ASTM C172/C172M-17

Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice is intended to provide standard requirements and procedures for sampling freshly mixed concrete from different containers used in the production or transportation of concrete. The detailed requirements as to materials, mixtures, air content, temperature, number of specimens, slump, interpretation of results, and precision and bias are in specific test methods.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for obtaining representative samples of fresh concrete as delivered to the project site on which tests are to be performed to determine compliance with quality requirements of the specifications under which the concrete is furnished (Note 1). The practice includes sampling from stationary, paving and truck mixers, and from agitating and nonagitating equipment used to transport central-mixed concrete and from continuous mixing equipment as described in Specification C685/C685M.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
Note 1: Composite samples are required by this practice, unless specifically excepted by procedures governing the tests to be performed such as tests to determine uniformity of consistency and mixer efficiency. Procedures used to select the specific test batches are not described in this practice, but it is recommended that random sampling be used to determine overall specification compliance.  
1.3 This practice also covers the procedures to be used for preparing a sample of concrete for further testing where it is desirable or necessary to remove the aggregate larger than a designated size. This removal of larger aggregate particles is preferably accomplished by wet-sieving.  
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material and shall not be considered as requirements of the practice.  
1.5 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. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.2)  
1.6 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-Sep-2017
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.60 - Testing Fresh Concrete

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C685/C685M-14 - Standard Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM C685/C685M-11 - Standard Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM C685/C685M-10 - Standard Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM C685/C685M-07 - Standard Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM E11-04 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM C685/C685M-00a - Standard Specification for Concrete Made By Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Refers: ASTM C685/C685M-01 - Standard Specification for Concrete Made By Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Refers: ASTM E11-95 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM E11-01 - Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001

Overview

ASTM C172/C172M-17: Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete sets forth the standard procedures for obtaining representative samples of fresh concrete as delivered to the project site. This standard is essential for ensuring that concrete meets the required quality and performance specifications. Its guidelines apply to sampling from a variety of concrete mixers and transportation equipment, including stationary mixers, paving mixers, truck mixers, and both agitating and non-agitating equipment. ASTM C172/C172M-17 also outlines procedures for wet-sieving, which is necessary when reducing aggregate size for certain tests.

Key Topics

• Representative Sampling
  The standard describes how to obtain accurate, representative samples of freshly mixed concrete from different types of mixers and delivery methods. Composite samples from the middle portion of a batch are required to ensure that test results accurately reflect the concrete’s properties.

• Sampling Methods

  • Sampling from stationary, paving, and truck mixers
  • Procedures for continuous mixers and agitating or non-agitating transport equipment
  • Wet-sieving to prepare samples free from oversized aggregate, supporting specific testing needs

• Sample Handling and Timing

  • Maximum 15 minutes for collecting composite samples
  • Test for slump, temperature, and air content within 5 minutes after last sample portion is taken
  • Mold specimens for compressive or flexural strength within 15 minutes of sample preparation

• Units of Measurement
  The standard recognizes both SI and inch-pound units, but requires each system to be used independently to avoid inconsistencies in sampling and reporting.

• Health and Safety
  Reminds users of necessary precautions-fresh concrete is caustic and suitable safety, health, and environmental practices must be implemented during sampling.

Applications

ASTM C172/C172M-17 is widely utilized in several concrete industry sectors to support quality control and compliance. Its main applications include:

• Construction Quality Control
  Ensuring that the properties of concrete at the point of delivery meet project and regulatory specifications.

• Testing and Inspection
  Guiding contractors, quality assurance teams, and testing agencies in preparing samples for laboratory or field testing of air content, slump, temperature, compressive strength, and other properties.

• Acceptance and Compliance
  Supplies the basis for determining whether delivered concrete is within specification, reducing the risk of structural defects and costly remediation work.

• Project Documentation
  Supports accurate records for project compliance audits and forensics in the event of structural failure or disputes.

Related Standards

Understanding and using ASTM C172/C172M-17 is often done in conjunction with other industry standards, including:

• ASTM C685/C685M - Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
• ASTM E11 - Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves (used for wet-sieving procedures)
• Test methods for air content, slump, temperature measurement, and strength testing as referenced within individual project specifications

By adhering to ASTM C172/C172M-17, project stakeholders can be confident that concrete quality is validated from the point of delivery, fostering compliance, safety, and structural integrity across diverse building and infrastructure projects.

