ASTM C823/C823M-12(2017)

Standard Practice for Examination and Sampling of Hardened<brk/> Concrete in Constructions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The examination may provide a basis for laying out in situ testing of the concrete.  
4.2 The sampling can provide materials for petrographic examination, in accordance with Practice C856, chemical or physical analytical procedures, or any of a wide variety of destructive or nondestructive tests to determine physical, mechanical, or structural properties of the concrete.  
4.3 The results of examination and sampling carried out in accordance with this practice may be used for a variety of purposes and to serve a variety of objectives, some of which are discussed in the Procedural Plan Section.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice outlines procedures for visual examination and sampling of hardened concrete in constructions. Reference is made to the examination and sampling of concrete in prefabricated building units, precast products, and laboratory specimens.  
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.  
1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2017
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.65 - Petrography

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C823/C823M-12 - Standard Practice for Examination and Sampling of Hardened<brk> Concrete in Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E141-10(2023) - Standard Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the Results of Probability Sampling
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM C125-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-18b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM C856-18a - Standard Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM E141-10(2018) - Standard Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the Results of Probability Sampling
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM C42/C42M-18 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C856-18 - Standard Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C856-17 - Standard Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM C125-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2016

Overview

ASTM C823/C823M-12(2017), titled Standard Practice for Examination and Sampling of Hardened Concrete in Constructions, is an internationally recognized practice developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines systematic procedures for the visual examination and sampling of hardened concrete in existing constructions, including prefabricated building units, precast products, and laboratory specimens. It provides a framework that supports the effective evaluation of concrete through in situ and laboratory methods, and allows for chemical, physical, petrographic, and mechanical analysis to determine the condition and properties of concrete.

Key Topics

• Visual Examination: Procedures for conducting thorough inspections of hardened concrete to identify visible signs of deterioration, cracks, spalling, discoloration, or unusual surface features.
• Sampling Methods: Guidelines for obtaining representative samples of hardened concrete, both near the surface and at depth, by coring, sawing, or other suitable methods, while ensuring the structural integrity is preserved.
• Categories of Concrete: Classification of concrete by observed quality or exposure conditions to guide targeted investigation and comparison.
• Preliminary and Detailed Investigations: Stepwise approaches for initial condition assessment followed by in-depth study, including documentation of findings, review of construction records, and interviews with relevant personnel.
• Sampling Plans: Development of statistically valid sampling plans, including probability sampling, to ensure unbiased representation of concrete conditions.
• Laboratory Analysis: Recommendations for sample handling, selection, and testing in accordance with recognized petrographic, chemical, and physical testing standards to determine properties like strength, air void system, and evidence of deleterious reactions.
• Documentation: Emphasis on recording sample locations, investigation procedures, observed phenomena, and chain of custody for accurate reporting and analysis.

Applications

ASTM C823/C823M-12(2017) is widely applicable across the construction and infrastructure sectors wherever the assessment of existing concrete is required. Typical use cases include:

• Structural Assessments: Engineering evaluations of bridges, buildings, pavements, and airports to ensure reliable long-term performance and safety.
• Failure Investigations: Diagnosing causes of concrete distress, such as cracking, spalling, or disintegration, and informing remedial actions.
• Compliance Verification: Confirming whether in-place concrete meets construction and code specifications for strength, durability, and composition.
• Petrographic and Chemical Analysis: Supplying representative concrete samples for laboratory studies, including those following ASTM C856 for petrographic examination.
• Litigation and Forensic Engineering: Providing documented evidence in legal or insurance cases involving concrete failures or performance.
• Asset Management: Supporting maintenance planning by identifying areas of weakness, deterioration, or required repair in concrete structures.

Related Standards

To ensure comprehensive and robust concrete evaluation, ASTM C823/C823M-12(2017) references and complements several other key ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM C42/C42M: Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• ASTM C856: Standard Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete
• ASTM C457: Standard Test Method for Microscopical Determination of Parameters of the Air-Void System in Hardened Concrete
• ASTM E105/E122: Practices for Probability Sampling of Materials and Calculating Sample Size
• ASTM C125: Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

Practical Value

By adhering to ASTM C823/C823M-12(2017), engineers, consultants, and laboratories gain a structured approach to concrete examination and sampling, ensuring that investigations are accurate, reproducible, and defensible. This standard helps organizations ensure quality assurance, compliance, and safety in concrete construction, optimize maintenance, and minimize the risk of unexpected failures. Leveraging a standardized methodology also supports regulatory conformance and facilitates international collaboration in the evaluation of concrete structures.

