ASTM C1231
Full Name
ASTM C1231 – Standard Practice for Use of Unbonded Caps in Determination of Compressive Strength of Hardened Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
Scope
ASTM C1231 outlines the requirements for using unbonded caps when determining the compressive strength of hardened cylindrical concrete specimens. These specimens can be molded cylinders or cores obtained from concrete structures.
The scope of ASTM C1231 encompasses:
- Capping systems: the standard defines the requirements for unbonded capping systems, including the materials, dimensions, and hardness of the caps. It specifically permits the use of unbonded neoprene caps of a defined hardness for a specified maximum number of reuses without qualification testing, up to a certain concrete compressive strength level. Above that strength level, qualification testing is required for neoprene caps and all other elastomeric materials.
- Specimen preparation: it provides guidance on preparing the ends of concrete cylinders or cores for testing, ensuring that they are plane, parallel, and free of debris.
- Testing procedure: while it doesn’t detail the full compressive strength testing procedure, it does specify how the unbonded caps should be placed on the prepared specimen ends before testing.
- Limitations: it specifies that unbonded caps are not to be used for acceptance testing of concrete with compressive strength below 1500 psi (10 MPa) or above 12,000 psi (85 MPa). This is due to potential inaccuracies in results outside of this range.
In essence, ASTM C1231 aims to standardize the use of unbonded caps in compressive strength testing of concrete, ensuring consistent and reliable results within specified limits. It provides a practical alternative to traditional bonded capping methods, offering potential benefits in terms of time and cost savings.
ASTM C1231 Accredited Laboratory
Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the ASTM C1231 standard.
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Resources
Keywords
unbonded caps; compressive strength; concrete cylinders; neoprene caps; elastomeric materials; qualification testing; capping system; specimen preparation