Designation: C 494/C 494M – 05a

Standard Specification for

Chemical Admixtures for Concrete1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 494/C 494M; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope test under this specification (see Section 6, Uniformity and Equivalence).
NOTE 3—Admixtures that contain relatively large amounts of chloride
1.1 This specification covers materials for use as chemical may accelerate corrosion of prestressing steel. Compliance with the
admixtures to be added to hydraulic-cement concrete mixtures requirements of this specification does not constitute assurance of accept-
in the field for the purpose or purposes indicated for the seven ability of the admixture for use in prestressed concrete.
types as follows: 1.3 This specification provides for three levels of testing.
1.1.1 Type A—Water-reducing admixtures, 1.3.1 Level 1—During the initial approval stage, proof of
1.1.2 Type B—Retarding admixtures, compliance with the performance requirements defined in
1.1.3 Type C—Accelerating admixtures, Table 1 demonstrates that the admixture meets the require-
1.1.4 Type D—Water-reducing and retarding admixtures, ments of this specification. Admixtures (except for Types B, C,
1.1.5 Type E—Water-reducing and accelerating admixtures, and E) shall qualify for provisional compliance when any of
1.1.6 Type F—Water-reducing, high range admixtures, and the alternative compressive strength requirements in Table 1
1.1.7 Type G—Water-reducing, high range, and retarding are met. If subsequent test results at 6 months or one year fail
admixtures. to meet the standard requirement of 100 % of reference
1.2 This specification stipulates tests of an admixture with strength, the compliance of the admixture to this standard is
suitable concreting materials as described in 11.1-11.3 or with withdrawn and all users of the admixture shall be notified
cement, pozzolan, aggregates, and an air-entraining admixture
immediately. Uniformity and equivalence tests of Section 6
proposed for specific work (11.4). Unless specified otherwise shall be carried out to provide results against which later
by the purchaser, the tests shall be made using concreting comparisons can be made (See Note 4).
materials as described in 11.1-11.3.
NOTE 4—Allowing for provisional compliance while retaining longer
NOTE 1—It is recommended that, whenever practicable, tests be made term compressive strength requirements promotes more rapid qualification
using the cement, pozzolan, aggregates, air-entraining admixture, and the of new materials, but also provides assurance that new admixture
mixture proportions, batching sequence, and other physical conditions technologies will not exhibit unexpected longer term performance. The
proposed for the specific work (11.4) because the specific effects produced alternative compressive strength requirements in Table 1 are based on
by chemical admixtures may vary with the properties and proportions of statistical analysis of 103 Specification C 494/C 494M evaluation tests.
the other ingredients of the concrete. For instance, Types F and G The alternative requirements correspond to a 99 % probability of passing
admixtures may exhibit much higher water reduction in concrete mixtures subsequent test age requirements.2
having higher cement factors than that listed in 12.1.1.
Mixtures having a high range water reduction generally display a higher 1.3.2 Level 2—Limited retesting is described in 5.2, 5.2.1
rate of slump loss. When high-range admixtures are used to impart and 5.2.2. Proof of compliance with the requirements of Table
increased workability (6 to 8-in. slump [150 to 200–mm]), the effect may 1 demonstrates continued conformity of the admixture with the
be of limited duration, reverting to the original slump in 30 to 60 min requirements of the specification.
depending on factors normally affecting rate of slump loss. The use of
1.3.3 Level 3—For acceptance of a lot or for measuring
chemical admixtures to produce high-slump (flowing) concrete is covered
by Specification C 1017. uniformity within or between lots, when specified by the
NOTE 2—The purchaser should ensure that the admixture supplied for purchaser, the uniformity and equivalence tests of Section 6
use in the work is equivalent in composition to the admixture subjected to shall be used.
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units shall
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.23 on
Chemical Admixtures.
2
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2005. Published January 2006. Originally Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as C 494 – 05. be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: C09-1030.

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

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system Test Specimens in the Laboratory
must be used independently of the other, without combining C 231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
values in any way. Concrete by the Pressure Method
1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes C 260 Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Con-
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes crete
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered C 403/C 403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete
as requirements of the standard. Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the C 666/C 666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to
test method sections, Sections 11-18 of this Specification: This Rapid Freezing and Thawing
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, C 1017/C 1017M Specification for Chemical Admixtures
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user for Use in Producing Flowing Concrete
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita- D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
tions prior to use. E 100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing
2. Referenced Documents 2.2 American Concrete Institute Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 ACI 211.1–91 Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete4
C 39/C 39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cy-
lindrical Concrete Specimens 3. Terminology
C 78 Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using 3.1 Definitions:
Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading) 3.1.1 accelerating admixture—an admixture that acceler-
C 136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse ates the setting and early strength development of concrete.
Aggregates 3.1.2 retarding admixture—an admixture that retards the
C 138/C 138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), setting of concrete.
Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete 3.1.3 water-reducing admixture—an admixture that reduces
C 143/C 143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic- the quantity of mixing water required to produce concrete of a
Cement Concrete given consistency.
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement 3.1.4 water-reducing admixture, high range—an admixture
C 157/C 157M Test Method for Length Change of Hard- that reduces the quantity of mixing water required to produce
ened Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete concrete of a given consistency by 12 % or greater.
C 183 Practice for Sampling and the Amount of Testing of 3.1.5 water-reducing and accelerating admixture— an ad-
Hydraulic Cement mixture that reduces the quantity of mixing water required to
C 192/C 192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete produce concrete of a given consistency and accelerates the
setting and early strength development of concrete.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the American Concrete Institute, 38800 Country Club Drive,
the ASTM website. Farmington Hills, MI 48331.

