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

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

Designation: C192/C192M − 18

Standard Practice for

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the
Laboratory1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C192/C192M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-

1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing gregates
test specimens of concrete in the laboratory under accurate C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
control of materials and test conditions using concrete that can and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
be consolidated by rodding or vibration as described herein. C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield,
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance Concrete
with the standard. C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
crete
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Concrete by the Volumetric Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- C231/C231M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Concrete by the Pressure Method
(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
and may cause chemical burns to exposed skin and tissue upon Structural Concrete
prolonged exposure.2) C403/C403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- C470/C470M Specification for Molds for Forming Concrete
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Test Cylinders Vertically
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Concrete
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
2. Referenced Documents
Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 C566 Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of
C70 Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate Aggregate by Drying
C617/C617M Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61 on
Specimens
Testing for Strength. C1064/C1064M Test Method for Temperature of Freshly
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2018. Published January 2019. Originally Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
approved in 1944. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C192/C192M – 16a.
DOI: 10.1520/C0192_C0192M-18.
C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete
2
See section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Testing Agency Evaluation
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

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

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 C192/C192M − 18
2.2 American Concrete Institute Publications:4 tion C470/C470M. The use of horizontal molds is intended
211.3 Practice for Selecting Proportions for No-Slump Con- only for creep specimens that contain axially embedded strain
crete gages. Molds for creep cylinders to be filled while supported in
309R Guide for Consolidation of Concrete a horizontal position shall have a filling slot parallel to the axis
of the mold which extends the full length to receive the
3. Terminology concrete. The width of the slot shall be one half the diameter of
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to the specimen. If necessary the edges of the slot shall be
Terminology C125. reinforced to maintain dimensional stability. Unless specimens
are to be capped or ground to produce plane ends, the molds
4. Significance and Use shall be provided with two machined metal end plates at least
4.1 This practice provides standardized requirements for 25 mm [1 in.] thick and the working surfaces shall comply with
preparation of materials, mixing concrete, and making and the requirements for planeness and surface roughness given in
curing concrete test specimens under laboratory conditions. the section on Capping Plates of Practice C617/C617M.
Provision shall be made for fixing both end plates firmly to the
4.2 If specimen preparation is controlled as stipulated
mold. The inside surface of each end plate shall be provided
herein, the specimens may be used to develop information for
with at least three lugs or studs approximately 25 mm [1 in.]
the following purposes:
long, firmly fastened to the plate for embedment in the
4.2.1 Mixture proportioning for project concrete,
concrete. One base plate shall be drilled from the inside at an
4.2.2 Evaluation of different mixtures and materials,
angle to permit the lead wire from the strain gage to exit the
4.2.3 Correlation with nondestructive tests, and
specimen through the edge of the plate. Provision shall be
4.2.4 Providing specimens for research purposes.
made for accurately positioning the strain gage. All necessary
NOTE 1—The concrete test results for concrete specimens made and holes shall be as small as possible to minimize disturbance to
cured using this practice are widely used. They may be the basis for subsequent strain measurements and shall be sealed to prevent
acceptance testing for project concrete, research evaluations, and other
studies. Careful and knowledgeable handling of materials, mixing
leakage.
concrete, molding test specimens, and curing test specimens is necessary. 5.3 Beam and Prism Molds shall be rectangular in shape
Many laboratories performing this important work are independently (unless otherwise specified) and of the dimensions required to
inspected or accredited. Practice C1077 identifies and defines the duties,
responsibilities, and minimum technical qualification requirements of produce the desired specimen size. The inside surfaces of the
laboratory personnel and the minimum requirements for equipment used molds shall be smooth and free from indentations. The sides,
in testing concrete and concrete aggregates. bottom, and ends shall be at right angles to each other and shall
be straight and true and free of warpage. Maximum variation
5. Apparatus from the nominal cross section shall not exceed 3 mm [1⁄8 in.]
5.1 Molds, General—Molds for specimens or fastenings for molds with depth or breadth of 150 mm [6 in.] or more, or
thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of steel, cast 2 mm [1⁄16 in.] for molds of smaller depth or breadth. Except
iron, or other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete for flexure specimens, molds shall not vary from the nominal
containing portland or other hydraulic cements. Molds shall length by more than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.]. Flexure molds shall not be
conform to the dimensions and tolerances specified in the shorter than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.] of the required length, but may
method for which the specimens are required. Molds shall hold exceed it by more than that amount.
their dimensions and shape under all conditions of use. 5.4 Tamping Rod—A round, smooth, straight, steel rod with
Watertightness of molds during use shall be judged by their a diameter conforming to the requirements in Table 2. The
ability to hold water poured into them. Test procedures for length of the tamping rod shall be at least 100 mm [4 in.]
watertightness are given in the section on Test Methods for greater than the depth of the mold in which rodding is being
Elongation, Absorption, and Watertightness of Specification performed, but not greater than 600 mm [24 in.] in overall
C470/C470M. A suitable sealant, such as heavy grease, mod-
eling clay, or microcrystalline wax, shall be used where
necessary to prevent leakage through the joints. Positive means TABLE 1 Number of Layers Required for Specimens
shall be provided to hold base plates firmly to the molds. Specimen Type and Size Mode of Numbers of Layers
Reusable molds shall be lightly coated with mineral oil or a Consolidation of Approximate
suitable nonreactive release material before use. Equal Depth
Cylinders:
5.2 Cylinder Molds: Diameter, mm [in.]
5.2.1 Molds for Casting Specimens Vertically shall conform 75 to 100 [3 or 4] rodding 2
to the requirements of 5.1 and Specification C470/C470M. 150 [6] rodding 3
225 [9] rodding 4
5.2.2 Horizontal Molds for Creep Test Cylinders shall up to 225 [9] vibration 2
conform to the requirements of 5.1 and to the requirements for
symmetry and dimensional tolerance in the section on General Prisms and horizontal creep Cylinders:
Depth, mm [in.]
Requirements except for verticality requirements of Specifica- up to 200 [8] rodding 2
over 200 [8] rodding 3 or more
up to 200 [8] vibration 1
4
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington over 200 [8] vibration 2 or more
Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.aci-int.org.