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: C172/C172M − 17
Standard Practice for
Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C172/C172M; 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* and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon
prolonged exposure. )
1.1 This practice covers procedures for obtaining represen-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
tative samples of fresh concrete as delivered to the project site
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
on which tests are to be performed to determine compliance
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
with quality requirements of the specifications under which the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
concrete is furnished (Note 1). The practice includes sampling
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
from stationary, paving and truck mixers, and from agitating
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and nonagitating equipment used to transport central-mixed
concrete and from continuous mixing equipment as described
2. Referenced Documents
in Specification C685/C685M.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
C685/C685M Specification for Concrete Made by Volumet-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
ric Batching and Continuous Mixing
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
Sieves
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
3. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—Composite samples are required by this practice, unless
3.1 This practice is intended to provide standard require-
specifically excepted by procedures governing the tests to be performed
ments and procedures for sampling freshly mixed concrete
such as tests to determine uniformity of consistency and mixer efficiency.
from different containers used in the production or transporta-
Procedures used to select the specific test batches are not described in this
tion of concrete. The detailed requirements as to materials,
practice, but it is recommended that random sampling be used to
determine overall specification compliance.
mixtures, air content, temperature, number of specimens,
slump, interpretation of results, and precision and bias are in
1.3 This practice also covers the procedures to be used for
specific test methods.
preparing a sample of concrete for further testing where it is
desirable or necessary to remove the aggregate larger than a
4. Sampling
designated size. This removal of larger aggregate particles is
preferably accomplished by wet-sieving.
4.1 The elapsed time shall not exceed 15 min. between
obtaining the first and final portions of the composite sample.
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
4.1.1 Transport the individual samples to the place where
whichprovideexplanatorymaterialandshallnotbeconsidered
fresh concrete tests are to be performed or where test speci-
as requirements of the practice.
mens are to be molded. They shall be combined and remixed
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
with a shovel the minimum amount necessary to ensure
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
uniformity and compliance with the maximum time limits
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
specified in 4.1.2.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1.2 Start tests for slump, temperature, and air content
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
within 5 min after obtaining the final portion of the composite
(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic
sample. Complete these tests expeditiously. Start molding
1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing,
andConcreteAggregatesandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeC09.60on Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
Testing Fresh Concrete. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published October 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C172/C172M–14a. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C0172_C0172M-17. 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
C172/C172M − 17
specimens for strength tests within 15 min after fabricating the into one composite sample for test purposes. In any case do not
composite sample. Expeditiously obtain and use the sample obtain samples until after all of the water and any admixtures
andprotectthesamplefromthesun,wind,andothersourcesof have been added to the mixer; also do not obtain samples from
rapid evaporation, and from contamination. the very first or last portions of the batch discharge (Note 3).
Sample by repeatedly passing a receptacle through the entire
5. Procedure
discharge stream or by completely diverting the discharge into
a sample container. Regulate the rate of discharge of the batch
5.1 Size of Sample—Make the samples to be used for
by the rate of revolution of the drum and not by the size of the
strength tests a minimum of 28 L [1 ft ]. Smaller samples are
gate opening.
not prohibited for routine air content, temperature, and slump
5.2.4 Sampling from Continuous Mixers—Sample the con-
tests.Thesizeofthesamplesshallbedictatedbythemaximum
crete after the discharge of at least 140 L [5 ft ] of concrete,
aggregate size.
following all mixture proportioning adjustments. Sample the
5.2 Theproceduresusedinsamplingshallincludetheuseof
concrete at the frequency specified by collecting two or more
every precaution that will assist in obtaining samples that are
portions taken at regularly spaced intervals during discharge of
truly representative of the nature and condition of concrete
the concrete. Take the portions so obtained within the time
sampled as follows:
limit specified in Section 4, and combine them into one
NOTE 2—Sampling should normally be performed as the concrete is composite sample for test purposes. Do not obtain samples
delivered from the mixer to the conveying vehicle used to transport the
from the very first or last portions of a mixer’s continuous
concrete to the forms; however, specifications may require other points of
discharge (Note 3). Sample by repeatedly passing a receptacle
sampling, such as the discharge of a concrete pump.
through the entire discharge stream or by completely diverting
5.2.1 Sampling from Stationary Mi
...

