ASTM C1170-91(1998)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Determining Consistency and Density of Roller-Compacted Concrete Using a Vibrating Table
Standard Test Methods for Determining Consistency and Density of Roller-Compacted Concrete Using a Vibrating Table
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are used to determine the consistency of concrete by the Vebe consistometer apparatus and the density of the consolidated concrete specimen. These test methods are applicable to freshly mixed concrete, prepared in both the laboratory and the field, having a nominal maximum size aggregate of 50 mm (2 in.) or less. If the nominal maximum size of aggregate is larger than 50 mm (2 in.), the methods are applicable only when performed on the fraction passing the 50-mm (2-in.) sieve with the larger aggregate being removed in accordance with Practice C172.
1.2 These test methods, intended for use in testing roller-compacted concrete, may be applicable to testing other types of concrete such as cement-treated aggregate and mixtures similar to soil-cement.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information purposes only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.
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e1
Designation:C 1170–91 (Reapproved 1998)
Standard Test Methods for
Determining Consistency and Density of Roller-Compacted
Concrete Using a Vibrating Table
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 1170; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Section reference in paragraph 9.2.9 was editorially updated in December 1998.
1. Scope E 11 Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing
Purposes
1.1 These test methods are used to determine the consis-
2.2 ACI Reports and Standards:
tency of concrete by theVebe consistometer apparatus and the
207.5R-88 Report on Roller-Compacted Concrete
density of the consolidated concrete specimen. These test
211.3-75 (R 1988) Standard Practice for Selecting Propor-
methods are applicable to freshly mixed concrete, prepared in
tions for No-Slump Concrete
both the laboratory and the field, having a nominal maximum
2.3 Bureau of Reclamation Test Procedure:
size aggregate of 50 mm (2 in.) or less. If the nominal
USBR4905-86 ConsistencyandDensityofNo-SlumpCon-
maximum size of aggregate is larger than 50 mm (2 in.), the
crete by Vibrating Table
methods are applicable only when performed on the fraction
2.4 British Standard:
passing the 50-mm (2-in.) sieve with the larger aggregate being
BS 1881: Part 104: 1983 Method for Determination ofVebe
removed in accordance with Practice C 172.
Time
1.2 These test methods, intended for use in testing roller-
compactedconcrete,maybeapplicabletotestingothertypesof
3. Summary of Test Method
concretesuchascement-treatedaggregateandmixturessimilar
3.1 The Vebe vibrating table is used to measure the consis-
to soil-cement.
tency of stiff to extremely dry concrete mixtures (Note 1).
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Consistency is measured as the time required for a given mass
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
of concrete to be consolidated by vibrating in a cylindrically
information purposes only.
shaped mold. Density of the compacted specimen is measured
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
by determining the mass of the consolidated specimen and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
dividing by its volume, which is determined using water-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
displacement methods.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—Further description of concrete of this consistency is given in
ACI 207.5R-88 and ACI 211.3-75 (R 1988).
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 Two procedures are provided:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1 Test Method A [using a 50-lb (22.7-kg) surcharge
C 29/C 29M Test Method for Unit Weight and Voids in
mass placed on top of the test specimen]—Test MethodAshall
Aggregate
be used for testing concrete of very stiff to extremely dry
C 172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
consistency in accordance with ACI 211.3-75 (R 1988).
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-9 on
Concrete and ConcreteAggregatesand are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
C09.45on Roller-Compacted Concrete. ACI Manual of Concrete Practice, Part 1, Materials and General Properties of
Current edition approved May 8, 1991. Published July 1991. Concrete, American Concrete Institute, P.O. Box 19150, Detroit, MI 48219, 1988.
2 7
The Vebe vibrating table, including cylindrical mold and guide sleeves, is “Guidelines for Designing and Constructing Roller-Compacted Concrete
manufactured by SoilTest, 86 Albrecht Drive, P.O. Box 8004, Lake Bluff, IL Dams,” ACER Technical Memorandum No. 8, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO,
60044-9902. Appendix A, 1987.
3 8
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Testing Concrete, British Standards Institute, 2 Park Street, London, England
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03. W1A 2BS.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C 1170
3.2.2 Test Method B (no surcharge)—Test Method B shall
be used for concrete of stiff to very stiff consistency or when
the Vebe time by Test Method A is less than 5 s.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 These test methods are intended to be used for deter-
mining the consistency and density of stiff to extremely dry
concrete mixtures common when using roller-compacted con-
crete construction.
4.1.1 Because of the stiff to extremely dry consistency of
some roller-compacted concrete mixtures, the standard Vebe
test method of rodding the specimen in a slump cone is
substituted by Test Methods A and B. For Test Method A, the
surcharge mass is increased from 6 lb (2.72 kg) to 50 lb (22.7
kg); and for Test Method B, the surcharge mass is eliminated.