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 C192/C192M − 18
TABLE 2 Diameter of Rod and Number of Roddings to be Used in Molding Test Specimens
Cylinders
Diameter of Cylinder, mm [in.] Diameter of Rod mm [in.] Number of Strokes/Layer
75 [3] to < 150 [6] 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 25
150 [6] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 25
200 [8] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 50
250 [10] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 75
Beams and Prisms
Top Surface Area of Specimen, cm2 [in.2] Diameter of Rod mm [in.] Number of Roddings/Layer
160 [25] or less 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 25
165 to 310 [26 to 49] 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] one for each 7 cm2 [1 in.2] of surface
320 [50] or more 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] one for each 14 cm2 [2 in. 2] of surface
Horizontal Creep Cylinders
Diameter of Cylinder mm [in.] Diameter of Rod mm [in.] Number of Roddings/Layer
150 [6] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ] 50 total, 25 along both sides of axis

length (see Note 2). The rod shall have the tamping end or both 5.9 Sampling and Mixing Pan—The pan shall be flat-bottom
ends rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the and of heavy-gage metal, watertight, of convenient depth, and
rod. of sufficient capacity to allow easy mixing by shovel or trowel
of the entire batch; or, if mixing is by machine, to receive the
NOTE 2—A rod length of 400 mm [16 in.] to 600 mm [24 in.] meets the
requirements of the following: Practice C31/C31M, Test Method C138/ entire batch on discharge of the mixer and allow remixing in
C138M, Test Method C143/C143M, Test Method C173/C173M, and Test the pan by trowel or shovel.
Method C231/C231M.
5.10 Wet-Sieving Equipment—If wet-sieving is required, the
5.5 Mallets—A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head weigh- equipment shall conform to the requirements of Practice
ing 0.6 6 0.2 kg [1.25 6 0.50 lb] shall be used. C172/C172M.
5.6 Vibrators: 5.11 Air Content Apparatus—The apparatus for measuring
5.6.1 Internal Vibrators—The vibrator frequency shall be at air content shall conform to the requirements of either Test
least 9000 vibrations per minute [150 Hz] while the vibrator is Methods C231/C231M or C173/C173M.
operating in the concrete. The diameter of a round vibrator
5.12 Scales—Scales for determining the mass of batches of
shall be no more than one fourth the diameter of the cylinder
materials and concrete shall be accurate within 0.3 % of the test
mold or one fourth the width of the beam or prism mold. Other
load at any point within the range of use.
shaped vibrators shall have a perimeter equivalent to the
circumference of an appropriate round vibrator. The combined NOTE 5—In general the mass of small quantities should not be
length of the vibrator shaft and vibrating element shall exceed determined on large capacity scales. In many applications the smallest
mass determined on a scale should be greater than about 10 % of the
the depth of the section being vibrated by at least 75 mm [3 maximum capacity of the scale; however, this will vary with the
in.]. The vibrator frequency shall be checked with a vibrating- performance characteristics of the scale and the required accuracy of the
reed tachometer or other suitable device at an interval not to determination. Acceptable scales used for determining the mass for
exceed two years. If the vibrator manufacturer recommends a concrete materials preferably should determine mass accurately to about
shorter verification interval or a verification procedure, the 0.1 % of total capacity and the foregoing precaution is applicable.
However, certain analytical and precision balances are exceptions to this
manufacturer’s recommendation shall be followed. rule and should weigh accurately to 0.001 %. Particular care must be
NOTE 3—For information on size and frequency of various vibrators exercised in measuring small quantities of material by determining the
and method to check vibrator frequency, see ACI 309R. difference between two much larger masses.

