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: C31/C31M − 24b

Standard Practice for

Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C31/C31M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* ization established in the Decision on Principles for the

1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
cylinder and beam specimens from representative samples of mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
fresh concrete for a construction project. Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 This practice is not intended for making specimens from 2. Referenced Documents
concrete not having measurable slump or requiring other sizes 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
or shapes of specimens. C94/C94M Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
1.3 This practice is not applicable to lightweight insulating C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
concrete or controlled low strength material (CLSM). gregates
NOTE 1—Test Method C495/C495M covers the preparation of speci- C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield,
mens and the determination of the compressive strength of lightweight and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
insulating concrete. Test Method D4832 covers procedures for the C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
preparation, curing, transporting and testing of cylindrical test specimens Concrete
of CLSM. C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units crete
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each Concrete by the Volumetric Method
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining C231/C231M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance Concrete by the Pressure Method
with the standard. C330/C330M Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the Structural Concrete
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the C403/C403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- C470/C470M Specification for Molds for Forming Concrete
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Test Cylinders Vertically
(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic C495/C495M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
and may cause chemical burns to exposed skin and tissue upon Lightweight Insulating Concrete
prolonged exposure.2) C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
1.6 The text of this standard references notes which provide Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
explanatory material. These notes shall not be considered as Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
requirements of the standard. C617/C617M Practice for Capping Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
C1064/C1064M Test Method for Temperature of Freshly
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete
Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.61 Testing Agency Evaluation
on Testing for Strength.
Current edition approved June 1, 2024. Published June 2024. Originally
3
approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2024 as C31/C31M–24a. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/C0031_C0031M-24B. contact ASTM Customer Service at www.astm.org/contact. For Annual Book of
2
See Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02. 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

1
 C31/C31M − 24b
C1611/C1611M Test Method for Slump Flow of Self- 4.2 Uses of the test results of standard-cured test specimens
Consolidating Concrete include the following purposes:
C1758/C1758M Practice for Fabricating Test Specimens 4.2.1 Acceptance testing for specified concrete strength,
with Self-Consolidating Concrete NOTE 2—Specification C94/C94M requires compressive-strength test
D4832 Test Method for Preparation and Testing of Con- specimens for acceptance to be standard-cured.
trolled Low Strength Material (CLSM) Cylindrical Test
4.2.2 Checking adequacy of mixture proportions for con-
Specimens
crete strength, and
2.2 American Concrete Institute Publication:4
4.2.3 Quality control.
309R Guide for Consolidation of Concrete
4.3 Uses of test results of field-cured test specimens include
3. Terminology the following purposes:
3.1 Definitions: 4.3.1 Estimation of the in-place concrete strength,
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to 4.3.2 Comparison with test results of standard-cured speci-
Terminology C125. mens or with test results from various in-place test methods,
4.3.3 Adequacy of curing and protection of concrete in the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: structure,
3.2.1 acceptance test specimens, n—standard-cured test 4.3.4 Form or shoring removal time requirements, or
specimens intended for evaluating whether the supplied con- 4.3.5 Post-tensioning.
crete complies with the specification.
3.2.2 field-curing, n—storing test specimens in the field 5. Apparatus
under an environmental temperature and moisture environment 5.1 Molds, General—Molds for specimens or fastenings
similar to the in-place concrete. thereto in contact with the concrete shall be made of steel, cast
3.2.3 initial-curing, n—the storage of test specimens in the iron, or other nonabsorbent material, nonreactive with concrete
field after molding and before transporting the specimens to the containing portland or other hydraulic cements. Molds shall
laboratory. hold their dimensions and shape under all conditions of use.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Initial curing covers the time period Molds shall be watertight during use as judged by their ability
from molding to transporting the test specimens. to hold water poured into them. Provisions for tests of water
3.2.4 initial standard curing temperature, n—temperature of leakage are given in the Test Methods for Elongation,
the environment surrounding the specimen during initial stan- Absorption, and Water Leakage section of Specification C470/
dard curing. C470M. A suitable sealant, such as heavy grease, modeling
3.2.4.1 Discussion—The environment surrounding clay, or microcrystalline wax shall be used where necessary to
standard-cured test specimens may be air, water, or damp sand. prevent leakage through the joints. Positive means shall be
The temperature of the environment surrounding standard- provided to hold base plates firmly to the molds. Reusable
cured test specimen might not be the same as the concrete molds shall be lightly coated with mineral oil or a suitable
temperature. nonreactive form release material before use.
3.2.5 standard-curing, n—storing test specimens in an en- 5.2 Cylinder Molds—Molds for casting concrete test speci-
vironment of a specified temperature range, and under condi- mens shall conform to the requirements of Specification
tions that control the loss of moisture from the test specimens C470/C470M. Cardboard cylinder molds shall not be used for
while the test specimens are in the field and while in the standard-cured specimens.
laboratory. 5.3 Beam Molds—Beam molds shall be of the shape and
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Standard-curing is intended to reduce dimensions required to produce the specimens stipulated in 6.2.
the influence of variations by standardizing the temperature The inside surfaces of the molds shall be smooth. The sides,
and moisture environment on the strength development of test bottom, and ends shall be at right angles to each other and shall
specimens. Standard-curing includes requirements for the cur- be straight and true and free of warpage. Maximum variation
ing environment while the test specimens are in the field from the nominal cross section shall not exceed 3 mm [1⁄8 in.]
(10.1.2) and while the test specimens are in the laboratory for molds with depth or breadth of 150 mm [6 in.] or more.
(10.1.3). Molds shall produce specimens at least as long but not more
than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.] shorter than the required length in 6.2.
4. Significance and Use
5.4 Tamping Rod—A round, smooth, straight, steel rod with
4.1 This practice provides standardized requirements for
a diameter conforming to the requirements in Table 1. The
making, and curing test specimens in the field. This practice
also provides requirements for transporting test specimens to
the laboratory, and for curing test specimens in the laboratory. TABLE 1 Tamping Rod Diameter Requirements
Depending on their purpose, test specimens are either standard- Diameter of Cylinder
Diameter or Rod
cured, or field-cured. or Width of Beam
mm [in.]
mm [in.]
<150 [6] 10 ± 2 [3⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ]
4
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington $150 [6] 16 ± 2 [5⁄8 ± 1⁄16 ]
Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.aci-int.org.

