ASTM C230/C230M-23

Standard Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement

ABSTRACT
This specification covers requirements for the flow table and accessory apparatus used in making flow tests for consistency or mortars in tests of hydraulic cement. The flow table shall consist of an integrally cast rigid iron frame and a circular rigid table top. Other details of the flow table, its mounting and lubrication are described in the specification. The conical mold for casting the flow specimen and the caliper for measuring the diameter of the mortar after it has been spread by the operation of the table are also discussed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements for the flow table and accessory apparatus (Note 1) used in making flow tests for consistency of mortars in tests of hydraulic cement, such as but not limited to Test Method C1437.
Note 1: To help clarify the design of the flow table and accessory apparatus see the drawing in Fig. 1 [Fig. 2]. This drawing is for informational purposes only. See Fig. 3 of the flow table and accessory apparatus as a reference for further clarification.
FIG. 1 Flow Table and Accessory Apparatus (Partial) (IP)  
FIG. 1 Flow Table and Accessory Apparatus (Partial) (IP) (continued)  
FIG. 2 Flow Table and Accessory Apparatus (Partial) [SI]  
FIG. 2 Flow Table and Accessory Apparatus (Partial) [SI] (continued)  
FIG. 2 Flow Table and Accessory Apparatus (Partial) [SI] (continued)  
FIG. 3 Flow Table Accessory Apparatus  
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 necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. It is permissible to use an inch-pound caliper and mold with a SI flow table or a SI caliper and mold with an inch-pound flow table. It is not permissible to mix a SI mold with an inch-pound caliper or an inch-pound mold with a SI caliper.  
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, health, and environmental 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: 31-Mar-2023
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C01 - Cement
• Drafting Committee: C01.22 - Workability

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C219-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C219-20a - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM C219-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM C125-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C219-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM C219-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-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 C125-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C125-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM C125-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM C125-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM C125-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM C125-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014

Overview

ASTM C230/C230M-23 is the authoritative standard specification covering the requirements for flow tables and accessory apparatus used in consistency tests of hydraulic cement mortars. This standard, published by ASTM International, specifies the design, construction, and performance verification criteria for flow tables, as well as the associated conical molds and calipers necessary for reliable and repeatable flow testing. This document is applicable in both inch-pound and SI units, and is essential for laboratories and field testing environments where the consistency and workability of hydraulic cement mortars need to be accurately assessed.

Key Topics

• Flow Table Construction: The standard details the specifications for a flow table constructed from an integrally cast iron frame and a circular rigid table top. Requirements include precise table dimensions, scribed markings, surface finish, and integral stiffening ribs to ensure stability and repeatable motion.
• Mounting and Operation: The flow table must be securely mounted on a cast iron or steel plate and anchored to a concrete pedestal for stability during testing. Provisions for levelness, proper bolting, and mounting methods are clearly outlined.
• Lubrication and Maintenance: Regular cleaning and light lubrication with suitable oil (e.g., SAE-10) of the table’s vertical shaft are specified to ensure accurate flow readings and smooth operation.
• Accessory Apparatus Specifications:
  • Conical Mold: Cast from bronze or brass, with precise dimensions, parallel top and base surfaces, and an integral collar for handling.
  • Caliper: Used to measure mortar spread, with calibrated increments for accurate and straightforward measurement.
• Verification and Performance: The standard includes provisions for periodic verification of flow table performance against reference materials to ensure ongoing accuracy.
• Safety and Compliance: Adherence to local safety, health, and environmental regulations is emphasized as user responsibility.

Applications

This standard is widely used in:

• Cement and Mortar Testing Laboratories: For ensuring workability and consistency of hydraulic cement mortars under controlled conditions.
• Quality Control in Construction: Provides reliable methods for mortar consistency assessment, critical for construction projects involving hydraulic cement-based materials.
• Product Development and Research: Enables researchers and product developers to compare material properties and optimize mix designs for improved performance.
• Compliance with Industry Test Methods: Supports standardized methods such as ASTM C1437 for the flow of hydraulic cement mortar, ensuring results are comparable and recognized globally.