4.2 Test Method A uses a 50-lb (22.7-kg) surcharge and is
used for concrete consolidated by roller-compaction methods.
The consistency and density of concrete suitable for consoli-
dation by vibrating rollers can be determined using Test
Method A.
4.3 Test Method B does not use a surcharge and can be used
to determine the consistency and density of some concrete
mixtures consolidated by conventional vibration techniques
and some concrete mixtures consolidated by vibrating rollers.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Vebe Vibrating Table—A vibrating table with a ⁄4-in.
FIG. 1 Vibrating Table—Consistency Test (Test Method A)
(19-mm) thick steel deck with dimensions of approximately 15
in. (381 mm) in length, 10 ⁄4 in. (260 mm) in width, and 12 in.
50-lb (22.7-kg) cylindrical mass in a position perpendicular to
(305 mm) in height. The vibrating table shall be constructed in
thevibratingsurfaceandallowingtheshafttoslidefreelywhen
such a manner as to prevent flexing of the table during
the clamp is released. The inside diameter of the guide sleeve
operation. The table deck shall be activated by an electrome-
1 1
shall be ⁄8 by ⁄16 in. (3.2 6 1.6 mm) larger than the diameter
chanical vibrator. The total mass of the vibrator and table shall
of the metal shaft of the surcharge. The swivel arm must be
be approximately 210 lb (95 kg). The table shall be level and
capable of maintaining the guide sleeve in a locked position
clamped to a concrete floor or base slab that has sufficient mass
directlyoverthecenterofthevibratingsurface.Theswivelarm
topreventdisplacementoftheapparatusduringperformanceof
shall be capable of being rotated away from the center of the
the test (Note 2).
table (Note 3).
NOTE 2—Therecommendedvibratingtableforthesetestmethodsisthe
NOTE 3—TheVebe vibrating table comes equipped with the swivel arm
Vebe vibrating table. Testing to date has been performed using this
and guide sleeve.
apparatus. An alternative vibrating table may be substituted for the Vebe
apparatus (Fig. 1) provided it meets the specifications for the sinusoidal 5.4 Surcharge—A cylindrical steel mass with a circular
vibration given in 7.1 and is in accordance with the alternative testing
plastic plate attached to its base and a metal shaft at least 18 in.
requirements of Sections 9 and 11.
5 1
(457 mm) in length and ⁄8 6 ⁄16 in. (16 6 2 mm) in diameter
5.2 Cylindrical Mold—The cylindrical mold shall be made attached perpendicularly to the plate and embedded in the
center of the mass. The shaft shall slide through the guide
of steel or other hard metal resistant to cement paste corrosion
1 1
and shall have an inside diameter of 9 ⁄2 6 ⁄16 in. (241 6 2 sleeve without binding. The plastic plate shall be approxi-
3 1 1
mm), a height of 7 ⁄4 6 ⁄16 in. (197 6 2 mm), and a wall mately ⁄2 in. (13 mm) in thickness and shall have a diameter of
1 1 1
thickness of ⁄4 6 ⁄16 in. (6 6 2 mm). The volume of the mold 9 6 ⁄8 in. (229 6 3 mm). The surcharge assembly shall have a
shall be determined to the nearest 0.001 ft (0.028 L) in mass of 50 6 1 lb (22.7 6 0.5 kg) including the mass of the
accordance with Test Method C 29/C 29M. The mold shall be plastic plate and the metal shaft.
equipped with permanently affixed slotted metal brackets so it 5.5 Balance or Scale—Balance or scale of sufficient capac-
canberigidlyclampedtothevibratingtable.Thetoprimofthe ity to determine the total mass of the sample and the mold.The
mold shall be smooth, plane, and parallel to the bottom of the balance or scale shall be readable to the nearest 0.05 % of the
mold and shall be capable of providing an air and watertight concrete specimen mass.
seal when the glass or plastic plate is placed on the top rim. 5.6 Flat Plate—A plain, flat piece of plate glass or clear
5.3 Swivel Arm and Guide Sleeve—A metal guide sleeve plastic, at least ⁄2 in. (13 mm) thick and at least 1 in. (25 mm)
with a clamp assembly or other suitable holding device larger than the diameter of the cylindrical mold.
mounted on a swivel arm. The swivel arm and guide sleeve 5.7 Sieve—A 50-mm (2-in.) sieve conforming to Specifica-
must be capable of holding the metal shaft with the attached tion E 11.
C 1170
5.8 TimingDevice—Astopwatch, capable of recording time 9.1.1 Using square-ended shovels and scoops, obtain a
intervals of at least 2 min to the nearest 1 s. representative sample with a minimum mass of 50 lb (22.7 kg)
5.9 Thermometer—ASTM No. 1F or 1C thermometer con- in accordance with Practice C 172. Handle concrete in such a
forming to the requirements of Specification E 1. manner that coarse aggregate does not separate from the
5.10 Small Tools—Square-ended shovel and hand scoops,
mortar.
wrench, tamping rod, and flashlight as required.
