BS 1881 : Part 110 : 1983

ml
UDC 666.972.017 : 691.32 : 620.1

© British Standards Institution. No part

of this publication may be photocopied

prior permission in writing of BSI.

British Standard

Testing concrete
Part 110. Method for making test
cylinders from fresh concrete

Essais du béton
Partie 110. Méthode de confection de cylindres d’essai en béton frais

Prüfverfahren für Beton

Teit 110. Verfahren zur Herstellung von Probezylindern aus Frischbetor

British Standards Institution

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BS 1881 Part 110 : 1983
Page
Contents
Page
Foreword Inside front cover
Committees responsible Back cover

Method
1. Scope
2. Definitions
3. Apparatus
4. Sampling
5. Preparing the sample
6. Procedure
7. Preparation of upper surface of cylinder
8. Conditioning of prepared cylinder
9. Report

Foreword
This Part of this British Standard, prepared under the
direction of the Cement, Gypsum, Aggregates and Quarry
Products Standards Committee, is a revision of 5.1,5.2,
5.3,5.4,5.5,5.7,5.8 and 5.9 of BS 1881 : Part 3 : 1970.
together with Parts 108, 109, 111, 112 and 113, this Part
of BS 1881 supersedes BS 1881 : Part 3 : 1970, which is
withdrawn.
The dimensions and tolerances specified in this Part of
this standard comply with ISO 1920.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer

immunity from legal obligations.

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 BS 1881 : Part 110 : 1983

British Standard

Testing concrete
Part 110. Method for making test cylinders from fresh concrete

1. Scope A mould shall be refurbished or discarded when any

dimensional deviations exceed twice the tolerances
This Part of this British Standard describes a method for
specified in 3.1.2.
making test cylinders of nominal diameter 100 mm and
150 mm out of fresh concrete. The method applies to plain 3.1.2 To/erances When assembled, the dimensions and
and air-entrained concrete made with lightweight, normal internal faces of a new mould shall be accurate within the
weight and heavy aggregates having a nominal maximum following limits.
size not exceeding 20 mm for 100 mm cylinders and (a) Dimensions. The internal diameter of the mould,
40 mm for 150 mm cylinders. based on the average of three pairs of measurements at
NOTE 1. A cylinder produced for determining tensile splitting right angles to each other symmetrically placed along the
strength should preferably be of 150 mm diameter with a length of axis of the mould, shall be the nominal size of 150 ±
150 mm. A cylinder produced for determining the static modulus 0.15 mmt, or 100 ± 0.15 mmt. The length, based on the
of elasticity should preferably be of 150 mm diameter with a length
average of four symmetrically placed measurements,
of 300 mm . See BS 1881 : Part 117 and Part 121.
shall be the nominal size ± 0.5 mmt.
This method does not apply to aerated concrete, very stiff
(b) Flatness The flatness tolerance (see BS 308 : Part 3)
concrete, which cannot be compacted by vibration alone,
for the top surface of the base plate shall be 0.03 mm
and no-fines concrete.
wide. That for the top and bottom surfaces of the
NOTE 2. The titles of the publications referred to In this standard
are llsted on the inside back cover.
cylindrical former shall be 0.06 mm wide and that for
the joint faces shall be 0.06 mm per 150 mm length
2. Definitions and 0.15 mm for the entire surface.
(c) Squareness The squareness tolerance (squareness 3
For the purposes of this Part of this British Standard
of BS 308 : Part 3) for the axis of the mould with
the definitions given in BS 5328 and BS 1881 : Part 101
respect to the bottom surface of the mould as datum
apply. face shall be a cylinder of diameter 1.0 mm perpendicular
to the datum face.
3. Apparatus
(d) Parallelism. The parallelism tolerance (parallelism
3.1 Mould
of BS 308 : Part 3) for the top surface of the mould
3.1.1 Construction and assembly. The mould shall with respect to the bottom surface of the mould as
comprise a cylindrical former and a base plate both of datum face shall be 1.0 mm wide.
ferrous metal (preferably cast iron or steel). The cylindrical (e) Cylindricity. The cylindricity tolerance (see BS 308 :
former shall be capable of being split longitidinally to
Part 3) for the inner cylindrical surface shall be 0.5 mm.
facilitate removal of the cylinder. The surface hardness of
the top surface of the base plate shall be at least 95 (f) Surface texture. The surface texture of the top
surface of the base plate shall not exceed 3.2 µm Ra,
Rockwell (scale B) Hardness Value* when determined in
accordance with BS 891 : Part 1. All parts of the mould when determined in accordance with BS 1134.
shall be robust enough to prevent distortion. 3.2 Scoop, approximately 100 mm wide.
Before assembly for use, the joints between the two sections 3.3 Compacting bar or vibrating hammer or table.
of the cylindrical former and between them and the base A compacting bar made out of steel bar weighing 1.8 kg,
plate shall be thinly coated with oil or grease to prevent 380 mm long and having a ramming face 25 mm square,
escape of water. When the mould is assembled, the sections or a vibratlng hammer or vibrating table suitable for
of the cylindrical former shall be positively located and the compacting the concrete in accordance with 6.2 or 6.3.
whole assembly including the base plate rigidly held 3.4 Plasterer’s steel float.
together in such a manner as to prevent leakage from the
3.5 Sampling tray, 1.2 m x 1.2 m x 50 mm deep made
mould. The internal faces of the assembled mould shall be
from minimum 1.6 mm thick non-corrodible metal.
thinly coated with release agent to prevent adhesion of the
concrete. 3.6 Square mouthed shovel. size 2 in accordance with
The sections of the cylindrical former shall be clearly BS 3388.
marked with a reference number or code to enable each 3.7 Glass capping plate (required if capping in accordance
cylinder to be identified when it is demoulded and the with 7.1.3.2 or 7.1.3.5), at least 8 mm thick with surfaces
mould to be correctly re-assembled. complying with the tolerances specified in 3.1.2(b) and (f).

