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

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

Designation: C31/C31M − 23

Standard Practice for

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C31/C31M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* ization established in the Decision on Principles for the

1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
cylinder and beam specimens from representative samples of mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
fresh concrete for a construction project. Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 This practice is not intended for making specimens from 2. Referenced Documents
concrete not having measurable slump or requiring other sizes 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
or shapes of specimens. C94/C94M Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
1.3 This practice is not applicable to lightweight insulating C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
concrete or controlled low strength material (CLSM). gregates
NOTE 1—Test Method C495/C495M covers the preparation of speci- C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield,
mens and the determination of the compressive strength of lightweight and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete

iTeh Standards
insulating concrete. Test Method D4832 covers procedures for the
preparation, curing, transporting and testing of cylindrical test specimens
of CLSM.
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
Concrete

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C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units crete
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
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each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
Concrete by the Volumetric Method
C231/C231M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance Concrete by the Pressure Method
with the standard. C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
ASTM C31/C31M-23 Structural Concrete
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
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safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the C403/C403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- C470/C470M Specification for Molds for Forming Concrete
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Test Cylinders Vertically
(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic C495/C495M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
and may cause chemical burns to exposed skin and tissue upon Lightweight Insulating Concrete
prolonged exposure.2) C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
1.6 The text of this standard references notes which provide Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
explanatory material. These notes shall not be considered as Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
requirements of the standard. C617/C617M Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
C1064/C1064M Test Method for Temperature of Freshly
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete
Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61 Testing Agency Evaluation
on Testing for Strength.
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
3
in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C31/C31M–22. DOI: 10.1520/ For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
C0031_C0031M-23. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
See Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02. the ASTM website.

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

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

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 C31/C31M − 23
C1611/C1611M Test Method for Slump Flow of Self- 4.2 Uses of the test results of standard-cured test specimens
Consolidating Concrete include the following purposes:
C1758/C1758M Practice for Fabricating Test Specimens 4.2.1 Acceptance testing for specified concrete strength,
with Self-Consolidating Concrete NOTE 2—Specification C94/C94M requires compressive-strength test
D4832 Test Method for Preparation and Testing of Con- specimens for acceptance to be standard-cured.
trolled Low Strength Material (CLSM) Cylindrical Test
4.2.2 Checking adequacy of mixture proportions for con-
Specimens
crete strength, and
2.2 American Concrete Institute Publication:4
4.2.3 Quality control.
309R Guide for Consolidation of Concrete
4.3 Uses of test results of field-cured test specimens include:
3. Terminology 4.3.1 Estimation of the in place concrete strength,
3.1 Definitions: 4.3.2 Comparison with test results of standard cured speci-
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to mens or with test results from various in-place test methods,
Terminology C125. 4.3.3 Adequacy of curing and protection of concrete in the
structure,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 4.3.4 Form or shoring removal time requirements, or
3.2.1 acceptance test specimens, n—standard-cured test 4.3.5 Post-tensioning.
specimens intended for evaluating whether the supplied con-
crete complies with the specification. 5. Apparatus
3.2.2 field-curing, n—storing test specimens in the field 5.1 Molds, General—Molds for specimens or fastenings
under an environmental temperature and moisture environment thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of steel, cast
similar to the in-place concrete. iron, or other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete
3.2.3 initial-curing, n—the storage of test specimens in the containing portland or other hydraulic cements. Molds shall
field after molding and before transporting the specimens to the hold their dimensions and shape under all conditions of use.
laboratory. Molds shall be watertight during use as judged by their ability
iTeh Standards
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Initial curing covers the time period
from molding to transporting the test specimens.
to hold water poured into them. Provisions for tests of water
leakage are given in the Test Methods for Elongation,