2
 C31/C31M − 24b
length of the tamping rod shall be at least 100 mm [4 in.] to set in an upright position. The cylinder diameter shall be at
greater than the depth of the mold in which rodding is being least 3 times the nominal maximum size of the coarse
performed, but not greater than 600 mm [24 in.] in overall aggregate. The length of the cylinder shall be twice the
length (see Note 3). The rod shall have the tamping end or both diameter of the cylinder. If the nominal maximum size of the
ends rounded to a hemispherical tip of the same diameter as the aggregate is 37.5 mm [11⁄2 in. ] or larger, acceptance test
rod. specimens for compressive strength shall be 150 mm by 300
NOTE 3—A rod length of 400 mm [16 in.] to 600 mm [24 in.] meets the mm [6 in. by 12 in.] cylinders. If the nominal maximum size of
requirements of the following: Practice C31/C31M, Test Method C138/ the aggregate is less than 37.5 mm [11⁄2 in.], acceptance test
C138M, Test Method C143/C143M, Test Method C173/C173M, and Test
Method C231/C231M.
specimens for compressive strength shall be either 150 mm by
300 mm [6 in. by 12 in.] cylinders or 100 by 200 mm [4 in. by
5.5 Vibrators—Internal vibrators shall be used. The vibrator 8 in.] cylinders.
frequency shall be at least 150 Hz [9000 vibrations per minute]
while the vibrator is operating in the concrete. The diameter of NOTE 5—See 7.2 for concrete containing coarse aggregate larger than
50 mm [2 in.] nominal maximum size.
a round vibrator shall be no more than one-fourth the diameter NOTE 6—If molds in SI units are required and not available, molds of
of the cylinder mold or one-fourth the width of the beam mold. equivalent size in inch-pound units should be permitted. If molds in
Other shaped vibrators shall have a perimeter equivalent to the inch-pound units are required and not available, molds of equivalent size
circumference of an appropriate round vibrator. The combined in SI units should be permitted.
length of the vibrator shaft and vibrating element shall exceed 6.2 Beam Specimens—Flexural strength specimens shall be
the depth of the section being vibrated by at least 75 mm [3 beams of concrete cast and hardened in the horizontal position.
in.]. The vibrator frequency shall be checked periodically with The length shall be at least 50 mm [2 in.] greater than three
a vibrating-reed tachometer or other suitable device. times the depth as tested. The ratio of width to depth as molded
NOTE 4—For information on size and frequency of various vibrators shall not exceed 1.5.
and a method to periodically check vibrator frequency see ACI 309R. 6.2.1 The minimum cross-sectional dimension of the beam
5.6 Mallet—A mallet with a rubber or rawhide head weigh- shall be as stated in Table 2. Unless otherwise specified by the
ing 0.6 kg 6 0.2 kg [1.25 lb 6 0.50 lb] shall be used. specifier of tests, the standard beam shall be 150 mm by 150
mm [6 in. by 6 in.] in cross section.
5.7 Placement Tools—of a size large enough so each amount 6.2.2 When the nominal maximum size of the coarse
of concrete obtained from the sampling receptacle is represen- aggregate exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], the concrete sample shall be
tative and small enough so concrete is not spilled during treated by wet sieving through a 50 mm [2 in.] sieve as