5.6.2 External Vibrators—The two types of external vibra- 5.13 Temperature Measuring Device—The temperature
tors permitted are either table or plank. The external vibrator measuring device shall conform to the requirements of Test
frequency shall be 3600 vibrations per minute (60 Hz) or Method C1064/C1064M.
higher. 5.14 Concrete Mixer—A power-driven concrete mixer shall
5.6.3 Provisions shall be made for clamping the mold be a revolving drum, tilting mixer, or suitable revolving pan or
securely to the apparatus for both types of vibrators. revolving-paddle mixer capable of thoroughly mixing batches
NOTE 4—Vibratory impulses are frequently imparted to a table or plank of the prescribed sizes at the required slump.
vibrator through electromagnetic means, or by use of an eccentric weight NOTE 6—A pan mixer is usually more suitable for mixing concrete with
on the shaft of an electric motor or on a separate shaft driven by a motor. less than 25 mm [1 in.] slump than a revolving drum mixer. The rate of
5.7 Small Tools—Tools and items such as shovels, pails, rotation, degree of tilt, and rated capacity of tilting mixers are not always
trowels, wood float, blunted trowels, straightedge, feeler gage, suitable for laboratory mixed concrete. It may be found desirable to reduce
the rate of rotation, decrease the angle of tilt from the horizontal, and use
scoops, rulers, rubber gloves, and metal mixing bowls shall be the mixer at somewhat less than the manufacturer’s rated capacity.
provided.
5.8 Slump Apparatus—The apparatus for measurement of 6. Specimens
slump shall conform to the requirements of Test Method 6.1 Cylindrical Specimens—Cylinder dimensions shall be as
C143/C143M. stipulated in the specification, test method or practice for the