*Indentations on the faces of moulds resulting from the hardness test are acceptable.
This tolerance should be considered in conjunction with those for flatness, squareness and parallelism.

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BS 1881 : Part 110 : 1983

3.8 Top plate (required if capping in accordance each layer with the compacting bar distribute the strokes
with 7.1.3.3). at least 8 mm thick, which can be clamped to of the compacting bar in a uniform manner over the cross-
one end of the mould. The surface clamped to the mould section of the mould, and ensure that the compacting bar
shall comply with the tolerances specified in 3.1.2(b) and (f) does not penetrate significantly any previous layer nor
and shall have a Rockwell (scale B) Hardness Value’ of at forcibly strike the bottom of the mould when compacting
least 95 when tested in accordance with BS 891 : Part 1. the first layer. The number of strokes per layer required to
3.9 Grinding equipment (required if grinding in accordance produce full compaction will depend upon the workability
with 7.1.3.4). capable of producing a surface in accordance of the concrete but in no case shall the concrete be
with the tolerance specified in 7.2. subjected to less than 30 strokes per layer for 150 mm
cylinders or 20 strokes per layer for 100 mm cylinders,
3.10 Steel collar (required if capping in accordance
except in the case of very high workability concrete.
with 7.1.3.5). with a machined edge suitable for use when
Record the number of strokes.
capping in accordance with 7.1.2.4.
6.3 Compacting with vibrator. When compacting each
3.11 Steel plate (required if capping in accordance
layer by means of the hammer or vibrating table use applied
with 7.1.3.6), with the working surface complying with the
vibration of the minimum duration necessary to achieve
tolerances specified in 3.1.2(b) and (f) and with a Rockwell
full compaction of the concrete. Over-vibration may cause
(scale B0 Hardness Value’ of at least 95 when tested in
excessive segregation and laitance or loss of entrained air,
accordance with BS 891 : Part 1.
if present, The required duration of vibration will depend
upon the workability of the concrete and the effectiveness
4. Sampling of the vibrator and vibration shall cease as soon as the
Obtain the sample of fresh concrete by the procedure given surface of the concrete becomes relatively smooth and has a
in Part 101 of this British Standard. Commence making the glazed appearance. Record the duration of vibration.
cylinder as soon as possible after sampling.
7. Preparation of upper surface of cylinder
5. Preparing the sample 7.1 Method of preparation
Empty the sample from the container(s) on to the sampling
7.1.1 General. Prepare the upper surface of the cylinder in
tray. Ensure that no more than a light covering of slurry is
accordance with either 7.1.2 or 7.1.3 depenoing upon the
left adhering to the container(s).
method by which the cylinder will be tested.
Thoroughly mix the sample by shovelling it to form a cone
7.1.2 Preparation for tensile splitting strength test.
on the sampling tray and turning this over with the shovel
Using the float, finish the upper surface of the cylinder
to form a new cone, the operation being carried out three
level with the top of the mould.
trmes. When forming the cones deposit each shovelful of the
material on the apex of the cone so that the portions which 7.1.3 Preparation for static modulus of elasticity test
