ASTM C403/C403M-99
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the time of setting of concrete, with slump greater than zero, by means of penetration resistance measurements on mortar sieved from the concrete mixture.
1.2 This test method is suitable for use only when tests of the mortar fraction will provide the information required.
1.3 This test method may also be applied to prepared mortars and grouts.
1.4 This test method is applicable under controlled laboratory conditions, as well as under field conditions.
1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units shall be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.
1.6 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.
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Designation:C403/C403M–99
Standard Test Method for
Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration
Resistance
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationC403/C403M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope Concrete by the Pressure Method
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationofthetimeof
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
setting of concrete, with slump greater than zero, by means of
D1558 Test Method for Moisture Content Penetration Re-
penetrationresistancemeasurementsonmortarsievedfromthe
sistance Relationships of Fine Grained Soils
concrete mixture.
E1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
1.2 This test method is suitable for use only when tests of
E11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
the mortar fraction will provide the information required.
poses
1.3 This test method may also be applied to prepared
mortars and grouts.
3. Terminology
1.4 This test method is applicable under controlled labora-
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are given in Terminology
tory conditions, as well as under field conditions.
C125.
1.5 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
shall be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
4. Summary of Test Method
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
4.1 Amortar sample is obtained by sieving a representative
system must be used independently of the other, without
sample of fresh concrete. The mortar is placed in a container
combining values in any way.
and stored at a specified ambient temperature. At regular time
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
intervals, the resistance of the mortar to penetration by stan-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
dardneedlesismeasured.Fromaplotofpenetrationresistance
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
versus elapsed time, the times of initial and final setting are
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
determined.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 Since the setting of concrete is a gradual process, any
2.1 ASTM Standards:
definition of time of setting must necessarily be arbitrary. In
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete
this test method, the times required for the mortar to reach
Aggregates
specified values of resistance to penetration are used to define
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic Ce-
times of setting.
ment Concrete
2 5.2 This test method can be used to determine the effects of
C172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
variables, such as water content; brand, type and amount of
C173 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
2 cementitious material; or admixtures, upon the time of setting
Concrete by the Volumetric Method
of concrete. This test method may also be used to determine
C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete
2 compliance with specified time-of-setting requirements.
Test Specimens in the Laboratory
5.3 This test method may also be applied to prepared
C231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
mortarsandgrouts.However,whenthesettingtimeofconcrete
is desired, the test shall be performed on mortar sieved from
the concrete mixture and not on a prepared mortar intended to
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC-9onConcrete
andConcreteAggregatesandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeC09.23on
Chemical Admixtures.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1999. Published September 1999. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
published as C403–57 T. Last previous edition C403/C403M–97. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
2 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C403/C403M–99
simulate the mortar fraction of the concrete; it has been shown one day, mix the entire series of batches in as few days as
that the initial and final setting times may be increased when possible, and repeat one of the mixtures each day as a standard
using the prepared mortar. for comparison.
7.2.2 For other tests, prepare three test specimens from one
batch of concrete for each test variable.
6. Apparatus
7.3 Record the time at which initial contact was made
6.1 Containers for Mortar Specimens—Thecontainersshall
between cement and mixing water.
be rigid, watertight, nonabsorptive, free of oil or grease, and
7.4 For tests under field conditions, obtain a representative
either cylindrical or rectangular in cross section. Mortar
sampleofthefreshconcreteinaccordancewithPracticeC172.
surface area shall be provided for ten undisturbed readings of
For tests under laboratory conditions, make the concrete in
penetration resistance in accordance with clear distance re-
accordance with Practice C192. Determine and record the
quirements specified in Procedure. The lateral dimension shall
slump (Test Method C143) and air content (Test Method
be at least 6 in. [150 mm] and the height at least 6 in. [150
C173 or C231) of the fresh concrete.
mm].
7.5 From the concrete not used in the slump and air content
6.2 Penetration Needles—Needles shall be provided which
tests, select a representative portion of sufficient volume to
can be attached to the loading apparatus and which have the
provide enough mortar to fill the test container, or containers,
1 1 1 1 1
following bearing areas: 1, ⁄2 , ⁄4 , ⁄10 , ⁄20 , and ⁄40 in. [645,
to a depth of at least 5 ⁄2 in. [140 mm].