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 C192/C192M − 18
laboratory studies being performed and shall meet the require- 7. Preparation of Materials
ments of 6.4. If dimensions are not stipulated in a specification,
7.1 Temperature—Before mixing the concrete, bring the
test method, or practice, the specimen selected shall have a
concrete materials to room temperature in the range from 20 to
length that is twice the diameter and meet the requirements of
30°C [68 to 86°F], except when the temperature of the concrete
6.4.
is stipulated. When a concrete temperature is stipulated, the
NOTE 7—The same cylinder size should be used for the reference method proposed to obtain the concrete temperature needs
(control) concrete mixture and test concrete mixtures when conducting approval of the stipulator.
comparative studies such as those required in Specification C494/C494M.
For mixture proportioning of project concrete, it is preferable for the 7.2 Cement—Store the cement in a dry place, in moisture-
cylinder size in the laboratory to be the same as that specified for proof containers, preferably made of metal. The cement shall
acceptance testing. be thoroughly mixed to provide a uniform supply throughout
NOTE 8—When molds in SI units are required and not available, the tests. It shall be passed through a 850-µm (No. 20) or finer
equivalent inch-pound unit size mold should be permitted.
sieve to remove all lumps, remixed on a plastic sheet, and
6.1.1 Cylindrical specimens for tests other than creep shall returned to sample containers.
be molded and allowed to harden with the axis of the cylinder
vertical. 7.3 Aggregates—In order to preclude segregation of a
coarse aggregate, separate into individual size fractions and for
6.1.2 Cylindrical creep specimens may be cast with the
each batch recombine in the proper proportions to produce the
cylindrical axis either vertical or horizontal and allowed to
desired grading.
harden in the position in which cast.
NOTE 10—Only rarely is a coarse aggregate batched as a single size
6.2 Prismatic Specimens—Beams for flexural strength, fraction. The number of size fractions will generally be between 2 and 5
prisms for freezing and thawing, bond, length change, volume for aggregate smaller than 60 mm [21⁄2 in.]. When a size fraction to be
change, etc., shall be formed with their long axes horizontal, batched is present in amounts in excess of 10 %, the ratio of the opening
unless otherwise required by the method of test in question, of the larger to the smaller sieve should not exceed 2.0. More closely sized
and shall conform in dimension to the requirements of the groups are sometimes advisable.
specific test method. 7.3.1 Unless fine aggregate is separated into individual size
6.3 Other Specimens—Other shapes and sizes of specimens fractions, maintain it in a damp condition or restore to a damp
for particular tests may be molded as desired following the condition until use, to prevent segregation, unless material
general procedures set forth in this practice. uniformly graded is subdivided into batch size lots using a
sample splitter with proper size openings. If unusual gradings
6.4 Specimen Size versus Aggregate Size—The diameter of a are being studied, the fine aggregate may need to be dried and
cylindrical specimen or minimum cross-sectional dimension of separated into individual sizes. In this instance, if the total
a rectangular section shall be at least three times the nominal quantity of fine aggregate required is larger than can be
maximum size of the coarse aggregate in the concrete as efficiently blended in a single unit, then the individual size
defined in Terminology C125. When the nominal maximum fractions should be determined in a mass required for each
size of the coarse aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the sample individual batch. When the total quantity of fine aggregate
shall be treated by wet sieving through a 50 mm (2 in.) sieve needed for the complete investigation is such that it can be
as described in Practice C172/C172M, unless otherwise stipu- thoroughly mixed, blended, and maintained in a damp
lated. condition, then it should be handled in that manner. Determine
6.5 Number of Specimens—The number of specimens and the specific gravity and absorption of aggregates in accordance
the number of test batches are dependent on established with either Test Methods C127 or C128.
practice and the nature of the test program. Guidance is usually 7.3.2 Before incorporating in concrete, prepare the aggre-
given in the test method or specification for which the gate to ensure a definite and uniform condition of moisture.
specimens are made. Usually three or more specimens are Determine the weight of aggregate to be used in the batch by
molded for each test age and test condition unless otherwise one of the following procedures:
specified (Note 9). Specimens involving a given variable 7.3.2.1 Determine the mass of low-absorption aggregates
should be made from three separate batches mixed on different (absorption less than 1.0 %) in the room-dry condition with
days. An equal number of specimens for each variable should allowance made for the amount of water that will be absorbed
be made on any given day. When it is impossible to make at from the unset concrete (Note 11). This procedure is particu-
least one specimen for each variable on a given day, the mixing larly useful for coarse aggregate which must be batched as
of the entire series of specimens should be completed in as few individual sizes; because of the danger of segregation it can be
days as possible, and one of the mixtures should be repeated used for fine aggregate only when the fine aggregate is
each day as a standard of comparison. separated into individual size fractions.
NOTE 9—Test ages often used are 7 and 28 days for compressive NOTE 11—When using aggregates with low absorption in room-dry
strength tests, or 14 and 28 days for flexural strength tests. Specimens condition the amount of water that will be absorbed by the aggregates
containing Type III cement are often tested at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days. For later before the concrete sets may be assumed to be 80 % of the difference
test ages, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year are often used for both between the 24-h absorption of the aggregates determined by Test
compressive and flexural strength tests. Other test ages may be required Methods C127 or C128, and the amount of water in the pores of the
for other types of specimens. aggregates in their room-dry state, as determined by Test Method C566.

