Designation: C 192/C 192M – 05

Standard Practice for

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the
Laboratory1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 192/C 192M; 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 C 231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed

1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing Concrete by the Pressure Method
test specimens of concrete in the laboratory under accurate C 330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Struc-
control of materials and test conditions using concrete that can tural Concrete
be consolidated by rodding or vibration as described herein. C 403/C 403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
shall be regarded separately as standard. The SI units are C 470/C 470M Specification for Molds for Forming Con-
shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not crete Test Cylinders Vertically
exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used inde- C 494/C 494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
pendently of each other. Combining values from the two Concrete
systems may result in nonconformance. C 511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- C 566 Test Method for Total Moisture Content of Aggregate
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- by Drying
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. C 617 Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete Speci-
mens
2. Referenced Documents C 1064 Test Method for Temperature of Freshly Mixed
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C 70 Test Method for Surface Moisture in Fine Aggregate C 1077 Practice for Laboratories Testing Concrete and Con-
C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete crete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
Aggregates Laboratory Evaluation
C 127 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific 2.2 American Concrete Institute Publications: 3
Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate 211.3 Practice for Selecting Proportions for No-Slump Con-
C 128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific crete
Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate 309 Guide for Concrete Consolidation
C 138 Test Method for Unit Weight, Yield, and Air Content
3. Significance and Use
(Gravimetric) of Concrete
C 143/C 143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic Ce- 3.1 This practice provides standardized requirements for
ment Concrete preparation of materials, mixing concrete, and making and
C 172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete curing concrete test specimens under laboratory conditions.
C 173 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed 3.2 If specimen preparation is controlled as stipulated
Concrete by the Volumetric Method herein, the specimens may be used to develop information for
the following purposes:
3.2.1 Mixture proportioning for project concrete,
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete 3.2.2 Evaluation of different mixtures and materials,
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61 on 3.2.3 Correlation with nondestructive tests, and
Testing for Strength.
3.2.4 Providing specimens for research purposes.
Current edition approved May 1, 2005. Published May 2005. Originally
approved in 1944. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as C 192 – 02.
2
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
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
the ASTM website. Hills, MI 48333.

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

1
 C 192/C 192M – 05
NOTE 1—The concrete test results for concrete specimens made and small as possible to minimize disturbance to subsequent strain
cured using this practice are widely used. They may be the basis for measurements and shall be sealed to prevent leakage.
acceptance testing for project concrete, research evaluations, and other 4.3 Beam and Prism Molds shall be rectangular in shape
studies. Careful and knowledgeable handling of materials, mixing con-
crete, molding test specimens, and curing test specimens is necessary.
(unless otherwise specified) and of the dimensions required to
Many laboratories performing this important work are independently produce the desired specimen size. The inside surfaces of the
inspected or accredited. Practice C 1077 identifies and defines duties, molds shall be smooth and free from indentations. The sides,
responsibilities, including minimum responsibilities of the laboratory bottom, and ends shall be at right angles to each other and shall
personnel and minimum technical requirements for laboratory equipment be straight and true and free of warpage. Maximum variation
used. Many laboratories ensure qualified technicians by participating in from the nominal cross section shall not exceed 1⁄8 in. [3 mm]
national certification programs such as the American Concrete Institute for molds with depth or breadth of 6 in. [150 mm] or more, or
Laboratory Technician Program or an equivalent program. 1⁄16 in. [2 mm] for molds of smaller depth or breadth. Except

for flexure specimens, molds shall not vary from the nominal
4. Apparatus
length by more than 1⁄16 in. [2 mm]. Flexure molds shall not be
4.1 Molds, General—Molds for specimens or fastenings shorter than 1⁄16 in. [2 mm] of the required length, but may
thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of steel, cast exceed it by more than that amount.
iron, or other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete 4.4 Tamping Rods—Two sizes are specified in ASTM meth-
containing portland or other hydraulic cements. Molds shall ods. Each shall be a round, straight steel rod with at least the
conform to the dimensions and tolerances specified in the tamping end rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same
method for which the specimens are required. Molds shall hold diameter as the rod. Both ends may be rounded, if preferred.
their dimensions and shape under all conditions of use. 4.4.1 Larger Rod, 5⁄8 in. [16 mm] in diameter and approxi-
Watertightness of molds during use shall be judged by their mately 24 in. [600 mm] long.
ability to hold water poured into them. Test procedures for 4.4.2 Smaller Rod, 3⁄8 in. [10 mm] in diameter and approxi-
watertightness are given in the section on Test Methods for mately 12 in. [300 mm] long.
