1 AS 1012.

6—1999

TM
Australian Standard

Methods of testing concrete

Method 6: Method for the determination of
bleeding of concrete

1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out the method for determining the relative quantity of mixing water that
will bleed from a sample of freshly mixed concrete under the conditions of the test. The
Standard applies only to concrete in which the maximum aggregate size is 40 mm or less.
The Standard provides for compaction of the sample either by rodding or vibrating.
NOTES:
1 The results obtained will be dependent on the compaction method used.
2 This Standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. The Standard
does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. The user of this
Standard should establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3 Data on the precision of the test method were not available at the time of publication. This
information will be included when available.

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1012 Methods of testing concrete
1012.1 Method 1: Sampling of fresh concrete
1012.2 Method 2: Preparation of concrete mixes in the laboratory
1012.3.1 Method 3.1: Determination of properties related to the consistency of concrete—Slump
test
1012.8 Method 8: Method for making and curing concrete compression, indirect tensile and
flexure test specimens, in the laboratory or in the field

3 APPARATUS
3.1 Container
A cylindrical container of approximately 0.015 m3 capacity, and having an inside diameter
of 250 ±3 mm and an inside height of at least 280 mm, shall be used. It shall be made of
metal not less than 3 mm thick, and shall be watertight and sufficiently rigid to maintain its
shape with rough usage. It may be of split construction to facilitate emptying and cleaning,
but any joints shall be completely watertight. The inside surface shall be smooth and free
from corrosion, coatings or lubricants.
The container shall have a circumferential mark on the inside surface 250 ±1 mm above the
base and shall be provided with carrying handles and a suitable vapour-tight cover.

COPYRIGHT
AS 1012.6—1999 2

The internal cross-sectional area of the container at the level of the circumferential mark
shall be determined and shall be either marked or stamped on the outside of the container.
3.2 Suction device
A pipette, suction hose or similar device shall be used for drawing off free water from the
surface of the test specimen.
NOTE: In the laboratory a device comprising a vacuum pump with a tap fitting together with a
plastics tube, a pipe with a partly flattened end and a Buchner flask to collect the bleed water has
been found to be satisfactory.
3.3 Measuring cylinders
One measuring cylinder shall be of 100 mL capacity and one shall be of 25 mL capacity.
3.4 Balance
A balance shall be used capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0.1% in the range 30 kg to
60 kg.
3.5 Rod
The rod used for compacting concrete shall comply with the relevant requirements of
AS 1012.3.1.
3.6 Mallet
The mallet used to release any large air bubbles and to close any surface voids in the hand
compaction method shall be fitted with a hard rubber or hard plastic head weighing
approximately 0.25 kg.
3.7 Scoop
A scoop of suitable size shall be used.
3.8 Vibrators
Internal vibrators used for compaction of concrete shall have a frequency of vibration of at
least 115 Hz. The outside diameter of the vibrating element inserted into the concrete shall
be not more than one-fifth of the least dimension of the measuring bowl but shall be at least
15 mm.
External vibrators used for compaction of concrete shall have a frequency of vibration of at
least 50 Hz. Provision shall be made for clamping the measuring bowl securely to the
vibrator.

4 SAMPLING
4.1 Field sampling
For concrete sampled in the field, the test sample shall be obtained in accordance with the
requirements of AS 1012.1.
NOTE: Because of the time delay prior to testing associated with concrete sampled in the field
and possible variations in the ambient conditions and concrete temperature, it is probable that the
results of this test will vary when carried out in the field and the laboratory.
4.2 Laboratory sampling
For concrete made in the laboratory, the test sample shall be prepared in accordance with
AS 1012.2.
4.3 Time of sampling
The time at which the test sample is taken shall be recorded.

COPYRIGHT
 3 AS 1012.6—1999

5 TEST CONDITIONS
5.1 General
In the laboratory and in the field, the ambient temperature, the relative humidity, and the
concrete temperature shall be measured and recorded at the commencement of the test. In
cases of prolonged set, further readings of ambient temperature shall be taken hourly.
5.2 Field
In the field, the test specimen shall be moulded in a location where it is protected from
adverse weather conditions such as hot sunshine, drying wind and rain.
5.3 Laboratory
In the laboratory, the provisions of AS 1012.2 in relation to preparation of materials shall
be observed.

