, and density, in addition to those for
strength without contributing any further
4.1.4 Admixtures shall conform to M structural design. The purchaser is referred to
improvement of durability.
154, M 194, M 295, or ASTM C 1017, ACI Recommended Practice 211.1 for normal
whichever is applicable. NOTE 5-The unit weight of fresh concrete, weight concrete, and ACI Recommended
which is the only unit weight determinable at Practice 211.2 for lightweight concrete, for the
the time of delivery, is always higher than the selection of proportions that will result in
5. ORDERING INFORMATION air-dry or oven-dry weight. Definitions of, and concrete suitable for various types of struc-
methods for determining or calculating air-dry tures and conditions of exposure. The water-
and oven-dry weights, are covered by ASTM cement ratio of most structural lightweight
5.1 In the absence of designated applica- C 567. concrete cannot be determined with sufficient
ble general specifications, the purchaser accuracy for use as a specification basis.
shall specify the following: 5.2 Alternative Nº 1:

TABLE 1 Acceptance Criteria for Questionable Water Supplies

Limits Test Method
Compressive strength, min, percent control at 7 days 90 T106"
Time of set, deviation from control from 1:00 earlier to 1:30 later T13IA
A
Comparisons shall be based on fixed proportions and the same volume of test water compared to control mix using city water or distilled water.

TABLE 2 Chemical Limitations for Wash Water

Chemical Requirements, Maximum Concentration Limits Test Method
Chloride as Clt-11 expressed as a percent by weight of cement when added to the Clt-11 in the other
components of the concrete mixture shall not exceed the following levels:
1. Prestressed concrete 0.06% T 260
2. Conventionally reinforced concrete in a moist environment and exposed to chloride 0.10%
3. Conventionally reinforced concrete in a moist environment but not exposed to chloride 0.15%
4. Above ground building construction where the concrete will stay dry No limit for corrosion
Sulfate as SO4, ppmA 3000 ASTM D 516
Alkalies as (Na2O + 0.658 K2O), ppm 600 ASTM D 516
Total solids, ppm 50000 T 26
A
Wash water reused as mixing water in concrete may exceed the limited concentrations of sulfate if it can be shown that the concentration calculated
in the total mixing water, including mixing water on the aggregate and other sources, does not exceed the stated limits.

TABLE 3 Recommended Total Air Content for Air-Entrained Concrete'

Total Air Content. Percent
Nominal Max Sizes of Aggregate, in. (mm)
Exposure Condition B,C
⅜ (9.5) ½ (12.5) ¾ (19.0) 1 (25.0) 1 ½ (37.5) 2 (50.0) 3 (75.0)
Mild 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5
Moderate 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.5
Severe 7.5 7.0 6.0 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5
A
For air-entrained concrete, when specified.
B
For description of exposure conditions, refer to ACI 211.1. Table 5.3.3 with attention to accompanying footnotes.
C
Unless exposure conditions dictate otherwise. air contents specified above may be reduced by up to 1% for concretes with specified compressive
strength, f„ of 5000 psi (34.5 Mpa) or above.
350
M 241 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