Elongation, Absorption, and Watertightness of Specification 4.5 Mallets—A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head
C 470/C 470M. A suitable sealant, such as heavy grease, weighing 1.25 6 0.50 lb [0.6 6 0.20 kg] shall be used.
modeling clay, or microcrystalline wax, shall be used where 4.6 Vibrators:
necessary to prevent leakage through the joints. Positive means 4.6.1 Internal Vibrators—The vibrator frequency shall be at
shall be provided to hold base plates firmly to the molds. least 7000 vibrations per minute [115 Hz] while the vibrator is
Reusable molds shall be lightly coated with mineral oil or a operating in the concrete. The diameter of a round vibrator
suitable nonreactive release material before use. shall be no more than one fourth the diameter of the cylinder
4.2 Cylinder Molds: mold or one fourth the width of the beam or prism mold. Other
4.2.1 Molds for Casting Specimens Vertically shall conform shaped vibrators shall have a perimeter equivalent to the
to the requirements of 4.1 and Specification C 470/C 470M. circumference of an appropriate round vibrator. The combined
4.2.2 Horizontal Molds for Creep Test Cylinders shall length of the vibrator shaft and vibrating element shall exceed
conform to the requirements of 4.1 and to the requirements for the depth of the section being vibrated by at least 3 in. [75
symmetry and dimensional tolerance in the section on General mm].
Requirements except for verticality requirements of Specifica- NOTE 2—For information on size and frequency of various vibrators
tion C 470/C 470M. The use of horizontal molds is intended and method to periodically check vibrator frequency, see ACI 309.
only for creep specimens that contain axially embedded strain 4.6.2 External Vibrators—The two types of external vibra-
gages. Molds for creep cylinders to be filled while supported in tors permitted are either table or plank. The external vibrator
a horizontal position shall have a filling slot parallel to the axis frequency shall be 3600 vibrations per minute [60 Hz] or
of the mold which extends the full length to receive the higher.
concrete. The width of the slot shall be one half the diameter of 4.6.3 Provisions shall be made for clamping the mold
the specimen. If necessary the edges of the slot shall be securely to the apparatus for both types of vibrators.
reinforced to maintain dimensional stability. Unless specimens
are to be capped or ground to produce plane ends, the molds NOTE 3—Vibratory impulses are frequently imparted to a table or plank
shall be provided with two machined metal end plates at least vibrator through electromagnetic means, or by use of an eccentric weight
on the shaft of an electric motor or on a separate shaft driven by a motor.
1 in. [25 mm] thick and the working surfaces shall comply with
the requirements for planeness and surface roughness given in 4.7 Small Tools—Tools and items such as shovels, pails,
the section on Capping Plates of Practice C 617. Provision trowels, wood float, blunted trowels, straightedge, feeler gage,
shall be made for fixing both end plates firmly to the mold. The scoops, rulers, rubber gloves, and metal mixing bowls shall be
inside surface of each end plate shall be provided with at least provided.
three lugs or studs approximately 1 in. [25 mm] long, firmly 4.8 Slump Apparatus—The apparatus for measurement of
fastened to the plate for embedment in the concrete. One base slump shall conform to the requirements of Test Method
plate shall be drilled from the inside at an angle to permit the C 143/C 143M.
lead wire from the strain gage to exit the specimen through the 4.9 Sampling and Mixing Pan—The pan shall be flat-
edge of the plate. Provision shall be made for accurately bottom and of heavy-gage metal, watertight, of convenient
positioning the strain gage. All necessary holes shall be as depth, and of sufficient capacity to allow easy mixing by shovel

2
 C 192/C 192M – 05
or trowel of the entire batch; or, if mixing is by machine, to 5.2 Prismatic Specimens—Beams for flexural strength,
receive the entire batch on discharge of the mixer and allow prisms for freezing and thawing, bond, length change, volume
remixing in the pan by trowel or shovel. change, etc., shall be formed with their long axes horizontal,
4.10 Wet-Sieving Equipment—If wet-sieving is required, the unless otherwise required by the method of test in question,
equipment shall conform to the requirements of Practice C 172. and shall conform in dimension to the requirements of the