Keywords: hardened concrete, concrete examination, concrete sampling, concrete testing, ASTM C823, concrete deterioration, structural assessment, petrographic analysis, concrete standards, construction quality control.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: C823/C823M − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Examination and Sampling of Hardened
Concrete in Constructions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C823/C823M; 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.
1. Scope Concrete Specimens
C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination ofAggregates for
1.1 This practice outlines procedures for visual examination
Concrete
and sampling of hardened concrete in constructions. Reference
C457 Test Method for Microscopical Determination of Pa-
is made to the examination and sampling of concrete in
rameters of the Air-Void System in Hardened Concrete
prefabricated building units, precast products, and laboratory
C597 Test Method for Pulse Velocity Through Concrete
specimens.
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
C856 Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
Concrete
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
with the standard.
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Lot or Process
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E141 Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Results of Probability Sampling
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3. Terminology
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
practice, refer to Terminology C125.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.1 concrete constructions, n—any object, unit, or struc-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ture that has been built of hydraulic cement concrete.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.2 category of concrete, n—a specified level of quality in
concretethatisobservedtobeinadefinablerangeofcondition
2. Referenced Documents
as a result of service or test exposure, as distinguished from
2.1 ASTM Standards:
concrete in the same or related constructions that is either of
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
differing specified quality or of the same specified quality but
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
in observably different condition at the time of examination. It
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
is also used to refer to concrete having a certain attribute or
gregates
attributes. (see the Sampling Plan Section).
C215 Test Method for Fundamental Transverse,
4. Significance and Use
Longitudinal, and Torsional Resonant Frequencies of
4.1 The examination may provide a basis for laying out in
situ testing of the concrete.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete
and Concrete Aggregates, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.65 4.2 The sampling can provide materials for petrographic
on Petrography.
examination, in accordance with Practice C856, chemical or
Current edition approved May 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally
physical analytical procedures, or any of a wide variety of
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C823/C823M–12.
destructive or nondestructive tests to determine physical,
DOI: 10.1520/C0823_C0823M-12R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mechanical, or structural properties of the concrete.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.3 The results of examination and sampling carried out in
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. accordance with this practice may be used for a variety of
*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
C823/C823M − 12 (2017)
purposes and to serve a variety of objectives, some of which 6.2 Purpose—Investigations of the condition of concrete in
are discussed in the Procedural Plan Section. service are usually undertaken for the following reasons: (a)to
determine the ability of the concrete to perform satisfactorily
5. Qualifications and Instruction of Personnel
under anticipated conditions of future service; (b) to identify
the processes or materials causing distress or failure; (c)to
5.1 Qualifications—The examination, formulation of sam-
discover conditions in the concrete that caused or contributed
pling plan, and the sampling procedures shall be performed by
to satisfactory performance or to failure; (d) to establish
personsqualifiedbyeducationandexperiencetocarryoutsuch
methodsforrepairorreplacementwithouthazardofrecurrence
work, to operate equipment employed, to record and interpret
of the distress; (e) to determine conformance with construction
observations, and to report upon the sampling plan and its
specification requirements; (f) to develop data to aid in fixing
execution. Technicians and workmen may be required to assist
financial and legal responsibility for cases involving failure or
in the operations but appropriate training and supervision are
unsatisfactory service; and (g) to evaluate the performance of
mandatory.
the components used in the concrete. It is assumed that the
5.2 Instruction of Personnel—This practice may be used by
manager of the investigation will begin with one or more
personnel employed directly by those for whom the examina-
working hypotheses, derived from information received or
tion and sampling program are conducted. The employer
gathered, that are intended to explain the reasons for the
should tell the personnel in as much detail as necessary, the
condition or conditions of the concrete, and that will be
purposes and objectives of the examination, the kind of