5.2.2 At the request of the purchaser, 5.4.1.2 Minimum cement content in bags the entire measuring and dispensing
the manufacturer shall, prior to the actual or pounds per cubic yard (or kilograms mechanism must produce the specified
delivery of the concrete, furnish a state- per cubic meter) of concrete (Note 7), proportions of each ingredient.
ment to the purchaser giving the sources, and
NOTE 8-The recommendation of the equip-
specific gravities, and sieve analyses of 5.4.1.3 If admixtures are required, the ment manufacturer in the operation of the
the aggregates and the dry weights of type, name, and dosage range to be used. equipment and in calibrating and using the
cement and saturated surface-dry weights The cement content shall not be reduced various gages, revolution counters, speed
of fine and coarse aggregate and quanti- when admixtures are used. indicators, or other control devices should be
ties, type, and name of admixture (if any) followed.
and of water per cubic yard or cubic 5.4.2 At the request of the purchaser,
the manufacturer shall, prior to the actual 6.2 All indicating devices that bear on
meter of concrete that will be used in the
delivery of the concrete, furnish a state- the accuracy of proportioning and mixing
manufacture of each class of concrete
ment to the purchaser, giving the dry of concrete shall be in full view and near
ordered by the purchaser.
weights of cement and saturated sur- enough to be read by the operator while
5.3 Alternative Nº 2: facedry weights of fine and coarse aggre- concrete is being produced. The operator
5.3.1 When the purchaser requires the gate and quantities, type, and name of shall have convenient access to all con-
manufacturer to assume full responsibil- admixture (if any) and of water per cubic trols.
ity for the selection of the proportions for yard (or cubic meter) of concrete that will 6.3 The proportioning and indicating
the concrete mixture, the purchaser shall be used in the manufacturer of each class devices shall be individually checked by
also specify the following in addition to of concrete ordered by the purchaser. The following the equipment manufacturer's
the requirements of Sections 5.1.1 manufacturer shall also furnish evidence recommendations as related to each
through 5.1.5: satisfactory to the purchaser that the individual concrete batching and mixing
5.3.1.1 Requirements for compressive materials to be used and proportions unit. Adequate standard volume meas-
strength as determined on samples taken selected will produce concrete of the ures, scales, and weights shall be made
from the mixer at the point of discharge quality specified. Whatever strengths are available for checking the accuracy of the
and evaluated in accordance with 10. The attained, the quantity of cement used proportioning mechanism. The device for
purchaser shall specify the requirements shall not be less than the minimum speci- the measurement of the added water shall
in terms of the compressive strength of fied. be capable of delivering to the batch the
standard specimens cured under standard NOTE 7-Alternative Nº 3 can be distinctive required quantity within the accuracy of
laboratory conditions for moist curing. and useful only if the designated minimum ± 1 percent; the device shall be so ar-
Unless otherwise specified, the age at test cement content is at about the same level that ranged that the measurements will not be
shall be 28 days. would ordinarily be required for the strength, affected by variable pressures in the
aggregate size, and slump specified. At the water supply line.
5.3.2 At the request of the purchaser, same time, it must be an amount that will be
the manufacturer shall, prior to the actual sufficient to assure durability under expected 6.4 Yield Check-Essentially, the volume
delivery of the concrete, furnish a state- service conditions, as well as satisfactory of concrete discharged from the mixer is
