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CONCRETE SAMPLING: (PCCP- ITEM 311)

Casting Flexural Strength Specimens – CONCRETE BEAM SAMPLE

ASHTO T 23 / ASTM C31-84: Standard Method of Making and Curing

Concrete Test Specimens in the Field

1. Remix the concrete sample

2. Wet the equipment (Concrete Beam Mould)
3. Fill the Standard 6” by 6” by 20” (152mmx152mmx508mm) beam mold
(use for concrete with nominal, maximum - sized coarse aggregate up to
2” (51mm) in two, equal layers.
4. Distribute the concrete evenly, both when filling and when tamping, prior
to consolidation.
5. Rod each layer once for each 2in2 of top surface area of the specimen.
Distribute the strokes uniformly over the cross section of the mold. Rod the
bottom layer throughout its depth. When rodding the upper layer, allow
the rod to penetrate about ½” (13mm) into the underlying layer when the
depth of the layer is less than 4” (102mm) or 1”(25mm) if the layer is
more than 4”(102mm).
6. If voids are left by the tamping rod, tap the sides lightly with a mallet to
close the voids.
7. After each layer is rodded, spade the concrete along the sides and end of
the beam molds with a trowel or other suitable tool.
8. When placing the final layer, avoid overfilling the mold by more than ¼”
(6mm).
9. Strike off the surface of the concrete and float or trowel as required.
Perform all finishing with the least manipulation necessary to produce a
flat, even surface which is level with the edge or trim of the mold.
10.Cover the specimens immediately after finishing to prevent moisture loss.
11.The 24-hour, initial curing must be at a temperature range between 60 0 to
800 (160 to 270C).

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12. For the final cure, the concrete must be in a moist condition at 23±1.7 oC
until the moment of test.

CONCRETE SAMPLING: (STRUCTURAL – ITEM 405)

CASTING COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH SPECIMENS – CONCRETE

CYLINDER SAMPLE
ASTM C 31- 84: STANDARD METHOD OF MAKING AND
CURING CONCRETE TEST SPECIMENS IN THE FIELD

1. Remix the concrete sample.

2. Wet the equipment.

3. Fill standard 6” by 12” (152 by 305 mm) test cylinders in three (3) equal

layers.

4. Distribute the concrete evenly, both when filling and when tamping, prior
to consolidation.
5. Rod each layer 25 times, penetrating the previous layer about 1” (25 mm).
Distribute the strokes uniformly over the cross section of the mold.
6. Tap the mold sides lightly to close voids left by rodding.

7. Strike the top off with a tamping rod and float or towel the surface.

8. Clean the cylinder exterior. Mark test identification on mold.

9. Cover to prevent loss of moisture.

10.Initial cure for the first 24 hours must be at 60º to 80ºF (16º to 27º).

11.Final curing requires concrete to be in a moist condition at 73.4± 3ºF (23±

1.7ºC) until moment of test.

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STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR SLUMP

OF PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE

SLUMP TEST
ASTM C 143-78 (AASHTO T 119)
Standard Test Method for
Slump of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement

1. Remix the concrete sample.

2. Dampen the mold and place it on a flat, moist, nonabsorbent, rigid,
horizontal surface. If smooth plywood is used, cover with plastic.
3. Fill the container in three equal layers at approximately, 2-5/8” (67 mm)
and 6-1/8” (155mm) from the base.
4. Rod each layer 25 times
a. for the first layer, slightly incline the rod and make approximately
half the strokes near the perimeter;
b. on successive layer, penetrate the previous layer slightly;
c. on the third layer, keep concrete mounted above the top of the
mold at all times.
5. Strike off the last layer with a screeding and rolling motion or the tamping
rod.
6. Remove any spilled concrete from the base of the cone.
7. Raise the mold a distance of 12” (300mm) in 5 to 2 seconds by a steady
upward lift.
8. Complete entire test within 2-1/2 minutes.
9. Measure the difference in height of the cone and the displaced original
center of the top surface of the concrete.
10.Measure and report to the nearest ¼” (6 mm.)

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11.The test is not valid if there is a decided falling away or shearing off –
Disregard test and make a new test on another portion of the sample.