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: C172/C172M − 14a C172/C172M − 17
Standard Practice for
Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C172/C172M; 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 practice covers procedures for obtaining representative samples of fresh concrete as delivered to the project site on
which tests are to be performed to determine compliance with quality requirements of the specifications under which the concrete
is furnished (Note 1). The practice includes sampling from stationary, paving and truck mixers, and from agitating and nonagitating
equipment used to transport central-mixed concrete and from continuous mixing equipment as described in Specification
C685/C685M.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
NOTE 1—Composite samples are required by this practice, unless specifically excepted by procedures governing the tests to be performed such as tests
to determine uniformity of consistency and mixer efficiency. Procedures used to select the specific test batches are not described in this practice, but it
is recommended that random sampling be used to determine overall specification compliance.
1.3 This practice also covers the procedures to be used for preparing a sample of concrete for further testing where it is desirable
or necessary to remove the aggregate larger than a designated size. This removal of larger aggregate particles is preferably
accomplished by wet-sieving.
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material and shall not be considered as
requirements of the practice.
1.5 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause
chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure. )
1.6 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:
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
C685/C685M Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This practice is intended to provide standard requirements and procedures for sampling freshly mixed concrete from
different containers used in the production or transportation of concrete. The detailed requirements as to materials, mixtures, air
content, temperature, number of specimens, slump, interpretation of results, and precision and bias are in specific test methods.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.60 on Testing
Fresh Concrete.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2014Oct. 1, 2017. Published November 2014October 2017. Originally approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as
C172C172/C172M–14.–14a. DOI: 10.1520/C0172_C0172M-14A.10.1520/C0172_C0172M-17.
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
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
C172/C172M − 17
4. Sampling
4.1 The elapsed time shall not exceed 15 min. between obtaining the first and final portions of the composite sample.
4.1.1 Transport the individual samples to the place where fresh concrete tests are to be performed or where test specimens are
to be molded. They shall be combined and remixed with a shovel the minimum amount necessary to ensure uniformity and
compliance with the maximum time limits specified in 4.1.2.
4.1.2 Start tests for slump, temperature, and air content within 5 min after obtaining the final portion of the composite sample.
Complete these tests expeditiously. Start molding specimens for strength tests within 15 min after fabricating the composite
sample. Expeditiously obtain and use the sample and protect the sample from the sun, wind, and other sources of rapid evaporation,
and from contamination.
5. Procedure
5.1 Size of Sample—Make the samples to be used for strength tests a minimum of 28 L [1 ft ]. Smaller samples are not
prohibited for routine air content, temperature, and slump tests. The size of the samples shall be dictated by the maximum
aggregate size.
5.2 The procedures used in sampling shall include the use of every precaution that will assist in obtaining samples that are truly
representative of the nature and condition of concrete sampled as follows:
NOTE 2—Sampling should normally be performed as the concrete is delivered from the mixer to the conveying vehicle used to transport the concrete
to the forms; however, specifications may require other points of sampling, such as the discharge of a concrete pump.
5.2.1 Sampling from Stationary Mixers, Except Paving Mixers—Sample the concrete by collecting two or more portions taken
at regularly spaced intervals during discharge of the middle portion of the batch. Obtain these portions within the time limit
specified in Section 4. Combine into one composite sample for testing purposes. Do not obtain portions of the composite sample
from the very first or last part of the batch discharge (Note 3). Perform sampling by passing a receptacle completely through the
discharge stream, or by completely diverting the discharge into a sample container. If discharge of the concrete is too rapid to divert
the complete discharge stream, discharge the concrete into a container or transportation unit sufficiently large to accommodate the
entire batch and then accomplish the sampling in the same manner as given above. Take care not to restrict the flow of concrete
from the mixer, container, or transportation unit so as to cause segregation. These requirements apply to both tilting and nontilting
mixers.
NOTE 3—No samples should be taken before 10 % or after 90 % of the batch has been discharged. Due to the difficulty of determining the actual
quantity of concrete discharged, the intent is to provide samples that are representative of widely separated portions, but not the beginning and the end
of th
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