ASTM D8030/D8030M-23

Standard Practice for Sample Preparation for GCCM

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is intended to create specimens of GCCM products appropriate for testing for the determination of index properties. Cured (hardened) samples are not necessarily intended to represent a field application of GCCM products, but would be representative of the correct amount of water applied to a known style of product and provide a basis for consistent and repeatable index property testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard practice specifies a set of instructions for preparing samples of geosynthetic cementitious composite mat (GCCM) for index property testing.  
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 nonconformance with the standard.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.3.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.  
1.3.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this practice are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be measured. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce the significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this practice to consider significant digits used in the analytical methods for engineering design.  
1.4 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. Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards.  
1.5 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: 31-Jan-2023
• ICS: 59.080.70 - Geotextiles
• ICS: 91.100.99 - Other construction materials
• Technical Committee: D35 - Geosynthetics
• Drafting Committee: D35.05 - Geosynthetic Erosion Control

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4439-24 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4354-12(2020) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4439-18 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4439-17 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15a - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-15 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4439-14 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4354-12 - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products(RECPs) for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4439-11 - Standard Terminology for Geosynthetics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D4354-99(2009) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM C191-08 - Standard Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM C191-07 - Standard Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM D6026-06 - Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM C191-04b - Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM D4354-99(2004) - Standard Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004

Overview

ASTM D8030/D8030M-23: Standard Practice for Sample Preparation for GCCM, developed by ASTM International, establishes standardized procedures for preparing samples of geosynthetic cementitious composite mat (GCCM) for index property testing. The practice focuses on creating consistent, representative specimens through controlled sample cutting, hydration, and curing, ensuring repeatable and reliable test results. This standard is fundamental for laboratories, manufacturers, and construction quality assurance teams working with GCCM materials in civil and geotechnical engineering applications.

Key Topics

• Sample Preparation Procedures
  The standard outlines methods for preparing GCCM samples in dry (uncured), wet (hydrated), and cured (hydrated and hardened) states. Steps include:

  • Cutting representative specimens from bulk rolls.
  • Managing the loss of cementitious material during cutting.
  • Conditioning specimens to controlled humidity and temperature before testing.

• Consistency and Repeatability
  Emphasizes preparing GCCM samples under standardized conditions for reliable index property comparison. Cured samples may not simulate field conditions exactly but enable consistent laboratory evaluation.

• Units and Significant Digits
  Specifies separate use of SI and inch-pound units to prevent errors. All observed and calculated data must conform to significant digits and rounding rules defined in ASTM D6026.

• Health and Safety Considerations
  Addresses relevant safety precautions during sample preparation, such as wearing dust masks and eye protection when handling GCCM materials, which can be dusty during cutting and handling.

Applications

Prepared samples following ASTM D8030/D8030M-23 are used for a variety of laboratory index tests on geosynthetic cementitious composite mats, helping to assess critical material properties:

• Product Quality Control: Manufacturers employ standardized prepared specimens for in-house quality control and conformance testing.
• Third-Party Testing: Laboratories use these procedures to provide consistent and comparable data for product certification and specification compliance.
• Research and Development: Researchers use the standard to ensure comparability between different GCCM products or to establish baseline material properties for new applications.
• Civil Engineering Projects: Designers and engineers rely on index properties tested according to this standard for proper product selection and to demonstrate minimum performance for erosion control, containment, or infrastructure protection.

Related Standards

ASTM D8030/D8030M-23 references and complements several other ASTM standards that underpin sample preparation and geosynthetics terminology:

• ASTM D4354: Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing.
• ASTM D4439: Terminology for Geosynthetics.
• ASTM C191: Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle.
• ASTM D6026: Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data.

Summary

ASTM D8030/D8030M-23 delivers a robust, repeatable practice for GCCM sample preparation, ensuring the reliability of laboratory index property tests. Adopting these procedures supports effective product evaluation, compliance testing, and quality control throughout the geosynthetics industry. For optimal use, always refer to the latest ASTM standards and integrate them with recognized health, safety, and environmental protocols.