SAMPLING OF AGGREGATES
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
 Sampling is equally as important as important as the testing, and
the sampler shall used every precaution to obtain samples that will
show the nature and condition of the materials which they
represent.
SECURING SAMPLES
1. Sampling from a Flowing Aggregate Stream (Bins or Belt Discharge)
2. Sampling from the Conveyor Belt
3. Sampling from Stockpiles or Transportation Units
4. Sampling from Roadway (Bases and Sub-Bases)
MASSES OF FIELD SAMPLES

A Approximate Minimum Mass

Maximum Nominal Size of Aggregates B
of Field Samples, in kg
FINE AGGREGATES
No. 8 (2.36 mm) 10

No. 4 (4.75 mm) 10

COARSE AGGREGATES
3/8 in. (9.5 mm) 10
1/2 in. (12.5 mm) 15
3/4 in. (19.0 mm) 25
1 in. 25.0 mm) 50
1 1/2 in. (37.5 mm) 75
2 in. (50 mm) 100
2 1/2 in. (63.0 mm)) 125
3 in. (75.0 mm) 150
3 1/2 in. (90 mm) 175

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A
For processed aggregate the maximum nominal size of particles is the largest
sieve size listed in the applicable specification, upon which any material is
permitted to be retained.
B
For combined coarse and fine aggregates (eg. Base and Sub-base) minimum
weight shall be coarse aggregates minimums plus 10 kg.

REDUCING FIELD SAMPLES OF AGGREGATES TO

TESTING SIZE
 These methods cover the reduction of field samples to the
appropriate size for testing employing techniques that are intended
to minimize variations in measured characteristics between the test
samples so selected and the field sample.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

 These methods provide for reducing the large sample obtained in
the field to a convenient size for conducting a number a number of
tests to the smaller portion is most likely to be a representation of
the field sample

SELECTION OF METHOD
Method A – MECHANICAL SPLITTER
 Sample splitter shall have an even number of equal widths
chutes, but not less than a total of eight (8) for Coarse
aggregates, or Twelve (12) for Fine aggregates, which
discharge alternatively to each side of the splitter.
Method B – QUARTERING
 Place the field sample on a hard clean, level surface and mix
the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample over
three times. With the last turning, shovel the entire sample
into a conical pile by depositing each shovelful on top of the
preceding one. Carefully flatten the conical pile to a uniform

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thickness and diameter. Divide the flattened mass into four

equal quarters with a shovel or trowel and remove two
diagonally opposite quarters, including all fine material, and
brush the cleared spaces clean. Successively mix and quarter
the remaining material until the sample is reduced to the
desired size.
Method C – MINIATURE STOCKPILE SAMPLING
 Obtain a sample for each test by selecting at least five
increments of materials at random locations from the
miniature stockpile.

DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

 The behavior of a soil is markedly influenced by the amount

of moisture it contains. Moisture content, therefore, is an
important characteristics. By definition, moisture content,
MC, is the ratio of the weight/mass of water in the soil to
the weight/mass of the dry soil after it has been dried to
constant weight/mass at a temperature of 110 + 5 C.

Maximum Grain Size of Aggregates Minimum Weight, in grams

Passing 0.425 mm material 25

Passing. 2.00 mm material 50
Passing 4.75 mm material 100
Passing 12.5 mm material 300
Passing 25.0 mm material 500
Passing 50.0 mm material 1000
 CALCULATION
Moisture Content, MC % = [ W1 – W2 / W2 - Wc ] x 100
Where:
W1 = weight/mass of container plus wet soil

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W2 = weight/mass of container plus dry soil

Wc = weight of container
Note: Weighing hot containers (sample) is not advisable as it
affects the accuracy of results.

PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS OF SOILS / GRADING TEST

 Is the determination of particle/grain size distribution in soils by
Sieve, Hydrometer, or a Combined Analysis.
 Is also widely used in the classification and identification of soils. It
is an important criteria in the classification of highway subgrade
materials.

Nominal Size of Maximum Standard Particle Minimum Weight, in kg.

3/8 in. / 9.5 mm 0.5

1 in. / 25.0 mm 2
2 in. / 50.0 mm 4
3 in / 75.0 mm 5

Table A. GRADING REQUIREMENTS FOR FINE AGGREGATE

Sieve Designation Mass Percent Passing
9.5 mm (3/8 in) 100
4.75 mm (No. 4) 95-100
2.36 mm (No. 8) -
1.18 mm (No. 16) 45-80
0.600 mm (No. 30) -
0.300 mm (No. 50) 5-30
0.150 mm (No. 100) 0-10

Table B. GRADING REQUIREMENTS FOR COARSE AGGREGATES - Item 311

Sieve Designation Mass Percent Passing
Alternate
Standard Grading Grading Grading
U.S.
mm A B C
Standard
75.00 3 in. 100 - -
63.00 2-1/2 in. 90-100 100 100
50.00 2 in. - 90-100 95-100
37.5 1-1/2 in. 25-60 35-70 -
25.0 1 in. - 0-15 35-70

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19.0 ¾ in. 0-10 - -

12.5 ½ in. 0-5 0-5 10-30
4.75 No. 4 - - 0-5

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DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT

 The Liquid Limit is defined as the lowest moisture content at which
the soil will flow upon the application of a very small shearing force.
It gives a certain measure of the shearing resistance of a soil when
mixed with water
 CALCULATION
Moisture % =[ W1 – W2 / W2 ] x 100
Where:
W1 = weight/mass of wet sample
W2 = weight/mass of oven-dried sample

 Plot the percent moisture as ordinate against the

number of blows as abscissa on a logarithmic scale.
Draw a straight line connecting these points. The plot
is called the “flow curve”
 The Liquid Limit is expressed as the moisture
content corresponding to 25 blows.