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3.2.4 initial standard curing temperature, n—temperature of
the environment surrounding the specimen during initial stan-
Absorption, and Water Leakage section of Specification C470/
C470M. A suitable sealant, such as heavy grease, modeling
clay, or microcrystalline wax shall be used where necessary to
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dard curing.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—The environment surrounding prevent leakage through the joints. Positive means shall be
standard-cured test specimens may be air, water, or damp sand. provided to hold base plates firmly to the molds. Reusable
The temperature of the environment surrounding standard- molds shall be lightly coated with mineral oil or a suitable
cured test specimen might not be the same asASTM C31/C31M-23
the concrete nonreactive form release material before use.
temperature.
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5.2 Cylinder Molds—Molds for casting concrete test speci-
3.2.5 standard-curing, n—storing test specimens in an en- mens shall conform to the requirements of Specification
vironment of a specified temperature range, and under condi- C470/C470M. Cardboard cylinder molds shall not be used for
tions that control the loss of moisture from the test specimens standard-cured specimens.
while the test specimens are in the field and while in the 5.3 Beam Molds—Beam molds shall be of the shape and
laboratory. dimensions required to produce the specimens stipulated in 6.2.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Standard-curing is intended to reduce The inside surfaces of the molds shall be smooth. The sides,
the influence of variations by standardizing the temperature bottom, and ends shall be at right angles to each other and shall
and moisture environment on the strength development of test be straight and true and free of warpage. Maximum variation
specimens. Standard-curing includes requirements for the cur- from the nominal cross section shall not exceed 3 mm [1⁄8 in.]
ing environment while the test specimens are in the field for molds with depth or breadth of 150 mm [6 in.] or more.
(10.1.2) and while the test specimens are in the laboratory Molds shall produce specimens at least as long but not more
(10.1.3). than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.] shorter than the required length in 6.2.
4. Significance and Use 5.4 Tamping Rod—A round, smooth, straight, steel rod with
a diameter conforming to the requirements in Table 1. The
4.1 This practice provides standardized requirements for
length of the tamping rod shall be at least 100 mm [4 in.]
making, and curing test specimens in the field. This practice
also provides requirements for transporting test specimens to
the laboratory, and for curing test specimens in the laboratory. TABLE 1 Tamping Rod Diameter Requirements
Depending on their purpose, test specimens are either standard- Diameter of Cylinder
Diameter or Rod
cured, or field-cured. or Width of Beam
mm [in.]
mm [in.]
<150 [6] 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ]
4
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington $150 [6] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ]
Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.aci-int.org.

2
 C31/C31M − 23
greater than the depth of the mold in which rodding is being to set in an upright position. The cylinder diameter shall be at
performed, but not greater than 600 mm [24 in.] in overall least 3 times the nominal maximum size of the coarse
length (see Note 3). The rod shall have the tamping end or both aggregate. The length of the cylinder shall be twice the
ends rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the diameter of the cylinder. If the nominal maximum size of the
rod. aggregate is 37.5 mm [11⁄2 in. ] or larger, acceptance test
NOTE 3—A rod length of 400 mm [16 in.] to 600 mm [24 in.] meets the specimens for compressive strength shall be 150 mm by 300
requirements of the following: Practice C31/C31M, Test Method C138/ mm [6 in. by 12 in.] cylinders. If the nominal maximum size of
C138M, Test Method C143/C143M, Test Method C173/C173M, and Test
Method C231/C231M.
the aggregate is less than 37.5 mm [11⁄2 in.], acceptance test
specimens for compressive strength shall be either 150 mm by
5.5 Vibrators—Internal vibrators shall be used. The vibrator 300 mm [6 in. by 12 in.] cylinders or 100 by 200 mm [4 in. by
frequency shall be at least 150 Hz [9000 vibrations per minute] 8 in.] cylinders.
while the vibrator is operating in the concrete. The diameter of
a round vibrator shall be no more than one-fourth the diameter NOTE 5—See 7.2 for concrete containing coarse aggregate larger than
50 mm [2 in.] nominal maximum size.
of the cylinder mold or one-fourth the width of the beam mold. NOTE 6—If molds in SI units are required and not available, molds of
Other shaped vibrators shall have a perimeter equivalent to the equivalent size in inch-pound units should be permitted. If molds in
circumference of an appropriate round vibrator. The combined inch-pound units are required and not available, molds of equivalent size
length of the vibrator shaft and vibrating element shall exceed in SI units should be permitted.
the depth of the section being vibrated by at least 75 mm [3 6.2 Beam Specimens—Flexural strength specimens shall be
in.]. The vibrator frequency shall be checked periodically with beams of concrete cast and hardened in the horizontal position.
a vibrating-reed tachometer or other suitable device. The length shall be at least 50 mm [2 in.] greater than three
NOTE 4—For information on size and frequency of various vibrators times the depth as tested. The ratio of width to depth as molded
and a method to periodically check vibrator frequency see ACI 309R. shall not exceed 1.5.
5.6 Mallet—A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head weigh- 6.2.1 The minimum cross-sectional dimension of the beam
ing 0.6 kg 6 0.2 kg [1.25 lb 6 0.50 lb] shall be used. shall be as stated in Table 2. Unless otherwise specified by the
specifier of tests, the standard beam shall be 150 mm by 150

