This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.

Designation: C31/C31M − 23 C31/C31M − 24

Standard Practice for

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

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope*

1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing cylinder and beam specimens from representative samples of fresh
concrete for a construction project.

1.2 This practice is not intended for making specimens from concrete not having measurable slump or requiring other sizes or
shapes of specimens.

iTeh Standards
1.3 This practice is not applicable to lightweight insulating concrete or controlled low strength material (CLSM).

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
NOTE 1—Test Method C495/C495M covers the preparation of specimens and the determination of the compressive strength of lightweight insulating
concrete. Test Method D4832 covers procedures for the preparation, curing, transporting and testing of cylindrical test specimens of CLSM.

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1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the ASTM C31/C31M-24
standard.
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1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns
to exposed skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.2)

1.6 The text of this standard references notes which provide explanatory material. These notes shall not be considered as
requirements of the standard.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:3

1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61 on Testing
for Strength.
Current edition approved June 1, 2023Jan. 1, 2024. Published July 2023February 2024. Originally approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 20222023 as
C31/C31M–22. DOI: 10.1520/C0031_C0031M-23.–23. DOI: 10.1520/C0031_C0031M-24.
2
See Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02.
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 Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

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

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

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 C31/C31M − 24
C94/C94M Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
C231/C231M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete
C403/C403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
C470/C470M Specification for Molds for Forming Concrete Test Cylinders Vertically
C495/C495M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Lightweight Insulating Concrete
C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the Testing of Hydraulic
Cements and Concretes
C617/C617M Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
C1064/C1064M Test Method for Temperature of Freshly Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for Testing Agency
Evaluation
C1611/C1611M Test Method for Slump Flow of Self-Consolidating Concrete
C1758/C1758M Practice for Fabricating Test Specimens with Self-Consolidating Concrete
D4832 Test Method for Preparation and Testing of Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) Cylindrical Test Specimens
2.2 American Concrete Institute Publication:4
309R Guide for Consolidation of Concrete

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions:
iTeh Standards
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to Terminology C125.

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3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

3.2.1 acceptance test specimens, n—standard-cured test specimens intended for evaluating whether the supplied concrete complies
with the specification.
ASTM C31/C31M-24
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/astm/089588af-1c18-487a-936c-4cc5c39c9b2b/astm-c31-c31m-24
3.2.2 field-curing, n—storing test specimens in the field under an environmental temperature and moisture environment similar to
the in-place concrete.

3.2.3 initial-curing, n—the storage of test specimens in the field after molding and before transporting the specimens to the
laboratory.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
Initial curing covers the time period from molding to transporting the test specimens.

3.2.4 initial standard curing temperature, n—temperature of the environment surrounding the specimen during initial standard
curing.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—
The environment surrounding standard-cured test specimens may be air, water, or damp sand. The temperature of the environment
surrounding standard-cured test specimen might not be the same as the concrete temperature.

3.2.5 standard-curing, n—storing test specimens in an environment of a specified temperature range, and under conditions that
control the loss of moisture from the test specimens while the test specimens are in the field and while in the laboratory.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
Standard-curing is intended to reduce the influence of variations by standardizing the temperature and moisture environment on
the strength development of test specimens. Standard-curing includes requirements for the curing environment while the test
specimens are in the field (10.1.2) and while the test specimens are in the laboratory (10.1.3).

4
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.aci-int.org.

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 C31/C31M − 24
4. Significance and Use

4.1 This practice provides standardized requirements for making, and curing test specimens in the field. This practice also provides
requirements for transporting test specimens to the laboratory, and for curing test specimens in the laboratory. Depending on their
purpose, test specimens are either standard-cured, or field-cured.

4.2 Uses of the test results of standard-cured test specimens include the following purposes:

4.2.1 Acceptance testing for specified concrete strength,

NOTE 2—Specification C94/C94M requires compressive-strength test specimens for acceptance to be standard-cured.

4.2.2 Checking adequacy of mixture proportions for concrete strength, and

4.2.3 Quality control.

4.3 Uses of test results of field-cured test specimens include:

4.3.1 Estimation of the in place concrete strength,

4.3.2 Comparison with test results of standard cured specimens or with test results from various in-place test methods,

4.3.3 Adequacy of curing and protection of concrete in the structure,

iTeh Standards
4.3.4 Form or shoring removal time requirements, or

4.3.5 Post-tensioning. (https://standards.iteh.ai)

5. Apparatus
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5.1 Molds, General—Molds for specimens or fastenings thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of steel, cast iron, or
ASTM
other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete C31/C31M-24
containing portland or other hydraulic cements. Molds shall hold their
dimensions and shape under all conditions of use. Molds shall be watertight during use as judged by their ability to hold water
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/astm/089588af-1c18-487a-936c-4cc5c39c9b2b/astm-c31-c31m-24
poured into them. Provisions for tests of water leakage are given in the Test Methods for Elongation, Absorption, and Water
Leakage section of Specification C470/C470M. A suitable sealant, such as heavy grease, modeling clay, or microcrystalline wax
shall be used where necessary to prevent leakage through the joints. Positive means shall be provided to hold base plates firmly
to the molds. Reusable molds shall be lightly coated with mineral oil or a suitable nonreactive form release material before use.