DETERMINATION OF PLASTIC LIMIT AND

PLASTICITY INDEX

 1. The Plastic Limit is defined as the minimum moisture content at

which the soil can be readily molded without breaking or crumbling.

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The Plastic limit is expressed as the moisture content in percentage of

the oven-dried weight/mass of the crumbled soil thread.

Plastic Limit = [W1 – W2 / W2] x 100

Where:
W1 = weight/mass of crumbled soil thread
W2 = weight/mass of oven-dried crumbled soil thread

 2. Plasticity Index indicates compressibility; high PI means high

degree of compressibility of a soil. It is also related to permeability;
the higher the PI the lower the permeability; and vice-versa.

The Plasticity Index is the difference between the Liquid Limit

and Plastic Limit.
Plasticity Index = liquid Limit – Plastic Limit

MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION OF SOIL /

LABORATORY COMPACTION TEST

SIGNIFICANCE
 Compaction of soil mass involves the application of energy and
addition of water as lubricant. It results in reduction of pore spaces
and increase of density by rearrangement of particle grains. Thus,
the mass becomes more stable and impermeable, which are
desirable characteristics of foundations.

DENSITY OF SOIL IN-PLACE / IN-SITU DENSITY BY

SAND-CONE METHOD DETERMINATION

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 Density of soil is defined as the weight/mass per unit volume. It is a

very significant engineering property of soils as strength is
dependent upon density.
 Field Density Test is widely used as a control test in embankment
construction to ensure adequate compaction. Highway specification
usually requires that embankment should be compacted to not less
than 95% of a maximum density.

Note: Sand – any clean, dry, free-flowing, uncemented sand having

few, if any, particles passing the 0.075mm (No. 200) or retained on the
2.00mm (No. 10) sieves.
*Passing No. 10 and Retained No. 200

SIGNIFICANCE OF TESTS (SOIL)

 MOISTURE CONTENT – very important test because the
behavior of soil which is marked influence by the amount of
moisture/water it contains.

 LIQUID LIMIT TEST – it give a certain measure of a shearing

resistance of a soil when mixed with water.

 PLASTIC LIMIT TEST – limit test and plasticity index are widely
used to control the characteristics of soil which are to be
incorporated in roadways. Higher P.I. means high degree of
compressibility of soil. Higher P.I., lower permeability.

 FIELD DENSITY TEST – is a widely used as a control test in

embankment to ensure adequate compaction.

 COMPACTION TEST/MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATION TEST OF

SOIL – it determines the right amount of mixing water to be used
when compacting soil in the field in order to obtain maximum
density under the specified compactive effort.

 CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO – it determines the bearing

capacity of soil on its worst condition.

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 UNIT WEIGHT DETERMINATION – a value of unit weight/mass

are used in volumetric-gravimetric calculation.

 SIEVE ANALYSIS – determines the grain size distribution of soil

which is widely used in the classification & identification of soil.

 ABRASION TEST – evaluates structural strength of coarse

aggregates. An indication of quality as determined by resistance
to impact & wear.

 SPECIFIC GRAVITY – generally used for calculations of the

volume occupied by the aggregates in various mixtures
containing aggregates.

 ABSORPTION TEST – are used to calculate the change in weight

of an aggregate due to water absorbed in the pores spaces,
compacted to dry condition.

 SOUNDNESS TEST – determines the resistance of aggregates to

disintegration by saturated solutions of sodium/magnesium
sulfate. Vital also in giving information in evaluating soundness of
aggregate subject to weathering action.

 ORGANIC CONTENT BY LOSS OF IGNITION – determination of

organic content present in soil sample.

 ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN SAND FOR CONCRETE – determines

the presence of injurious organic compound in the natural sand
which are used in cement mortar or concrete. Its purpose is to
furnish a warning that further test of the sand are necessary
before they are approved for used.

 MORTAR STRENGTH EFFECT OF ORGANIC IMPURITIES IN

FINE AGGREGATES – a final determination of the acceptability of
fine aggregate with respect to the requirements of AASHTO M6
concerning organic impurities.

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