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a
TABLE 1 Physical RequirementsA
Type G,
Type D, Type E,
Type F, Water
Type A, Type C, Water Water
Type B, Water Reducing,
Water Acceler- Reducing Reducing
Retarding Reducing, High
Reducing ating and and
High Range Range
Retarding Accelerating
and Retarding
Water content, max, % of 95 ... ... 95 95 88 88
control
Time of setting, allowable
deviation from control, h:min:
Initial: at least ... 1:00 later 1:00 earlier 1:00 later 1:00 earlier ... 1:00 later
not more than 1:00 earlier 3:30 later 3:30 earlier 3:30 later 3:30 earlier 1:00 earlier 3:30 later
nor 1:30 nor 1:30
later later
Final: at least ... ... 1:00 earlier ... 1:00 earlier ... ...
not more than 1:00 earlier 3:30 later ... 3:30 later ... 1:00 earlier 3:30 later
nor 1:30 nor 1:30
later later
Compressive strength, min, %
of control:B
1 day ... ... ... ... ... 140 125
3 days 110 90 125 110 125 125 125
7 days 110 90 100 110 110 115 115
28 days 110 90 100 110 110 110 110
(120)C (120)C (120)C (120)C
90 days (117)C n/a n/a (117)C n/a (117)C (117)C
6 months 100 90 90 100 100 100 100
(113)C (113)C (113)C (113)C
1 year 100 90 90 100 100 100 100
Flexural strength, min,
% control:B
3 days 100 90 110 100 110 110 110
7 days 100 90 100 100 100 100 100
28 days 100 90 90 100 100 100 100
Length change, max
shrinkage (alternative
requirements):D
Percent of control 135 135 135 135 135 135 135
Increase over control 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010
Relative durability 80 80 80 80 80 80 80
factor, minE
A
The values in the table include allowance for normal variation in test results. The object of the 90 % compressive strength requirement for a Type-B admixture is to
require a level of performance comparable to that of the reference concrete.
B
The compressive and flexural strength of the concrete containing the admixture under test at any test age shall be not less than 90 % of that attained at any previous
test age. The objective of this limit is to require that the compressive or flexural strength of the concrete containing the admixture under test shall not decrease with age.
C
Alternative requirement. If any of the measured relative strengths are greater than the requirement in parentheses, the admixture shall be considered provisionally
qualified until the 1-year strength test results are obtained.
D
Alternative requirements, see 17.1.4, % of control limit applies when length change of control is 0.030 % or greater; increase over control limit applies when length
change of control is less than 0.030 %.
E
This requirement is applicable only when the admixture is to be used in air-entrained concrete which may be exposed to freezing and thawing while wet.

3.1.6 water-reducing and retarding admixture— an admix- 5.2 The purchaser is allowed to require a limited retesting to
ture that reduces the quantity of mixing water required to confirm current compliance of the admixture to specification
produce concrete of a given consistency and retards the setting requirements. The limited retesting will cover physical prop-
of concrete. erties and performance of the admixture.
3.1.7 water-reducing, high range, and retarding 5.2.1 The physical properties retesting shall consist of
admixture—an admixture that reduces the quantity of mixing uniformity and equivalence tests for infrared analysis, residue
water required to produce concrete of a given consistency by by oven drying and specific gravity.
12 % or greater and retards the setting of concrete. 5.2.2 The performance property retesting shall consist of
water content of fresh concrete, setting time and compressive
4. Ordering Information strength at 3, 7 and 28 days. Purchasers having special
4.1 The purchaser shall specify the type of chemical admix- requirements are allowed to require additional tests currently in
ture desired. this standard.
5.3 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall
5. General Requirements state in writing that the admixture supplied for use in the work
5.1 For initial compliance with this specification, test con- is identical in all essential respects, including concentration, to
crete in which each type of admixture shown in 1.1 is used the admixture tested under this specification.
shall conform to the respective requirements prescribed in 5.4 At the request of the purchaser, when the admixture is to
Table 1. be used in prestressed concrete, the manufacturer shall state in