slide down the sides are distributed as evenly as possible 7.1.3.1 Genera/. If practicable, prepare the upper surface of
and so that the centre of the cone is not displaced. Flatten the cylinder whilst it is still workable by one of the two
the third cone by repeated vertical insertion of the shovel methods given in 7.1.3.2 or 7.1.3.3. If this is not possible,
across the apex of the cone, lifting the shovel clear of the allow the concrete to harden and grind the upper surface by
concrete after each insertion. the method given in 7.1.3.4; if this is impracticable, use one
NOTE. The following modifications to the mixing procedures may of the two methods given in 7.1.3.5 and 7.1.3.6.
be necessary when preparing samples of very high workability
concrete (e.g. superplasticized concrete) for test. 7.1.3.2 Mortar capping of newly-cast cylinder. Fill the
mould to within 3 mm to 6 mm of the top, leaving the surface
(a() Sampling tray. The vertical lips on the edges of the tray may
have to be larger to contain the sample without spillage during rough to provide a key for the capping material. As soon as .
mixing. possible after the mould is filled, prepare a mortar using a
Mixing the sample. The coning procedure is not suitable for cement similar to that used in the concrete and fine sand
high workability concrete and the following alternative not less than 90 % of which passes a 300 pm BS 410 woven
method of mixing is recommended. Having poured the cncrete
wire sieve and is retained on a 150 µm BS 410 woven wire
on to the sampling tray, use the shovel to turn the concrete
from the outside toward the centre, working progressively once sieve. Ensure that the water/cement ratio of the mortar does
round all sides of the sampling tray. not exceed that of the concrete and that the mortar is of a
stiff workability. Remove any free water which has
6. Procedure collected on the upper surface of the concrete with a
6.1 Filling the mould. Place the mould on a rigid sponge, blotting paper or other suitable material before
horizontal surface or on the vibrating table and fill with applying the mortar. Using the float, apply the mortar
concrete in such a way as to remove as much entrapped air firmly and compact it in such a manner as to leave a slightly
as possible (without significantly reducing the amount of convex surface above the edge of the mould. Coat the glass
entraim\ned air, if present) and to produce full compaction of capping plate with a thin film of release agent and press it on
the concrete with neither excessive segregation nor laitance. to the cap with a rotary motion until it makes complete
For this purpose, by means of the scoop place the concrete contact with the rim of the mould. Leave the plate in
in the mould in layers approximately 50 mm deep and position until the cylinder is removed from the mould.
compact each layer by using either the compacting bar or 7.1.3.3 Finishing of newly-cast cylinder by use of the steel
the vibrator in the manner described in 6.2 or 6.3. After the top p/ate. Using the float, finish the upper surface of the
top layer has been compacted, smooth it level with the top cylinder level with the top of the mould. Coat the steel top
of the mould, using the plasterer’s float, and wipe clean the plate with a thin film of release agent and press it on to the
outside of the mould. concrete with a rotary motion until it makes complete
6.2 Compacting with compacting bar. When compacting contact with the rim of the mould. Clamp the top plate

*Indentations on the face resulting from the hardness test are acceptable.