Related Standards

Professionals using ASTM C230/C230M-23 may also reference:

• ASTM C1437 – Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
• ASTM C125 – Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C219 – Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements

By adhering to ASTM C230/C230M-23, laboratories and construction professionals ensure their testing apparatus meets stringent quality requirements, facilitating accurate and consistent results in hydraulic cement mortar testing. This, in turn, supports better quality control, safer construction practices, and reliable compliance with industry standards for cementitious 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: C230/C230M − 23
Standard Specification for
Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C230/C230M; 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* C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inor-
ganic Cements
1.1 This specification covers requirements for the flow table
C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
and accessory apparatus (Note 1) used in making flow tests for
consistency of mortars in tests of hydraulic cement, such as but
3. Terminology
not limited to Test Method C1437.
3.1 Definitions:
NOTE 1—To help clarify the design of the flow table and accessory
3.1.1 The terms in this specification are defined in Termi-
apparatus see the drawing in Fig. 1 [Fig. 2]. This drawing is for
nology C125 and Terminology C219.
informational purposes only. See Fig. 3 of the flow table and accessory
apparatus as a reference for further clarification.
4. Flow Table and Frame
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
4.1 The flow table apparatus shall consist of an integrally
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
cast rigid iron frame and a circular rigid table top 10 6 0.1 in.
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
[255 6 2.5 mm] in diameter, with a shaft attached perpendicu-
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
lar to the table top by means of a screw thread. The table top
used independently of the other, and values from the two
and shaft with contact shoulder shall be mounted on a frame in
systems shall not be combined. It is permissible to use an
such a manner that it can be raised and dropped vertically
inch-pound caliper and mold with a SI flow table or a SI caliper
through the specified height of 0.500 6 0.005 in. [12.7 6
and mold with an inch-pound flow table. It is not permissible
0.13 mm] for new tables and of 0.500 6 0.015 in. [12.7 6
to mix a SI mold with an inch-pound caliper or an inch-pound
0.38 mm] for tables in use, by means of a rotated cam. The
mold with a SI caliper.
table top shall have a fine machined plane surface, free of
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
blowholes and surface defects. The top shall be scribed with
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
eight equidistant lines extending from the outside circumfer-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3
ence toward the center of the table, ending 2 ⁄8 in. [60 mm]
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 1
from the center. Each line shall end with a scribed arc, ⁄4 in.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
[6 mm] long, whose center point is the center of the table top
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 3
with a radius of 2 ⁄8 in. [59.5 mm]. The scribe lines shall be
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
made with a 60° tool to a depth of 0.01 in. [0.25 mm]. The
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
table top shall be of cast brass or bronze having a Rockwell
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
hardness number not less than 25 HRB with an edge thickness
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of 0.3 in. [7.5 mm], and shall have six integral radial stiffening
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ribs. The table top and attached shaft shall weigh 9 6 0.1 lb
[4.08 6 0.05 kg] and the weight shall be symmetrical around
2. Referenced Documents
the center of the shaft.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.2 The cam and vertical shaft shall be of medium carbon
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
machinery steel, hardened on the end of the shaft contacting
gregates
the cam and the tip of the cam contacting the shaft. The shaft
shall be straight and the difference between the diameter of the
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C01 on
shaft and the diameter of the bore of the frame shall be not less
Cement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.22 on Workability.
than 0.002 in. [0.05 mm] and not more than 0.003 in.
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
[0.08 mm] for new tables and shall be maintained at 0.002 to
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as C230/C230M – 21.
DOI: 10.1520/C0230_C0230M-23.
0.010 in. [0.05 to 0.25 mm] for tables in use. The end of the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
shaft shall not fall upon the cam at the end of the drop, but shall
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
make contact with the cam not less than 120° from the point of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. drop. The face of the cam shall be a smooth spiraled curve 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
C230/C230M − 23
1 1 1
uniformly increasing radius from ⁄2 to 1 ⁄4 in. [13 to 32 mm] in ⁄2 in. [13 mm] thick and the same size as the pedestal bottom
360° and there shall be no appreciable jar as the shaft comes or four pieces of padding ⁄2 in. [13 mm] thick and approxi-
into contact with the cam. The cam shall be so located and the mately 4 in. [100 mm] square, shall be inserted under the
contact faces of the cam and shaft shall be such that the table pedestal or the four corners, respectively. The flow table shall
does not rotate more than one revolution in 25 drops. The be checked frequently for levelness of the table top, stability of
surfaces of the frame and of the table that come into contact at the pedestal, and tightness of the bolts and nuts in the table
the end of the drop shall be maintained smooth, plane, and base and the pedestal table. (A torque of 20 lb·ft [27 N·m] is
horizontal and parallel with the upper surface of the table and recommended when tightening those fastenings.)
shall make continuous contact over a full 360°.
5.3 The table top, after the frame has been mounted on the
4.3 The supporting frame of the flow table shall be inte- pedestal, shall be level along two diameters at right angles to
grally cast of fine-grained, high-grade cast iron. The frame each other, in both the raised and lowered positions.
casting shall have three integral stiffening ribs extending the
6. Flow Table Lubrication
full height of the frame and located 120° apart. The top of the
frame shall be chilled to a depth of approximately
⁄4 in.
6.1 The vertical shaft of the table shall be kept clean and
[6 mm], and the face shall be ground and lapped square with
shall
...