6 GENERAL PROCEDURE
The general procedure shall be as follows:
(a) Take the test sample of concrete as quickly as possible to the place selected for the test.
(b) Give the sample a minimum of mixing to offset any segregation that may have occurred
during transportation.
(c) For concrete sampled in the field commence the test immediately following the completion of
mixing the test sample. For concrete prepared in the laboratory commence the test in
accordance with AS 1012.2.
(d) Place and compact the concrete in the cylinder by one of the procedures described in
Clause 7, taking care to avoid segregation or excessive laitance. Where no-slump concrete is
to be tested, use only the vibration procedure described in Clause 7.2. Ensure that compaction
is completed within 10 min of commencement of placing and compaction.
(e) After compaction of the final layer has been completed, level the top surface of the concrete
to a reasonably smooth surface. Record the time and reckon subsequent bleeding time from
this time.
(f) Remove any excess concrete on the outside surface of the container. Weigh the container with
the concrete and determine the mass of concrete (S).
(g) Measure the bleed water by the procedure described in Clause 8.

7 COMPACTION PROCEDURES
7.1 Compaction by hand
Compaction by hand shall be carried out as follows:
(a) Fill the container to the circumferential mark ±5 mm in approximately three equal layers
using the scoop. As each scoopful of concrete is being placed, move the scoop around and in
contact with the rim of the cylinder as the concrete slides from it, to ensure symmetrical
distribution of the concrete within the bowl.
(b) Fully compact each layer by rodding, the strokes being uniformly distributed over the
cross-section of the container. Rod the bottom layer throughout its depth. For each upper
layer, just penetrate into the underlying layer with at least the first 20 strokes. The number of
strokes per layer required to produce full compaction will vary according to the type of
concrete but in no case use fewer than 40 strokes per layer (see Note to Step (d)). However, if
the concrete contains aggregate particles that degrade with hand compaction, a reduced
number of tamping blows and increased tapping of the container may be adopted, provided
that complete compaction is achieved.
COPYRIGHT
AS 1012.6—1999 4

(c) After each layer is tamped, tap the side of the container sharply 10 to 15 times with the mallet
to release any large air bubbles and to close any surface voids.
(d) Add only sufficient concrete for the third layer so that, when consolidated, the total depth is
within the appropriate limits. Do not withdraw concrete during or after compaction.
NOTE: The minimum number of strokes per layer required to compact average concrete with
different consistencies is set out as a guide in Table 1.

TABLE 1
MINIMUM NUMBER OF STROKES PER LAYER
FOR VARYING SLUMPS

Slump Minimum number of

mm strokes per layer
Over 75 70
55 −75 85
40 −50 100

For slumps of less than 40 mm, refer to AS 1012.8.

7.2 Compaction by vibration
Compaction by vibration shall be carried out as follows:
(a) Fill the container to the circumferential mark ±5 mm in two approximately equal layers using
the scoop. As each scoopful of concrete is being placed, move the scoop around and in
contact with the rim of the container as the concrete slides from it, to ensure symmetrical
distribution of the concrete within the bowl.
(b) Place all the concrete for each layer in the container before starting vibration. Continue
vibration only long enough to achieve full compaction of that layer.
NOTE: The duration of vibration required to compact each layer will depend upon the
workability of the concrete and the effectiveness of the vibrator. Usually the surface of the
concrete becomes relatively smooth in appearance as soon as sufficient vibration has been
applied. Extreme care should be taken to avoid segregation when using vibration to compact
concrete with a slump greater than 100 mm.
(c) Where an internal vibrator is used, compact each layer by four insertions of the vibrator at
points symmetrically distributed over the cross-section of the container. Do not allow the
vibrator to rest on the bottom of the container or to touch the sides of the container. Take care
to withdraw the vibrator in such a manner that no air pockets are left in the test specimen.
(d) Where external vibration is used, rigidly attach or securely hold the container against the
vibrating element or vibrating surface.
(e) Add only sufficient concrete for the second layer so that, when consolidated, the total depth is
within the appropriate limits. Do not withdraw concrete during or after compaction.

8 BLEED WATER MEASUREMENT

The procedure for bleed water measurement shall be as follows:
(a) Place the container with the concrete on a level platform or floor free from vibrations. Apply
the vapour-tight cover and keep in place except during the withdrawal of bleed water.
(b) Draw off water accumulated on the surface using the pipette, or other device, at 10 min
intervals during the first 30 min and at 30 min intervals thereafter, until the bleed water
collected during a 30 min period is less than 5 mL.