Keywords: ASTM D8030, GCCM, geosynthetic cementitious composite mat, sample preparation, index property testing, geosynthetics standards, civil engineering materials.

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: D8030/D8030M − 23
Standard Practice for
Sample Preparation for GCCM
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8030/D8030M; 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 ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This standard practice specifies a set of instructions for
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
preparing samples of geosynthetic cementitious composite mat
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(GCCM) for index property testing.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
2. Referenced Documents
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
C191 Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
by Vicat Needle
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
with the standard.
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
Practice D6026.
cords in Geotechnical Data
1.3.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
3. Terminology
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
digits in the specified limits.
used in this standard, refer to Terminology D4439.
1.3.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
recorded or calculated in this practice are regarded as the
3.2.1 cured, adj—a description of the state of a GCCM after
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
hydration for a specified period of time under specified
significant digits that generally should be measured. The
conditions, followed by a period of time where the GCCM is
procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
kept under a specified environmental condition during which
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
the cementitious material continues to cure and develop
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
compressive strength.
increase or reduce the significant digits of reported data to be
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
3.2.2 curing time, n—the time subsequent to initial hydra-
of this practice to consider significant digits used in the
tion of the GCCM and immediately prior to the testing of the
analytical methods for engineering design.
material during which the cementitious material is allowed to
harden and form its final structure. The specific process for
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
curing is specified in 10.3.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.3 hydration, n—exposure of the GCCM, in this case, to
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
water in prescribed conditions for a prescribed time.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.4 index property test, n—in geosynthetics, a standard
Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 7 on
test that may be used to compare the relative material proper-
Hazards.
ties of erosion control products.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.5 initial setting time, n—the time subsequent to initial
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
hydration of the GCCM at which the cementitious material
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosyn-
thetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.05 on Geosynthetic
Erosion Control. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published March 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D8030/D8030M – 19. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D8030_D8030M-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8030/D8030M − 23
begins to cure and form an extended structure. The measure- 8. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
ment of initial setting time is prescribed, for instance, in Test
8.1 Lot Sample—For the lot sample, refer to Practice D4354
Methods C191.
for discussion of recommended practice for breaking up
3.2.6 uncured, adj—a description of the state of a GCCM
shipments of GCCM into lots for testing.
before it has been exposed to a hydration source. Typically
8.2 Laboratory Samples—Cut a full-width sample from the
describes the “as-received” dry product after conditioning in
lot sample that must be large enough to enable the required