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a
writing the chloride content of the admixture and whether or 9. Sampling and Inspection
not chloride has been added during its manufacture. 9.1 Every facility shall be provided the purchaser for careful
5.5 Tests for uniformity and equivalence, as indicated in sampling and inspection, either at the point of manufacture or
Section 6, shall be made on the initial sample and the results at the site of the work, as specified by the purchaser.
retained for reference and comparison with the results of tests
9.2 Samples shall be either “grab” or “composite” samples,
of samples taken from elsewhere within the lot or subsequent
as specified or required by this specification. A grab sample is
lots of admixture supplied for use in the work.
one obtained in a single operation. A composite sample is one
6. Uniformity and Equivalence obtained by combining three or more grab samples.
6.1 When specified by the purchaser, the uniformity of a lot, 9.3 For the purposes of this specification, it is recognized
or the equivalence of different lots from the same source shall that samples will be taken for two reasons:
be established by the use of the following requirements: 9.3.1 Quality Tests—A sample taken for the purpose of
6.1.1 Infrared Analysis—The absorption spectra of the ini- evaluating the quality of a source or lot of admixture will be
tial sample and the test sample, obtained as specified in 18.1, required to meet all the applicable requirements of this
shall be essentially similar. specification. Samples used to determine conformance with the
6.1.2 Residue by Oven Drying (Liquid Admixtures)—When requirements of this specification shall be composites of grab
dried as specified in 18.2, the oven-dried residues of the initial samples taken from sufficient locations to ensure that the
sample and of subsequent samples shall be within 6 12 % of composite sample will be representative of the lot.
the mid-point of the manufacturer’s stated range, but not 9.3.2 Uniformity and Equivalence Tests— When specified
exceeding the manufacturer’s stated limits (See Note 5). by the purchaser, a sample taken for the purpose of evaluating
NOTE 5—As an example, for an admixture produced with a residue the uniformity of a single lot, or equivalence of different lots
range from 27 to 35 %, the manufacturer would provide maximum from one source shall be tested as provided in Section 6. Such
acceptable limits of 27.3 to 34.7 %, representing 6 12 % of the mid-point samples shall be composite samples from individual lots when
of the limits, where the mid-point is 31.0 %. different lots from the same source are being compared. When
6.1.3 Residue by Oven Drying (Nonliquid Admixtures)— the uniformity of a single lot is being determined, grab samples
When dried as specified in 18.3, the oven-dried residues of the shall be used.
initial sample and of the subsequent samples shall be within a 9.4 Liquid Admixtures—Liquid admixtures shall be agitated
range of variation not greater than 6 4 percentage points. thoroughly immediately prior to sampling. Grab samples taken
6.1.4 Specific Gravity (Liquid Admixtures)—When tested as for quality or uniformity tests shall represent a unit shipment or
specified in 18.4, the specific gravity of subsequent test a single production lot. Each grab sample shall have a volume
samples shall not differ from the specific gravity of the initial of at least 1 pt [0.5 L]. A minimum of three grab samples shall
sample by more than 10 % of the difference between the be taken. Composite samples shall be prepared by thoroughly
specific gravity of the initial sample and that of reagent water mixing the grab samples selected and the resultant mixture
at the same temperature. If 10 % of the difference between the sampled to provide at least 1 gal [4 L] for quality tests. Grab
specific gravity of the initial sample and water is less than 0.01, samples shall be taken from different locations well distributed
use the value 0.01 as the maximum allowable difference. throughout the quantity to be represented.
Reagent water conforming to Specification D 1193, Types III 9.4.1 Admixtures in bulk storage tanks shall be sampled
or IV, and prepared by distillation ion exchange, reverse equally from the upper, intermediate, and lower levels by
osmosis, electrodialysis, or a combination of these procedures means of drain cocks in the sides of the tanks or a weighted
is adequate. sampling bottle fitted with a stopper that can be removed after
6.2 When the nature of the admixture or the analytical the bottle is lowered to the desired depth.
capability of the purchaser make some or all of these proce- 9.4.2 Samples shall be packaged in impermeable, airtight
dures unsuitable, other requirements for uniformity and containers which are resistant to attack by the admixture.
equivalence from lot to lot or within a lot shall be established 9.5 Nonliquid Admixtures—Grab samples taken for quality
by agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer. or uniformity tests shall represent not more than 2 tons [2 Mg]
7. Packaging and Marking of admixture and shall weigh at least 2 lb [have a mass of at
least 1 kg]. A minimum of four grab samples shall be taken.
7.1 When the admixture is delivered in packages or con- Composite samples shall be prepared by thoroughly mixing the
tainers, the proprietary name of the admixture, the type under grab samples selected and the resultant mixture sampled to
this specification, and the net weight or volume shall be plainly provide at least 5 lb [2.5 kg] for the composite sample. Grab
marked thereon. Similar information shall be provided in the samples shall be taken from different locations well distributed
shipping advices accompanying packaged or bulk shipments of throughout the quantity to be represented.
admixtures.
9.5.1 Samples of packaged admixtures shall be obtained by
8. Storage means of a tube sampler as described in Practice C 183.
8.1 The admixture shall be stored in such a manner as to 9.5.2 Samples shall be packaged in moisture-proof, airtight
permit easy access for proper inspection and identification of containers.
each shipment, and in a suitable weathertight building that will 9.6 Samples shall be thoroughly mixed before testing to
protect the admixture from dampness and freezing. ensure uniformity. When recommended by the manufacturer,