323, 161, 65, 32, and 16 mm ]. Each needle shank shall be
7.6 Using the procedure in Practice C172, obtain a mortar
scribed circumferentially at a distance 1 in. [25 mm] from the
sample by wet-sieving the selected portion of concrete through
2 2
bearingarea.Thelengthofthe ⁄40in. [16-mm ]needleshallbe
a 4.75-mm sieve and onto a nonabsorptive surface.
not more than 3 ⁄2 in. [90 mm].
7.7 Thoroughly remix the mortar by hand methods on the
6.3 Loading Apparatus—A device shall be provided to
nonabsorptive surface. Measure and record the temperature of
measure the force required to cause penetration of the needles.
the mortar. Place the mortar in the container, or containers,
The device shall be capable of measuring the penetration force
using a single layer. Consolidate the mortar to eliminate air
with an accuracy of 62 lbf [10 N] and shall have a capacity of
pockets in the specimen and level the top surface.This may be
at least 130 lbf [600 N].
accomplished by rocking the container back and forth on a
NOTE 1—Suitable loading apparatus can be of the spring-reaction type solid surface, by tapping the sides of the container with the
as described in Test Method D1558, or of other types with a calibrated
tampingrod,byroddingthemortar,orbyplacingthecontainer
force measuring device, such as an electronic load cell or a hydraulic
on a vibrating table (see Note 2). If rodding is used, rod the
pressure gage.
mortar with the hemispherical end of the tamping rod. Rod the
2 2
mortaronceforeach1in. [645mm ]oftopsurfaceareaofthe
6.4 Tamping Rod—The tamping rod shall be a round,
specimen and distribute the strokes uniformly over the cross
straight, steel rod ⁄8 in. [16 mm] in diameter and approxi-
section of the specimen. After completion of the rodding, tap
mately 24 in. [600 mm] in length, having the tamping end or
thesidesofthecontainerslightlywiththetampingrodtoclose
both ends rounded to a hemispherical tip, the diameter of
voidsleftbythetampingrodandtofurtherlevelthesurfaceof
which is ⁄8 in. [16 mm].
the specimen. Upon completion of specimen preparation, the
6.5 Pipet—Apipetorothersuitableinstrumentshallbeused
mortar surface shall be at least ⁄2 in. [10 mm] below the top
for drawing off bleed water from the surface of the test
edge of the container to provide space for the collection and
specimen.
removal of bleed water and to avoid contact between the
6.6 Thermometer—The thermometer shall be capable of
mortar surface and the protective covering specified in Section
measuring the temperature of the fresh mortar to 61°F
8.
[60.5°C]. ASTM liquid-in-glass thermometers having a tem-
perature range from 0 to 120°F [−20 to 50°C], and conforming
NOTE 2—Sievedmortarisgenerallyoffluidconsistencyandairpockets
totherequirementsofThermometer97F(or97C)asprescribed are readily removed by the listed consolidation methods. The user should
exercise judgment in the selection of the consolidation method. Rocking
inSpecificationE1aresatisfactory.Otherthermometersofthe
the container or tapping of the sides should be sufficient for fluid mortars.
required accuracy, including the metal immersion type, are
Rodding or using a vibrating table may be desirable for stiffer mortars.
acceptable.
Whenusingavibratingtable,uselow-amplitudevibrationsothatportions
of the sample are not ejected from the container.
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
8. Conditioning
7.1 Fortestsunderfieldconditions,preparethreespecimens
8.1 For tests under laboratory conditions, the storage tem-
from each sample of concrete.
peratureforspecimensshallbewithintherange68to77°F[20
7.2 For tests under laboratory conditions, the requirements
to 25°C], or as specified by the user.
depend upon the purpose of the tests.
8.2 For tests under field conditions, store the specimens
7.2.1 For testing to prove compliance of a material with
underambientconditions,orasspecifiedbytheuser.Shieldthe
performance requirements, make at least three separate con-
specimens from direct sunlight.
crete batches for each variable under investigation. Perform
one time of setting test on each batch. Make an equal number
of batches for each variable on any one day. When it is
impossible to perform at least one test for each variable on any Detailed requirements for this sieve are given in SpecificationE11.