prescribed manner.
number of coupons and test specimens to be cut from it. The
3.2.7 wet, adj—a description of the state of a GCCM after it
laboratory sample must be cut at least 300 mm [1 ft] from the
has been exposed to a hydration source for a period of time less
ends of the lot sample. It is essential that the cementitious
than the initial setting time of the cementitious material.
material is not damaged and has not fallen out of the GCCM.
In cases of dispute, take a laboratory sample that will exclude
4. Summary of Practice
material from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap
4.1 A representative sample of uncured (dry) GCCM is
around the core, of at least 900 mm [3 ft] from the interior end
either (1) cut into uncured specimens, or (2) exposed to water
of the roll (wrapped around the core) or exterior end of the
under controlled conditions and for a prescribed time, allowed
material roll, measured from the edge of the cementitious
to cure (harden), and then cut into specimens for index testing.
portion of the material.
5. Significance and Use
8.3 Test Specimens—Take specimens at random but equally
spaced from the laboratory sample. The number of test
5.1 This practice is intended to create specimens of GCCM
specimens shall be specified in each test method. Uncured test
products appropriate for testing for the determination of index
specimens must be taken a minimum of 100 mm [4 in.] from
properties. Cured (hardened) samples are not necessarily in-
the edge of the laboratory sample, measured from the edge of
tended to represent a field application of GCCM products, but
the cementitious portion of the material.
would be representative of the correct amount of water applied
to a known style of product and provide a basis for consistent
8.4 Coupons—For preparation of wetted or cured GCCM
and repeatable index property testing.
test specimen(s). The coupon is cut from the uncured labora-
tory sample and is oversized compared to the test specimen(s)
6. Apparatus
by at least 25 mm [1 in.] along the perimeter of the test
6.1 Balances—A balance with 0.01 lb readability is required
specimen(s). A coupon may include one or more specimens
(excluding the mass of the sample container).
and is often 300 mm [12 in.] square; see Fig. 1.
6.2 Sample Containers—Suitable containers which are re-
sistant to corrosion and change in mass upon repeated exposure
9. Procedure A – Uncured (Dry) Specimens
to moisture, materials of varying pH, and cleaning.
9.1 Obtain a sufficient amount of representative laboratory
6.3 Die, of known dimensions.
sample of the GCCM to satisfy 9.2.
9.1.1 All sample and specimen cutting should be carried out
6.4 Saw, such as a tile saw or wall chaser cutter with
in a clean area free of debris and preferentially with a surface
diamond-tipped blades, used for cutting cured test specimens
covering to collect any loose powder which may come from
to predetermined dimensions.
material during cutting.
6.5 Hydration Tank—A watertight container with dimen-
9.2 Preparation of Uncured Specimens:
sions sufficient to fit the forms, square support bars, and
9.2.1 Using a die, or template and knife, carefully cut the
GCCM coupons.
required number of test specimens.
6.6 Forms, typically 300 mm [12 in.] square, positioned
9.2.2 All samples and specimens shall be cut, whether using
either side of the GCCM coupons in the hydration tank. Forms
a die, saw, or knives, to the specific dimensions required for the
must be aluminum or stainless steel, at least 0.2 in. [5 mm]
test being performed.
thick, and flat.
6.7 Square Support Bars, with a square cross section of
12 mm [ ⁄2 in.]. Four bars are required per coupon (see Appen-
dix X1) and are typically 250 mm [10 in.] long for a 300 mm
[12 in.] coupon.
6.8 Miscellaneous Knives, Templates, Markers, as required
for marking and cutting samples, coupons, and specimens to
fixed dimensions. A knife with a “snap off” type blade is
recommended for cutting uncured GCCMs, which can dull
blade tips rapidly.
7. Hazards
7.1 Safety Hazards—GCCM products can be dusty. Eye
protection and a dust mask are recommended to be worn during
FIG. 1 Test Specimen Templates Marked Within the 1 in.
the procedure. Perimeter of the Coupon Template
D8030/D8030M − 23
9.2.3 The loss of cement powder from edges of the
...