9.1.2 Dampen the interior of the mold and fill with
29.5 6 1.5 lb (13.4 6 0.7 kg) of concrete. Using a square-
6. Sampling
edged scoop and tamping rod, place and distribute the concrete
6.1 Specimens of fresh concrete shall be obtained in accor-
evenly to minimize segregation and rock pockets. Level the
dance with Practice C 172.
surface of the loose concrete.
6.2 Concrete samples have a nominal maximum size of
9.1.3 Secure the mold on the Vebe table by hand tightening
aggregateof50mm(2in.)orless.Iftheconcretehasaggregate
the wing nuts. Slide the shaft of the surcharge mass through the
larger than 2 in., samples shall be obtained by wet sieving over
guide sleeve, and rotate the surcharge to its locked position
a 50-mm (2-in.) sieve in accordance with Practice C 172.
centered over the mold, ensuring that it will fit inside the mold
6.3 Testing of concrete samples shall be completed within
when released. The surcharge may be lowered into the mold
45 min after the completion of mixing unless otherwise
during this procedure to adjust the position of the mold but it
stipulated.
shall not be placed on the specimen. Secure the wing nuts of
the Vebe table with a wrench to prevent loosening during the
7. Calibration and Standardization
test. Gently lower the surcharge onto the surface of the
7.1 The Vibrating Table, shall produce a sinusoidal vibra-
specimen.
tory motion with a frequency of at least 3600 6 100 vibrations
9.1.4 If the surcharge cannot be centered in the mold
per min (60 6 1.67 Hz) and a double amplitude of vibration of
without binding on the inside wall of the mold, place the
0.0170 6 0.0030 in. (0.43 6 0.08 mm) when a 60.0 6 2.5-lb
surcharge directly onto the specimen in the mold without the
(27.2 6 1.1-kg) surcharge is bolted to the center of the table.
9 use of the guide sleeve, and manually hold the surcharge shaft
7.1.1 Determine the frequency and double amplitude of the
perpendicular to the top of the table. The surcharge shaft must
vibrating table under simulated test conditions prior to initial
beheldmanuallythroughouttheremainderoftheVebetest.Do
use and annually thereafter.Avibrating reed tachometer should
not apply additional hand pressure to the surcharge when
be used to check the frequency of vibration.
manually holding the surcharge.
7.2 Cylindrical Mold—Determine the volume of the cylin-
9.1.5 Start the vibrator and timer. Using the flashlight,
dricalmoldtothenearest0.001ft (0.028L)inaccordancewith
observe the concrete in the annular space between the edge of
Test Method C 29/C 29M. Verify the volume of the mold
the surcharge and the inside wall of the mold. As the test
monthly during times of regular use and annually when used
progresses, mortar will fill in the annular space between the
infrequently. If used in density computations (that is, when a
outer edge of the surcharge and the inside mold wall. Observe
balance with tare is unavailable), determine the mass of the
the mortar until it forms a ring around the total perimeter of the
cylindrical mold to the nearest 0.01 lb (5 g). For balances with
surcharge. When the mortar ring forms completely around the
tare capability, tare the balance with the mold and flat plate.
surcharge, stop the vibrator and timer; determine the elapsed
7.3 Determine the mass of the flat plate to the nearest 0.01
time to the nearest minute and second. Record this time as the
lb (5 g).
Vebe consistency time, Test MethodA. If the wing nuts loosen
7.4 In addition to the calibration frequency given in 7.1.1,
during the test, repeat the test with a fresh sample of concrete.
calibrate the vibrating table after any event (including repairs)
Iftheringofmortardoesnotformafter2minofvibration,stop
that might affect its operation, or whenever test results are
the vibrator and timer; record this condition on the report.
questionable.
9.1.6 If the following conditions exist after two min have
8. Technical Precautions
elapsed, document them in the report, record the elapsed time,
8.1 When obtaining samples, ensure that the samples are
and retest if necessary:
representative of the material being sampled.
9.1.6.1 A rock pocket in the loose specimen prevents the
8.2 Concrete with stiff to very dry consistency is highly
mortarringfromformingatonesmalllocationeven though the
susceptible to segregation during handling. To minimize seg-
mortar ring forms in all other locations, or
regation,usecareinobtainingsamplesandduringtransporting,
9.1.6.2 The elapsed time in which the majority of the mortar
remixing, and testing of the concrete.
ring formed is similar to previous readings with the same
mixture proportions.
TEST METHOD A—VEBE TIME
9.1.7 Determine the density of the specimen in accordance
9. Procedure
with Section 9.2.
9.1 Vebe Consistency Time (With a Surcharge):
9.2 Vebe Density of Freshly Consolidated Concrete:
9.2.1 Following determination of the
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