ment to the purchaser, giving the dry surface texture and density, in the event speci- checked by first weighing the amount of
weights of cement and saturated sur- fied strength is attained with it. Attention is concrete discharged during some number
facedry weights of fine and coarse aggre- directed to ACI Recommended Practices 211.1 of revolutions, or as determined by some
gate and quantities, type, and name of and 211.2 for additional information on mix- other output indicator; this is then fol-
ture proportions. lowed immediately by a determination of
admixtures (if any) and of water per
cubic yard (or cubic meter) of concrete 5.5 The proportions arrived at by Alter- the weight of concrete per cubic foot (or
that will be used in the manufacture of natives 1, 2, or 3 for each class of con- cubic meter). The weight of concrete
each class of concrete ordered by the crete and which are approved for use in a discharged divided by the weight per
purchaser. He shall also furnish evidence project shall be assigned a designation cubic foot (or cubic meter) is equal to the
satisfactory to the purchaser that the (7CV PK7, etc.) to facilitate identifica- number of cubic feet (or cubic meters)
materials to be used and proportions tion of each concrete mixture delivered to mixed and discharged during the chosen
selected will produce concrete of the the project. This is the designation re- interval. The accuracy of the output
quality specified. quired in Section 14.1.7 and supplies indicator is thus checked by this expedi-
5.4 Alternative Nº 3: information on concrete proportions ent.
when they are not given separately on NOTE 9-It is recommended that about 2.5 to
5.4.1 When the purchaser requires the
each delivery ticket as outlined in Section 3.0 ft3 (0.070 to 0.085 m3) be discharged for
manufacturer to assume responsibility for
14.2. However, each delivery of concrete this purpose; this amount of concrete will
the selection of the proportions for the
shall be covered by a delivery ticket weigh from 350 to 500 lb (160 to 225 kg) and
concrete mixture with the minimum can be discharged into and contained in a 35 or
showing enough information to establish
allowable cement content specified, the 55-gal (130 to 210 dm') drum or other suitable
that the mix conforms to the mix designs
purchaser shall also specify the following container which in turn can be placed on
previously approved for the work.
in addition to the requirements of Sec- weighing scale of adequate capacity. The
tions 5.1.1 through 5.1.5: output of a batcher-mixer unit may be indi-
cated by the number of revolutions, travel of a
5.4.1.1 Required compressive strength as 6. MEASURING MATERIALS
belt, or changes in gage readings: if so, these
determined in samples taken from the figures should be used as a measure of output.
mixer at the point of discharge and 6.1 Cement, fine and coarse aggregates,
evaluated in accordance with Section 10. 6.5 Proportioning Check-Whenever the
water, and admixtures may be measured
The purchaser shall specify the require- sources or characteristics of the ingredi-
by weight or by volume. If volume pro-
ments for strength in terms of tests of ents are changed, or the characteristics of
portioning is employed, devices such as
standard specimens cured under standard the mixture are noted to have changed,
counters, calibrated gate openings, or
laboratory conditions for moist curing. the purchaser may require a check of the
flowmeters, must be available for
Unless otherwise specified, the age at test fine aggregate content and the coarse
controlling and determining the quantities
shall be 28 days. aggregate content by use of the washout
of the ingredients discharged. In
test. Essentially, in the washout test, 1 ft3
operation, the entire measuring and
351
M 241 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