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: D8030/D8030M − 19 D8030/D8030M − 23
Standard Practice for
Sample Preparation for GCCM
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8030/D8030M; 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
1.1 This standard practice specifies a set of instructions for preparing samples of geosynthetic cementitious composite mat
(GCCM) for index property testing.
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 are not necessarilymay not be exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
used independently of the other, andother. Combining values from the two systems shall not be combined.may result in
nonconformance with the standard.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.3.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall
be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.
1.3.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this practice are regarded as the industry
standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be measured. The procedures used do
not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s
objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce the significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these
considerations. It is beyond the scope of this practice to consider significant digits used in the analytical methods for engineering
design.
1.4 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. Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards.
1.5 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:
C191 Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.05 on Geosynthetic Erosion
Control.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2019Feb. 1, 2023. Published January 2019March 2023. Originally approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 20162019 as
D8030/D8030M – 16.D8030/D8030M – 19. DOI: 10.1520/D8030_D8030M-19.10.1520/D8030_D8030M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8030/D8030M − 23
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D4439.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 cured, adj—a description of the state of a GCCM after hydration for a specified period of time under specified conditions,
followed by a period of time where the GCCM is kept under a specified environmental condition during which the cementitious
matrixmaterial continues to crystallizecure and develop compressive strength.
3.2.2 curing time, n—the time subsequent to initial hydration of the GCCM and immediately prior to the testing of the material
during which the cementitious material is allowed to harden and form its final structure. The specific process for curing is specified
in 9.310.3.
3.2.3 dry, adj—a description of the state of a GCCM before it has been exposed to a hydration source. Typically describes the
“as-received” dry product after conditioning in prescribed manner.
3.2.3 hydration, n—exposure of the GCCM, in this case, to water in prescribed conditions for a prescribed time.
3.2.4 index property test, n—in geosynthetics, a standard test that may be used to compare the relative material properties of
erosion control products.
3.2.5 initial setting time, n—the time subsequent to initial hydration of the GCCM at which the cementitious gelmaterial begins
to interlockcure and form an extended structure. The measurement of initial setting time is prescribed, for instance, in Test Methods
C191.
3.2.6 uncured, adj—a description of the state of a GCCM before it has been exposed to a hydration source. Typically describes
the “as-received” dry product after conditioning in prescribed manner.
3.2.7 wet, adj—a description of the state of a GCCM after it has been exposed to a hydration source for a period of time less than
the initial setting time of the cementitious mixture.material.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 A representative sample of dry uncured (dry) GCCM is either (1) cut into dryuncured specimens, or (2) exposed to water under
controlled conditions and for a prescribed time, allowed to cure (harden), and then cut into specimens for index testing.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice is intended to create specimens of GCCM products appropriate for testing for the determination of index
properties. Cured (hardened) samples are not necessarily intended to represent a field application of GCCM products, but would
be representative of the correct amount of water applied to a known style of product and provide a basis for consistent and
repeatable index property testing.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Balances—A balance with 0.01-lb 0.01 lb readability is required (excluding the mass of the sample container).
6.2 Sample Containers—Suitable containers which are resistant to corrosion and change in mass upon repeated exposure to
moisture, materials of varying pH, and cleaning.
6.3 Die, of known dimensions.
D8030/D8030M − 23
6.4 Tile Saw, such as a tile saw or wall chaser cutter with diamond-tipped blades, used for cutting cured sample to predetermined
dimension using pattern marked on cured specimen with template and markers.test specimens to predetermined dimensions.
6.5 Hydration Tank—A watertight container with dimensions sufficient to fit the forms, square support bars, and GCCM coupons.
6.6 Forms, typically 300 mm [12 in.] square, positioned either side of the GCCM coupons in the hydration tank. Forms must be
aluminum or stainless steel, at least 0.2 in. [5 mm] thick, and flat.