continuously revised and refined as more information is
information sought, and the extent of examination and sam-
received. It is intended that at the end of the investigation, an
pling desired. Pertinent background information should be
explanation will have been produced which is the best obtain-
made available. If the person to perform the work is highly
able from the investigation of the available evidence concern-
experienced, the employer should seek his or her advice in
ing the mechanisms that operated to produce the condition or
delineatingtheinvestigation.Thenature,extent,andobjectives
conditions of the constructions.
of the examination and sampling plan should be recorded, and
the record may appropriately include the items under Agree-
6.3 Scope of Investigation—Thescopeofaninvestigationof
ments with Consultants.
concrete in service may be limited to only isolated areas
displaying deterioration. Or the investigation may be con-
5.3 Agreements with Consultants—This practice may be the
cerned with general distress, such as excessive deflection or
basis for establishing arrangements between a purchaser of a
collapse of structural members. It may involve study of the
consulting service and the consultant. The purchaser and
dislocation of entire structures or large portions of structures.
consultant should jointly determine the nature, extent, and
The investigation may be confined chiefly to the study of the
objectives of the examination and sampling program to be
concrete, or it may require substantial research into other
made, and should record their agreement in writing. The
circumstances, such as foundation conditions, conditions of
agreement may stipulate specific determinations to be made,
service, construction practices, and comparisons with other
observations to be reported, numbers and kinds of samples to
structures.
be taken, level of reliability required for results of tests,
portions of the constructions to be sampled, funds to be
7. Preliminary Investigations
obligated, a time schedule for the investigation, or a combina-
tion of these and other conditions.
7.1 Purpose—The purpose of preliminary investigations is
to establish the general condition of the concrete and the
EXAMINATION OF CONCRETE IN
existenceofanyunsatisfactorycondition,todescribeitsnature,
CONSTRUCTIONS
and to estimate its extent and possible effect upon the
performance, service life, and safety of the structure. An
6. Procedural Plan
investigation of failure or inadequate performance of concrete
6.1 Objective—Theobjectiveoftheexaminationofconcrete
inconstructionsispredicateduponaconclusion,usuallybythe
is to provide information that can be used to evaluate the
owner or his representatives, that an unsatisfactory condition
condition of the concrete and the constructions, and to cor-
exists or is imminent. Such a conclusion may be in error, either
roborate observed satisfactory performance, or to document
because the observed condition is insignificant, or because the
and explain distress or failure. The examination of concrete in
full extent of the actual distress or inadequacy has not been
service or under test should be undertaken in accordance with
detected.
a scope, an objective, and systematic procedures, all agreed
upon between the responsible parties. The extent of the 7.2 Test Methods—The preliminary investigation may
investigation and the procedures that are most appropriate for include, as appropriate, visual inspection of the structure,
the examination depend upon a decision as to the objectives of review of plans and specifications for the work, and examina-
the investigation and the level of reliability required of tion of available reports of project engineers and inspectors,
resulting test data. This decision may stipulate an authorized compilation of available data on service conditions, petro-
budget and a time schedule for completion of various stages of graphic examination in accordance with Practice C856, and
the investigation. The budget and time schedule can be testing of a few selected samples of concrete and secondary
modified following preliminary investigations and adjusted chemical deposits in or on the concrete or both. Deflection or
periodically as information accumulates. expansion (or shrinkage) of typical portions of the structure
C823/C823M − 12 (2017)
might appropriately be measured. The condition of the con- aspects of failure should be described as quantitatively as
crete in place can be estimated using nondestructive testing possible. The examination may be extended to aggregate
procedures,suchasimpactdevicesandultrasonicmethods(see sources in accordance with the procedures described in Prac-
TestMethodC597).Selectedcriticalportionsofstructuresmay tice C295. Photographs of pertinent features of the
be probed and sampled by drilling (Method C42/C42M). The constructions, their environs, and the manifestations of failure
cores may be tested in accordance with Test Method C215. are valuable and should be obtained.
Borehole cameras and viewing devices have been found to be
9.3 Observations—Features of the concrete to be noted
helpful in specific instances (1, 2, 3).
especially include: (a) the nature and extent of cracking and
7.3 Conclusions—The findings of the preliminary investiga-
fractures; (b) evidences of volume change, deflection, or
tion may allay all concern with respect to the condition of the dislocation of the constructions or portions thereof, which may
concrete. In certain cases, the findings are adequate for a final
include the closing or opening of joints, tilting, shearing, or
conclusion on the significance of observed distress. Otherwise, misalignment of structural elements and shifting or misalign-
