Designation: C 31/C 31M -

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Reminted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
If not listed in the current cornbined index, will appear in the next edition.

Standard Practice for

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens
in the Field'
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 3I/C 31M; 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 practice has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense. Consult the DoD Index of Specifications and
Standards for the spectfic year of issue which has been adopted by the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. C 511 Specification
1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing for Moist Cabinets, Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks
cylindrical and prismatic beam specimens from representa- Used in the Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes3
tive samples of fresh concrete for a construction project. C 617 Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete
1.2 The concrete used to make the molded specimens Specimens2
shall have the same levels of slump, air content, and C 1064 Test Method for Temperature of Freshly Mixed
percentage of coarse aggregate as the concrete it represents. Portland-Cement Concrete2
This practice is not satisfactory for making specimens from 2.2 American Concrete Institute Publication.A
concretes not having a measurable slump or requiring other CP-1 Concrete Field Testing Technician, Grade I
sizes and shapes of specimens to represent a product or
structure. 3. Significance and Use
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units 3.1 This practice provides standardized requirements for
shall be regarded separately as standard. The SI units are making, curing, protecting, and transporting concrete test
shown in brackets. The values stated may not be exact specimens under field conditions.
equivalents; therefore each system must be used indepen- 3.2 If the specimens are made and standard cured, as
dently of the other. Combining values from the two units stipulated herein, the resulting test data are able to be used
may result in nonconformance. for the following purposes:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2.1 Acceptance testing for specified strength,
safety concerns, if any, associated with ils use. It is the 3.2.2 Checking adequacy of mixture proportions for
responsibility of the user of this standard w establish appro- strength, and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.2.3 Quality control.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.3 If the specimens are made and field cured, as stipu-
1.5 The text of this standard references notes which lated herein, the resulting test data are able to be used for the
provide explanatory material. These notes shall not be following purposes:
considered as requirements of the standard. 3.3.1 Determination of the time the structure is permitted
2. Referenced Documents to be put in service,
3.3.2 Comparison with test results of standard cured
2.1 ASTM Standards: specimens or with test results from various in-place test
C 138 Test Method for Unit Weight, Yield, and Air methods,
Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete2 3.3.3 Adequacy of curing and protection of concrete in
C 143 Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic Cernent the structure, or
Concrete2 3.3.4 Form or shoring removal time requirements.
C 172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete2
C 173 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed 4. Apparatus
Concrete by the Volumetric Method2 4.1 Molds, General—Molds for specimens or fastenings
C 192 Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of steel,
Specimens in the Laboratory2 cast iron, or other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with
C 231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed concrete containing portland or other hydraulic cements.
Concrete by the Pressure Method2 Molds shall hold their dimensions and shape under all
C 470 Specification for Molds for Forming Concrete Test conditions of use. Molds shall be watertight during use as
Cylinders Vertically2 judged by their ability to hold water poured into them.
Provisions for tests of water leakage are given in the Test
' This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM
Committee C-9 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is Methods for Elongation, Absorption, and Water Leakage
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61 on Testing
Concrete for Strength. 3
Vol 04.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards,
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 1996. Published October Available from American Concrete Institute, P.O. Box
1996. Originally published as C 31 - 20. Last previous 19150, Detroit, Ml 48219-0150.
edition C 31 - 95.

1
 C 31/C 31M
section of Specification C 470. A suitable sealant, such as 5.1 Cylindrical Specimens-Compressive or splitting tensile
heavy grease, modeling clay, or microcrystalline wax shall be strength specimens shall be cylinders cast and hardened in an
used where necessary to prevent leakage through the joints. upright position, with a length equal to twice the diameter.
Positive means shall be provided to hold base plates firmly to The standard specimen shall be the 6 by 12-in. [150 by
the molds. Reusable molds shall be lightly coated with 300-mm] cylinder when the nominal maximum size of the
mineral oil or a suitable nonreactive form release material coarse aggregate does not exceed 2 in. [50 mm] (Notes 1 and
before use. 2). When the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate
4.2 Cylinder Molds: does exceed 2 in. [50 mm], either the concrete sample shall
4.2.1 Molds for Casting Specimens Vertically--Molds for be treated by wet sieving as described in Practice C 172 or the
casting concrete test specimens shall conform to the require- diameter of the cylinder shall be at least three times the
ments of Specification C 470. nominal maximum size of coarse aggregate in the concrete.