C403/C403M–99
developmentofpenetrationresistanceandincludespointsbeforeandafter
8.3 Measure and record the ambient air temperature at the
thetimesofinitialandfinalsettingtoimprovetheaccuracyoftherequired
start and finish of the test.To prevent excessive evaporation of
interpolation. For normal setting mixtures, test points are usually at
moisture, keep the specimens covered with a suitable material
equally spaced time intervals. Premature penetration testing will result in
such as damp burlap or a tight-fitting, water-impermeable
too many data points earlier than the initial setting time. This may
cover for the duration of the test, except when bleed water is
decrease the accuracy of the estimated setting time by biasing the best fit
being removed or penetration tests are being made.
line when regression analysis is used to analyze the penetration resistance
data.
9. Procedure
9.5 Plotting Test Results—One of the following alternative
9.1 Just prior to making a penetration test, remove bleed proceduresmaybeusedtoplotthetestresultsandobtaintimes
water from the surface of the mortar specimens by means of a of setting (Note 5). Appendix X1 illustrates the application of
pipet or suitable instrument. To facilitate collection of bleed these procedures.
water, tilt the specimen carefully to an angle of about 10° from
NOTE 5—The plot of penetration resistance versus elapsed time pro-
the horizontal by placing a block under one side 2 min prior to
videsinformationontherateofsetting.Theplotmaybeusedtoselectthe
removal of the water.
time for subsequent penetration tests and it can assist in identifying
9.2 Insert a needle of appropriate size, depending upon the
spurious test results.Therefore, it is recommended that the data be plotted
as they are being accumulated.
degree of setting of the mortar, in the penetration resistance
apparatus and bring the bearing surface of the needle into
9.5.1 Use the following plotting procedure to determine the
contactwiththemortarsurface.Graduallyanduniformlyapply
times of setting by hand-fitting a smooth curve through the
a vertical force downward on the apparatus until the needle
data. Prepare a graph of penetration resistance, as the ordinate,
penetrates the mortar to a depth of 1 6 ⁄16 in. [25 6 2 mm],
versuselapsedtime,astheabscissa,usingascalesuchthat500
as indicated by the scribe mark (Note 3). The time required to
psi [3.5 MPa] and 1 h are each represented by a distance of at
penetrate to the 1-in. [25-mm] depth shall be 10 6 2 s. Record 1
least ⁄2in.[15mm].Plotthevaluesofpenetrationresistanceas
theforcerequiredtoproducethe1-in.[25-mm]penetrationand
a function of elapsed time.
the time of application, measured as elapsed time after initial
9.5.2 Use the following plotting procedure to determine the
contact of cement and water. Calculate the penetration resis-
times of setting by linear regression analysis of the logarithms
tance by dividing the recorded force by the bearing area of the
of the data by using a suitable calculator. Using log-log graph
needle, and record the penetration resistance. In subsequent
paper, prepare a graph of penetration resistance, as the ordi-
penetration tests take care to avoid areas where the mortar has
nate,versuselapsedtimeinminutes,astheabscissa.Thelimits
been disturbed by previous tests. The clear distance between
ofpenetrationresistanceontheordinateshouldextendfrom10
needleimpressionsshallbeatleasttwodiametersoftheneedle
psi [0.1 MPa] to 10000 psi [100 MPa], and the limits of
beingused,butnotlessthan ⁄2in.[15mm].Thecleardistance
elapsed time on the abscissa should extend from 10 to 1000
between any needle impression and the side of the container
min.Ifslowsettingmixturesareused,thetimelimitsmayhave
shall be at least 1 in. [25 mm].
to be 100 to 10000 min. Plot the values of penetration
resistance as a function of elapsed time (Note 4).
NOTE 3—To facilitate determination of when the required penetration
9.5.3 Use the following procedure if a computer is used to
has been attained, a sliding marker may be attached to the needle shaft.
For example, a paper clip or masking tape may be placed on the shaft so
plot test results and obtain the times of setting by regression
thatitcoincideswiththescribemark.Themarkershouldnotinterferewith
analysis of the data. As the test results are obtained, enter the
the penetration of the needle into the mortar. The position of the marker
time and penetration resistance int
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