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a
the entire sample of a nonliquid admixture shall be dissolved in Sieve Weight Percent
water prior to testing. Passing
No. 4 [4.75-mm] 100
No. 16 [1.18-mm] 65 to 75
10. Rejection No. 50 [300 µm] 12 to 20
10.1 For initial compliance testing, the purchaser is allowed No. 100 [150 µm] 2 to 5
to reject the admixture if it fails to meet any of the applicable 11.2.2 Coarse Aggregate Grading— The coarse aggregate
requirements for this specification. shall meet the requirements for size number 57 of Specification
10.2 For limited retesting, the purchaser is allowed to reject C 33. Take care in loading and delivery to avoid segregation.
the admixture if it fails to meet any of the requirements of the 11.2.3 The coarse aggregate used for each set of reference
Uniformity and Equivalence Section and of the applicable parts concrete and comparable test admixture-treated concrete shall
of Table 1. be essentially the same. Therefore, a set of test concrete
10.3 An admixture stored at the point of manufacture, for consists of one reference concrete and as many test admixture-
more than 6 months prior to shipment, or an admixture in local containing concretes as are intended to be compared to that one
storage in the hands of a vendor for more than 6 months, after reference. Thus, coarse aggregate for one set shall consist of
completion of tests, shall be retested before use when requested enough material for one reference concrete, the test admixture-
by the purchaser and is allowed to be rejected if it fails to containing concrete to be compared with that reference and the
conform to any of the applicable requirements of this specifi- sample for grading analysis testing.
cation. 11.2.3.1 Prepare coarse aggregate for a set, comprising a
10.4 Packages or containers varying more than 5 % from the sample large enough for concrete trials, as follows: Fill tared
specified weight or volume are allowed to be rejected. If the containers, one each for a sample, a batch of reference concrete
average weight or volume of 50 packages taken at random is and one or more test concretes to the required mass from the
less than that specified, the entire shipment is allowed to be aggregate stockpile. Accomplish this by starting with a scoop-
rejected. ful into the first container and repeat this procedure until all
10.5 When the admixture is to be used in non-air-entrained containers have their required mass. Repeat the process for
concrete, it shall be rejected when the purchaser desires if the each of the three or more sets needed. One or more spare sets
test concrete containing it has an air content greater than 3.5 %; may be needed. See the Appendix of Practice D 75, Sampling
when the admixture is to be used in air-entrained concrete, it from Stockpiles, and the Manual of Aggregate and Concrete
can be rejected if the test concrete containing it has an air Testing for guidance for conditions and procedures.
content greater than 7.0 %.
11.2.4 Test coarse aggregate samples representing each set
TEST METHODS by Method C 136 requirements for the sieves shown below.
Discard any set for which the sample does not comply with size
NOTE 6—These tests are based on arbitrary stipulations which make 57. Average test results for samples which comply with size 57
possible highly standardized testing in the laboratory and are not intended
to simulate actual job conditions.
for each sieve size. Discard any set for which the sample
deviates from this average by more than the amount shown in
11. Materials column 3. Continue the process of preparation, testing and
averaging until sufficient sets of aggregate within tolerance are
TESTS NOT FOR A SPECIFIC USE obtained.
11.1 Cement—The cement used in any series of tests shall Sieve Specification C 33, No. 57 Maximum variation from
be either the cement proposed for a specific use in accordance Percent Passing average/passing
11⁄2 in. [37.5-mm] 100 0.0
with 11.4, a Type I or Type II cement conforming to Specifi- 1.00 in. [25.0-mm] 95 to 100 1.0
cation C 150, or a blend of two or more cements, in equal parts. 1⁄2 in. [12.5-mm] 25 to 60 4.0
Each cement of the blend shall conform to the requirements of No. 4 [4.75-mm] 0 to 10 4.0
No. 8 [2.36-mm] 0 to 5 1.0
either Type I or Type II, Specification C 150. If when using a
cement other than that proposed for specific work, the air NOTE 7—All of the results required for demonstrating compliance
content of the concrete made without admixture, tested as under this specification are dependent on the uniformity of the aggregate
prescribed in 14.3, is more than 3.5 %, select a different samples prepared and used. Careful, skilled and well-supervised work is
essential.
cement, or blend, so that the air content of the concrete will be
3.5 % or less. 11.3 Air-Entraining Admixture—Except when tests are
11.2 Aggregates—Except when tests are made in accor- made in accordance with 11.4 using the air-entraining admix-
dance with 11.4 using the aggregates proposed for a specific ture proposed for specific work, the air-entraining admixture
use, the fine and coarse aggregates used in any series of tests used in the concrete mixtures specified in Section 12 shall be
shall come from single lots of well-graded, sound materials a material such that when used to entrain the specified amount
that conform to the requirements of Specification C 33, except of air in the concrete mixture will give concrete of satisfactory
that the grading of the aggregates shall conform to the resistance to freezing and thawing. The material to be so used
following requirements: will be designated by the person or agency for whom the
11.2.1 Fine Aggregate Grading: testing is to be performed. If no material is designated,