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 BS 1881 : Part 110 : 1983

firmly to the top of the mould and place the mould, following limits.
complete with top and base plates, with its axis horizontal (a) Flatness The flatness tolerance (see BS 308 : Part 3)
on supports which will prevent any movement. Lightly tap for the prepared surface is 0.06 mm wide.
the capping plate to ensure good contact with the surface
(b) Parallelism. The parallelism tolerance (parallelism 4
of the concrete. Allow the cylinder to harden in a horizontal
of BS 308 : Part 3) for the prepared surface with respect
position until it is removed from the mould.
to the lower surface of the cylinder as datum face is
7.1.3.4 Grinding of hardenedcylinder. Using the float, 2.0 mm wide.
finish the upper surface of the cylinder level with the top of Any slight protrusion on a capped surface may be removed
the mould. When the concrete has hardened, grind the by scraping.
surface until it complies with 7.2. Water only shall be used
as a coolant during grinding. 8. Conditioning of prepared cylinder
7.1.3.5 Mortar capping of soaked hardened cylinder. Cylinders prepared by capping as in 7.1.3.5 shall, after the
Roughen the upper surface of the cylinder by wire brushing caps have hardened, be further cured in accordance with
or hacking. Place the cylinder, with its roughened surface BS 1681 : Part 111 for a minimum of 48 h before testing.
uppermost, on a horizontal surface. Clamp the steel collar
Similarly, cylinders whose ends have been prepared by
to the cylinder in such a way that the upper edge is
horizontal and just extends above the highest part of the grinding as in 7.1.3.4 shall also be further cured for a
concrete surface. Fill the collar with a mortar of stiff minimum of 48 h.
workability composed of three parts by mass of high All cylinders may be removed from the water for not more
alumina cement complying with BS 915 to one part by than 1 h for measuring dimensions but shall be re-immersed
mass of fine sand, not less than 90 % of which passes a for at least 1 h before testing.
300 µm BS 410 woven wire sieve and is retained on a
150 µm BS 410 woven wire sieve. Using the float, apply the 9. Report
mortar firmly and compact it in such a manner as to leave a 9.1 General. The report shall affirm that the cylinders
slightly convex surface above the edge of the collar. were made in accordance with this Part of this British
Coat the glass capping plate with a thin film of release agent Standard. The report shall state whether or not a certificate
and press it on to the cap with a rotary motion until it of sampling is available. If available a copy of the certificate
makes complete contact with the edge of the collar. shall be provided.
Immediately place the cylinder, with the collar and plate, 9.2 Information to be induded in the test report
in moist air of at least 90 % humidity and at a temperature
9.2.1 Mandatory information. The following information
of 20 ± 5 ºC. Remove the plate and collar when the mortar
shall be included in the test report:
is sufficiently hard to permit this to be done without
damaging the cap. (a) date, time and place of sampling and sample
identity number;
7.1.3.6 Sulphur capping of dty hardened cylinder.
Prepare the capping material by mixing equal parts of (b) time and place of making cylinders;
sulphur and fine siliceous sand, not less than 90 % of which (c) number and nominal size of cylinders;
passes a 300 pm BS 4 10 woven wire sieve and is retained on (d) method of compaction (hand or vibration) including
a 150 µm BS 410 woven wire sieve, with a small proportion type of equipment used and the number of strokes of
(1 % to 2 %) of carbon black or a small proportion the compacting bar or duration of the vibration;
(2 % to 4 %) polysulphide rubber*. Heat the capping (e) method of end preparation;
material to a temperature of approximately 130 ºC to (f) identification numbers or codes of cylinders;
150 ºC and allow to cool slightly whilst stirring
(g) name of person making cylinders;
continuously. Pour the mixture on to the horizontal steel
plate which has been slightly warmed and thinly coated (h) certificate that the cylinders were made in
with paraffin. Place the cylinder into the layer of capping accordance with this Part of this standard.
material, in such a manner that the cap is as thin as 9.2.2 Optional information. If requested the following
practicable using a guide to ensure that the axis is vertical. information shall be included in the test report:
After a few seconds, cut the surplus capping material from (a) name of project and place where concrete used;
the cylinder and remove the cylinder from the supporting (b) name of supplier and source of concrete;
surface. (c) date and time of production of concrete or delivery
When testing the cylinder, check that the cap does not flow to site;
or fracture before the concrete fails. After the test, check to (d) specification of concrete mix (e.g. strength grade);
ensure that no air was entrapped between the cylinder and
(e) workability of concrete;
the cap.
(f) air content of concrete (if air-entrained);
7.2 Tolerances. If the upper end is ground or capped when
hardened, check to ensure the end complies with the (g) lengths and weights of cylinder after end preparation;
(h) age(s) at which cylinders are to be tested.

