ASTM C138/C138M-09
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
Standard Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
ABSTRACT
This test method covers determination of the density of freshly mixed concrete and gives formulas for calculating the unit weight, yield or relative yield, cement content, and air content of the concrete. Yield is defined as the volume of concrete produced from a mixture of known quantities of the component materials. The test method shall use the following apparatuses: balance or scale; tamping rod, which is a round straight steel rod having the tamping end rounded to a hemispherical tip; internal vibrator which may have rigid of flexible shafts, preferably powered by electric motors; measure, which is a cylindrical container made of steel or other suitable metal specified herein; strike-off plate; mallet; and scoop of a size large enough so each amount of concrete obtained from the sampling receptacle is representative and small enough so it is not spilled during placement in the measure.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the density (see Note 1) of freshly mixed concrete and gives formulas for calculating the yield, cement content, and air content of the concrete. Yield is defined as the volume of concrete produced from a mixture of known quantities of the component materials.
1.2 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 standard.
Note 1—Unit weight was the previous terminology used to describe the property determined by this test method, which is mass per unit volume.
1.3 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.
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American Association State
Designation:C138/C138M–09 Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: T121
Standard Test Method for
Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric)
1
of Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C138/C138M; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope* C172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly
1.1 This test method covers determination of the density
Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
(see Note 1) of freshly mixed concrete and gives formulas for
C188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
calculating the yield, cement content, and air content of the
C231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Con-
concrete. Yield is defined as the volume of concrete produced
crete by the Pressure Method
from a mixture of known quantities of the component materi-
als.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 Symbols:
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
A = air content (percentage of voids) in the concrete
3 3
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
C = actual cement content, lb/yd or kg/m
with the standard.
C = mass of cement in the batch, lb or kg
b
3 3
D = density (unit weight) of concrete, lb/ft or kg/m
NOTE 1—Unit weight was the previous terminology used to describe
M = totalmassofallmaterialsbatched,lborkg(seeNote
the property determined by this test method, which is mass per unit
3)
volume.
M = mass of the measure filled with concrete, lb or kg
c
1.3 The text of this test method references notes and
M = mass of the measure, lb or kg
m
footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes
R = relative yield
y
and footnotes (excluding those in tables) shall not be consid-
T = theoretical density of the concrete computed on an
ered as requirements of this test method. 3 3
airfree basis, lb/ft or kg/m (see Note 2)
3
Y = yield, volume of concrete produced per batch, yd or
2. Referenced Documents
3
m
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Y = volume of concrete which the batch was designed to
d
3 3
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
produce, yd or m
3
and Voids in Aggregate
Y = volume of concrete produced per batch, ft
f
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
V = total absolute volume of the component ingredients
3 3
Specimens in the Field
in the batch, ft or m
3 3
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement V = volume of the measure, ft or m
m
Concrete
NOTE 2—The theoretical density is, customarily, a laboratory determi-
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
nation, the value for which is assumed to remain constant for all batches
made using identical component ingredients and proportions. It is calcu-
lated from the following equation:
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and ConcreteAggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee T 5 M/V (1)
C09.60 on Testing Fresh Concrete.
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2009.PublishedJuly2009.Originallyapproved
The absolute volume of each ingredient in cubic feet is equal to the
in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as C138/C138M – 08. DOI:
quotient of the mass of that ingredient divided by the product of its
10.1520/C0138_C0138M-09.
specific gravity times 62.4. The absolute volume of each ingredient in
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
cubic metres is equal to the mass of the ingredient in kilograms divided by
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1000 times its specific gravity. For the aggregate components, the bulk
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
specific gravity and mass should be based on the saturated, surface-dry
the ASTM website.
*ASummary 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.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C138/C138M–09
condition. For cement, the actual specific gravity should be determined by NOTE 5—The metal should not be readily subject to attack by cement
TestMethodC188.Avalueof3.15maybeusedforcementsmanufactured paste. However, reactive materials such as aluminum
...
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.
American Association State
Designation:C138/C138M–08 Designation:C138/C138M–09 Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: T121
Standard Test Method for
Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric)
1
of Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 138/C 138M; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers determination of the density (see Note 1) of freshly mixed concrete and gives formulas for
calculating the yield, cement content, and air content of the concrete. Yield is defined as the volume of concrete produced from
a mixture of known quantities of the component materials.