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a
“neutralized Vinsol resin5” shall be used. Accomplish neutral- aggregate likely to be used. It is suggested, therefore, that for a closer
ization by treating 100 parts of Vinsol resin with 9 to 15 parts approximation of the proportions required for this test, the values selected
of NaOH by mass. In an aqueous solution, the ratio of water to from this table be increased by about 7 for the first trial mixture.
the resinate shall not exceed 12 to 1 by mass. 12.1.3 For the non-air-entrained mixtures, the air content
used in calculating the proportions shall be 1.5, as shown in
TESTS FOR SPECIFIC USES Table number 5.3.3 of ACI 211.1–91. For the air-entrained
11.4 Materials for Tests—The effects of a chemical admix- mixtures, the air content used for this purpose shall be 5.5.
ture on the time of setting and water requirement of concrete 12.1.4 Adjust the water content to obtain a slump of 31⁄2 6
1⁄2 in. [90 6 15 mm]. The workability of the concrete mixture
are known to vary with the time of its addition during the
batching and mixing sequence. To test a chemical admixture shall be suitable for consolidation by hand rodding and the
for use in specific work, the cement, pozzolan, aggregates, and concrete mixture shall have the minimum water content
air-entraining admixture used shall be representative of those possible. Achieve these conditions by final adjustments in the
proposed for use in the work. Add the chemical admixture in proportion of fine aggregate to total aggregate or in the amount
the same manner and at the same time during the batching and of total aggregate, or both, while maintaining the yield and
mixing sequence as it will be added on the job. Proportion the slump in the required ranges.
concrete mixtures to have the cement content specified for use 12.2 Conditions—Prepare concrete mixtures both with and
in the work. If the maximum size of coarse aggregate is greater without the admixture under test. Refer herein to the concrete
than 1 in. [25.0 mm], screen the concrete over a 1-in. mixture without the chemical admixture as the reference or
[25.0-mm] sieve prior to fabricating the test specimens. control concrete mixture. Add the admixture in the manner
11.4.1 Other Use Conditions—Other conditions are known recommended by the manufacturer and in the amount neces-
to affect the overall suitability of the concrete mixture for sary to comply with the applicable requirements of the speci-
specific intended uses. These include the temperature of the fications for water reduction or time of setting, or both. When
materials or the surroundings, the humidity, the length of time desired by the person or agency for whom the tests are being
between mixing and placing, the amount of mixing activity and performed, the admixture is allowed to be added in an amount
other factors. These physical conditions may be incorporated such as to produce a specific time of setting of the concrete
into the tests with intention for indicating the potential inter- mixture within the limits of the applicable provisions of this
actions. These tests would be only for guidance. After incor- specification.
poration of such test conditions it would not be suitable to 12.2.1 Non-Air-Entrained Concrete—When the admixture
expect compliance with this specification requirement. is to be tested for use only in non-air-entrained concrete, the air
11.5 Preparation and Batching—Prepare all material and content of both the mixture containing the admixture under test
make all weighings as prescribed in Practice C 192/C 192M. and the reference concrete mixture shall be 3.5 % or less, and
the difference between the air contents of the two mixtures
12. Proportioning of Concrete Mixtures shall not exceed 1.0. If necessary, the air-entraining admixture
12.1 Proportions—Except when tests are being made for shall be added to the reference concrete mixture. Tests for
specific uses, all concrete shall be proportioned using resistance to freezing and thawing shall not be made.
ACI 211.1–91 to conform to the requirements described in 12.2.2 Air-Entrained Concrete—When the admixture is to
12.1.1-12.1.4. After evaluation of the trial mixtures, aggregate be tested for use only in air-entrained concrete, the air-
proportions shall be adjusted as needed to obtain workable, entraining admixture shall be added to the reference concrete
cohesive mixtures with the correct yield to obtain the required mixture and, if necessary, to the concrete mixture containing
contents. Unless otherwise specified, the admixture shall be the admixture under test in sufficient amounts to produce air
added with the first increment of mixing water that is added to contents in the range 3.5 to 7.0 %, except that for tests for
the mixer. resistance to freezing and thawing, the range shall be 6.0 6
12.1.1 The cement content shall be 517 6 5 lb/yd 3[307 6 1.0 %. In both cases the difference between the air content of
3 kg/m3]. the reference concrete and that of the concrete containing the
12.1.2 For the first trial mixture, refer to the table on volume admixture under test shall not exceed 0.5.
of coarse aggregate per unit volume of concrete in 13. Mixing
ACI 211.1–91 for guidance on the amount of coarse aggregate
to use, given the nominal maximum size of the aggregate and 13.1 Machine mix the concrete as prescribed in Practice
the fineness modulus of the fine aggregate being used (see Note C 192/C 192M.
8 14. Tests and Properties of Freshly Mixed Concrete
NOTE 8—Values in the referenced table of ACI 211.1–91 are intended 14.1 Samples of freshly mixed concrete from at least three
to ensure workable mixtures with the least favorable combinations of separate batches for each condition of concrete shall be tested
in accordance with the methods described in 14.2-14.5.
14.2 Slump—Test Method C 143/C 143M.
5
The sole source of supply of Vinsol resin known to the committee at this time 14.3 Air Content—Test Method C 231.
is Hercules Inc., Wilmington, DE. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please
provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
14.4 Time of Setting—Test Method C 403/C 403M, except
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee 1, that the temperature of each of the ingredients of the concrete
which you may attend. mixtures, just prior to mixing, and the temperature at which the