4.11 Air Content Apparatus—The apparatus for measuring specific test method.
air content shall conform to the requirements of either Test 5.3 Other Specimens—Other shapes and sizes of specimens
Methods C 231 or C 173. for particular tests may be molded as desired following the
4.12 Scales—Scales for determining the mass of batches of general procedures set forth in this practice.
materials and concrete shall be accurate within 0.3 % of the test 5.4 Specimen Size versus Aggregate Size—The diameter of
load at any point within the range of use. a cylindrical specimen or minimum cross-sectional dimension
of a rectangular section shall be at least three times the nominal
NOTE 4—In general the mass of small quantities should not be
maximum size of the coarse aggregate in the concrete as
determined on large capacity scales. In many applications the smallest
mass determined on a scale should be greater than about 10 % of the defined in Terminology C 125. Occasional over-size aggregate
maximum capacity of the scale; however, this will vary with the particles (of a size not normally found in the average aggregate
performance characteristics of the scale and the required accuracy of the grading) shall be removed by hand picking during the molding
determination. Acceptable scales used for determining the mass for of the specimens. When the concrete contains aggregate larger
concrete materials preferably should determine mass accurately to about than that appropriate for the size of the molds or equipment to
0.1 % of total capacity and the foregoing precaution is applicable. be used, wet-sieve the sample as described in Practice C 172.
However, certain analytical and precision balances are exceptions to this
rule and should weigh accurately to 0.001 %. Particular care must be
5.5 Number of Specimens—The number of specimens and
exercised in measuring small quantities of material by determining the the number of test batches are dependent on established
difference between two much larger masses. practice and the nature of the test program. Guidance is usually
given in the test method or specification for which the
4.13 Temperature Measuring Device—The temperature specimens are made. Usually three or more specimens are
measuring device shall conform to the requirements of Test molded for each test age and test condition unless otherwise
Method C 1064. specified (Note 8). Specimens involving a given variable
4.14 Concrete Mixer—A power-driven concrete mixer shall should be made from three separate batches mixed on different
be a revolving drum, tilting mixer, or suitable revolving pan or days. An equal number of specimens for each variable should
revolving-paddle mixer capable of thoroughly mixing batches be made on any given day. When it is impossible to make at
of the prescribed sizes at the required slump. least one specimen for each variable on a given day, the mixing
NOTE 5—A pan mixer is usually more suitable for mixing concrete with of the entire series of specimens should be completed in as few
less than 1-in. [25 mm] slump than a revolving drum mixer. The rate of days as possible, and one of the mixtures should be repeated
rotation, degree of tilt, and rated capacity of tilting mixers are not always each day as a standard of comparison.
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 NOTE 8—Test ages often used are 7 and 28 days for compressive
the mixer at somewhat less than the manufacturer’s rated capacity. strength tests, or 14 and 28 days for flexural strength tests. Specimens
containing Type III cement are often tested at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days. For later
5. Specimens test ages, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year are often used for both
compressive and flexural strength tests. Other test ages may be required
5.1 Cylindrical Specimens—Cylinder dimensions shall be for other types of specimens.
as stipulated in the specification, test method or practice for the
laboratory studies being performed and shall meet the require- 6. Preparation of Materials
ments of 5.4. If dimensions are not stipulated in a specification, 6.1 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 68 to
length that is twice the diameter and meet the requirements of 86 °F [20 to 30 °C], except when the temperature of the
5.4. concrete is stipulated. When a concrete temperature is stipu-
lated, the method proposed to obtain the concrete temperature
NOTE 6—The same cylinder size should be used for the reference
(control) concrete mixture and test concrete mixtures when conducting
needs approval of the stipulator.
comparative studies such as those required in Specification C 494/ 6.2 Cement—Store the cement in a dry place, in moisture-
C 494M. For mixture proportioning of project concrete, it is preferable for proof containers, preferably made of metal. The cement shall
the cylinder size in the laboratory to be the same as that specified for be thoroughly mixed to provide a uniform supply throughout
acceptance testing. the tests. It shall be passed through a 850-µm [No. 20] or finer
NOTE 7—When molds in SI units are required and not available, sieve to remove all lumps, remixed on a plastic sheet, and
equivalent inch-pound unit size mold should be permitted. returned to sample containers.