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: C230/C230M − 21 C230/C230M − 23
Standard Specification for
Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C230/C230M; 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 specification covers requirements for the flow table and accessory apparatus (Note 1) used in making flow tests for
consistency of mortars in tests of hydraulic cement, such as but not limited to Test Method C1437.
NOTE 1—To help clarify the design of the flow table and accessory apparatus see the drawing in Fig. 1 [Fig. 2]. This drawing is for informational purposes
only. See Fig. 3 of the flow table and accessory apparatus as a reference for further clarification.
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 necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. It is permissible to use an inch-pound caliper
and mold with a SI flow table or a SI caliper and mold with an inch-pound flow table. It is not permissible to mix a SI mold with
an inch-pound caliper or an inch-pound mold with a SI caliper.
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.
1.3 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, health, and environmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inorganic Cements
C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C01 on Cement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.22 on Workability.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021April 1, 2023. Published January 2021May 2023. Originally approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 20202021 as
C230/C230M – 20.C230/C230M – 21. DOI: 10.1520/C0230_C0230M-21. 10.1520/C0230_C0230M-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.
*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
C230/C230M − 23
3.1.1 The terms in this specification are defined in Terminology C125 and Terminology C219.
4. Flow Table and Frame
4.1 The flow table apparatus shall consist of an integrally cast rigid iron frame and a circular rigid table top 10 6 0.1 in. [255 6
2.5 mm] in diameter, with a shaft attached perpendicular to the table top by means of a screw thread. The table top and shaft with
contact shoulder shall be mounted on a frame in such a manner that it can be raised and dropped vertically through the specified
height of 0.500 6 0.005 in. [12.7 6 0.13 mm] for new tables and of 0.500 6 0.015 in. [12.7 6 0.38 mm] for tables in use, by
means of a rotated cam. The table top shall have a fine machined plane surface, free of blowholes and surface defects. The top
shall be scribed with eight equidistant lines 2 ⁄8 in. [68 mm] long, extending from the outside circumference toward the center of
3 1
the table. table, ending 2 ⁄8 in. [60 mm] from the center. Each line shall end with a scribed arc, ⁄4 in. [6 mm] long, whose center
point is the center of the table top with a radius of 2 ⁄8 in. [59.5 mm]. The scribe lines shall be made with a 60° tool to a depth
of 0.01 in. [0.25 mm]. The table top shall be of cast brass or bronze having a Rockwell hardness number not less than 25 HRB
with an edge thickness of 0.3 in. [7.5 mm], and shall have six integral radial stiffening ribs. The table top and attached shaft shall
weigh 9 6 0.1 lb [4.08 6 0.05 kg] and the weight shall be symmetrical around the center of the shaft.
4.2 The cam and vertical shaft shall be of medium carbon machinery steel, hardened on the end of the shaft contacting the cam
and the tip of the cam contacting the shaft. The shaft shall be straight and the difference between the diameter of the shaft and the
diameter of the bore of the frame shall be not less than 0.002 in. [0.05 mm] and not more than 0.003 in. [0.08 mm] for new tables
and shall be maintained at 0.002 to 0.010 in. [0.05 to 0.25 mm] for tables in use. The end of the shaft shall not fall upon the cam
at the end of the drop, but shall make contact with the cam not less than 120° from the point of drop. The face of the cam shall
1 1
be a smooth spiraled curve of uniformly increasing radius from ⁄2 to 1 ⁄4 in. [13 to 32 mm] in 360° and there shall be no appreciable
jar as the shaft comes into contact with the cam. The cam shall be so located and the contact faces of the cam and shaft shall be
such that the table does not rotate more than one revolution in 25 drops. The surfaces of the frame and of the table that come into
contact at the end of the drop shall be maintained smooth, plane, and horizontal and parallel with the upper surface of the table
and shall make continuous contact over a full 360°.
4.3 The supporting frame of the flow table shall be integrally cast of fine-grained, high-grade cast iron. The frame casting shall
have three integral stiffening ribs extending the full height of the frame and located 120° apart. The top of the frame shall be chilled
to a depth of approximately ⁄4 in. [6 mm], and the face shall be ground and lapped square with the bore to give 360° contact with
the shaft shoulder. The underside of the base of the frame shall be ground to secure a complete contact with the steel plate beneath.
4.4 The flow table shall be driven by a motor (Note 2), connected to the cam shaft through an enclosed worm gear speed reducer
and flexible coupling. The speed of the cam shaft shall be approximately 100 r/min. The motor drive mechanism shall not be
fastened or mounted on the table base plate or frame.
NOTE 2—A ⁄20-hp [40 W] motor has been found adequate.
4.5 The performance of a flow table shall be considered satisfactory if, in verification tests, the table gives a flow value that does
3,4
not differ by more than five percentage points from flow values obtained with a suitable verificati
...