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a
time-of-setting specimens are stored during the test period shall without testing. Visually examine all specimens representing a
be 73 6 3 °F [23.0 6 2.0 °C]. given test at a given age after testing, and should any specimen
14.5 Water Content: be found to be manifestly faulty the test results thereof shall be
14.5.1 Report the water-cement ratio of the concrete, com- disregarded. Should more than one specimen representing a
puted to the nearest 0.001, as follows: Determine the net water given test at a given age be found manifestly faulty either
content of the batch as the weight of water in the batch in before or after testing, the entire test shall be disregarded and
excess of that present as absorbed water in the aggregates. repeated. The test result reported shall be the average of the
Calculate the actual volume of concrete in the batch by individual test results of the specimens tested or, in the event
determining the density of concrete in the batch as prescribed that one specimen or one result has been discarded, it shall be
in Test Method C 138. Determine the water-cement ratio by the average of the test results of the remaining specimens.
dividing the net weight of water by the weight of cement in the
batch. 16. Test Specimens of Hardened Concrete
14.5.2 Calculate the relative water content of the concrete 16.1 Number of Specimens—Six or more test specimens for
containing the admixture under test as a percentage of the the freezing and thawing test and three or more test specimens
water content of the reference concrete as follows: Divide the for each other type of test and age of test specified in Table 2
average water content of all batches of concrete containing the shall be made for each condition of concrete to be compared.
admixture under test by the average water content of all 16.2 Types of Specimens—Specimens made from concrete
batches of the reference concrete and multiply the quotient by with and without the chemical admixture under test shall be
100. prepared in accordance with the following:
15. Preparation of Test Specimens 16.2.1 Compressive Strength—Make and cure test speci-
mens in accordance with Practice C 192/C 192M.
15.1 Make specimens for tests of hardened concrete, repre- 16.2.2 Flexural Strength—Make and cure test specimens in
senting each test and age of test and each condition of concrete accordance with Practice C 192/C 192M.
being compared, from at least three separate batches, and the 16.2.3 Resistance to Freezing and Thawing— Test speci-
minimum number of specimens shall be as prescribed in Table mens shall consist of prisms made and cured in accordance
2. On a given day make at least one specimen for each test and with the applicable requirements of Practice C 192/C 192M.
age of test from each condition of concrete, except make at Test specimen dimensions shall be as required by Test Method
least two specimens for the freezing and thawing test from each C 666. Make one set of specimens from the concrete mixture
condition of concrete. If desired, the preparation of all speci- containing the chemical admixture under test and from the
mens can be completed in one, two, or three days of mixing, reference concrete mixture, the air content of each mixture
provided the test concrete and its reference are made on the being as specified in 12.2.2.
same day.
16.2.4 Length Change—Make and cure test specimens in
15.2 Manifestly Faulty Specimens—Visually examine each
accordance with Test Method C 157/C 157M. The moist-
group of specimens representing a given test or a given age of
curing period, including the period in the molds, shall be 14
test, including tests of freshly mixed concrete, before or during
days.
the test, or both, whichever is appropriate. Discard any
specimen found to be manifestly faulty by such examination
17. Tests on Hardened Concrete
TABLE 2 Types and Minimum Number of Specimens and Tests
17.1 Test specimens of hardened concrete (see Table 1) in
accordance with the following methods :
Num-
ber of Num-
Number Num- 17.1.1 Compressive Strength—Test Method C 39/C 39M.
of Con- ber of
Types ber of
ditions Speci-
Test specimens at ages of 1 (Types F and G only), 3, 7, and 28
of Test
Speci- Ages
of Con- mens, days, 6 months, and 1 year. Test specimens at 90 days if
creteB min compliance to the alternative requirement for provisional
mensA
Water content ... 1 2 C compliance is desired. Calculate the compressive strength of
Slump 1 1 2 C the concrete containing the admixture under test as a percent-
Air content 1 1 2 C age of the compressive strength of the reference concrete as
D
Time of setting 1 2 6
Compressive strength follows:
Types B, C, and E 1 5 2 30 17.1.1.1 Divide the average compressive strength of the
Types A and D 1 6 2 36 specimens made from the concrete containing the admixture
Types F and G 1 7 2 42
Flexural strength 1 3 2 18 under test at a given age of test by the average compressive
Freezing and thawing 1 1 2 12 strength of the specimens made from the reference concrete at
Length change 1 1 2 6 the same age of test and multiply the quotient by 100.
Water reducing, high ... 6 ... 36
range 17.1.1.2 When tests are conducted with materials represen-
Water reducing, high ... 6 ... 36 tative of those proposed for a specific use in accordance with
—range and retarding
11.4, and if the results of the tests are required in a period of
A
See Section 14 and 16.2. time that will not permit curing of specimens to ages of 6
B
See 12.2.
C
Determined on each batch of concrete mixed. months and 1 year, the tests at those ages are permitted to be
D
See 14.4. waived.