5.1.1 Cylindrical specimens for tests other than creep shall 6.3 Aggregates—In order to preclude segregation of a
be molded and allowed to harden with the axis of the cylinder coarse aggregate, separate into individual size fractions and for
vertical. each batch recombine in the proper proportions to produce the
5.1.2 Cylindrical creep specimens may be cast with the desired grading.
cylindrical axis either vertical or horizontal and allowed to NOTE 9—Only rarely is a coarse aggregate batched as a single size
harden in the position in which cast. fraction. The number of size fractions will generally be between 2 and 5

3
 C 192/C 192M – 05
for aggregate smaller than 21⁄2 in. [60 mm]. When a size fraction to be It is used less frequently for coarse aggregate because of the
batched is present in amounts in excess of 10 %, the ratio of the opening difficulty of accurately determining the moisture content, but if
of the larger to the smaller sieve should not exceed 2.0. More closely sized used, each size fraction must be handled separately to ensure
groups are sometimes advisable.
that the proper grading is obtained.
6.3.1 Unless fine aggregate is separated into individual size 6.3.2.4 Aggregates, fine or coarse, may be brought to and
fractions, maintain it in a damp condition or restore to a damp maintained in a saturated surface-dry condition until batched
condition until use, to prevent segregation, unless material for use. This method is used primarily to prepare material for
uniformly graded is subdivided into batch size lots using a batches not exceeding 1⁄4 ft3 [0.007 m3] in volume. Care must
sample splitter with proper size openings. If unusual gradings be taken to prevent drying during weighing and use.
are being studied, the fine aggregate may need to be dried and 6.4 Lightweight Aggregates—The procedures for specific
separated into individual sizes. In this instance, if the total gravity, absorption, and preparation of aggregates mentioned in
quantity of fine aggregate required is larger than can be this practice pertain to materials with normal absorption
efficiently blended in a single unit, then the individual size values. Lightweight aggregates, air-cooled slag, and certain
fractions should be determined in a mass required for each highly porous or vesicular natural aggregate may be so
individual batch. When the total quantity of fine aggregate absorptive as to be difficult to treat as described. The moisture
needed for the complete investigation is such that it can be content of lightweight aggregate at the time of mixing may
thoroughly mixed, blended, and maintained in a damp condi- have important effects on properties of freshly mixed and
tion, then it should be handled in that manner. Determine the hardened concretes such as slump loss, compressive strength,
specific gravity and absorption of aggregates in accordance and resistance to freezing and thawing.
with either Test Methods C 127 or C 128. 6.5 Admixtures—Powdered admixtures that are entirely or
6.3.2 Before incorporating in concrete, prepare the aggre- largely insoluble, that do not contain hygroscopic salts and are
gate to ensure a definite and uniform condition of moisture. to be added in small quantities, should be mixed with a portion
Determine the weight of aggregate to be used in the batch by of the cement before introduction into the batch in the mixer so
one of the following procedures: as to ensure thorough distribution throughout the concrete.
6.3.2.1 Determine the mass of low-absorption aggregates Essentially insoluble materials which are used in amounts
(absorption less than 1.0 %) in the room-dry condition with exceeding 10 % by mass of cement, such as pozzolans, should
allowance made for the amount of water that will be absorbed be handled and added to the batch in the same manner as
from the unset concrete (Note 10). This procedure is particu- cement. Powdered admixtures which are largely insoluble but
larly useful for coarse aggregate which must be batched as contain hygroscopic salts may cause balling of cement and
individual sizes; because of the danger of segregation it can be should be mixed with the sand. Water-soluble and liquid
used for fine aggregate only when the fine aggregate is admixtures should be added to the mixer in solution in the
separated into individual size fractions. mixing water. The quantity of such solution used shall be
NOTE 10—When using aggregates with low absorption in room-dry included in the calculation of the water content of the concrete.
condition the amount of water that will be absorbed by the aggregates Admixtures, incompatible in concentrated form, such as solu-
before the concrete sets may be assumed to be 80 % of the difference tions of calcium chloride and certain air-entraining and set-
between the 24-h absorption of the aggregates determined by Test retarding admixtures, should not be intermixed prior to their
Methods C 127 or C 128, and the amount of water in the pores of the addition to concrete. The time, sequence, and method of adding
aggregates in their room-dry state, as determined by Test Method C 566.
some admixtures to a batch of concrete can have important
6.3.2.2 Individual size fractions of aggregate may be effects on concrete properties such as time of set and air
weighed separately, recombined into a tared container in the content. The method selected must remain unchanged from
amounts required for the batch, and immersed in water for 24 batch to batch.
h prior to use. After immersion the excess water is decanted
NOTE 11—The mixing apparatus and accessories shall be thoroughly
and the combined weight of aggregate and mixing water cleaned to ensure that chemical additions or admixtures used in dissimilar
determined. Allowance shall be made for the amount of water batches of concrete do not affect subsequent batches.