iTeh Standards
5.7 Placement Tools—of a size large enough so each amount mm [6 in. by 6 in.] in cross section.
of concrete obtained from the sampling receptacle is represen- 6.2.2 When the nominal maximum size of the coarse
tative and small enough so concrete is not spilled during
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aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the concrete sample shall be
placement in the mold. For placing concrete in a cylinder mold, treated by wet sieving through a 50 mm [2 in.] sieve as
the acceptable tool is a scoop. For placing concrete in a beam described in Practice C172/C172M.
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mold, either a shovel or scoop is permitted.
5.8 Finishing Tools—a handheld float or a trowel.
6.2.3 The specifier of tests shall specify the specimen size
and the number of specimens to be tested to obtain an average
5.9 Slump Apparatus—The apparatus for measurement of test result (Note 7). The same specimen size shall be used when
slump shall conform to the requirements of ASTM comparing results and for mixture qualification and acceptance
C31/C31M-23
Test Method
testing.
C143/C143M.
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5.10 Sampling Receptacle—The receptacle shall be a suit- NOTE 7—The modulus of rupture can be determined using different
specimen sizes. However, measured modulus of rupture generally in-
able heavy gauge metal pan, wheelbarrow, or flat, clean creases as specimen size decreases.5,6 The strength ratio for beams of
nonabsorbent board of sufficient capacity to allow easy remix- different sizes depends primarily on the maximum size of aggregate.7
ing of the entire sample with a shovel or trowel. Experimental data obtained in two different studies have shown that for
maximum aggregate size between 19.0 mm and 25.0 mm [3⁄4 in. and 1 in.],
5.11 Air Content Apparatus—The apparatus for measuring the ratio between the modulus of rupture determined with a 150 mm by
air content shall conform to the requirements of Test Methods 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] and a 100 mm by 100 mm [4 in. by 4 in.] may vary
C173/C173M or C231/C231M. from 0.90 to 1.075 and for maximum aggregate size between 9.5 mm and
37.5 mm [3⁄8 in. and 11⁄2 in.], the ratio between the modulus of rupture
5.12 Temperature Measuring Devices—The temperature determined with a 150 mm by 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] and a 115 mm by
measuring devices shall conform to the applicable require- 115 mm [4.5 in. by 4.5 in.] may vary from 0.86 to 1.00.6
ments of Test Method C1064/C1064M.
5
6. Testing Requirements Tanesi, J; Ardani, A. Leavitt, J. "Reducing the Specimen Size of Concrete
Flexural Strength Test (AASHTO T97) for Safety and Ease of Handling," Trans-
6.1 Cylindrical Specimens—Compressive or splitting- portation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No.
tensile-strength specimens shall be cylinders cast and allowed 2342, Transportation Research Board of National Academies, Washington, D.C.,
Carrasquillo, P.M. and Carrasquillo, R. L “Improved Concrete Quality Control
Procedures Using Third Point Loading”, Research Report 119-1F, Project 3-9-87-
1119, Center for Transportation Research, The University of Texas at Austin,
TABLE 2 Minimum Cross-Sectional Dimension of Beams November 1987.
6
Nominal Carrasquillo, P.M. and Carrasquillo, R. L “Improved Concrete Quality Control
Minimum Procedures Using Third Point Loading”, Research Report 119-1F, Project 3-9-87-
Maximum
Cross-Sectional 1119, Center for Transportation Research, The University of Texas at Austin,
Aggregate
Dimension November 1987.
Size (NMAS)
7
# 25 mm [1 in.] 100 mm by 100 mm [4 in. by 4 in.] Bazant, Z. and Novak, D. "Proposal for Standard Test of Modulus of Rupture
25 mm [1 in.] < NMAS # 50 mm [2 in.] 150 mm by 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] of Concrete with its Size Dependence," ACI Materials Journal, January-February
2001.

