1 AS 1012.3.

2—1998

Australian Standard
Methods of testing concrete
Method 3.2: Determination of properties related to the
consistency of concrete— Compacting factor test

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by Standards Australia Committee BD/42, Methods of Testing Concrete, to supersede, in part, AS 1012.3 —1983. This
Method is one of a series applying to the sampling and testing of concrete.

METHOD
1 SCOPE This Standard sets out the method for determining the compacting factor of concrete, when the nominal size of aggregate does not exceed
40 mm.
NOTE: This Standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this Standard:

AS
1012 Methods of testing concrete
1012.1 Method 1: Sampling of fresh concrete
1012.2 Method 2: Preparation of concrete mixes in the laboratory
1012.8 Method 8: Method for making and curing concrete compression, indirect tensile and flexure test specimens in the laboratory or in the field
BS
1881 Testing concrete
1881.103 Method for determination of compacting factor

3 PRINCIPLE This Method describes the procedure for determining the extent to which a sample of fresh concrete will compact itself
when allowed to fall freely subject to the force of gravity and without any other external compactive influence.
The degree of self-compaction is compared to the maximum compaction achievable for that sample of concrete.
It is considered that the extent to which fresh concrete will compact itself under these conditions will not vary between individual batches
of the concrete if the characteristics and proportions of the ingredients used to make the concrete do not vary from batch to batch of the
concrete made.

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 AS 1012.3.2 — 1998 2

4 APPARATUS
4.1 Compacting factor apparatus (see Figure 1) The compacting factor apparatus shall be as follows:
(a) The compacting factor apparatus shall consist of two conical hoppers (A and B) mounted above a cylinder (C). The essential dimensions of the
hoppers and cylinder and the distances between them shall be as given in Table 1.
NOTE: Laboratories that have compacting factor apparatus complying with the requirements of BS 1881.103 in imperial units may continue to use such
apparatus; however, new apparatus should comply with the requirements specified herein.
(b) The hoppers and cylinder shall be of rigid construction, made from materials not readily attacked by cement paste, and maintained smooth inside
and true to shape (see Note). The rim of the cylinder shall be machined to a plane surface perpendicular to its axis. The lower ends of the hoppers
shall be closed with tightly fitting hinged trapdoors having quick-release catches. Sheet brass plate 3 mm thick is suitable for the doors.
NOTE: It is advisable not to use aluminium or aluminium alloys for hoppers and cylinders, unless known to be wear and corrosion resistant to Portland cement
concrete.
(c) The frame in which the hoppers and cylinder are mounted shall be of rigid construction and shall firmly locate them in the relative positions
indicated in Table 1. The cylinder shall be easily detachable from the frame.
4.2 Trowels Two trowels are required.
4.3 Scoop The scoop shall be made from non-absorbent material not readily attacked by cement paste and suitable for taking increments of concrete.
NOTE: The scoop should be large enough to accommodate the maximum size of aggregate in the concrete, of sufficient size to obtain a representative sample but
small enough to restrict mass of scoopful of concrete to a size that is able to be handled.
4.4 Rod The rod used for compacting concrete in the mould shall be a metal rod 16 ±1 mm in diameter, approximately 600 mm long and having at
least one end tapered for a distance of approximately 25 mm to a spherical shape having a radius of approximately 5 mm.
NOTE: The rod may be extended with a handle of plastics conduit, provided that the overall length does not exceed 1000 mm.
4.5 Balance A balance capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0.1 percent in the operating range is required.
4.6 Vibrator A vibrator, where used, complying with the relevant requirements of AS 1012.8.
4.7 Level A level is required.

5 SAMPLING
5.1 Field sampling For concrete sampled in the field, the test sample shall be obtained in accordance with the requirements of AS 1012.1.
5.2 Laboratory sampling For concrete made in the laboratory, the test sample shall be prepared in accordance with AS 1012.2.

6 PROCEDURE The test shall be carried out as follows:

(a) Ensure that the internal surfaces of the hoppers and cylinder are clean and free from set concrete.
(b) Moisten the internal surfaces of the hoppers and cylinder with a damp cloth immediately before commencing each test.