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 C192/C192M − 18
7.3.2.2 Weigh the individual size fractions of aggregate some admixtures to a batch of concrete can have important
separately, recombine them into a tared container in the effects on concrete properties such as time of set and air
amounts required for the batch, and immerse them in water for content. The method selected must remain unchanged from
at least 24 h prior to use. After the immersion period, decant the batch to batch.
excess water and determine the combined weight of aggregate NOTE 12—The mixing apparatus and accessories shall be thoroughly
and mixing water. Allowance shall be made for the amount of cleaned to ensure that chemical additions or admixtures used in dissimilar
water absorbed by the aggregate. Determine the moisture batches of concrete do not affect subsequent batches.
content of the aggregates in accordance with Test Method C70
or Test Method C566. 8. Procedure
7.3.2.3 Bring the aggregate to a saturated condition and 8.1 Mixing Concrete:
maintain it in this condition, with surface moisture contained in 8.1.1 General—Mix concrete in a suitable mixer or by hand
sufficiently small amounts to preclude loss by draining, at least in batches of such size as to leave about 10 % excess after
24 h prior to use. When this method is used, the moisture molding the test specimens. Hand-mixing procedures are not
content of the aggregate must be determined to permit calcu- applicable to air-entrained concrete or concrete with no mea-
lation of proper quantities of the damp aggregate. The quantity surable slump. Hand mixing should be limited to batches of
of surface moisture present must be counted as a part of the 0.007 m3 [1⁄4 ft3] volume or less. Mixing procedures are given
required amount of mixing water. Determine the surface in 8.1.2 and 8.1.3. However, other procedures may be used
moisture in fine aggregate in accordance with Test Method C70 when it is desired to simulate special conditions or practices, or
or Test Method C566, making due allowance for the amount of when the procedures specified are impracticable. A machine-
water absorbed. The method outlined here (moisture content mixing procedure suitable for drum-type mixers is described. It
slightly exceeding absorption) is particularly useful for fine is important not to vary the mixing sequence and procedure
aggregate. It is used less frequently for coarse aggregate from batch to batch unless the effect of such variation is under
because of the difficulty of accurately determining the moisture study.
content, but if used, each size fraction must be handled 8.1.2 Machine Mixing—Prior to starting rotation of the
separately to ensure that the proper grading is obtained. mixer add the coarse aggregate, some of the mixing water, and
7.3.2.4 Bring the aggregate, fine or coarse, to a saturated the solution of admixture, when required, in accordance with
surface-dry condition and maintain it in this condition until 7.5. When feasible, disperse the admixture in the mixing water
batched for use. This method is used primarily to prepare before addition. Start the mixer, then add the fine aggregate,
material for batches not exceeding 0.007 m3 [1⁄4 ft3] in volume. cement, and water with the mixer running. If it is impractical
Care must be taken to prevent drying during weighing and use. for a particular mixer or for a particular test to add the fine
7.4 Lightweight Aggregates—The procedures for specific aggregate, cement, and water while the mixer is running, these
gravity, absorption, and preparation of aggregates mentioned in components may be added to the stopped mixer after permit-
this practice pertain to materials with normal absorption ting it to turn a few revolutions following charging with coarse
values. Lightweight aggregates, air-cooled slag, and certain aggregate and some of the water (Note 13). Mix the concrete,
highly porous or vesicular natural aggregate may be so after all ingredients are in the mixer, for 3 min followed by a
absorptive as to be difficult to treat as described. The moisture 3-min rest, followed by a 2-min final mixing. Cover the open
content of lightweight aggregate at the time of mixing may end or top of the mixer to prevent evaporation during the rest
have important effects on properties of freshly mixed and period. Take precautions to compensate for mortar retained by
hardened concretes such as slump loss, compressive strength, the mixer so that the discharged batch, as used, will be
and resistance to freezing and thawing. correctly proportioned (Note 14). To eliminate segregation,
deposit machine-mixed concrete in the clean, damp mixing pan
7.5 Admixtures—Powdered admixtures that are entirely or and remix by shovel or trowel until it appears to be uniform.
largely insoluble, that do not contain hygroscopic salts and are
to be added in small quantities, should be mixed with a portion NOTE 13—An experienced operator may add water incrementally
of the cement before introduction into the batch in the mixer so during mixing to adjust to the desired slump.
NOTE 14—It is difficult to recover all of the mortar from mixers. To
as to ensure thorough distribution throughout the concrete. compensate for this difficulty one of the following procedures may be used
Essentially insoluble materials which are used in amounts to ensure the correct final proportions in the batch:
exceeding 10 % by mass of cement, such as pozzolans, should (1) “Buttering” the Mixer—Just prior to mixing the test batch, the
be handled and added to the batch in the same manner as mixer is “buttered” by mixing a batch proportioned to simulate closely the
test batch. The mortar adhering to the mixer after discharging is intended
cement. Powdered admixtures which are largely insoluble but to compensate for loss of mortar from the test batch.
contain hygroscopic salts may cause balling of cement and (2) “Over-Mortaring” the Mix—The test mix is proportioned by the use
should be mixed with the sand. Water-soluble and liquid of an excess mortar, the amount established in advance, to compensate for
admixtures should be added to the mixer in solution in the that which, on the average, adheres to the mixer. In this case the mixer is
mixing water. The quantity of such solution used shall be cleaned before mixing the test batch.
included in the calculation of the water content of the concrete. 8.1.3 Hand Mixing—Mix the batch in a watertight, clean
Admixtures, incompatible in concentrated form, such as solu- (Note 12), damp, metal pan or bowl, with a bricklayer’s
tions of calcium chloride and certain air-entraining and set- blunted trowel, using the following procedure when aggregates
retarding admixtures, should not be intermixed prior to their have been prepared in accordance with 7.3.2.1, 7.3.2.3, and
addition to concrete. The time, sequence, and method of adding 7.3.2.4.