4.3 Beam Molds-Beam molds shall be rectangular in For acceptance testing for specified strength, cylinders
shape and of the dimensions required to produce the smaller than 6 by 12 in. [150 by 300 mm] shall not be used,
specimens stipulated in 5.2. The inside surfaces of the molds unless another size is specified (Note 3).
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 NOTE 1-The nominal maximum size is the smallest sieve opening
warpage. Maximum variation from the nominal cross sec- through which the entire amount of aggregate is required to pass.
NOTE 2-When molds in SI units are required and not available,
tion shall not exceed 1/8 in. [3 mm] for molds with depth or equivalent inch-pound unit size mold should be permitted.
breadth of 6 in. [150 mm] or more. Molds shall produce NOTE 3-For uses other than acceptance testing for specified
specimens at least as long but not more than 1/1.5 in. [2 mm] strength, a 4 by 8 in. [100 by 200 mm] or 5 by 10 in. [125 by 250 mm]
shorter than the required length in 5.2. cylinder may be suitable. However, the diameter of any cylinder shall
4.4 Tamping Rod-A round, straight steel rod with the be at least three times the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate
dimensions conforming to those in Table I , having the in the concrete (Note 1). When cylinders smaller than the standard size
are used, within-test variability has been shown to be higher but not to a
tamping end or both ends rounded to a hemispherical tip of statistically significant degree. The compressive strength results are
the same diameter as the rod. affected by a number of factors including cylinder size.
4.5 Vibra/ors-Internai vibrators shall be electric motor
driven flexible shaft type. The frequency or vibration shall be 5.2 Rectangular Beam Specimens-Flexural strength
7000 vibrations per minute or greater while in use. The specimens shall be rectangular beams of concrete cast and
outside diameter or side dimension of the vibrating element hardened in the horizontal position. The length shall be at
shall be at least 0.75 in. [20 mm] and not greater than 1.5 in. least 2 in. [50 mm] greater than three times the depth as
[40 mm]. The combined length of the shaft and vibrating tested. The ratio of width to depth as molded shall not
element shall exceed the maximum depth of the section exceed 1.5. The standard beam shall be 6 by 6 in. [150 by
being vibrated by at least 3 in. [75 mm]. For cylinders, the 150 mm] in cross section, and shall be used for concrete with
diameter of the vibrating element must be no more than one nominal maximum size coarse aggregate up to 2 in. [50 mm]
fourth the diameter of the cylinder. For beams, the diameter (Note 2). When the nominal maximum size of the coarse
of the vibrating element must be no more than one third the aggregate exceeds 2 in. [50 mm], the smaller cross sectional
width of the mold. A vibrating-reed tachometer shall be used dimension of the beam shall be at least three times the
to check the frequency of vibration. nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate. Unless
4.6 Mallet-A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head required by project specifications, beams made in the field
weighing 1.25 ± 0.50 lb [0.6 ± 0.2 kg] shall be used. shall not have a width or depth of less than 6 in. [150 mm].
4.7 Small Tools-Shovels, hand-held floats, scoops, and a 5.3 Field Technicians-The field technicians making and
vibrating-reed tachometer shall be provided. curing specimens for acceptance testing shall be certified ACI
4.8 Slump Apparatus-The apparatus for measurement Field Testing Technicians, Grade I or equivalent. Equivalent
of slump shall conform to the requirements of Test Method personnel certification programs shall include both vvritten
C 143. and performance examinations, as outlined in ACI CP-1.
4.9 Sampling Receptacle-The receptacle shall be a suit-
able heavy gage metal pan, wheelbarrow, or flat, clean
nonabsorbent board of sufficient capacity to allow easy 5. Sampling Concrete
remixing of the entire sample with a shovel or trowel. 6.1 The samples used to fabricate test specimens under
4.10 Air Content Apparatus-The apparatus for mea- this standard shall be obtained in accordance with Practice
suring air content shall conform to the requirements of Test C 172 unless an alternative procedure has been approved.
Methods C 173 or C 231. 6.2 Record the identity of the sample with respect to the
location of the concrete represented and the time of casting.
