ASTM C403/C403M-08 pdf free download.Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resistance.
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 laboratot)’ conditions, as well as under field conditions.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to he regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents: therefore, each system shall he used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
5.2 This test method can be used to determine the effects of variables, such as water content; brand, type and amount of cernentitious material: or admixtures, upon the time of setting of concrete. This test method may also he used to determine compliance with specified time-of-setting requirements.
5.3 This test method may also be applied to prepared mortars and grouts. However, when the setting time of concrete is desired, the test shall be performed on mortar sieved from the concrete mixture and not on a prepared mortar intended to simulate the mortar fraction of the concrete: it has been shown that the initial and final setting times may be increased when using the prepared mortar.
6. Apparatus
6. 1 Containers for Mortar Specimens—The containers shall be rigid, watertight, nonabsorplive. free of oil or grease. and either cylindrical or rectangular in cross section. Mortar surface area shall be provided for ten undisturbed readings of penetration resistance in accordance with clear distance requirements specified in Procedure. The lateral dimension shall be at least 6 in. [150 mm] and the height at least 6 in. [150 mm].
6.2 Penetration Needles—Needles shall be provided which can be attached to the loading apparatus and which have the following bearing areas: 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/1o, ½o, and ¼o in.2 1645, 323. 161, 65, 32, and [16 mm2]. Each needle shank shall be scrihed circumferentially at a distance I1in. 125 mml from the bearing area.
6.3 Loading Apparatus—A device shall he provided to measure the force required to cause penetration of the needles. The device shall be capable of measuring the penetration force with an accuracy of ±2 lbf 110 NJ and shall have a capacity of at least 130 lbf [600 N].
NcxrE I—Suitable loading apparaws can be of the spring-reaction type as described in Test Method D1558, or of other types with a calibrated force measuring device, such as an electronic load cell or a hydraulic pressure gage.ASTM C403/C403M pdf download.