placement in the mold. For placing concrete in a cylinder mold, described in Practice C172/C172M.
the acceptable tool is a scoop. For placing concrete in a beam 6.2.3 The specifier of tests shall specify the specimen size
mold, either a shovel or scoop is permitted. and the number of specimens to be tested to obtain an average
5.8 Finishing Tools—a handheld float or a trowel. test result (Note 7). The same specimen size shall be used when
5.9 Slump Apparatus—The apparatus for measurement of comparing results and for mixture qualification and acceptance
slump shall conform to the requirements of Test Method testing.
C143/C143M. NOTE 7—The modulus of rupture can be determined using different
specimen sizes. However, measured modulus of rupture generally in-
5.10 Sampling Receptacle—The receptacle shall be a suit- creases as specimen size decreases.5,6 The strength ratio for beams of
able heavy gauge metal pan, wheelbarrow, or flat, clean different sizes depends primarily on the maximum size of aggregate.7
nonabsorbent board of sufficient capacity to allow easy remix- Experimental data obtained in two different studies have shown that for
ing of the entire sample with a shovel or trowel. maximum aggregate size between 19.0 mm and 25.0 mm [3⁄4 in. and 1 in.],
the ratio between the modulus of rupture determined with a 150 mm by
5.11 Air Content Apparatus—The apparatus for measuring 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] and a 100 mm by 100 mm [4 in. by 4 in.] may vary
air content shall conform to the requirements of Test Methods from 0.90 to 1.075 and for maximum aggregate size between 9.5 mm and
C173/C173M or C231/C231M. 37.5 mm [3⁄8 in. and 11⁄2 in.], the ratio between the modulus of rupture
determined with a 150 mm by 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] and a 115 mm by
5.12 Temperature Measuring Devices—The temperature 115 mm [4.5 in. by 4.5 in.] may vary from 0.86 to 1.00.6
measuring devices shall conform to the applicable require-
ments of Test Method C1064/C1064M. 5
Tanesi, J; Ardani, A. Leavitt, J. "Reducing the Specimen Size of Concrete
6. Testing Requirements Flexural Strength Test (AASHTO T97) for Safety and Ease of Handling," Trans-
portation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No.
6.1 Cylindrical Specimens—Compressive or splitting- 2342, Transportation Research Board of National Academies, Washington, D.C.,
tensile-strength specimens shall be cylinders cast and allowed Carrasquillo, P.M. and Carrasquillo, R. L “Improved Concrete Quality Control
Procedures Using Third Point Loading”, Research Report 119-1F, Project 3-9-87-
1119, Center for Transportation Research, The University of Texas at Austin,
TABLE 2 Minimum Cross-Sectional Dimension of Beams November 1987.
6
Nominal Carrasquillo, P.M. and Carrasquillo, R. L “Improved Concrete Quality Control
Minimum Procedures Using Third Point Loading”, Research Report 119-1F, Project 3-9-87-
Maximum
Cross-Sectional 1119, Center for Transportation Research, The University of Texas at Austin,
Aggregate
Dimension November 1987.
Size (NMAS)
7
# 25 mm [1 in.] 100 mm by 100 mm [4 in. by 4 in.] Bazant, Z. and Novak, D. "Proposal for Standard Test of Modulus of Rupture
25 mm [1 in.] < NMAS # 50 mm [2 in.] 150 mm by 150 mm [6 in. by 6 in.] of Concrete with its Size Dependence," ACI Materials Journal, January-February
2001.