(0.03 m3) of concrete is washed through a 8. MIXING AND DELIVERY 9.3.1.1 When the project specifications
Nº 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and through a Nº for slump are written as a "maximum" or
100 (150-mm) sieve: that retained on the "not to exceed" requirement:
Nº 4 sieve is normally considered coarse 8.1 The batcher-mixer unit shall contain
aggregate whereas that passing the Nº 4 in separate compartments all the neces- Specified Slump Tolerance, in (mm).
sary ingredients needed for the manufac- 3 in. (76 mm) or less +0-1 ½ (38)
and retained on the Nº 100 sieve is con- More than 3 in. (76 mm) +0-2 ½ (64)
sidered fine aggregate. Corrections to the ture of concrete. The unit shall be
quantity of aggregates (per cubic foot or equipped with calibrated proportioning This option is to be used only if one
cubic meter of concrete) can be made if devices to vary the mix proportions and it
addition of water is permitted on the job
the original sieve analysis of each aggre- shall produce concrete as required by this provided such addition does not increase
gate is available. specification and those of the project.
the water-cement ratio above the maxi-
6.6 The rate of water supplied to the Minimum Concrete Temperature as Placed mum permitted by the specifications.
Section Size, 12 to 36 36 to 72
continuous mixer shall be measured by a in. (mm)
<12
(300 to (900 to
>72 9.3.1.2 When the project specifications
calibrated flowmeter coordinated with the (<300) (>1800) for slump are not written as a "maxi-
900) 1800)
cement and aggregate feeding mecha- Temperature,
55 (13) 50 (10) 45 (7) 40 (5) mum" or "not to exceed" requirement.
nism, and with the mixer. The rate shall min °F (°C)
Tolerance,
Specified Slump
be capable of being adjusted in order to 8.2 Concrete delivered in cold weather in. (mm)
control slump at the desired levels and to 2 in. (50 mm) or less ± ½ (13)
shall have the applicable minimum tem- More than 2 in. (50 mm) through 4 in.
determine that the water-cement (permit- perature indicated in the table entitled (100 mm)
± 1 (25)
ted or required) ratios are being met. "Minimum Concrete Temperature as More than 4 in. (100 mm) ± 1 ½ (38)
6.7 Liquid admixtures shall be dispensed Placed". (The purchaser shall inform the 9.4 When air-entrained concrete is de-
through a controlled flowmeter. producer as to the type of construction sired, the purchaser shall specify the total
6.8 Tolerances in proportioning the for which the concrete is intended.) The air content of the concrete. See Table 3
various ingredients are as follows: maximum temperature of concrete pro- for total air content (Note 4).
duced with heated aggregates, heated
Cement weight percent 0 to +4 9.5 The air content of air-entrained con-
Fine aggregate weight percent ±2
water, or both, shall at no time during its
crete when sampled from the transporta-
Coarse aggregate weight percent ±2 production or transportation exceed 90°F
tion unit at the point of discharge shall be
Admixtures weight or volume percent ±3 (32°C).
within a tolerance of ± 1.5 of the speci-
Water weight or volume percent ±1
NOTE 12-When hot water is used, rapid fied value.
The tolerances are based on volume/ stiffening may occur if hot water is brought in
weight relationship established by cali- direct contact with the cement. Additional
bration of the measuring devices fur- information on cold weather concreting is 10. STRENGTH
nished as an integral part of the whole contained in ACI Recommended Practice