* For information on the availability of a suitable material. apply to Central Enquiry Section, British Standards Institution.
2 Park Street, London W1A 2BS.

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Publications referred to
BS 308 Engineering drawing practice
Part 3 Geometrical tolerenclng
BS 410 Specification for test sieves
BS 891 Method for Rockwell hardness test
Part 1 Testing of metals
BS 915 High alumina cement
BS 1134 Method for the assessment of surface texture
BS 1881 Testing concrete
Part 101 Method of sampling fresh concrete on site
Part 108* Method for making tast cubes from fresh concrete
Part 109’ Method for making test beams from fresh concrete
Part 111 Method of normd curing of test specimens (20 ºC method)
Part 112’ Methods of accelerated curing of test cubes
Part 113* Method for making end airing no-fines test cubes
Part 117 Method for determination of tensile splitting strength
Part 121 Method for determiantion of static modulus of elasticity in compression
BS 3388 Forks, shovels and spades
BS 5328 Methods for specifying concrete, Including ready-mixed concrete
ISO 1920- Concrete tests - Dimensions, tolerances end applicability of test specimens

* Referred to in the foreword only.

For information about BSI services relating to third party certification to suitable British Standard product specifications schemes
for the registration of firms of assessed capability, testing and inspection facilii and Technical Help to Exporters please contact
the Director, Quality Assurance Divii BSI, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead Herts HP2 4SQ Tel. Hemel Hempstead 3111.

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 BS 1881 : Part 110 : 1983

This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction of Milton Keynes MK14 6LE. The number for telephone enquiries is
the Cement, Gypsum, Aggregates and Quarry Products Standards 01-837 8801 and for telex 23218.
Committee, was published under the authority of the Board of BSI Contract requirements
and comas into effect on 29 July 1983. A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary
©British Standards Institution, 1983 provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible
for their correct application.
ISBN 0 580 13331 1
Revision of British Standard
British Standards Institution
Incorporated by Royal Charter, BSI is the independent national British Standards are revised, when necessary by the issue either
body for the preparation of British Standards. It is the UK member of amendments or of revised editions. It is important that users of
of the International Organization for Standardization and UK British Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of
sponsor of the British National Committee of the International the latest amendments or editions. Information on all BSI
Electrotechnical Commission. publicationa is in the BS Yearbook, supplemented each month by
BSI News which is available to subscribing members of the
Copyright Institution and gives details of new publications. revisions.
Users of British Standards are reminded that copyright subsists in amendments and withdrawn standards. Any parson who. when
all BSI publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced making use of a British Standard, encounters an inaccuracy or
in any form without the prior permission in writing of BSI. This ambiguity, is requested to notify BSI without delay in order that
does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
standard. of necessary details such as symbols and size, type or
grade designations. Enquiries by post should be addressed to the The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:
Publications Manager, British Standards Insititutioj, Linford Wood, Committee reference CAB/4 Draft for comment 81/12319 DC

Cqmmittees responsible for this British Standard

This British Standard was published under the direction of the Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Cement, Gypsum, Aggregates and Quarry Products Standards Greater London Council
Committee CAB/-. Its preparation was entrusted to Technical Institute of Concrete Technology
Committee CAB/4 upon which the following bodies were Institution of Civil Engineers
represented: Institution of Highway Engineers
British Aggregate Construction Materials Industries Institution of Municipal Engineers
British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd. Institution of Structural Engineers
British Ready Mixed Concrete Association Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists
Cement Admixtures Association National Federation of Building Trades Employers
Cment and Concrete Association Royal Institute of Britih Architects
Cement Makers’ Federation Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Concrete Society Limited Sand and Gravel Association Limited
County Surveyors’ Society Society of Chemical Industry
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment) The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the
Department of me Environment (PSA) standard, through subcommittees and panels:
Department of the Environment (Transport and Road Research British Civil Engineering Tat Equipment Manufacturers Association
Laboratory) Coopted members
Department of Transport
Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date of issue Text affected

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British Standards Institution . 2 Park Street London W1A 2BS . Telephone 01-629 9000 . Telex 266933

8307 -3-3k-B CAB/4

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