5.2 Cylinder Molds—Molds for casting concrete test specimens shall conform to the requirements of Specification C470/C470M.
Cardboard cylinder molds shall not be used for standard-cured specimens.

5.3 Beam Molds—Beam molds shall be of the shape and dimensions required to produce the specimens stipulated in 6.2. The
inside surfaces of the molds shall be smooth. The sides, bottom, and ends shall be at right angles to each other and shall be straight
and true and free of warpage. Maximum variation from the nominal cross section shall not exceed 3 mm [1⁄8 in.] for molds with
depth or breadth of 150 mm [6 in.] or more. Molds shall produce specimens at least as long but not more than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.] shorter
than the required length in 6.2.

5.4 Tamping Rod—A round, smooth, straight, steel rod with a diameter conforming to the requirements in Table 1. The length of
the tamping rod shall be at least 100 mm [4 in.] greater than the depth of the mold in which rodding is being performed, but not

TABLE 1 Tamping Rod Diameter Requirements

Diameter of Cylinder
Diameter or Rod
or Width of Beam
mm [in.]
mm [in.]
<150 [6] 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ]
$150 [6] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ]

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 C31/C31M − 24
greater than 600 mm [24 in.] in overall length (see Note 3). The rod shall have the tamping end or both ends rounded to a
hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the rod.

NOTE 3—A rod length of 400 mm [16 in.] to 600 mm [24 in.] meets the requirements of the following: Practice C31/C31M, Test Method C138/C138M,
Test Method C143/C143M, Test Method C173/C173M, and Test Method C231/C231M.

5.5 Vibrators—Internal vibrators shall be used. The vibrator frequency shall be at least 150 Hz [9000 vibrations per minute] while
the vibrator is operating in the concrete. The diameter of a round vibrator shall be no more than one-fourth the diameter of the
cylinder mold or one-fourth the width of the beam mold. Other shaped vibrators shall have a perimeter equivalent to the
circumference of an appropriate round vibrator. The combined length of the vibrator shaft and vibrating element shall exceed the
depth of the section being vibrated by at least 75 mm [3 in.]. The vibrator frequency shall be checked periodically with a
vibrating-reed tachometer or other suitable device.

NOTE 4—For information on size and frequency of various vibrators and a method to periodically check vibrator frequency see ACI 309R.

5.6 Mallet—A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head weighing 0.6 kg 6 0.2 kg [1.25 lb 6 0.50 lb] shall be used.

5.7 Placement Tools—of a size large enough so each amount of concrete obtained from the sampling receptacle is representative
and small enough so concrete is not spilled during placement in the mold. For placing concrete in a cylinder mold, the acceptable
tool is a scoop. For placing concrete in a beam mold, either a shovel or scoop is permitted.

5.8 Finishing Tools—a handheld float or a trowel.

iTeh Standards
5.9 Slump Apparatus—The apparatus for measurement of slump shall conform to the requirements of Test Method C143/C143M.

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
5.10 Sampling Receptacle—The receptacle shall be a suitable heavy gauge metal pan, wheelbarrow, or flat, clean nonabsorbent
board of sufficient capacity to allow easy remixing of the entire sample with a shovel or trowel.

5.11 Air Content Apparatus—The apparatus Document Preview

for measuring air content shall conform to the requirements of Test Methods
C173/C173M or C231/C231M.

ASTM C31/C31M-24
5.12 Temperature Measuring Devices—The temperature measuring devices shall conform to the applicable requirements of Test
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Method C1064/C1064M.

6. Testing Requirements

6.1 Cylindrical Specimens—Compressive or splitting-tensile-strength specimens shall be cylinders cast and allowed to set in an
upright position. The cylinder diameter shall be at least 3 times the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate. The length
of the cylinder shall be twice the diameter of the cylinder. If the nominal maximum size of the aggregate is 37.5 mm [11⁄2 in. ] or
larger, acceptance test specimens for compressive strength shall be 150 mm by 300 mm [6 in. by 12 in.] cylinders. If the nominal
maximum size of the aggregate is less than 37.5 mm [11⁄2 in.], acceptance test specimens for compressive strength shall be either
150 mm by 300 mm [6 in. by 12 in.] cylinders or 100 by 200 mm [4 in. by 8 in.] cylinders.