TABLE 1 Tamping Rod and Rodding Requirements
RodDimensions Testing
Requirements
Diameter of Cylinder, Diameter of Rod, Length of Rod, Number of 6. Slump, Air Content, and Temperature
In. (mm) in. (mm) Roddings/Layer 7.1 Slump-Measure and record the slump of each batch
< 6 (150) in. (mm)
sle (10) 12 (300) 25 of concrete from which specimens are made immediately
6 (150) 5/e (16) 24 (600) 25
8 (200) 5/e (16) 24 (600) 50
after remixing in the receptacle, as required in Test Method
10 (250) (or 5/e (16) 24 (600) 75 C 143.
greater)
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TABLE 2 Specimen Size, Type, and Molding Requirements
Specimen Type and Size, Mode of Number of Approximate Depth of
as Depth, in. (mm) Consolidation Layers Layer, in. (mm)
Cylinders: rodding
12 (300) or less rodding 3 equal 4 (100) or less
Over 12 (300) vibratio as required 4 (100) or less 6
12 (300) or less n 2 equal (150) or less hall
12 (300) to 18 vibratio 2 equal depth of specimen
(450) n 3 or more 8 (200) or as near as practicable
Over 18 (450) vibratio
n
Beams: 2 equal half depth of specimen
6 (150) to 8 3 or more 4 (100)
(200) Over 8 rodding 1 depth of specimen
(200) rodding 2 or more 8 (200) as near as practicable
6 (150) to 8 vibratio

7.2 Air Content—Determine and record the air content in meet the requirements in 4.5. Select a small tool,
accordance with either Test Method C 173 or Test Method such as a scoop, blunted trowel, or shovel, of the
C 231. The concrete used in performing the air content test size and shape large enough so each amount of
shall not be used in fabricating test specimens. concrete obtained from the sampling receptacle is
7.3 Temperature—Determine and record the temperature representative and small enough so concrete is not
in accordance with Test Method C 1064.
lost when placed in the mold. While placing the
NOTE 4—Some specifications may require the measurement of the
concrete in the mold, move the small tool around the
unit weight of concrete. The volume of concrete produced per batch
may be desired on some projects. Also, additional information on the air opening to ensure even distribution of the
content measurements may be desired. Test Method C 138 is used to concrete and minimize segregation. Each layer
measure the unit weight, yield, and gravimetric air content of freshly shall be consolidated as required. In placing the
mixed concrete. final layer, add an amount of concrete that will fill the
mold after consolidation. Underfilled or overfilled
8. Molding Specimens molds shall be adjusted with representative concrete
8.1 Place of Molding—Mold specimens promptly on a during consolidation of the top layer.
level, rigid surface, free of vibration and other disturbances,
at a place as near as practicable to the location where they are 8.4 Consolidation—The methods of consolidation for this
to be stored. practice are rodding or internal vibration.
8.2 Casting Cylinders—From Tables 1, 2, and 3, deter- 8.4.1 Rodding—Place the concrete in the mold, in the
mine method of consolidation, the number and approximate required number of layers of approximately equal volume.
depth of the layers and number of roddings per layer. If Rod each layer with the rounded end of the rod using the
consolidation is by rodding, select the size of the tamping rod required number of roddings. Rod the bottom layer
from Table 2. If consolidation is by internai vibration, select throughout its depth. Distribute the roddings unifonnly over
the proper vibrator to meet the requirements in 4.5. Select a the cross section of the mold. For each upper layer allow the
small tool, such as a scoop, blunted trowel, or shovel, of a rod to penetrate about 1/2 in. [12 mm] into the underlying
size and shape large enough so each amount of concrete layer when the depth of the layer is less than 4 in. [100 mm],
obtained from the sampling receptacle will be representative and about 1 in. [25 mm] when the depth is 4 in. [100 mm] or
and small enough so concrete is not lost when being placed more. After each layer is rodded, tap the outsides of the mold
in the mold. While placing the concrete in the mold, move lightly 10 to 15 times with the mallet, to close any holes left
the small tool around the perimeter of the mold opening to by rodding and to release any large air bubbles that may have
ensure an even distribution of the concrete and minimize been trapped. Use an open hand to tap light-gage single-use
segregation. Each layer of concrete shall be consolidated as cylinder molds which are susceptible to damage if tapped
required. In placing the final layer, add an amount of con- with a mallet. After tapping, spade the concrete along the
crete that will fill the mold after consolidation. Underfilled sides and ends of beam molds with a trowel or other suitable
or overfilled molds shall be adjusted with representative tool.