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 C192/C192M − 18
8.1.3.1 Mix the cement, powdered insoluble admixture, if crete by use of a tamping rod prior to the start of consolidation.
used, and fine aggregate without addition of water until they In placing the final layer the operator shall attempt to add an
are thoroughly blended. amount of concrete that will exactly fill the mold after
8.1.3.2 Add the coarse aggregate and mix the entire batch compaction. Do not add nonrepresentative samples of concrete
without addition of water until the coarse aggregate is uni- to an underfilled mold.
formly distributed throughout the batch. 8.3.2.1 Number of Layers—Make specimens in layers as
8.1.3.3 Add water, and the admixture solution if used, and indicated in Table 1.
mix the mass until the concrete is homogeneous in appearance 8.4 Consolidation:
and has the desired consistency. If prolonged mixing is 8.4.1 Methods of Consolidation—Preparation of satisfactory
necessary because of the addition of water in increments while specimens requires different methods of consolidation. The
adjusting the consistency, discard the batch and make a new methods of consolidation are rodding, and internal or external
batch in which the mixing is not interrupted to make trial vibration. Base the selection of the method on the slump,
consistency tests. unless the method is stated in the specifications under which
8.1.4 Mixed Concrete—Select the portions of the batch of the work is being performed. Rod or vibrate concrete with
mixed concrete to be used in tests for molding specimens so as slump greater than or equal to 25 mm [1 in.]. Vibrate concrete
to be representative of the actual proportions and condition of with slump less than 25 mm [1 in.] (Note 16). Do not use
the concrete. When the concrete is not being remixed or internal vibration for cylinders with a diameter less than 100
sampled cover it to prevent evaporation. mm [4 in.], and for beams or prisms with breadth or depth less
8.2 Slump, Air Content, Yield, and Temperature: than 100 mm [4 in.].
8.2.1 Slump—Measure the slump of each batch of concrete NOTE 16—Concrete of such low water content that it cannot be properly
immediately after mixing in accordance with Test Method consolidated by the methods described herein is not covered by this
C143/C143M. practice. Provisions for specimens and methods of testing will be found in
the standards concerned. There are concretes that can be consolidated by
NOTE 15—The slump test is unsuitable for concrete so dry that it slumps external vibration, but additional forces on the surface are required to
less than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.]. Methods for measuring the consistency of embed the coarse aggregate thoroughly and consolidate the mixture. For
no-slump concrete are described in ACI 211.3. such mixtures the following procedures may be followed: using external
vibration fill 150 by 300-mm [6 by 12-in.] cylinder molds in 75 mm [3 in.]
8.2.2 Air Content—Determine the air content, when lifts using a 4.5-kg [10-lb] cylindrical surcharge, or 75 by 150-mm [3 by
required, in accordance with either Test Methods C173/C173M 6-in.] cylinder molds in 50 mm [2 in.] lifts using a 1-kg [2.5-lb] cylindrical
or C231/C231M. Test Method C231/C231M shall not be used surcharge. The surcharge should have a diameter 6 mm [1⁄4 in.] less than
with concretes made with lightweight aggregates, air-cooled the inside of the mold. Simultaneously each lift should be compacted by
external vibration with the surcharge on the top surface of the concrete,
blast-furnace slag, or aggregates of high porosity. Discard the until the mortar begins to ooze around the bottom of the surcharge.
concrete used for the determination of air content.
8.2.3 Yield—Determine the yield of each batch of concrete, 8.4.2 Rodding—Place the concrete in the mold, in the
if required, in accordance with Test Method C138/C138M. required number of layers of approximately equal volume. Rod
Concrete used for slump and yield tests may be returned to the each layer with the rounded end of the rod using the number of
mixing pan and remixed into the batch. strokes and size of rod specified in Table 2. Rod the bottom
layer throughout its depth. Distribute the strokes uniformly
8.2.4 Temperature—Determine the temperature of each
over the cross section of the mold and for each upper layer
batch of concrete in accordance with Test Method C1064/
allow the rod to penetrate through the layer being rodded and
C1064M.
into the layer below about 25 mm [1 in.]. After each layer is
8.3 Making Specimens: rodded, tap the outsides of the mold lightly 10 to 15 times with
8.3.1 Place of Molding—Mold specimens as near as practi- the mallet to close any holes left by rodding and to release any
cable to the place where they are to be stored during the first large air bubbles that may have been trapped. Use an open hand
24 h. If it is not practicable to mold the specimens where they to tap light-gage single-use molds which are susceptible to
will be stored, move them to the place of storage immediately damage if tapped with a mallet. After tapping, spade the
after being struck off. Place molds on a rigid surface free from concrete along the sides and ends of beam and prism molds
vibration and other disturbances. Avoid jarring, striking, tilting, with a trowel or other suitable tool.
or scarring of the surface of the specimens when moving the 8.4.3 Vibration—Maintain a uniform duration of vibration
specimens to the storage place. for the particular kind of concrete, vibrator, and specimen mold
8.3.2 Placing—Place the concrete in the molds using a involved. The duration of vibration required will depend upon
scoop, blunted trowel, or shovel. Select each scoopful, the workability of the concrete and the effectiveness of the
trowelful, or shovelful of concrete from the mixing pan to vibrator. Usually sufficient vibration has been applied as soon
ensure that it is representative of the batch. It may be necessary as the surface of the concrete becomes relatively smooth and
to remix the concrete in the mixing pan with a shovel or trowel large air bubbles cease to break through the top surface.
to prevent segregation during the molding of specimens. Move Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper con-
the scoop or trowel around the top edge of the mold as the solidation of the concrete (see Note 17). Fill the molds and
concrete is discharged in order to ensure a symmetrical vibrate in the required number of approximately equal layers
distribution of the concrete and to minimize segregation of (Table 2). Place all the concrete for each layer in the mold
coarse aggregate within the mold. Further distribute the con- before starting vibration of that layer. When placing the final