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a
17.1.2 Flexural Strength—Test Method C 78. Test speci- residue to a mortar and grind to a fine powder. Work quickly to
mens at ages 3, 7, and 28 days. Calculate the flexural strength avoid moisture pick-up. Weigh 0.1 g of the powder and 0.4 g
of the concrete containing the admixture under test as a of potassium bromide of a grade suitable for use in infrared
percentage of the flexural strength of the reference concrete as analysis. Mix in an electric amalgamator for 30 s using
follows: stainless steel capsule and balls. Proceed in accordance with
17.1.2.1 Divide the average flexural strength of the speci- 18.1.3.
mens made from the concrete containing the admixture under 18.1.2 Non-liquid Admixtures—Grind 10 g to a fine powder
test at a given age of test by the average flexural strength of the with mortar and pestle. Transfer the sample to a petri dish,
specimens made from the reference concrete at the same age of place in a drying oven (18.2.1.1) and dry for 17 6 1⁄4 h at 105
test, and multiply the quotient by 100. 6 3 °C. Weigh approximately 0.005 g of the dry powder and
17.1.3 Resistance to Freezing and Thawing— Comparison 0.995 g of potassium bromide of a grade suitable for use in
tests of the concrete containing the admixture under test with infrared analysis. Mix in an electric amalgamator for 30 s using
the reference concrete mixture shall be made concurrently stainless steel capsule and balls. Proceed in accordance with
using Procedure A of Test Method C 666. Place specimens 18.1.3.
under test at the age of 14 days. Calculate the relative 18.1.3 To prepare a disk for infrared analysis, weigh 0.300
durability factors as shown in Specification C 260. g of the mixture prepared in 18.1.1 or 18.1.2 and transfer into
17.1.4 Length Change—Test specimens shall consist of a suitable die. If an evacuable die is used, apply vacuum for 2
molded prisms made and tested in accordance with Test min prior to pressing. Continue vacuum and press at a suitable
Method C 157/C 157M except that the moist curing period, force for 3 min, producing a disk about 1 mm thick. Remove
including the period in the molds, shall be 14 days. Then store the disk from the die, insert into the infrared spectrophotometer
the specimens in air under conditions specified in the section and obtain infrared absorption spectra.
on Air Storage of Test Method C 157/C 157M for a period of
NOTE 10—It is important that the same procedures be used on all
14 days, at which time determine the length change of the samples to be compared with each other and preferably that they be
specimen. Consider the drying shrinkage to be the length conducted by the same analyst. Major changes in infrared spectra may
change during the drying period, based on an initial measure- result from (a) water content differences due to drying variations, (b)
ment at the time of removal of the specimen from the mold, water picked up by hygroscopic materials, (c) reaction between the
and express it as percent to the nearest 0.001 % based on the potassium bromide and some other compound present, and (d) differences
specimen gage length. If the length change of the reference in time between formation of the disk and its use. Also, the threshold for
detection of individual components by infrared absorption varies widely,
concrete after 14 days of drying is 0.030 % or greater, the
depending upon the identity and concentration of accompanying sub-
length change on drying of concrete containing the admixture stances. For example, significant amounts of saccharides may be present
under test, expressed as percent of the length change of the in a lignosulfonate admixture without their presence being indicated by
reference concrete, shall not exceed the maximum specified in this method.
Table 1. If the length change of the reference concrete after 14
days of drying is less than 0.030 %, the length change on 18.2 Residue by Oven Drying (Liquid Admixtures):
drying of concrete containing the admixture under test shall be 18.2.1 Place 25 to 30 g of standard Ottawa sand (20 to 30
not more than 0.010 percentage units greater than that of the mesh) in a wide-mouth, low-form (about 60 mm inside
reference concrete. diameter and 30 mm in height) glass weighing bottle provided
with a ground-glass stopper. Place the weighing bottle and
NOTE 9—Since the specific effects produced by chemical admixtures stopper, with stopper removed, in a drying oven (18.2.1.1) and
may vary with the properties of the other ingredients of the concrete, dry for 17 6 1⁄4 h at 105 6 3 °C (Note 9). Insert the stopper
results of length change tests using aggregates of such a nature that the
in the weighing bottle, transfer to a desiccator, cool to room
length change on drying is low may not accurately indicate relative
performance to be expected with other aggregates having properties such temperature, and weigh to the nearest 0.001 g. Remove the
as to produce concrete of high length change on drying. stopper and, using a pipet, evenly distribute 4 ml of the liquid
admixture over the sand. Immediately insert the stopper to
18. Uniformity and Equivalence Tests avoid loss by evaporation and weigh to the nearest 0.001 g.
18.1 Infrared Analysis—This test procedure is intended to Remove the stopper and place both the bottle and stopper in a
compare qualitatively the composition of different samples and drying oven (18.2.1.1). Dry for 17 6 1⁄4 h at 105 6 3 °C. At the
results should not be interpreted quantitatively. Sections 18.1.1, end of the drying period, stopper the weighing bottle, transfer
18.1.2, and 18.1.3 give a general procedure for the infrared to a desiccator, cool to room temperature, and weigh to the
analysis of admixtures (see Note 10). nearest 0.001 g.
18.1.1 Liquid Admixtures—Determine the dissolved solids 18.2.1.1 Drying Oven—The drying oven shall be either a
concentration by 18.2 and dilute an aliquot of the liquid forced circulation type or one with provision for free access of
admixture sample with distilled water to yield a dissolved air. There shall be precise control of temperature and time of
solids concentration of about 0.015 g/mL, for example, a 5-mL drying so that the degree of volatilization of the material other
aliquot diluted to 200 mL. Pipet 5 mL of above solution and than water from sample to sample will not vary.
add it to a petri dish with 2.5 g of potassium bromide of a grade 18.2.2 Calculation:
suitable for use in infrared analysis and 5 mL of distilled water. 18.2.2.1 Record the following masses:
Stir and mix to dissolve. Place in a drying oven (18.2.1.1) and
dry for 17 6 1⁄4 h at 105 6 3 °C. Cool and transfer the dried