3
 C31/C31M − 24b
6.3 Field Technicians—The field technicians making and TABLE 4 Requirements for Consolidation by Rodding
curing specimens for acceptance testing shall meet the person- Specimen Type Number of Layers of
Number of
nel qualification requirements of Practice C1077. Roddings
and Size Approximately Equal Depth
per Layer

7. Sampling Concrete Cylinders:

Diameter, mm [in.]
7.1 Sample the concrete in accordance with Practice C172/ 100 [4] 2 25
150 [6] 3 25
C172M after all adjustments, including water and admixture 225 [9] 4 50
additions, have been made.
Beams:
7.2 If the nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate Width, mm [in.]
exceeds 50 mm [2 in.], wet sieve the concrete sample through 100 [4] to 2 see 9.4
a 50 mm [2 in.] sieve as described in Practice C172/C172M. 200 [8]
>200 [8] 3 or more equal depths, see 9.4
7.3 Record the identification of the sample with respect to each not to exceed
150 mm [6 in.].
the location of the concrete represented and the time of casting.
8. Fresh Concrete Tests
TABLE 5 Requirements for Consolidation by Vibration
8.1 Perform the following tests for each sample of concrete
Number of
from which specimens are made for acceptance testing for Specimen Type Number of Vibrator Approximate Depth of
strength: and Size Layers Insertions Layer, mm [in.]
8.1.1 Slump or Slump Flow—After remixing the sample in per Layer

the receptacle, measure and record the slump or slump flow in Cylinders:
Diameter, mm [in.]
accordance with Test Method C143/C143M or Test Method 100 [4] 2 1 one-half depth of specimen
C1611/C1611M, respectively. 150 [6] 2 2 one-half depth of specimen
8.1.2 Air Content—Determine and record the air content in 225 [9] 2 4 one-half depth of specimen

accordance with either Test Method C173/C173M or Test Beams:

Method C231/C231M. The concrete used in performing the air Width, mm [in.]
content test shall not be used in fabricating test specimens. 100 [4] to 1 see 9.5.2 depth of specimen
200 [8]
8.1.3 Temperature—Determine and record the temperature over 200 [8] 2 or more see 9.5.2 200 [8] as near as
in accordance with Test Method C1064/C1064M. practicable

NOTE 8—Some specifications may require the measurement of the unit

weight of concrete. The volume of concrete produced per batch may be
desired on some projects. Also, additional information on the air content a scoop of the size described in 5.7. While placing the concrete
measurements may be desired. Test Method C138/C138M is used to
measure the unit weight, yield, and gravimetric air content of freshly
in the mold, move the scoop around the perimeter of the mold
mixed concrete. opening to ensure an even distribution of the concrete with
minimal segregation. Each layer of concrete shall be consoli-
9. Casting Specimens dated as required. In placing the final layer, add an amount of
9.1 Place of Molding—Mold specimens promptly on a concrete that will fill the mold after consolidation.
level, rigid surface, free of vibration and other disturbances, at 9.4 Casting Beams—Select the proper tamping rod from 5.4
a place as near as practicable to the location where they are to and Table 1 or proper vibrator from 5.5. Determine the method
be stored. of consolidation from Table 3, unless another method is
9.2 Self-Consolidating Concrete—If casting a specimen of specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, determine
self-consolidating concrete, use the mold filling procedure in the requirements from Table 4. If the method of consolidation
Practice C1758/C1758M instead of the procedures in 9.3 (for is vibration, determine the requirements from Table 5. Deter-
cylinders) and 9.4 (for beams). After filling the mold, finish the mine the number of roddings per layer, one for each 14 cm2 [2
specimen in accordance with 9.6, without further consolida- in.2] of the top surface area of the beam. Select a placement
tion. tool as described in 5.7. Using the scoop or shovel, place the
concrete in the mold to the height required for each layer. Place
9.3 Casting Cylinders—Select the proper tamping rod from
the concrete so that it is uniformly distributed within each layer
5.4 and Table 1 or the proper vibrator from 5.5. Determine the
with minimal segregation. Each layer shall be consolidated as
method of consolidation from Table 3, unless another method
required. In placing the final layer, add an amount of concrete
is specified. If the method of consolidation is rodding, deter-
that will fill the mold after consolidation.
mine requirements from Table 4. If the method of consolida-
tion is vibration, determine requirements from Table 5. Select 9.5 Consolidation—The methods of consolidation for this
practice are rodding or internal vibration.
TABLE 3 Method of Consolidation Requirements
9.5.1 Rodding—Place the concrete in the mold in the
required number of layers of approximately equal volume. Rod
Slump, mm [in.] Method of Consolidation
each layer uniformly over the cross section with the rounded
$25 [1] rodding or vibration
< 25 [1] vibration end of the rod using the required number of strokes. Rod the
bottom layer throughout its depth. In rodding this layer, use