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 C192/C192M − 18
layer, avoid overfilling by more than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.]. When the harden and cure with the specimen. See the section on Capping
finish is applied after vibration, add only enough concrete with Materials of Practice C617/C617M.
a trowel to overfill the mold about 3 mm [1⁄8 in.], work it into 8.5.2 Horizontally Cast Creep Cylinders—After consolida-
the surface and then strike it off. tion strike off the specimen with a trowel or float, then trowel
NOTE 17—Generally, no more than 5 s of vibration should be required
the minimum amount required to form the concrete in the
for each insertion to adequately consolidate the concrete with a slump opening concentrically with the rest of the specimen. Use a
greater than 75 mm [3 in.]. Longer times may be required for lower slump screed curved to the radius of the specimen to more precisely
concrete, but the vibration time should rarely have to exceed 10 s per shape and finish the concrete in the opening.
insertion. Overvibration may cause segregation.
8.4.3.1 Internal Vibration—In compacting the specimen 9. Curing
insert the vibrator slowly and do not allow the vibrator to rest
9.1 Initial Curing—To prevent evaporation of water from
on or touch the bottom or sides of the mold or strike embedded
unhardened concrete, cover the specimens immediately after
items such as strain meters. Slowly withdraw the vibrator so
finishing, preferably with a nonabsorptive, nonreactive plate or
that no large air pockets are left in the specimen.
a sheet of tough, durable impervious plastic. Specimens shall
8.4.3.2 Cylinders—The number of insertions of the vibrator
be stored immediately after finishing until the removal of the
is given in Table 3. When more than one insertion per layer is
molds to prevent loss of moisture from the specimens. Select
required, distribute the insertions uniformly within each layer.
an appropriate procedure or combination of procedures that
Allow the vibrator to penetrate into the layer below about
will prevent moisture loss and is nonabsorptive and nonreac-
25 mm. [1 in]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the outside of
tive with the concrete. When wet burlap is used for covering,
the mold at least 10 times with the mallet to close the holes that
the burlap must not be in contact with the fresh concrete
remain and to release entrapped air voids. Use an open hand to
surface and care must be exercised to keep the burlap wet until
tap cardboard or single-use metal molds that are susceptible to
the specimens are removed from the molds. Placing a sheet of
damage if tapped with a mallet.
plastic over the burlap will facilitate keeping it wet. To prevent
8.4.3.3 Beams, Prisms, and Horizontal Creep Cylinders—
damage to specimens, protect the outside of cardboard molds
Insert the vibrator at intervals not exceeding 150 mm [6 in.]
from contact with wet burlap or other sources of water until the
along the center line of the long dimension of the specimen, or
molds are removed. Record the maximum and minimum
along both sides but not in contact with the strain gage in the
ambient temperatures during the initial curing.
case of creep cylinders. For specimens wider than 150 mm [6
in.], use alternating insertions along two lines. Allow the shaft 9.2 Removal from Molds—Remove the specimens from the
of the vibrator to penetrate into the bottom layer about 25 mm molds 24 6 8 h after casting. For concrete with prolonged
[1 in.]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides of the mold setting time, molds shall not be removed until 20 6 4 h after
sharply at least 10 times with the mallet to close holes left by final set. If needed, determine the setting times in accordance
vibrating and to release entrapped air voids. with Test Method C403/C403M.
8.4.4 External Vibration—When external vibration is used, 9.3 Curing Environment—Unless otherwise specified all
take care to ensure that the mold is rigidly attached to or specimens shall be moist cured at 23.0 6 2.0°C [73.5 6 3.5°F]
securely held against the vibrating element or vibrating surface from the time of molding until the moment of test (Note 18).
(Note 16). Storage during the first 48 h of curing shall be in a vibration-
8.5 Finishing—After consolidation by any of the methods, free environment. As applied to the treatment of demolded
strike off the surface of the concrete and float or trowel it in specimens, moist curing means that the test specimens shall
accordance with the method concerned. If no finish is specified, have free water maintained on the entire surface area at all
finish the surface with a wood or magnesium float. Perform all times. This condition is met by using water storage tanks or a
finishing with the minimum manipulation necessary to produce moist room in accordance with the requirements of Specifica-
a flat even surface that is level with the rim or edge of the mold tion C511. Cure structural lightweight concrete cylinders in
and which has no depressions or projections larger than 3 mm accordance with Specification C330/C330M.
[1⁄8 in.]. NOTE 18—The temperature within damp sand and under wet burlap or
8.5.1 Cylinders—After consolidation finish the top surfaces similar materials will always be lower than the temperature in the
by striking them off with the tamping rod where the consis- surrounding atmosphere if evaporation takes place.
tency of the concrete permits, or with a wood float or trowel. 9.4 Flexural Strength Test Specimens—Cure the flexural
If desired, cap the top surface of freshly made cylinders with a strength test specimens in accordance with 9.1 and 9.2 except
thin layer of stiff portland cement paste which is permitted to that while in storage for a minimum period of 20 h immediately
prior to testing they shall be immersed in water saturated with
calcium hydroxide at 23.0 6 2.0°C [73.5 6 3.5°F]. At the end
TABLE 3 Number of Vibrator Insertions per Layer of the curing period, between the time the specimen is removed
Specimen Type and Size Number of Insertions per Layer
from curing until testing is completed, drying of the surfaces
Cylinder: Diameter, mm [in.] shall be prevented.
100 [4] 1
150 [6] 2 NOTE 19—Relatively small amounts of drying of the surface of flexural
225 [9] 4 strength specimens will induce tensile stresses in the extreme fibers that
will markedly reduce the indicated flexural strength.