absorbed by the aggregate. The moisture content of the
aggregates may be determined in accordance with Test Meth- 7. Procedure
ods C 70 and C 566. 7.1 Mixing Concrete:
6.3.2.3 The aggregate may be brought to and maintained in 7.1.1 General—Mix concrete in a suitable mixer or by hand
a saturated condition, with surface moisture contained in in batches of such size as to leave about 10 % excess after
sufficiently small amounts to preclude loss by draining, at least molding the test specimens. Hand-mixing procedures are not
24 h prior to use. When this method is used, the moisture applicable to air-entrained concrete or concrete with no mea-
content of the aggregate must be determined to permit calcu- surable slump. Hand mixing should be limited to batches of 1⁄4
lation of proper quantities of the damp aggregate. The quantity ft3 [0.007 m3] volume or less. Mixing procedures are given in
of surface moisture present must be counted as a part of the 7.1.2 and 7.1.3. However, other procedures may be used when
required amount of mixing water. Surface moisture in fine it is desired to simulate special conditions or practices, or when
aggregate may be determined in accordance with Test Methods the procedures specified are impracticable. A machine-mixing
C 70 and C 566, making due allowance for the amount of water procedure suitable for drum-type mixers is described. It is
absorbed. The method outlined here (moisture content slightly important not to vary the mixing sequence and procedure from
exceeding absorption) is particularly useful for fine aggregate. batch to batch unless the effect of such variation is under study.

4
 C 192/C 192M – 05
7.1.2 Machine Mixing—Prior to starting rotation of the NOTE 14—The slump test is unsuitable for concrete so dry that it
mixer add the coarse aggregate, some of the mixing water, and slumps less than 1⁄4 in. [6 mm]. No-slump concrete may be tested by one
the solution of admixture, when required, in accordance with of several means described in ACI 211.3.
6.5. When feasible, disperse the admixture in the mixing water 7.2.2 Air Content—Determine the air content, when re-
before addition. Start the mixer, then add the fine aggregate, quired, in accordance with either Test Methods C 173 or C 231.
cement, and water with the mixer running. If it is impractical Test Method C 231 should not be used with concretes made
for a particular mixer or for a particular test to add the fine with lightweight aggregates, air-cooled blast-furnace slag, or
aggregate, cement, and water while the mixer is running, these aggregates of high porosity. Discard the concrete used for the
components may be added to the stopped mixer after permit- determination of air content.
ting it to turn a few revolutions following charging with coarse 7.2.3 Yield—Determine the yield of each batch of concrete,
aggregate and some of the water (Note 12). Mix the concrete, if required, in accordance with Test Method C 138. Concrete
after all ingredients are in the mixer, for 3 min followed by a used for slump and yield tests may be returned to the mixing
3-min rest, followed by a 2-min final mixing. Cover the open pan and remixed into the batch.
end or top of the mixer to prevent evaporation during the rest 7.2.4 Temperature—Determine the temperature of each
period. Take precautions to compensate for mortar retained by batch of concrete in accordance with Test Method C 1064.
the mixer so that the discharged batch, as used, will be 7.3 Making Specimens:
correctly proportioned (Note 13). To eliminate segregation, 7.3.1 Place of Molding—Mold specimens as near as prac-
deposit machine-mixed concrete in the clean, damp mixing pan ticable to the place where they are to be stored during the first
and remix by shovel or trowel until it appears to be uniform. 24 h. If it is not practicable to mold the specimens where they
will be stored, move them to the place of storage immediately
NOTE 12—An experienced operator may add water incrementally
during mixing to adjust to the desired slump.
after being struck off. Place molds on a rigid surface free from
NOTE 13—It is difficult to recover all of the mortar from mixers. To
vibration and other disturbances. Avoid jarring, striking, tilting,
compensate for this difficulty one of the following procedures may be used or scarring of the surface of the specimens when moving the
to ensure the correct final proportions in the batch: specimens to the storage place.
