Technical Questions

AC I C O M M I T T E E S , M E M B E R S H I P , AN D S T AF F H A V E AN S W E R E D C O M M O N
Q U E S T I O N S O N A V AR I E T Y O F C O N C R E T E R E L AT E D T O P I C S .

Standards for 7-day and 28-day strength test results

Q. We test concrete cylinders for compressive strength. Most specifications that we see require a
compressive strength of 3000 psi (20.7 MPa) and testing at 7 and 28 days. What ACI standard stipulates
the percent of the specified compressive strength that the cylinder must meet in order to pass the
compressive strength test at both the 7- and 28-day ages?

A. According to section 19.2.1.3 of ACI 318-14 the specified compressive strength shall be based on the
28-day test results unless otherwise specified in the construction documents. 3- or 7-day test results are
used to monitor early strength gain, especially when high early-strength concrete is used. However, 3-
and 7-day test results are not commonly used for acceptance purposes.
The acceptance criteria for the specified compressive strength according to section 26.12.3.1 of ACI 318-
14 are as follows:
1. Every arithmetic average of any three consecutive strength tests equals or exceeds the specified
compressive strength.
2. No strength test falls below the specified compressive strength by more than 500 psi (3.5 MPa) if the
specified compressive strength is 5000 psi (35 MPa) or less; or by more than 10 percent of the specified
compressive strength if the specified compressive strength exceeds 5000 psi (35 MPa).
Sections 26.5.3.2 and 26.12.1.1 of ACI 318-14, ACI 301-16 “Specifications for Structural Concrete”, and
ACI 311.6-18 “Specification for Testing Ready Mixed Concrete” require concrete strength tests for
acceptance to be the average of at least three 4 x 8 in. (100 x 200 mm) cylinders or at least two 6 x 12 in.
(150 x 300 mm) cylinders.