306R.
equipment. 10.1 When strength is used as a basis
NOTE 10-It is noted that to meet these toler- 8.3 The producer shall deliver the con- for acceptance of the concrete, standard
ances, attention must be given to (1) degree of crete during hot weather at concrete specimens shall be made and cured under
compaction of the cement, (2) grading and temperatures as low as practicable, sub- standard moisture and temperature condi-
other physical characteristics of the fine and ject to the approval of the purchaser. tions in accordance with T 23.
coarse aggregates, (3) moisture content and
bulking factor of the fine aggregate, (4) viscos- NOTE 13-In some situations difficulty may be 10.2 One strength test set of two cyl-
ity of the admixture, and (5) other factors of encountered when concrete temperatures inders and the accompanying slump;
influence, for example, mechanical condition approach 90°F (32°C). Additional information temperature, and air content tests shall be
and weather. may be found in the Bureau of Reclamation made for each 25 yd3 (19 m3) of concrete
Concrete Manual and in ACI 305R.
or fraction thereof, or whenever signifi-
cant changes have been made in the
7. MIXING MECHANISM
9. SLUMP AND AIR CONTENT proportioning controls. There shall be at
least one strength test made for each class
7.1 The continuous mixer shall be an of concrete placed in one day.
auger-type mixer or any other type suit- 9.1 Slump, temperature, and air-content
tests shall be made at the time of place- 10.3 For each strength test, two stan-
able for mixing concrete to meet the dard-size cylinders shall be made (see
required consistency and uniformity ment at the option of the inspector as
often as is necessary for control checks Section 13.2.2). The test result shall be
requirements (see Section 13.2.3). the average of the strength of the two
and acceptance purposes, and always
7.2 Each batching or mixing unit, or when strength specimens are made. specimens except that, if any specimen
both, shall carry in a prominent place a shows definite evidence other than low
metal plate or plates on which are plainly 9.2 If the measured slump, temperature, strength, of improper sampling, molding,
marked the gross volume of the unit in or air content falls outside the specified handling, curing, or testing, it shall be
terms of mixed concrete, discharge limits, a check test shall be made imme- discarded and the strength of the remain-
speed, and the weight-calibrated constant diately on another portion of the same ing cylinder shall then be considered the
of the machine in terms of a revolution sample. In the event of a second failure, test result.
counter or other output indicator. The the concrete shall be considered to have
failed the requirements of this specifica- 10.4 The representative of the pur-
mixer shall produce a thoroughly mixed chaser shall ascertain and record the
and uniform concrete. tion.
delivery ticket number for the concrete
9.3 Tolerances in Slump: and the exact location in the work where
NOTE 11-Slump and air content tests of
samples taken in accordance with Section 9.3.1 Unless other tolerances are in- the concrete represented by each strength
13.2.3 can be made for a quick check of the cluded in the project specifications, the test was deposited.
probable degree of uniformity. following shall apply: 10.5 To conform to the requirements
of this specification, strength tests repre-
352
M 241 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