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a

m1 = mass of stoppered bottle with sand and sample, coefficient of variation for residue by oven drying (non-liquid
m2 = mass of stoppered bottle with sand, admixture) has been found to be 0.48 %. Therefore, results of
m3 = m1 − m2 = mass of sample, two properly conducted tests by the same operator on the same
m4 = mass of stoppered bottle with sand and dried residue, material are not expected to differ by more than 1.4 % of their
and average. Note 12 also applies to 18.3.3.
m 5 = m4 − m2 = mass of dried residue. 18.4 Specific Gravity (Liquid Admixtures):
18.2.2.2 Calculate the residue by using the following equa- 18.4.1 Determine the specific gravity at 25 6 1 °C of a
tion: liquid admixture using hydrometers complying with Specifi-
Residue by oven drying ~percent by mass! 5 ~m5 3 100!/m 3 (1) cation E 100. Hydrometers No. 112H through 117H will cover
the range for most determinations. A250-mL graduated cylin-
NOTE 11—For laboratories conducting this test as a routine operation,
der, and a water bath capable of maintaining 25 6 1 °C will
previously dried sand and weighing bottles can be maintained in desic- also be required.
cators so that they are immediately available for use when a sample is to 18.4.2 Place a sample in the 250-mL graduated cylinder and
be tested. put in the hydrometer in such a manner that it floats free and
18.2.3 Precision Statement—The maximum multilaboratory does not touch the side of the cylinder. Place the cylinder with
coefficient of variation for residue by oven drying (liquid sample and hydrometer in the constant-temperature bath until
admixtures) has been found to be 1.25 %. Therefore, results of the temperature of the cylinder, hydrometer, and sample is
tests by two different laboratories on identical samples of an uniform at 25 6 1 °C. If all are at proper temperature prior to
admixture are not expected to differ from each other by more insertion of the hydrometer, approximately 10 min should be
than 3.5 % of their average (Note 12). The maximum single- allowed for equilibrium. If the sample shows evidence of
operator coefficient of variation has been found to be 0.6 %. foaming, hydrometer reading should be continued until con-
Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests by the same stant readings are obtained. Read the hydrometer at the base of
operator on the same material are not expected to differ by the meniscus to the nearest 0.005.
more than 1.7 %. 18.4.2.1 If foaming is encountered during transfer of the
admixture to the cylinder, sufficient time shall be allowed for
NOTE 12—The precision statements are based on the maximum varia- the foam to dissipate or rise to the surface, where it shall be
tion of tests made in 18 laboratories on sets of three duplicate samples of
removed before inserting the hydrometer. Crusting of the
two different admixtures.
admixture on the hydrometer stem due to evaporation during
18.3 Residue by Oven Drying (Nonliquid Admixtures): temperature adjustment shall be avoided.
18.3.1 Place about 3 g of the nonliquid admixture into a 18.4.3 Precision Statement—The maximum multilaboratory
dried and tared glass-stoppered weighing bottle (similar to the coefficient of variation for specific gravity (liquid admixtures)
one described in 18.2.1). Stopper and determine the mass of the has been found to be 0.316 %. Therefore, results of two
bottle and contents to the nearest 0.001 g. Remove the stopper different laboratories on identical samples of an admixture are
and immediately place both bottle and stopper in a drying oven not expected to differ from each other by more than 0.9 % of
(18.2.1.1). Dry for 17 6 1⁄4 h at 105 6 3 °C. At the end of the their average (Note 12). The maximum single-operator coeffi-
drying period, stopper the weighing bottle, transfer to the cient of variation has been found to be 0.09 %. Therefore,
desiccator, cool to room temperature, and weigh to the nearest results of two properly conducted tests by the same operator on
0.001 g. the same material are not expected to differ by more than
18.3.2 Calculation: 0.275 %.
18.3.2.1 Record the following masses:
19. Report
m1 = mass of tared stoppered weighing bottle and sample 19.1 Report the following:
before drying, 19.1.1 Results of the tests specified in Sections 6, 14, and
m 2 = mass of empty, stoppered weighing bottle, 17, and the relevant specification requirements with which they
m3 = mass of sample = (m1 − m2), are compared,
m 4 = mass of tared stoppered weighing bottle and sample 19.1.2 Brand name, manufacturer’s name, and lot number,
after drying, and character of the material, and quantity represented by the
m5 = mass of oven-dried residue = m 4 − m2. sample of the admixture under test,
18.3.2.2 Calculate the oven-dried residue by using the 19.1.3 Brand name, manufacturer’s name, and other perti-
following equation: nent data on the material used as the air-entraining admixture,
Residue by oven drying ~mass percent! 5 [m 3 100]/m 3 (2) 19.1.4 Brand name, manufacturer’s name, type, and test
data on the portland cement or cements used,
18.3.3 Precision Statement—The maximum multilaboratory 19.1.5 Description of, and test data on the fine and coarse
coefficient of variation for residue by oven-drying (non-liquid aggregates used,
admixture) has been found to be 1.40 %. Therefore, results of 19.1.6 Detailed data on the concrete mixtures used, includ-
tests by two different laboratories on identical samples of an ing amounts and proportions of admixtures used, actual cement
admixture are not expected to differ from each other by more factors, water-cement ratios, unit water contents, ratios of fine
than 4.0 % of their average. The maximum single-operator to total aggregate, slump, and air content, and

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 C 494/C 494M – 05a
19.1.7 In the event that, in accordance with the provisions of
17.1.1.2, some of the tests have been waived, the circum-
stances under which such action was taken shall be stated.
20. Keywords
20.1 accelerating; chemical admixtures; concrete; physical
requirements; retarding; testing; water reducing

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