4
 C31/C31M − 24b
care not to damage the bottom of the mold. For each upper tency of the concrete permits or with a handheld float or trowel.
layer, allow the rod to penetrate through the layer being rodded If desired, cap the top surface of freshly made cylinders with a
and into the layer below approximately 25 mm [1 in.]. After thin layer of stiff portland cement paste which is permitted to
each layer is rodded, tap the outsides of the mold lightly 10 to harden and cure with the specimen. See section on Capping
15 times with the mallet to close any holes left by rodding and Materials of Practice C617/C617M.
to release any large air bubbles that may have been trapped. 9.6.2 Beams—After consolidation of the concrete, use a
Use an open hand to tap cylinder molds that are susceptible to handheld float or trowel to strike off the top surface to the
denting or other permanent distortion if tapped with a mallet. required tolerance to produce a flat, even surface.
After tapping, spade each layer of the concrete along the sides 9.7 Identification—Mark the specimens to positively iden-
and ends of beam molds with a trowel or other suitable tool. tify them and the concrete they represent. Use a method that
Underfilled molds shall be adjusted with representative con- will not alter the top surface of the concrete. Do not mark the
crete during consolidation of the top layer. Overfilled molds removable caps. Upon removal of the molds, mark the test
shall have excess concrete removed. specimens to retain their identities.
9.5.2 Vibration—Maintain a uniform duration of vibration
for the particular kind of concrete, vibrator, and specimen mold 10. Curing
involved. The duration of vibration required will depend upon 10.1 Standard Curing—Standard curing is the curing
the workability of the concrete and the effectiveness of the method used when the specimens are made and cured for the
vibrator. Usually sufficient vibration has been applied as soon purposes stated in 4.2.
as the surface of the concrete has become relatively smooth and 10.1.1 Storage—The supporting surface on which speci-
large air bubbles cease to break through the top surface. mens are stored shall be level to within 20 mm/m [1⁄4 in./ft]. If
Continue vibration only long enough to achieve proper con- specimens are not made in the location where they will receive
solidation of the concrete (see Note 9). Fill the molds and initial curing, move the specimens to the initial curing location
vibrate in the required number of approximately equal layers. no later than 15 min after casting operations for that sample
Place all the concrete for each layer in the mold before starting have been completed. If a specimen in a single-use mold is
vibration of that layer. In compacting the specimen, insert the moved, support the bottom of the mold. If the top surface of a
vibrator slowly and do not allow it to rest on the bottom or specimen is disturbed during movement to the place of initial
sides of the mold. Slowly withdraw the vibrator so that no large storage, refinish the surface.
air pockets are left in the specimen. When placing the final
layer, avoid overfilling by more than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.]. NOTE 10—Some single-use molds, such as cylinder molds constructed
of sheet metal or treated cardboard, may be permanently distorted if
NOTE 9—Generally, no more than 5 s of vibration should be required for moved without proper support. Using a large trowel or a hand to support
each insertion to adequately consolidate concrete with a slump greater the bottom of these molds are acceptable means to prevent permanent
than 75 mm [3 in.]. Longer times may be required for lower slump deformation. It is acceptable to slightly tilt the mold to facilitate lifting and
concrete, but the vibration time should rarely have to exceed 10 s per supporting the mold. If a cover is to be placed on the top of a specimen,
insertion. the cover should be placed on the specimen after moving the specimen to
the initial curing location to ensure the required finish of the top surface
9.5.2.1 Cylinders—The number of insertions of the vibrator of the specimen. For example, if a specimen will be stored in water for
per layer is given in Table 5. When more than one insertion per initial curing, it would be appropriate to perform a final check of the
layer is required distribute the insertion uniformly within each surface finish prior to placing the cover and setting the specimen into the
layer. Allow the vibrator to penetrate through the layer being water.
vibrated, and into the layer below, about 25 mm [1 in.]. After 10.1.2 Initial Standard Curing—Store standard-cured test
each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides of the mold at least 10 specimens for a period up to 48 h after molding to maintain the
times with the mallet, to close holes that remain and to release specified temperature and moisture conditions described in
entrapped air voids. Use an open hand to tap molds that are 10.1.2.1 and 10.1.2.2.
susceptible to denting or other permanent distortion if tapped
NOTE 11—Generally, just covering the specimens is not sufficient to
with a mallet. maintain the environment required for initial standard curing.
9.5.2.2 Beams—Insert the vibrator at intervals not exceed-
10.1.2.1 For concrete mixtures with a specified compressive
ing 150 mm [6 in.] along the center line of the long dimension
strength less than 40 MPa [6000 psi], maintain the initial
of the specimen. For specimens wider than 150 mm [6 in.], use
standard-curing temperature between 16 °C and 27 °C [60 °F
alternating insertions along two lines. Allow the shaft of the
and 80 °F]. For concrete mixtures with a specified compressive
vibrator to penetrate into the bottom layer about 25 mm [1 in.].
strength of 40 MPa [6000 psi] or greater, maintain the initial
After each layer is vibrated, tap the outsides of the mold
standard-curing temperature between 20 °C and 26 °C [68 °F
sharply at least 10 times with the mallet to close holes left by
and 78 °F]. Shield test specimens from direct exposure to
vibrating and to release entrapped air voids.
sunlight and, if used, radiant heating devices. Record the
9.6 Finishing—Perform all finishing with the minimum minimum temperature and maximum temperatures achieved
manipulation necessary to produce a flat even surface that is for each set of test specimens during the initial standard-curing
level with the rim or edge of the mold and that has no period.
depressions or projections larger than 3.3 mm [1⁄8 in.].
NOTE 12—A satisfactory temperature environment can be created
9.6.1 Cylinders—After consolidation, finish the top surfaces during the standard curing of the specimens by one or more of the
by striking them off with the tamping rod where the consis- following procedures: (1) use of ventilation; (2) use of ice; (3) use of