COPYRIGHT
 5 AS 1012.6—1999

(c) To facilitate the removal of bleed water, tilt the container carefully 1 min prior to the
withdrawal of the bleed water, by placing a nominal 50 mm block under the lower edge of the
container at the same position every time.
(d) After the water has been removed, return the container to the level position without jarring.
(e) Transfer the bleed water to a measuring cylinder of appropriate capacity after each
withdrawal and record the accumulated bleed water together with the time.

9 CALCULATIONS
9.1 Volume per unit surface area
The volume of bleed water per unit surface area over any given time shall be calculated by
the following equation:
V
Bleed water = mL/mm2 /given time interval
A
where
V = volume of bleed water, in millilitres, measured during the selected time
interval
A = surface area of concrete, in square millimetres (i.e. the internal cross-sectional
area of the container at the level of the circumferential mark)
9.2 Ratio of bleed to mixing water
The bleeding of the concrete expressed as a percentage of the free mixing water in the test
specimen shall be calculated by the following equation:
V1 × M
Bleeding = percent
S × V 2 × 10
where
V1 = total quantity of bleed water collected during the test, in millilitres
M = total batch mass of concrete from which the sample was taken, in kilograms
V2 = volume of free mixing water in the batch from which the concrete was taken,
in litres (i e. total water less that absorbed by the aggregates to their
saturated surface-dry conditions)
S = mass of concrete in test specimen, in kilograms

10 RECORDS
The following information shall be recorded:
(a) Identification of the concrete.
(b) Job site or laboratory where tested.
(c) Date and time of test.
(d) Ambient temperature(s) and relative humidity.
(e) Concrete temperature.
(f) Whether compacted by vibration or by hand: if by vibration, whether internal or external
vibration; if by hand, the number of strokes per layer.
(g) Times elapsed between commencement of collecting composite sample and commencement
of measurement of bleed water (Clause 8).

COPYRIGHT
AS 1012.6—1999 6

(h) Mass of concrete in test specimen (S).

(i) Total batch mass of concrete (M).
(j) Times at which bleed water measurements are made and the volumes of bleed water
collected.
(k) Identification of testing operator.
(l) Reference to this Standard, i.e. AS 1012.6.

11 REPORT
In the event of a report being prepared, the following information shall be included:
(a) Identification of the concrete.
(b) Date and location of test.
(c) Concrete temperature and ambient condition.
(d) Method of compaction—vibration or hand.
(e) Tabulation of volume of bleed water per unit surface area and corresponding elapsed time.
(f) Bleeding (percent) if batch masses are known.
(g) Reference to this Standard, i.e. AS 1012.6.
(h) Such other information contained in the sampling records (see AS 1012.1) as may be
requested.

COPYRIGHT
 7 AS 1012.6—1999

NOTES
 AS 1012.6—1999 8

This Australian Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee BD/42, Methods of Testing Concrete. It was approved
on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 4 June 1999 and published on 5 July 1999.

The following interests are represented on Committee BD/42:

The Association of Consulting Engineers of Australia

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

Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to periodic
review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that
Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue of
Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The Australian Standard’, which subscribing
members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are welcomed.
Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without delay in order that
the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

Originated as AS 1012.6—1971.
Second edition 1983.
Third edition 1999.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 98190.

© Copyright – STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Users of Standards are reminded that copyright subsists in all Standards Au stralia publications and software. Except where the
Copyright Act allows and except where provided for below no publications or software produced by Standards Australia may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from
Standards Australia. Permission may be conditional on an appropriate royalty payment. Requests for permission and information
on commercial software royalties should be directed to the head office of Standards Australia.
Standards Australia will permit up to 10 percent of the technical content pages of a Standard to be copied for use exclusively
in-house by purchasers of the Standard without payment of a royalty or advice to Standards Australia.
Standards Australia will also permit the inclusion of its copyright material in computer software programs for no royalty
payment provided such programs are used exclusively in-house by the creators of the programs.
Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edition of the Standard and that it is updated whenever the
Standard is amended or revised. The number and date of the Standard should therefore be clearly identified.
The use of material in print form or in computer software programs to be used commercially, with or without payment, or in
commercial contracts is subject to the payment of a royalty. This policy may be varied by Standards Australia at any time.

ISBN 0 7337 2800 6 Printed in Australia

This page has been left intentionally blank.