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 3 AS 1012.3.2 — 1998

(c) Place the apparatus on a level rigid surface free from vibration or shock. Cover the cylinder.
(d) Place the concrete to be tested gently in the upper hopper using the scoop, until the hopper is filled. Open the trapdoor so that concrete falls into
the lower hopper—
(i) where the test is carried out in the field, immediately after the hopper is filled; or
(ii) where the test is carried out in the laboratory, 4 min after completion of mixing.
(e) Immediately after the concrete has come to rest, uncover the cylinder, open the trapdoor of the lower hopper, and allow the concrete to fall into
the cylinder.
(f) Cut off the excess of concrete remaining above the level of the top of the cylinder by holding a trowel in each hand, with the plane of the blades
horizontal, and moving the trowels simultaneously one from each side across the top of the cylinder, at the same time keeping them pressed on
the top edge of the cylinder. Wipe clean the outside of the cylinder.
(g) Determine the mass (/w,) of the concrete in the cylinder to the nearest 10 g. This mass shall be known as the ‘mass of the partially compacted
concrete’.
(h) Empty the cylinder and fill with concrete from a fresh portion of the test sample in layers approximately 50 mm deep, the layers being rodded, or
preferably vibrated, until full compaction is achieved. Carefully strike off the top surface of the fully compacted concrete and finish level with the
top of the cylinder. Wipe clean the outside of the cylinder.
(i) Determine the mass of concrete in the cylinder, again to the nearest 10 g. This mass shall be known as the ‘mass of fully compacted
concrete’(/«2).
(j) Complete the overall procedure with minimum delay.
NOTES:
1 The test is sufficiently sensitive to enable differences in compacting factor value arising from the initial processes in the hydration of the cement to be measured.
Therefore, if strictly comparable results are to be obtained, each test should be carried out at a constant time interval after the addition of the water to the other
mix components has been completed.
2 For particular investigations this test may be carried out at times other than the 4 min specified.
3 Certain mixes have a tendency to stick in one or both of the hoppers. If this occurs the concrete can be helped through by pushing the tamping rod gently into the
concrete from the top.

7 COMPACTING FACTOR The compacting factor shall be determined from the

following equation:
Mass of partially compacted concrete (m.)
Compacting factor = __________________________________________ ... 7
Mass of fully compacted concrete (m 2 )

8 RECORDS The following information shall be recorded:

(a) Identification of the concrete.
(b) Job site or laboratory where tested.
(c) Date and time of test.
(d) Whether standard compacting factor apparatus or an alternative form complying with BS 1881.103 was used.
(e) Elapsed time after completion of mixing to the release of the first hopper A, where known.
(f) Whether concrete was pushed through either hopper.

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 AS 1012.3.2 — 1998 4

(g) Mass of partially compacted concrete (m,).

(h) Mass of fully compacted concrete (m 2 ).
(i) Compacting factor.
(j) Identification of testing operator.
(k) Reference to this Standard, i.e. AS 1012.3.2.

TABLE 1
ESSENTIAL DIMENSIONS OF THE STANDARD
COMPACTING FACTOR APPARATUS
(see Figure 1)
Dimensions*
Detail mm

Upper hopper A:
Top internal diameter 260
Bottom internal diameter 130
Internal height 280

Lower hopper B:
Top internal diameter 240
Bottom internal diameter 130
Internal height 240

Distance between bottom of upper hopper

and top of lower hopper 200
Distance between bottom of lower hopper
and top of cylinder 200
Cylinder C:
Internal diameter 150
Internal height 285
Radius between wall and base 20
Tolerance on all dimension ±1 mm.

9 REPORT In the event of a report being prepared, the following shall be included:
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(a) Identification of the concrete.

(b) Date and location of test.
(c) Whether standard compacting factor apparatus or an alternative form complying with BS
1881.103 was used.
(d) Compacting factor.
(e) Elapsed time from completion of mixing to the release of the first hopper A, where known.
(f) Whether concrete was pushed through either hopper.
(g) Reference to this Standard, i.e. AS 1012.3.2.

(h) Such other information contained in the sampling records (see AS 1012.1) as may be requested.

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 5 AS 1012.3.2 — 1998

(a) FRONT VIEW

150 int

285 int

R20

(c) CYLINDER C

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

Tolerance on all dimensions: ±1 mm.

FIGURE 1 STANDARD COMPACTING FACTOR APPARATUS

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NOTES
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AS 1012.3.2 — 1998 8

This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee BD/42, Methods of Testing Concrete. It was approved on behalf of the Council of
Standards Australia on 10 July 1998 and published on 5 September 1998.

The following interests are represented on Committee BD/42:

Association of Consulting Engineers, Australia Australian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australian Pre-mixed
Concrete Association AUSTROADS
Cement and Concrete Association of Australia
Concrete Institute of Australia
CSIRO, Division of Building, Construction and Engineering
National Association of Testing Authorities Australia
University of New South Wales University of Technology,
Sydney

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Originated as part of AS 1012.3 —1976.

Second edition 1983.
Revised and redesignated in part as AS 1012.3.2 —1998.
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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 97436.

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