ASTM C39

 PROCEDURE
1. Place the specimen on the lower bearing block so the axis of the specimen is aligned with
the center of thrust of the spherically seated bearing block.
2. Make sure the load indicator is set to zero prior to starting the test.
3. Apply a compressive load of 35 ± 7 psi/s (0.25 ± 0.05 MPa/s) continuously and without shock
until failure or until the operator is certain that the ultimate capacity has been achieved.
4. Record the maximum load carried by the specimen during the test and note the type of
fracture pattern.

 MATERIALS NEEDED
1. Testing Machine - The testing machine is powered by hydraulic fluid, and uses a piston
to lift the lower bearing block and push the cylinder into the upper bearing block, loading
the cylinder with increasing weight until it ruptures. It is typically operated by a lever or
several buttons to retract, hold, or advance the lower bearing block, and its results may
be reported by a dial gauge or a digital readout. This is a sensitive piece of equipment
and it must regularly be calibrated and maintained. ASTM C39 section 6 goes more into
depth about the specifications of the machine's individual parts.
1. Calipers or Ruler - Measuring the diameter of each cylinder is vital to the test results, as
you will need to calculate the area of the cylinder to find the strength. Keeping a daily
record of your cylinder diameters is recommended. No individual diameters on the same
cylinder can vary by more than 2%, or the sample is invalid.
2. Carpenter's Square - These are useful to check the perpendicularity of the cylinder's
axis, making sure that the cylinder does not depart from perpendicularity by more than
0.5 degrees. It helps to get one that comes with a bubble level.
3. Straight Edge, 1/8 inch nail and 1/5 inch nail - This is used to check the planeness of the
ends of the cylinder. You put the straightedge across the end of the cylinder, and poke
the nail at it to see if it goes underneath. The 1/8 inch nail is used if capping with ASTM
C617, and the 1/5 inch nail is used for unbonded caps (ASTM C1231).
4. Cylinder Wraps - This is safety equipment, and also helps to keep the testing machine
and its surrounding area clean. They are rectangular pieces of canvas with velcro on the
ends that wrap around the cylinder and keep concrete fragments contained, protecting
the machine operator from sudden ruptures shooting concrete everywhere.
5. Retaining Rings - If you are using unbonded caps, these contain neoprene pads that
help absorb the shock on the cylinder as it breaks, and go over the ends of the cylinder.
Make sure they are level when you place them on. If you work in a lab where these are
exposed to the elements and you don't want them to rust, regularly clean them with a
wire brush and some WD-40. You can learn more about unbonded caps in ASTM
C1231.
6. Sulfur capping equipment - This equipment consists of sulfur mortar, a sulfur pot
apparatus to melt the mortar in, capping plates, spoons, and various other items. Refer
to ASTM C617 to learn more about the capping procedure.
7. Spacers - Break machines are typically built to break 6x12 cylinders, so if you have
smaller samples you will need to put something in there for them to sit on, kind of like a
booster seat for a small child. Typically these are made of steel or some other strong
material, and are cylindrical in shape, but a little wider than the diameter of the cylinders
that sit on them.
8. Brush and dustpan - Keeping the bearing surface of the testing machine clean and clear
of debris is very important, because it needs to be plane and level for each cylinder to
break properly. It is recommended that you sweep it clean after each break.
9. Wheelbarrow - A wheelbarrow can be used to hold broken samples to throw them away
after you are done testing. Don't let it get too full or you might spill it and leave concrete
fragments all over the lab that will take forever to clean up.
10. Safety goggles - Wear eye protection, as this can get messy!