1.2Thevaluesstatedineitherinch-poundorSIunitsshallberegardedseparatelyasstandard.TheSIunitsareshowninbrackets.
The values stated might not be exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other.
1.2 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 standard.
NOTE 1—Unit weight was the previous terminology used to describe the property determined by this test method, which is mass per unit volume.
1.3 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C 29/C 29M Test Method for Bulk Density (Unit Weight) and Voids in Aggregate
C 31/C 31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
C 143/C 143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement
C 172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
C 173/C 173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
C 188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
C 231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Symbols:
A = air content (percentage of voids) in the concrete
3 3
C = actual cement content, lb/yd or kg/m
C = mass of cement in the batch, lb or kg
b
3 3
D = density (unit weight) of concrete, lb/ft or kg/m
M = total mass of all materials batched, lb or kg (see Note 3)
M = mass of the measure filled with concrete, lb or kg
c
M = mass of the measure, lb or kg
m
R = relative yield
y
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.60 on
Testing Fresh Concrete.
Current edition approved MarchJune 1, 2008.2009. Published March 2008.July 2009. Originally approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 20072008 as
C 138/C 138M – 078.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*ASummary 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.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C138/C138M–09
3 3
T = theoretical density of the concrete computed on an airfree basis, lb/ft or kg/m (see Note 2)
3 3
Y = yield, volume of concrete produced per batch, yd or m
3 3
Y = volume of concrete which the batch was designed to produce, yd or m
d
3
Y = volume of concrete produced per batch, ft
f
3 3
V = total absolute volume of the component ingredients in the batch, ft or m
3 3
V = volume of the measure, ft or m
m
NOTE 2—The theoretical density is, customarily, a laboratory determination, the value for which is assumed to remain constant for all batches made
using identical component ingredients and proportions. It is calculated from the following equation:
T 5M/V (1)
The absolute volume of each ingredient in cubic feet is equal to the quotient of the mass of that ingredient divided by the product of it
...
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.
American Association State
Designation:C 138/C 138M–08 Designation:C138/C138M–09 Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: T121
Standard Test Method for
Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric)
1
of Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C138/C138M; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers determination of the density (see Note 1) of freshly mixed concrete and gives formulas for
calculating the yield, cement content, and air content of the concrete. Yield is defined as the volume of concrete produced from
a mixture of known quantities of the component materials.
1.2Thevaluesstatedineitherinch-poundorSIunitsshallberegardedseparatelyasstandard.TheSIunitsareshowninbrackets.
The values stated might not be exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other.
1.2 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 standard.
NOTE 1—Unit weight was the previous terminology used to describe the property determined by this test method, which is mass per unit volume.
1.3 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (Unit Weight) and Voids in Aggregate
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
C172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
C188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
C231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Symbols:
A = air content (percentage of voids) in the concrete
3 3
C = actual cement content, lb/yd or kg/m
C = mass of cement in the batch, lb or kg
b
3 3
D = density (unit weight) of concrete, lb/ft or kg/m
M = total mass of all materials batched, lb or kg (see Note 3)
M = mass of the measure filled with concrete, lb or kg
c
M = mass of the measure, lb or kg
m
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.60 on
Testing Fresh Concrete.
Current edition approved March 1, 2008. Published March 2008. Originally approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as C 138/C 138M–07.
Current edition approved June 1, 2009. Published July 2009. Originally approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as C138/C138M – 08. DOI:
10.1520/C0138_C0138M-09.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*ASummary 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.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C138/C138M–09
R = relative yield
y
3 3
T = theoretical density of the concrete computed on an airfree basis, lb/ft or kg/m (see Note 2)
3 3
Y = yield, volume of concrete produced per batch, yd or m
3 3
Y = volume of concrete which the batch was designed to produce, yd or m
d
3
Y = volume of concrete produced per batch, ft
f
3 3
V = total absolute volume of the component ingredients in the batch, ft or m
3 3
V = volume of the measure, ft or m
m
NOTE 2—The theoretical density is, customarily, a laboratory determination, the value for which is assumed to remain constant for all batches made
using identical component ingredients and proportions. It is calculated from the following equation:
(1) T 5M
...
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