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 C192/C192M − 18
10. Precision and Bias 10.3 The multilaboratory standard deviations for slump,
unit weight, air content, and 7-day compressive strength of trial
10.1 Data to establish precision statements for various
batches have been found to be 1.0 in., 1.4 lb/ft3 0.4 %, and
testing required by this standard were obtained in the Concrete 347 psi, respectively; therefore, the results of properly con-
Proficiency Sample Program of the Cement and Concrete ducted tests on single trial batches made in two different
Reference Laboratory. laboratories should not differ by more than 2.8 in., 4.0 lb/ft3,
10.2 The single-operator standard deviations for slump, unit 1.1 %, and 981 psi, respectively. This precision statement is
weight, air content, and 7-day compressive strength of trial considered applicable to laboratory trial batches proportioned
batches have been found to be 0.7 in., 0.9 lb/ft3, 0.3 %, and 203 to contain prescribed quantities of materials and to have a
psi, respectively; therefore the results of properly conducted prescribed water-cement ratio. The values should be used with
tests on two trial batches made in the same laboratory should caution for air-entrained concrete, concrete with slump less
not differ by more than 2.0 in., 2.5 lb/ft3, 0.8 %, and 574 psi, than 50 mm [2 in.] or over 150 mm [6 in.], or concrete made
respectively. This precision statement is considered applicable with other than normal weight aggregate or aggregate larger
to laboratory trial batches proportioned to contain prescribed than 25 mm [1 in.] nominal maximum size.
quantities of materials and to have a constant water-cement 10.4 Bias—The procedures for the test methods in 10.3 have
ratio. The values should be used with caution for air-entrained no bias because the values obtained from each of those test
concrete, concrete with slump less than 50 mm [2 in.] or over methods are defined only in terms of the test method.
150 mm [6 in.], or concrete made with other than normal
weight aggregate or aggregate larger than 25 mm [1 in.] 11. Keywords
nominal maximum size. 11.1 concrete; cylinders; laboratory; prisms; strength testing

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(C192/C192M – 16a) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Dec. 1, 2018.)

(1) Section 3 was added.

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