(1) “Buttering” the Mixer—Just prior to mixing the test batch, the 7.3.2 Placing—Place the concrete in the molds using a
mixer is “buttered” by mixing a batch proportioned to simulate closely the scoop, blunted trowel, or shovel. Select each scoopful, trow-
test batch. The mortar adhering to the mixer after discharging is intended elful, or shovelful of concrete from the mixing pan to ensure
to compensate for loss of mortar from the test batch. that it is representative of the batch. It may be necessary to
(2) “Over-Mortaring” the Mix—The test mix is proportioned by the
use of an excess mortar, the amount established in advance, to compensate
remix the concrete in the mixing pan with a shovel or trowel to
for that which, on the average, adheres to the mixer. In this case the mixer prevent segregation during the molding of specimens. Move
is cleaned before mixing the test batch. the scoop or trowel around the top edge of the mold as the
concrete is discharged in order to ensure a symmetrical
7.1.3 Hand Mixing—Mix the batch in a watertight, clean distribution of the concrete and to minimize segregation of
(Note 11), damp, metal pan or bowl, with a bricklayer’s coarse aggregate within the mold. Further distribute the con-
blunted trowel, using the following procedure when aggregates crete by use of a tamping rod prior to the start of consolidation.
have been prepared in accordance with 6.3.2.1, 6.3.2.3, and In placing the final layer the operator shall attempt to add an
6.3.2.4. amount of concrete that will exactly fill the mold after
7.1.3.1 Mix the cement, powdered insoluble admixture, if compaction. Do not add nonrepresentative samples of concrete
used, and fine aggregate without addition of water until they to an underfilled mold.
are thoroughly blended. 7.3.2.1 Number of Layers—Make specimens in layers as
7.1.3.2 Add the coarse aggregate and mix the entire batch indicated in Table 1.
without addition of water until the coarse aggregate is uni-
formly distributed throughout the batch.
7.1.3.3 Add water, and the admixture solution if used, and TABLE 1 Number of Layers Required for Specimens
mix the mass until the concrete is homogeneous in appearance Specimen Type and Size Mode of Numbers of Layers
and has the desired consistency. If prolonged mixing is Consolidation of Approximate
necessary because of the addition of water in increments while Equal Depth
adjusting the consistency, discard the batch and make a new Cylinders:
Diameter, in. [mm]
batch in which the mixing is not interrupted to make trial
consistency tests. 3 or 4 [75 to 100] rodding 2
6 [150] rodding 3
7.1.4 Mixed Concrete—Select the portions of the batch of 9 [225] rodding 4
mixed concrete to be used in tests for molding specimens so as up to 9 [225] vibration 2
to be representative of the actual proportions and condition of
Prisms and horizontal creep
the concrete. When the concrete is not being remixed or Cylinders:
sampled cover it to prevent evaporation. Depth, in. [mm]
7.2 Slump, Air Content, Yield, and Temperature: up to 8 [200] rodding 2
7.2.1 Slump—Measure the slump of each batch of concrete over 8 [200] rodding 3 or more
up to 8 [200] vibration 1
immediately after mixing in accordance with Test Method over 8 [200] vibration 2 or more
C 143/C 143M.

5
 C 192/C 192M – 05
7.4 Consolidation: vibrator. Usually sufficient vibration has been applied as soon
7.4.1 Methods of Consolidation—Preparation of satisfac- as the surface of the concrete becomes relatively smooth and
tory specimens requires different methods of consolidation. large air bubbles cease to break through the top surface.
The methods of consolidation are rodding, and internal or Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper con-
external vibration. Base the selection of the method on the solidation of the concrete (see Note 16). Overvibration may
slump, unless the method is stated in the specifications under cause segregation. Fill the molds and vibrate in the required
which the work is being performed. Rod or vibrate concrete number of approximately equal layers (Table 2). Place all the
with slump greater than or equal to 1 in. [25 mm]. Vibrate concrete for each layer in the mold before starting vibration of
concrete with slump less than 1 in. (Note 15). Do not use that layer. When placing the final layer, avoid overfilling by
internal vibration for cylinders with a diameter less than 4 in.
more than 1⁄4 in. [6 mm]. When the finish is applied after
[100 mm], and for beams or prisms with breath or depth less
vibration, add only enough concrete with a trowel to overfill
than 4 in.
the mold about 1⁄8 in. [3 mm], work it into the surface and then
NOTE 15—Concrete of such low water content that it cannot be strike it off.
properly consolidated by the methods described herein is not covered by
this practice. Provisions for specimens and methods of testing will be NOTE 16—Generally, no more than 5 s of vibration should be required
found in the standards concerned. There are concretes that can be for each insertion to adequately consolidate the concrete with a slump
consolidated by external vibration, but additional forces on the surface are greater than 3 in. [75 mm]. Longer times may be required for lower slump
required to embed the coarse aggregate thoroughly and consolidate the concrete, but the vibration time should rarely have to exceed 10 s per
mixture. For such mixtures the following procedures may be followed: insertion.