NOTE 5—See 7.2 for concrete containing coarse aggregate larger than 50 mm [2 in.] nominal maximum size.

NOTE 6—If molds in SI units are required and not available, molds of equivalent size in inch-pound units should be permitted. If molds in inch-pound
units are required and not available, molds of equivalent size in SI units should be permitted.

TABLE 2 Minimum Cross-Sectional Dimension of Beams

Nominal
Minimum
Maximum
Cross-Sectional
Aggregate
Dimension
Size (NMAS)
# 25 mm [1 in.] 100 mm by 100 mm [4 in. by 4 in.]
25 mm [1 in.] < NMAS # 50 mm [2 in.] 150 mm by 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.]

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 C31/C31M − 24

6.2 Beam Specimens—Flexural strength specimens shall be beams of concrete cast and hardened in the horizontal position. The
length shall be at least 50 mm [2 in.] greater than three times the depth as tested. The ratio of width to depth as molded shall not
exceed 1.5.

6.2.1 The minimum cross-sectional dimension of the beam shall be as stated in Table 2. Unless otherwise specified by the specifier
of tests, the standard beam shall be 150 mm by 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] in cross section.

6.2.2 When the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the concrete sample shall be treated by
wet sieving through a 50 mm [2 in.] sieve as described in Practice C172/C172M.

6.2.3 The specifier of tests shall specify the specimen size and the number of specimens to be tested to obtain an average test result
(Note 7). The same specimen size shall be used when comparing results and for mixture qualification and acceptance testing.

NOTE 7—The modulus of rupture can be determined using different specimen sizes. However, measured modulus of rupture generally increases as
specimen size decreases.5,6 The strength ratio for beams of different sizes depends primarily on the maximum size of aggregate.7 Experimental data
obtained in two different studies have shown that for maximum aggregate size between 19.0 mm and 25.0 mm [3⁄4 in. and 1 in.], the ratio between the
modulus of rupture determined with a 150 mm by 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] and a 100 mm by 100 mm [4 in. by 4 in.] may vary from 0.90 to 1.075 and
for maximum aggregate size between 9.5 mm and 37.5 mm [3⁄8 in. and 11⁄2 in.], the ratio between the modulus of rupture determined with a 150 mm by
150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] and a 115 mm by 115 mm [4.5 in. by 4.5 in.] may vary from 0.86 to 1.00.6

6.3 Field Technicians—The field technicians making and curing specimens for acceptance testing shall meet the personnel
qualification requirements of Practice C1077.

iTeh Standards
7. Sampling Concrete

7.1 Sample the concrete in accordance with Practice C172/C172M after all adjustments, including water and admixture additions,
have been made. (https://standards.iteh.ai)
7.2 If the nominal maximum size of the Document
coarse aggregate exceeds 50Preview
mm [2 in.], wet sieve the concrete sample through a 50 mm
[2 in.] sieve as described in Practice C172/C172M.

ASTM
7.3 Record the identification of the sample with respect to C31/C31M-24
the location of the concrete represented and the time of casting.
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8. Fresh Concrete Tests

8.1 Perform the following tests for each sample of concrete from which specimens are made for acceptance testing for strength:

8.1.1 Slump or Slump Flow—After remixing the sample in the receptacle, measure and record the slump or slump flow in
accordance with Test Method C143/C143M or Test Method C1611/C1611M, respectively.

8.1.2 Air Content—Determine and record the air content in accordance with either Test Method C173/C173M or Test Method
C231/C231M. The concrete used in performing the air content test shall not be used in fabricating test specimens.

8.1.3 Temperature—Determine and record the temperature in accordance with Test Method C1064/C1064M.

NOTE 8—Some specifications may require the measurement of the unit weight of concrete. The volume of concrete produced per batch may be desired
on some projects. Also, additional information on the air content measurements may be desired. Test Method C138/C138M is used to measure the unit
weight, yield, and gravimetric air content of freshly mixed concrete.