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 C31/C31M − 23
6.3 Field Technicians—The field technicians making and TABLE 4 Molding Requirements by Rodding
curing specimens for acceptance testing shall meet the person- Specimen Type Number of Layers of
Number of
nel qualification requirements of Practice C1077. Roddings
and Size Approximately Equal Depth
per Layer
Cylinders:
7. Sampling Concrete Diameter, mm [in.]
100 [4] 2 25
7.1 Sample the concrete in accordance with Practice C172/ 150 [6] 3 25
C172M after all adjustments, including water and admixture 225 [9] 4 50
additions, have been made.
Beams:
7.2 If the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate Width, mm [in.]
exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], wet sieve the concrete sample through 100 [4] to 2 see 9.3
200 [8]
a 50 mm [2 in.] sieve as described in Practice C172/C172M. >200 [8] 3 or more equal depths, see 9.3
each not to exceed
7.3 Record the identification of the sample with respect to 150 mm [6 in.].
the location of the concrete represented and the time of casting.

8. Fresh Concrete Tests TABLE 5 Molding Requirements by Vibration

8.1 Perform the following tests for each sample of concrete Number of
from which specimens are made for acceptance testing for Specimen Type Number of Vibrator Approximate Depth of
and Size Layers Insertions Layer, mm [in.]
strength: per Layer
8.1.1 Slump or Slump Flow—After remixing the sample in Cylinders:
the receptacle, measure and record the slump or slump flow in Diameter, mm [in.]
accordance with Test Method C143/C143M or Test Method 100 [4] 2 1 one-half depth of specimen
150 [6] 2 2 one-half depth of specimen
C1611/C1611M, respectively. 225 [9] 2 4 one-half depth of specimen
8.1.2 Air Content—Determine and record the air content in
Beams:
accordance with either Test Method C173/C173M or Test
iTeh Standards
Method C231/C231M. The concrete used in performing the air
content test shall not be used in fabricating test specimens.
Width, mm [in.]
100 [4] to
200 [8]
1 see 9.4.2 depth of specimen

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8.1.3 Temperature—Determine and record the temperature
in accordance with Test Method C1064/C1064M.
over 200 [8] 2 or more see 9.4.2 200 [8] as near as
practicable

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NOTE 8—Some specifications may require the measurement of the unit
weight of concrete. The volume of concrete produced per batch may be
shall be consolidated as required. In placing the final layer, add
desired on some projects. Also, additional information on the air content
measurements may be desired. Test Method C138/C138M is used to an amount of concrete that will fill the mold after consolida-
ASTM
measure the unit weight, yield, and gravimetric air content C31/C31M-23
of freshly
tion.
mixed concrete.
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9.2.1 Self-Consolidating Concrete—If casting cylinders of
9. Molding Specimens self-consolidating concrete, use the mold filling procedures in
Practice C1758/C1758M instead of the procedure in 9.2. After
9.1 Place of Molding—Mold specimens promptly on a filling the mold, finish the cylinders in accordance with 9.5,
level, rigid surface, free of vibration and other disturbances, at without further consolidation.
a place as near as practicable to the location where they are to
be stored. 9.3 Casting Beams—Select the proper tamping rod from 5.4
and Table 1 or proper vibrator from 5.5. Determine the method
9.2 Casting Cylinders—Select the proper tamping rod from of consolidation from Table 3, unless another method is
5.4 and Table 1 or the proper vibrator from 5.5. Determine the specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, determine
method of consolidation from Table 3, unless another method the molding requirements from Table 4. If the method of
is specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, deter- consolidation is vibration, determine the molding requirements
mine molding requirements from Table 4. If the method of from Table 5. Determine the number of roddings per layer, one
consolidation is vibration, determine molding requirements for each 14 cm2 [2 in.2] of the top surface area of the beam.
from Table 5. Select a scoop of the size described in 5.7. While Select a placement tool as described in 5.7. Using the scoop or
placing the concrete in the mold, move the scoop around the shovel, place the concrete in the mold to the height required for
perimeter of the mold opening to ensure an even distribution of each layer. Place the concrete so that it is uniformly distributed
the concrete with minimal segregation. Each layer of concrete within each layer with minimal segregation. Each layer shall be
consolidated as required. In placing the final layer, add an
amount of concrete that will fill the mold after consolidation.
TABLE 3 Method of Consolidation Requirements
9.3.1 Self-Consolidating Concrete—If casting beams of
self-consolidating concrete, use the mold filling procedures in
Slump, mm [in.] Method of Consolidation
Practice C1758/C1758M instead of the procedure in 9.3. After
$25 [1] rodding or vibration
< 25 [1] vibration filling the mold, finish the beams in accordance with 9.5,
without further consolidation.