senting each class of concrete must meet 12. METHODS OF TEST possible. Molding of specimens for
the following two requirements (Note strength tests shall be started within 15
14): minutes of sampling. The time for mak-
12.1 Test the concrete in accordance ing these tests and specimens shall be as
10.5.1 The average of any three con- with the following Methods.
secutive strength tests shall be equal to, short as possible.
or greater than, the specified strength, f’c 12.1.1 Compression Test Specimens-T 13.2.3 Samples for determining the
and 23, using standard moist curing. uniformity of mixing shall be taken at
10.5.2 No individual strength test shall 12.1.2 Compression Tests-T 22. arbitrarily designated times. After at least
be more than 500 psi (3.4 MPa) below 12.1.3 Yield, Unit Weight-T 121. 2 ft3 (0.06 m3) have been discharged, a
the specified strength, f’c sample of at least 4 ft3 (0.11 m3) shall be
12.1.4 Air Content-T 121, T 196, or T
taken followed by another sample being
NOTE 14-Due to variations in materials, 152.
taken no sooner than after 4 minutes of
operations, and testing the average strength 12.1.5 Slump-T 119. continuous discharge, or 1 yd3 (0.76 m3),
necessary to meet these requirements will be
12.1.6 Temperature-ASTM C 1064. whichever is smaller. These samples shall
substantially higher than the specified strength.
The amount higher depends upon the standard be checked for conformance to the crite-
deviation of the test results and the accuracy ria set forth in Annex Al.
13. INSPECTION
with which that value can be estimated from 13.3 When the strength of concrete is
prior data as explained in ACI 318 and ACI used as a basis for acceptance, the manu-
301. Pertinent data is given in Tables 4 and 5. 13.1 Materials, Batching Facilities, facturer shall be entitled to copies of all
and Mixing Facilities-The manufacturer test reports.
11. FAILURE TO MEET STRENGTH shall afford the inspector all reasonable
REQUIREMENTS access (without charge) for obtaining
necessary samples of materials used in 14. BATCH TICKET INFORMA-
the concrete, and for making necessary TION
11.1 In the event that concrete tested checks of the batching and mixing facili-
in accordance with the requirements of ties to determine if the concrete is being 14.1 The manufacturer of the concrete
Section 10 fails to meet the strength produced in accordance with this specifi- shall furnish to the purchaser with each
requirements of this specification, the cation. All tests and inspection shall be so increment of discharged concrete, a
manufacturer of the concrete and the conducted as not to interfere unnecessar- delivery ticket or a statement of particu-
purchaser shall confer to determine ily with the batching, mixing, and dis- lars on which is shown the following:
whether agreement can be reached as to charge of the concrete to the purchaser.
what adjustment, if any, shall be made. If 14.1.1 Name of concrete supplier;
13.2 Fresh Concrete:
an agreement on a mutually satisfactory 14.1.2 Serial number of the delivery
adjustment cannot be reached by the 13.2.1 The contractor shall afford the ticket or statement;
manufacturer and the purchaser, a deci- inspector all reasonable access (without
14.1.3 Date, starting time and finishing
sion shall be made by a panel of three charge) for the procurement of samples
time;
qualified engineers, one of whom shall be of fresh concrete at the time of placement
designated by the purchaser, one by the so as to determine conformance of the 14.1.4 Identification number of batching
manufacturer, and the third chosen by concrete to this specification. or mixing equipment, or both;
these two members of the panel. The 13.2.2 At any time after at least 2 ft3 14.1.5 Name of the purchaser;
question of responsibility for the cost of (approximately 0.06 m3) of concrete have 14.1.6 Specific designation of the job
such arbitration shall be determined by been discharged, one sample of concrete (name and location); and
the panel. Its decision shall be binding, shall be taken for the slump test, the air 14.1.7 Specific class or designation of
except as modified by a court decision. content test, if required, and the strength the concrete in conformance with that
Required Average Strength of Consecutive
test. The sample shall be at least 2 ft3 employed in the job specification.
Nº of Tests, f’c (0.06 m3) in volume. Two cylinders for
Tests Working Stress Ultimate Strength each age of test shall be made. Tests for 14.1.8 Amount of concrete (cubic yards
Method Method slump or air content or both shall be or cubic meters); reading of the revolu-
1 0.79 0.86
started within 5 minutes of sampling. For tion counter or other device which indi-
2 0.90 0.97 cates quantity of concrete.
3 0.94 1.02 mobile job-site mixers, slump and air
4 0.97 1.05 content tests shall not be started until 5
5 0.99 1.07 minutes after discharge to allow for
6 1.00 1.08
aggregate absorption. These tests should
then be completed as expeditiously as