concrete during consolidation of the top layer. 8.4.2 Vibration—Maintain a uniform time period for
8.3 Casting Beams—From Tables 2 and 3 determine the duration of vibration for the particular kind of concrete,
method of consolidation, the approximate depth, and vibrator, and specimen mold involved. The duration of
number of layers. If consolidation is by rodding use the 5/8-in. vibration required will depend upon the workability of the
[16-mm] tamping rod. Determine the number of roddings concrete and the effectiveness of the vibrator. Usually
sufficient vibration has been applied as soon as the surface of
TABLE 3 Method of Consolidation Requirements the concrete has become relatively smooth. Continue vibra-
NOTE —Use method of consolidation in Table 3 unless another is tion only long enough to achieve proper consolidation of the
specified. concrete. Overvibration may cause segregation. Fill the
Slump In. (mm) Method of Consolidation molds and vibrate in the required number of approximately
>3 (75) rodding equal layers. Place all the concrete for each layer in the mold
1 to 3 (25 to 75) rodding or vibration
before starting vibration of that layer. In compacting the spec-
layer, one for each 2 in.2 [14 cm2]
<1 (25)vibration per imen, the vibrator shall not be allowed to rest on the bottom
of the top surface area of the beam. If consolidation or sides of the mold. Carefully withdraw the vibrator in such
is by internal vibration, select the proper vibrator to
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a manner that no air pockets are left in the specimen. When 27°C] and in a moist environment preventing any loss of
placing the final layer, avoid overfilling by more than 1/4 in. moisture up to 48 h (Note 5). At all times the temperature in
[6 mm]. and between specimens shall be controlled by shielding from
8.4.2.1 Cylinders—Use three insertions of the vibrator at direct rays of the sun and radiant heating devices. Specimens
different points for each layer. Allow the vibrator to pene- that are to be transported to the laboratory for final curing of
trate through the layer being vibrated, and into the layer Section 9.2.3 before 48 h shall remain in the molds in a
below, approximately 1 in. [25 mm]. After each layer is moist environment, until they are received in the laboratory,
vibrated, tap the outsides of the mold lightly 10 to 15 times demolded and placed in final curing. If specimens are not
with the mallet, to close any holes that remain and to release transported within 48 h, the molds shall be removed within
any large air bubbles that may have been trapped. Use an 24 ± 8 h and final curing used until transported (see 10.1).
open hand to tap light-gage single-use molds which are
susceptible to damage if tapped with a mallet. NOTE 5—It may be necessary to create an environment during initial
8.4.2.2 Beams—Insert the vibrator at intervals not ex- curing to provide satisfactory moisture and to control the temperature.
ceeding 6 in. [150 mm] along the center line of the long The specimens may be immersed immediately in saturated limewater,
dimension of the specimen. For specimens wider than 6 in., and/or stored in tightly constructed wooden boxes, damp sand pits,
use alternating insertions along two lines. Allow the shaft of temporary buildings at construction sites, under wet burlap, or in
the vibrator to penetrate into the bottom layer approxi- heavyweight closed plastic bags. Immersing in saturated limewater is not
mately 1 in. (25 mm). After each layer is vibrated, tap the acceptable for specimens in cardboard or other molds that expand when
immersed in water. Other suitable methods may be used provided the
outsides of the mold lightly 10 to 15 times with the mallet to foregoing requirements limiting specimen temperature and moisture
close any holes left by vibrating and to release any large air loss are met. The temperature may be controlled by ventilation, or
bubbles that may have been trapped. thermostatically controlled cooling devices, or by heating devices such as
8.5 Finishing—After consolidation, strike off excess con- stoves, light bulbs, or thermostatically controlled heating elements.
crete from the surface and float or trowel as required. Temperature record of the specimens may be established by means of
Perform all finishing with the minimum manipulation maximum-minimum thermometers. Early age results may be lower
necessary to produce a flat even surface that is level with the when stored near 60°F [16°C] and higher when stored near 80°F
rim or edge of the mold and that has no depressions or [27°C].
projections larger than 1/4 in. [3.3 mm].
8.5.1 Cylinders—After consolidation, finish the top sur- 9.2.3 Final Curing:
faces by striking them off with the tamping rod where the 9.2.3.1 Cylinders—Upon completion of initial curing and
consistency of the concrete permits or with a wood float or within 30 min after removing the molds, store specimens in a
trowel. If desired, cap the top surface of freshly made moist condition with free water maintained on their surfaces
cylinders with a thin layer of stiff portland cernent paste at all times at a temperature of 73 ± 3°F [23 ± 2°C].