5
 C31/C31M − 24b
cooling devices; or (4) use of heating devices such as electrical resistance specimens from their molds 48 6 4 h after casting operations
heaters or light bulbs. Other suitable methods may be used provided the for that sample have been completed. Store specimens repre-
temperature requirements are met.
NOTE 13—Early-age strength test results may be lower if specimens are
senting pavements or slabs on ground by placing them on the
stored at temperatures lower than the specified range. At later ages, ground as cast, with their top surfaces up exposed to the
strength test results may be lower if specimens are exposed to initial specified curing treatment. Store specimens representing struc-
curing temperatures higher than the specified range. ture concrete as near the point in the structure they represent as
10.1.2.2 Store the specimens in an environment that con- possible, and afford them the same temperature protection and
trols the loss of moisture. moisture environment as the structure. At the end of the curing
period leave the specimens in place exposed to the weather in
NOTE 14—A satisfactory moisture environment can be created during
the initial standard curing of the specimens by one or more of the
the same manner as the structure. Remove all beam specimens
following procedures: (1) immerse test specimens with plastic lids in from field storage and store in water saturated with calcium
water; (2) store test specimens in a container or enclosure; (3) place test hydroxide at 23.0 °C 6 2.0 °C [73.5 °F 6 3.5 °F] for 24 h 6 4
specimens in damp sand pits; (4) cover test specimens with plastic lids; (5) h immediately before time of testing to ensure uniform
place test specimens inside plastic bags; or (6) cover specimens with wet moisture condition from specimen to specimen. Observe the
fabric.
NOTE 15—Immersion in water may be the easiest method to maintain precautions given in 10.1.3.2 to guard against drying between
required moisture and temperature conditions during initial standard time of removal from curing to testing.
curing.
10.3 Lightweight Concrete Curing—Cure lightweight con-
10.1.3 Final Curing: crete cylinders in accordance with Specification C330/C330M.
10.1.3.1 Cylinders—Upon completion of initial curing and
within 30 min after removing the molds, cure specimens with 11. Transportation of Specimens to Laboratory
free water maintained on their surfaces at all times at a
temperature of 23.0 °C 6 2.0 °C [73.5 °F 6 3.5 °F] using wa- 11.1 Prior to transporting, cure and protect specimens as
ter storage tanks or moist rooms complying with the require- required in Section 10. Specimens shall not be transported until
ments of Specification C511, except when capping with sulfur at least 8 h after final set. (See Note 17). During transporting,
mortar capping compound and immediately prior to testing. protect the specimens with suitable cushioning material to
When capping with sulfur mortar capping compound, the ends prevent damage from jarring. During cold weather, protect the
of the cylinder shall be dry enough to preclude the formation of specimens from freezing with suitable insulation material.
steam or foam pockets under or in cap larger than 6 mm [1⁄4 in.] Prevent moisture loss during transportation by wrapping the
as described in Practice C617/C617M. For a period not to test specimens in plastic, wet burlap, by surrounding them with
exceed 3 h immediately prior to test, standard curing tempera- damp sand, or tight fitting plastic caps on plastic molds.
ture is not required provided free moisture is maintained on the Transportation time shall not exceed 4 h.
cylinders and ambient temperature is between 20 °C and 30 °C NOTE 17—Setting time may be measured by Test Method C403/
[68 °F and 86 °F ]. C403M.
10.1.3.2 Beams—Beams are to be cured the same as cylin-
ders (see 10.1.3.1) except that they shall be stored in water 12. Report
saturated with calcium hydroxide at 23.0 °C 6 2.0 °C 12.1 Report the following information to the laboratory that
[73.5 °F 6 3.5 °F] at least 20 h prior to testing. Drying of the will test the specimens:
surfaces of the beam shall be prevented between removal from
12.1.1 Specimen identification,
water storage and completion of testing.
12.1.2 Serial number of delivery ticket, if available,
NOTE 16—Relatively small amounts of surface drying of flexural 12.1.3 Location of concrete represented by the samples,
specimens can induce tensile stresses in the extreme fibers that will
markedly reduce the indicated flexural strength. 12.1.4 Date, time and name of individual making
specimens,
10.2 Field Curing—Field curing is the curing method used
12.1.5 Slump or slump flow, air content, and concrete
for the specimens made and cured as stated in 4.3.
temperature, test results and results of any other tests on the
10.2.1 Cylinders—Store cylinders in or on the structure as
fresh concrete, and any deviations from referenced standard
near to the point of deposit of the concrete represented as
test methods, and
possible. Protect all surfaces of the cylinders from the elements
in as near as possible the same way as the formed work. 12.1.6 Curing method. For standard curing method, report
Provide the cylinders with the same temperature and moisture the initial curing method with maximum and minimum tem-
environment as the structural work. Test the specimens in the peratures and final curing method. For field curing method,
moisture condition resulting from the specified curing treat- report the location where stored, manner of protection from the
ment. To meet these conditions, specimens made for the elements, temperature and moisture environment, and time of
purpose of determining when a structure is capable of being put removal from molds.
in service shall be removed from the molds at the time of
removal of form work. 13. Keywords
10.2.2 Beams—As nearly as practicable, cure beams in the 13.1 beams; casting samples; concrete; curing; cylinders;
same manner as the concrete in the structure. Remove the testing