using external vibration fill 6 by 12-in. [150 by 300-mm] cylinder molds
in 3 in. [75 mm] lifts using a 10-lb [4.5-kg] cylindrical surcharge, or 3 by 7.4.3.1 Internal Vibration—In compacting the specimen
6-in. [75 by 150-mm] cylinder molds in 2 in. [50 mm] lifts using a 2.5-lb insert the vibrator slowly and do not allow the vibrator to rest
[1-kg] cylindrical surcharge. The surcharge should have a diameter 1⁄4 in.
[6 mm] less than the inside of the mold. Simultaneously each lift should
on or touch the bottom or sides of the mold or strike embedded
be compacted by external vibration with the surcharge on the top surface items such as strain meters. Slowly withdraw the vibrator so
of the concrete, until the mortar begins to ooze around the bottom of the that no large air pockets are left in the specimen.
surcharge. 7.4.3.2 Cylinders—The number of insertions of the vibrator
7.4.2 Rodding—Place the concrete in the mold, in the is given in Table 3. When more than one insertion per layer is
required number of layers of approximately equal volume. Rod required, distribute the insertions uniformly within each layer.
each layer with the rounded end of the rod using the number of Allow the vibrator to penetrate into the layer below approxi-
strokes and size of rod specified in Table 2. Rod the bottom mately 1 in. [25 mm]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the
layer throughout its depth. Distribute the strokes uniformly outside of the mold at least 10 times with the mallet to close the
over the cross section of the mold and for each upper layer holes that remain and to release entrapped air voids. Use an
allow the rod to penetrate through the layer being rodded and open hand to tap cardboard or single-use metal molds that are
into the layer below approximately 1 in. [25 mm]. After each susceptible to damage if tapped with a mallet.
layer is rodded, tap the outsides of the mold lightly 10 to 15
times with the mallet to close any holes left by rodding and to 7.4.3.3 Beams, Prisms, and Horizontal Creep Cylinders—
release any large air bubbles that may have been trapped. Use Insert the vibrator at intervals not exceeding 6 in. [150 mm]
an open hand to tap light-gage single-use molds which are along the center line of the long dimension of the specimen, or
susceptible to damage if tapped with a mallet. After tapping, along both sides but not in contact with the strain gage in the
spade the concrete along the sides and ends of beam and prism case of creep cylinders. For specimens wider than 6 in. [150
molds with a trowel or other suitable tool. mm], use alternating insertions along two lines. Allow the shaft
7.4.3 Vibration—Maintain a uniform duration of vibration of the vibrator to penetrate into the bottom layer approximately
for the particular kind of concrete, vibrator, and specimen mold 1 in. [25 mm]. After each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides of
involved. The duration of vibration required will depend upon the mold sharply at least 10 times with the mallet to close holes
the workability of the concrete and the effectiveness of the left by vibrating and to release entrapped air voids.

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

6
 C 192/C 192M – 05
TABLE 3 Number of Vibrator Insertions per Layer °C] from the time of molding until the moment of test (Note
Specimen Type and Size Number of Insertions per Layer 17). Storage during the first 48 h of curing shall be in a
Cylinder: Diameter, in. [mm] vibration-free environment. As applied to the treatment of
4 in. [200 mm] 1
6 in. [150 mm] 2 demolded specimens, moist curing means that the test speci-
9 in. [225 mm] 4 mens shall have free water maintained on the entire surface
area at all times. This condition is met by using water storage
tanks or a moist room in accordance with the requirements of
Specification C 511. Cure structural lightweight concrete cyl-
7.4.4 External Vibration—When external vibration is used, inders in accordance with Specification C 330.
take care to ensure that the mold is rigidly attached to or
securely held against the vibrating element or vibrating surface NOTE 17—The temperature within damp sand and under wet burlap or