5
Tanesi, J; Ardani, A. Leavitt, J. "Reducing the Specimen Size of Concrete Flexural Strength Test (AASHTO T97) for Safety and Ease of Handling," Transportation
Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2342, Transportation Research Board of National Academies, Washington, D.C., Carrasquillo, P.M. and
Carrasquillo, R. L “Improved Concrete Quality Control Procedures Using Third Point Loading”, Research Report 119-1F, Project 3-9-87-1119, Center for Transportation
Research, The University of Texas at Austin, November 1987.
6
Carrasquillo, P.M. and Carrasquillo, R. L “Improved Concrete Quality Control Procedures Using Third Point Loading”, Research Report 119-1F, Project 3-9-87-1119,
Center for Transportation Research, The University of Texas at Austin, November 1987.
7
Bazant, Z. and Novak, D. "Proposal for Standard Test of Modulus of Rupture of Concrete with its Size Dependence," ACI Materials Journal, January-February 2001.

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 C31/C31M − 24
9. Molding Specimens

9.1 Place of Molding—Mold specimens promptly on a level, rigid surface, free of vibration and other disturbances, at a place as
near as practicable to the location where they are to be stored.

9.2 Self-Consolidating Concrete—If casting a specimen of self-consolidating concrete, use the mold filling procedure in Practice
C1758/C1758M instead of the procedures in 9.3 (for cylinders) and 9.4 (for beams). After filling the mold, finish the specimen in
accordance with 9.6, without further consolidation.

9.3 Casting Cylinders—Select the proper tamping rod from 5.4 and Table 1 or the proper vibrator from 5.5. Determine the method
of consolidation from Table 3, unless another method is specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, determine molding
requirements from Table 4. If the method of consolidation is vibration, determine molding requirements from Table 5. Select a
scoop of the size described in 5.7. While placing the concrete in the mold, move the scoop around the perimeter of the mold
opening to ensure an even distribution of the concrete with minimal segregation. Each layer of concrete shall be consolidated as
required. In placing the final layer, add an amount of concrete that will fill the mold after consolidation.

9.2.1 Self-Consolidating Concrete—If casting cylinders of self-consolidating concrete, use the mold filling procedures in Practice
C1758/C1758M instead of the procedure in 9.2. After filling the mold, finish the cylinders in accordance with 9.5, without further
consolidation.

9.4 Casting Beams—Select the proper tamping rod from 5.4 and Table 1 or proper vibrator from 5.5. Determine the method of
consolidation from Table 3, unless another method is specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, determine the molding
requirements from Table 4. If the method of consolidation is vibration, determine the molding requirements from Table 5.

iTeh Standards
Determine the number of roddings per layer, one for each 14 cm2 [2 in.2] of the top surface area of the beam. Select a placement
tool as described in 5.7. Using the scoop or shovel, place the concrete in the mold to the height required for each layer. Place the

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
concrete so that it is uniformly distributed within each layer with minimal segregation. Each layer shall be consolidated as required.
In placing the final layer, add an amount of concrete that will fill the mold after consolidation.

C1758/C1758M instead of the procedureDocument Preview

9.3.1 Self-Consolidating Concrete—If casting beams of self-consolidating concrete, use the mold filling procedures in Practice
in 9.3. After filling the mold, finish the beams in accordance with 9.5, without further
consolidation.
ASTM C31/C31M-24
9.5 Consolidation—The methods of consolidation for this practice are rodding or internal vibration.
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9.5.1 Rodding—Place the concrete in the mold in the required number of layers of approximately equal volume. Rod each layer
uniformly over the cross section with the rounded end of the rod using the required number of strokes. Rod the bottom layer
throughout its depth. In rodding this layer, use care not to damage the bottom of the mold. For each upper layer, allow the rod to
penetrate through the layer being rodded and into the layer below approximately 25 mm [1 in.]. After each 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 release any large air bubbles
that may have been trapped. Use an open hand to tap cylinder molds that are susceptible to denting or other permanent distortion
if tapped with a mallet. After tapping, spade each layer of the concrete along the sides and ends of beam molds with a trowel or
other suitable tool. Underfilled molds shall be adjusted with representative concrete during consolidation of the top layer.
Overfilled molds shall have excess concrete removed.

9.5.2 Vibration—Maintain a uniform duration of vibration for the particular kind of concrete, vibrator, and specimen mold
involved. The duration of vibration required will depend upon the workability of the concrete and the effectiveness of the vibrator.
Usually sufficient vibration has been applied as soon as the surface of the concrete has become relatively smooth and large air
bubbles cease to break through the top surface. Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper consolidation of the
concrete (see Note 9). Fill the molds and vibrate in the required number of approximately equal layers. Place all the concrete for
each layer in the mold before starting vibration of that layer. In compacting the specimen, insert the vibrator slowly and do not

TABLE 3 Method of Consolidation Requirements

Slump, mm [in.] Method of Consolidation
$25 [1] rodding or vibration
< 25 [1] vibration