care should be taken to assure that the preliminary investiga-
ment of machinery; (c) the condition of exposed surfaces,
tion provides the information necessary to delineate a plan for especially such features as spalling, popouts, unusual
the further investigations covered in Sections8–14. weakness, disintegration, excessive wear, and discoloration;
(d) evidences of cement-aggregate reactions; (e) secondary
8. Assembly of Records
deposits on surfaces, in cracks, and in voids; and (f) the
presence and extent of repair work and the quality of its bond
8.1 Reports and Legal Documents—The investigation of
to the original concrete.
concrete performance should be preceded or accompanied by
9.3.1 Some of the features listed in this section can be
the assembly and critical review of records pertaining to the
detected more readily in laboratory examination.
project specifications, construction contract, construction
operations,concrete-makingmaterials,weatherconditionsdur- 9.3.2 Some of the other properties of the concrete requiring
observation include: the thoroughness of consolidation;
ing and after construction, and the actual conditions of service.
Such records should establish the specified requirements for whether the concrete is air-entrained; evidences of segregation
and bleeding; indications of extremely high, low, or normal
the materials and the completed work, and may reveal circum-
stances or conditions that caused or contributed to the distress water content; in the case of reinforced concrete, the condition
of the concrete. Records of operation and maintenance may of the steel and its location in the section; and the nature and
describe the beginning and progress of unsatisfactory perfor- condition of other embedded items.
mance.
9.3.3 Any phenomena indicating distress of the concrete
should be studied in relation to possible causative or contribu-
8.2 Interviews—Interviews with contractors, engineers,
tory factors, such as varying conditions of exposure over the
inspectors, tradesmen, and suppliers should be conducted to
area of the constructions; the sequence of placing operations;
obtain pertinent information that is not included in the written
conditions prevailing during construction; sources of supply of
record. Owners, occupants, and users of the constructions
concrete and concrete-making materials; identifiable problems
should be queried concerning the onset and progress of evident
of handling, placing, and finishing; conditions of curing and
distress, especially with respect to possible relationship to any
early protection; and the adequacy of the structural design and
change of the conditions of use and service.
conformance to the plans. Varying conditions of exposure over
the area of the constructions during and after construction may
9. Detailed Investigations of Concrete in Constructions
include the following:
9.1 Procedures—A detailed investigation of concrete in
9.3.3.1 Differences in thermal exposure to solar heating.
constructions should include all procedures that are required to
Shaded portions probably are subjected to the lowest range of
achieve the approved scope and objectives within the autho-
diurnal thermal cycles,
rized budget and time schedule. After the preliminary investi-
9.3.3.2 Differences in exposure to moisture, which may
gation to establish the general condition of the concrete and the
arise by orientation of the construction with respect to prevail-
extent of any unsatisfactory performance, the detailed investi-
ing winds during times of rainfall or snowfall, and which will
gationmaycomprise:(a)thoroughexaminationoftheconcrete
be affected by the diurnal thermal cycles,
constructions; (b) surveys and field tests to define and evaluate
9.3.3.3 Differences in the mineral composition of the sub-
the condition of the concrete in place and the safety of the
grade so that part of the construction is located on a foundation
constructions; and (c) taking samples to be examined and
containing swelling clay or containing unstable sulfides or
tested by laboratory procedures.
sulfates, or
9.2 Scope of Field Examination—A detailed visual exami-
9.3.3.4 Differences of the moisture content of the subgrade
nation should be made by personnel familiar with concrete and
during or after construction.
concrete constructions. This examination should locate and
9.3.4 The foundation and subgrade materials and conditions
describe all of the categories of concrete.All affected construc-
should also be carefully examined if there is a possibility of
tions or portions thereof should be identified and the external
their involvement in serviceability of the concrete.
9.3.5 The observations made, together with relevant infor-
mation developed as described under Assembly of Records,
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this practice. and the results of the preliminary investigations as described in
C823/C823M − 12 (2017)
Preliminary Investigations, shall be assembled as may be 11.1.2 Situation 2—The preliminary examination and other
appropriate into a report which shall either be submitted to information indicate that the concrete is in two or more
those for whom the study was conducted or prepared for categories or comprises two or more portions that are or are
incorporation in a more comprehensive document covering likely to be of differing composition or quality.
other phases of an investigation of broader scope.
11.2 Under Situation 1, sampling locations should be spread
randomly or systematically over the area of interest. For large
SAMPLING CONCRETE IN CONSTRUCTIONS
structures and substantial areas of pavement,
...