TABLE 4 Overdesign Necessary to Meet Strength Requirements'

Standard Deviation, psi
Number of TestsB
300 400 500 600 700 Unknown
15 470 620 850 1120 1390 C

20 430 580 760 1010 1260 C

30 or more 400 530 670 900 1130 C

Standard Deviation, MPa

2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 Unknown
15 3.1 4.7 7.3 10.0 C

20 2.9 4.3 6.6 9.1 C

30 or more 2.7 4.0 5.8 8.2 C

A
Add the tabulated amounts to the specified strength to obtain the required average strengths.
B
Number of tests of a concrete mixture used to estimate the standard deviation of a concrete production facility. The mixture used must have a strength within 1000 psi of
that specified and be made with similar materials. See ACI 318.
C
If less than 15 prior tests are available, the overdesign should be 1000 psi (7.0 MPa) for specified strength less than 3000 psi (20 MPa), 1200 psi (8.5 MPa) for specified
strengths from 3000 to 5000 psi (20 to 35 MPa) and 1400 psi (10.0 MPa) for specified strengths greater than 5000 psi (35 MPa).

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M 241 SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS

14.2 Additional information desig- A.1 CONCRETE UNIFORMITY RE- b = weight of sample of fresh con-
nated by the purchaser and required by QUIREMENTS crete in unit weight container, lb
the job specifications shall be furnished or kg.
also upon request. Such information may A1.3 Unit Weight of Air-Free Mortar
include the following: A1.1 The variation within a batch as
provided in Table A1 shall be determined shall be calculated as follows: Inch-
14.2.1 Type, brand, and amount of for each property listed as the difference pound units:
cement; between the highest value and the lowest b−c
M =
14.2.2 Type, name, and amount of each value obtained from the different portions ⎛ VxA c ⎞
admixture; of the same batch. For this specification V −⎜ + ⎟
⎝ 100 Gx62.4 ⎠
14.2.3 Information necessary to calcu- the comparison will be between two
samples, representing the first and last Metric units:
late total mixing water added by the
producer. Total mixing water includes portions of the batch being tested. Test b−c
results conforming to the limits of five of M =
free water on the aggregates and water ⎛ VxA c ⎞
the six tests listed in Table Al shall indi- V −⎜ + ⎟
batched by the producer from the mixing ⎝ 100 1000G⎠
equipment or other sources; cate uniform concrete within the limits of
this specification. where:
14.2.4 Maximum size of aggregate;
A1.2 Course Aggregate Content, using M = unit weight of air-free mortar,
14.2.5 Weights or volumes of fine and the washout test, shall be computed from lb/ft3 (kg/m3).
coarse aggregate; the following relations: b = weight of concrete sample in unit
14.2.6 Notation of calibrated settings for P = (c/b) x 100 weight container, lb (kg),
flow control of fine and coarse aggregate,
where: c = saturated surface-dry weight of
added water, and admixture;
aggregate retained on Nº 4 (4.75-
14.2.7 Ingredients certified as being P = weight percent of coarse aggre-
mm) sieve, lb (kg).
previously approved; and gate in concrete.
V = volume of unit weight container,
14.2.8 Signature or initials of the person c = saturated surface-dry weight, lb
ft3 (m3).
operating the hatching or mixing appara- (or kg) of aggregate retained on
the Nº 4 (4.75-mm) sieve, result- A = air content of concrete, percent;
tus.
ing from washing all material measured in accordance with
finer than this sieve from the Section 12.1.4 on sample being
ANNEX fresh concrete, and tested, and
(Mandatory Information) G = specific gravity of coarse aggre-
gate (SSD).
TABLE 5 Strength Requirements
Average Strength Requirements for Limiting Probability of Tests Falling Below the Specified Strength, f’c to 1 Out of Every 10 Tests
Coefficient of Variation 5 10 15 20 25
Required Overdesign Factor 1.07 1.15 1.24 1.34 1.47
Design Strength, psi Required Average Strength, psi*
2000 2140 2300 2480 2680 2940
2500 2675 2875 3100 3350 3675
3000 3210 3450 3720 4030 4420
3500 3745 4025 4340 4690 5145
4000 4270 4590 4960 5380 5890
4500 4815 5175 5580 6030 6615
5000 5340 5740 6200 6720 7300
Average Strength Requirements for Limiting Probability of Tests Falling Below the Specified Strength, f’c to 1 Out of Every 5 Tests
Coefficient of Variation 5 10 15 20 25
Required Overdesign Factor 1.04 1.09 1.14 1.20 1.27
Design Strength, psi Required Average Strength, psi*
2000 2080 2180 2280 2400 2540
2500 2600 2725 2850 3000 3180
3000 3120 3270 3420 3600 3810
3500 3640 3820 3990 4200 4450
4000 4160 4360 4560 4800 5080
4500 4680 4910 5130 5400 5720
5000 5200 5450 5700 6000 6350
* Computed from Eq. 4.1 and values of "t" for more than 30 samples from Table 4.1 of ACI Recommended Practice 214.77. In the absence of statistical experience, a
coefficient of variation of 20 percent shall be assumed.

TABLE A1 Requirements for Uniformity of Concrete

Requirement, Expressed as Maximum Permissible Difference in
Test Results of Tests of Samples Taken from Two Locations in the
Concrete Batch
3 3
Weight per cubic foot (weight per cubic meter) calculated to an air-free basis, lb/ft (kg/m ) 1.0 (16)
Air content, volume percent of concrete 1.0
Slump:
If average slump is 4 in. (102 mm) or less, in. (mm) 1.0 (25)
If average slump is 4 to 6 in. (102 to 152 mm), in. (mm) 1.5 (38)
Coarse aggregate content, portion by weight of each sample retained on Nº 4 (4.75-mm) sieve, percent 6.0
A
Unit weight of air-free mortar based on average for all comparative samples tested, percent 1.6
Average compressive strength at 7 days for each sample,B based on average strength of all comparative
7.5C
test specimens, percent
A
“Test for Variability of Constituents in Concrete.” Designation 26, Bureau of Reclamation Concrete Manual. 7th Ed. Available from Superintendent of Documents, U. S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
B
Not less than 3 cylinders will be molded and tested from each of the samples.
C
Tentative approval of the mixer may be granted pending results of the 7-day compressive strength tests.

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