which is permitted to harden and cure with the specimen. Temperatures between 68 and 86°F [20 and 30°C] are
See section on Capping Materials of Practice C 617. permitted for a period not to exceed 3 h immediately prior to
8.5.2 Beams—After consolidation of the concrete, use a test if free moisture is maintained on the surfaces of the
hand-held float to strike off the top surface to the required specimen at all times, except when capping with sulfur
tolerance to produce a flat, even surface. mortar capping compound. When capping with this mate-
8.6 Identification—Mark the specimens to positively rial, the ends of the cylinder will be dried as described in
identify them and the concrete they represent. Use a method Practice C 617. Specimens shall not be exposed to dripping
that will not alter the top surface of the concrete. Do not or running water. The curing requirements for water storage
mark the removable caps. Upon removal of the molds, mark tanks, moist rooms and cabinets are in Specification C 511.
the test specimens to retain their identities. 9.2.3.2 Beams—Beams are to be cured the same as
cylinders (see 9.2.3.1) except for a minimum of 20 h prior to
9. Curing testing, they shall be stored in water saturated with calcium
9.1 Protection—Immediately after finishing, precautions hydroxide at 73 ± 3°F [23 ± 2°C]. Drying of the surfaces of
shall be taken to prevent evaporation and loss of water from the beam shall be prevented between removal from
the specimens. Protect the outside surfaces of cardboard limewater and completion of testing.
molds from contact with wet burlap or other sources of
water. Cover specimens with a nonabsorbent, nonreactive NOTE 6—Relatively small amounts of surface drying of flexural
plate or sheet of impervious plastic. When wetted burlap is specimens can indure tensile stresses in the extreme libers that will
used over the plate or plastic sheet to help retard evapora- markedly reduce the indicated flexural strength.
tion, the burlap must not be in contact with the surface of 9.3 Field Curing—Field curing is the curing method used
the concrete. for the specimens made and cured as stated in 3.3.
9.2 Standard Curing—Standard curing is the curing 9.3.1 Cylinders—Store cylinders in or on the structure as
method used when the specimens are made and cured for the
near to the point of deposit of the concrete represented as
purposes stated in 3.2.
9.2.1 Storage—Immediately after finishing move the possible. Protect all surfaces of the cylinders from the
specimens to an initial curing place for storage (Note 5). If elements in as near as possible the same way as the formed
cylinders in the single use molds are moved, lift and support work. Provide the cylinders with the same temperature and
the cylinders from the bottom of the molds with a large
trowel or similar device. If the top surface is marred during
movement to place of initial storage, immediately refinish.
9.2.2 Initial Curing—After molding, the specimens shall
be stored in a temperature range between 60 to 80°F [16 to
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moisture environment as the structural work. Test the 10.1 Prior to transporting, specimens shall be cured and
specimens in the moisture condition resulting from the protected as required in Section 9. During transportation, the
specified curing treatment. To meet these conditions, speci- specimens must be protected with suitable cushioning mate-
mens made for the purpose of determining when a structure rial to prevent damage from jarring and from freezing
is permitted to be put in service shall be removed from the temperatures, or moisture loss. Excessive moisture loss is
molds at the time of removal of form work. prevented by securely wrapping the specimens in plastic or
9.3.2 Beams As nearly as practicable, cure beams in the
— surrounding them with wet sand or wet saw dust. The time
same manner as the concrete in the structure. At the end of for transportation shall not exceed 4 h.
48 ± 4 h after molding, take the molded specimens to the
storage location and remove from the molds. Store speci- 7. Report
mens representing pavements of slabs on grade by placing 11.1 Report the following information to the laboratory
them on the ground as molded, with their top surfaces up. that will test the specimens:
Bank the sides and ends of the specimens with earth or sand 11.1.1 Identification number,
that shall be kept damp, leaving the top surfaces exposed to 11.1.2 Location of concrete represented by the samples,
the specified curing treatment. Store specimens representing 11.1.3 Date, time and name of individual molding speci-
structure concrete as near the point in the structure they mens,
represent as possible, and afford them the same temperature
protection and moisture environment as the structure. At the 11.1.4 Slump, air content, and concrete temperature, test
end of the curing period leave the specimens in place results and results of any other tests on the fresh concrete and
exposed to the weather in the same manner as the structure. any deviations from referenced standard test methods, and
Remove all beam specimens from field storage and store in 11.1.5 Curing method.
limewater at 73 ± 3°F [23 ± 2°C] for 24 ± 4 h immediately
before time of testing to ensure uniform moisture condition 8. Keywords
from specimen to specimen. Observe the precautions given 12.1 beams; casting samples; concrete; curing; cylinders;
in 9.2.3.2 to guard against drying between time of removal testing
from curing to testing. Transportation of Specimens to
Laboratory
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and if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional
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