(Note 15). similar materials will always be lower than the temperature in the
7.5 Finishing—After consolidation by any of the methods, surrounding atmosphere if evaporation takes place.
strike off the surface of the concrete and float or trowel it in 8.4 Flexural Strength Test Specimens—Cure the flexural
accordance with the method concerned. If no finish is specified, strength test specimens in accordance with 8.1 and 8.2 except
finish the surface with a wood or magnesium float. Perform all that while in storage for a minimum period of 20 h immediately
finishing with the minimum manipulation necessary to produce prior to testing they shall be immersed in water saturated with
a flat even surface that is level with the rim or edge of the mold calcium hydroxide at 73 6 3 °F [23 6 2 °C]. At the end of the
and which has no depressions or projections larger than 1⁄8 in. curing period, between the time the specimen is removed from
[3 mm]. curing until testing is completed, drying of the surfaces shall be
7.5.1 Cylinders—After consolidation finish the top surfaces prevented.
by striking them off with the tamping rod where the consis-
tency of the concrete permits, or with a wood float or trowel. NOTE 18—Relatively small amounts of drying of the surface of flexural
If desired, cap the top surface of freshly made cylinders with a strength specimens will induce tensile stresses in the extreme fibers that
will markedly reduce the indicated flexural strength.
thin layer of stiff portland cement paste which is permitted to
harden and cure with the specimen. See the section on Capping 9. Precision and Bias
Materials of Practice C 617.
7.5.2 Horizontally Cast Creep Cylinders—After consolida- 9.1 Data to establish precision statements for various testing
tion strike off the specimen with a trowel or float, then trowel required by this standard were obtained in the Concrete
the minimum amount required to form the concrete in the Proficiency Sample Program of the Cement and Concrete
opening concentrically with the rest of the specimen. Use a Reference Laboratory.
screed curved to the radius of the specimen to more precisely 9.2 The single-operator standard deviations for slump, unit
shape and finish the concrete in the opening. weight, air content, and 7-day compressive strength of trial
batches have been found to be 0.7 in., 0.9 lb/ft3, 0.3 %, and 203
8. Curing psi, respectively; therefore the results of properly conducted
8.1 Initial Curing—To prevent evaporation of water from tests on two trial batches made in the same laboratory should
unhardened concrete, cover the specimens immediately after not differ by more than 2.0 in., 2.5 lb/ft3, 0.8 %, and 574 psi,
finishing, preferably with a nonabsorptive, nonreactive plate or respectively. This precision statement is considered applicable
a sheet of tough, durable impervious plastic. Specimens shall to laboratory trial batches proportioned to contain prescribed
be stored immediately after finishing until the removal of the quantities of materials and to have a constant water-cement
molds to prevent loss of moisture from the specimens. Select ratio. The values should be used with caution for air-entrained
an appropriate procedure or combination of procedures that concrete, concrete with slump less than 2 in. [50 mm] or over
will prevent moisture loss and is nonabsorptive and nonreac- 6 in. [150 mm], or concrete made with other than normal
tive with the concrete. When wet burlap is used for covering, weight aggregate or aggregate larger than 1 in. [25 mm]
the burlap must not be in contact with the fresh concrete nominal maximum size.
surface and care must be exercised to keep the burlap wet until 9.3 The multilaboratory standard deviations for slump, unit
the specimens are removed from the molds. Placing a sheet of weight, air content, and 7-day compressive strength of trial
plastic over the burlap will facilitate keeping it wet. To prevent batches have been found to be 1.0 in., 1.4 lb/ft3 0.4 %, and 347
damage to specimens, protect the outside of cardboard molds psi, respectively; therefore, the results of properly conducted
from contact with wet burlap or other sources of water until the tests on single trial batches made in two different laboratories
molds are removed. Record the maximum and minimum should not differ by more than 2.8 in., 4.0 lb/ft3, 1.1 %, and 981
ambient temperatures during the initial curing. psi, respectively. This precision statement is considered appli-
8.2 Removal from Molds—Remove the specimens from the cable to laboratory trial batches proportioned to contain pre-
molds 24 6 8 h after casting. For concrete with prolonged scribed quantities of materials and to have a prescribed
setting time, molds shall not be removed until 20 6 4 h after water-cement ratio. The values should be used with caution for
final set. If needed, determine the setting times in accordance air-entrained concrete, concrete with slump less than 2 in. [50
with Test Method C 403/C 403M. mm] or over 6 in. [150 mm], or concrete made with other than
8.3 Curing Environment—Unless otherwise specified all normal weight aggregate or aggregate larger than 1 in. [25 mm]
specimens shall be moist cured at 73.5 6 3.5 °F [23.0 6 2.0 nominal maximum size.

7
 C 192/C 192M – 05
9.4 Bias—The procedures for the test methods in 9.3 have 10. Keywords
no bias because the values obtained from each of those test
10.1 concrete; cylinders; laboratory; prisms; strength testing
methods are defined only in terms of the test method.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).