6.7 Square Support Bars, with a square cross section of 12 mm [ ⁄2 in.]. Four bars are required per coupon (see Appendix X1) and
are typically 250 mm [10 in.] long for a 300 mm [12 in.] coupon.
6.8 Miscellaneous Knives, Templates, Markers, as required for marking and cutting samples, coupons, and specimens to fixed
dimensions before measurement of weight. dimensions. A knife with a “snap off” type blade is recommended for cutting uncured
GCCMs, which can dull blade tips rapidly.
7. Hazards
7.1 Safety Hazards—GCCM products can be dusty. Eye protection and a dust mask are recommended to be worn during the
procedure.
8. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
8.1 Lot Sample—For the lot sample, refer to Practice D4354 for discussion of recommended practice for breaking up shipments
of GCCM into lots for testing.
8.2 Laboratory Samples—Cut a full-width sample from the lot sample that must be large enough to enable the required number
of coupons and test specimens to be cut from it. The laboratory sample must be cut at least 300 mm [1 ft] from the ends of the
lot sample. It is essential that the cementitious material is not damaged and has not fallen out of the GCCM. In cases of dispute,
take a laboratory sample that will exclude material from the outer wrap of the roll or the inner wrap around the core, of at least
900 mm [3 ft] from the interior end of the roll (wrapped around the core) or exterior end of the material roll, measured from the
edge of the cementitious portion of the material.
8.3 Test Specimens—Take specimens at random but equally spaced from the laboratory sample. The number of test specimens
shall be specified in each test method. Uncured test specimens must be taken a minimum of 100 mm [4 in.] from the edge of the
laboratory sample, measured from the edge of the cementitious portion of the material.
8.4 Coupons—For preparation of wetted or cured GCCM test specimen(s). The coupon is cut from the uncured laboratory sample
and is oversized compared to the test specimen(s) by at least 25 mm [1 in.] along the perimeter of the test specimen(s). A coupon
may include one or more specimens and is often 300 mm [12 in.] square; see Fig. 1.
9. Procedure A – Dry (Unhydrated)Uncured (Dry) Specimens
9.1 Obtain a sufficient amount of representative laboratory sample of the GCCM to satisfy 8.29.2.
8.1.1 The laboratory sample should be in satisfactory condition and representative of the bulk of the product delivered to the
facility.
9.1.1 All sample and specimen cutting should be carried out in a clean area free of debris and preferentially with a surface covering
to collect any loose powder which may come from material during cutting.
8.1.3 The number of test specimens shall be specified in each test method. These specimens shall be cut such that they are
representative of the roll width.
9.2 Preparation of DryUncured Specimens:
D8030/D8030M − 23
FIG. X1.11 Sand Placed in Base Test Specimen Templates Marked Within the 1 in.
of TubPerimeter of the Coupon Template
FIG. X1.2 Porous Stones 300 by 300 mm [12 by 12 in.] Placed on Leveling Sand
FIG. X1.3 Coupons 300 by 300 mm [12 by 12 in.] Are Cut from Roll
FIG. X1.4 Coupons Are Placed on Top of Porous Stones
FIG. X1.5 Additional Porous Stones Are Used as Confining Pressure
FIG. X1.6 Tub is Flooded and Allowed to Cure for 24 h
FIG. X1.7 With Large, Flat Knife Cured Sample is Stripped Away from Porous Stone
FIG. X1.8 Separate Coupon from Porous Stone, GM Side Does Not Stick, GT Side Does
9.2.1 Using a die, or template and knife, carefully cut the required number of specimens randomly from the sample, but in a
manner that is distributed across the width of the sample.test specimens.
9.2.2 All samples and specimens shall be cut, whether using a die, saw, or knives, to the specific dimensions required for the test
being performed.
9.2.3 The loss of cement powder from edges of the specimen during the cutting process may have a significant impact on the
accuracy of a given test method. This can be a more significant issue for dry or wet uncured samples, as defined under this method.
The technician performing this test method should practice cutting specimens from the sample to gain confidence in preparing the
sample without significant loss of cement powder.
9.2.4 If using a die to cut the specimen, loss of powder can be minimized by leaving the die in place and removing any remaining
sample, including loose powder, from the outside of the die before moving the die. If a base material like cardstock is used with
the die when cutting the specimen, the cardstock and die can be used as a temporary container. Transfer the specimen to a sample
container with minimal loss of powder.
9.2.5 If using a template and knife to cut the specimen, mark the test specific test-specific template on the sample. After cutting
the specimen, place the cut specimen into the sample container. Collect any loose powder from the cutting area. Place half of the
loose powder into the sample container and discard the remaining half.
9.2.6 The specimen in the sample container, as prepared above, is now conditioned by bringing the specimens to moisture
equilibrium in an atmosphere of 21 6 2 °C and 65 6 5 % relative humidity. Equilibrium is considered to have been reached when
the change in mass of the test specimen in successive weighing, made at intervals of not less than 2 h, does not exceed 0.1 % of
the previous mass of the test specimen. After conditioning, the specimens are ready for testing.
10. Procedure B – Wet
...