6
 C31/C31M − 24b

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this practice since the last issue,
C31/C31M–24a, that may impact the use of this practice. (Approved June 1, 2024.)

(1) Revised 10.1.2.1.

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this practice since the last issue,
C31/C31M–24, that may impact the use of this practice. (Approved April 1, 2024.)

(1) Revised titles of Section 9, Table 4 and Table 5. (2) Revised 9.2, 9.3, Note 14, 10.1.1, 10.1.2.2, and 12.1.4.

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this practice since the last issue,
C31/C31M–23, that may impact the use of this practice. (Approved February 1, 2024.)

(1) 9.2 was added. Former 9.2.1 and 9.3.1 were removed

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this practice since the last issue,
C31/C31M–22, that may impact the use of this practice. (Approved June 1, 2023.)

(1) Revised 1.2, 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.3, (2) Added definitions and discussions for acceptance test
4.3.1, 6.1, Note 6, 7.1, 10.1.2, 10.1.2.1, Note 14, Note 15, and specimens, field-curing, and standard-curing,
11.1, (3) Added 3.2.3.1, 4.3.5, 7.2, and Note 2 and Note 7.

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this practice since the last issue,
C31/C31M–21a, that may impact the use of this practice. (Approved August 1, 2022.)

(1) 10.1.1 was revised.

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