ACI 126.

1R-97

Guide to a Recommended Format

for the Identification of Concrete in a
Materials Property Database
Reported by ACI Committee 126

Geoffrey Frohnsdorff C. Barry Oland

Chairman Secretary

Marwan A. Daye R. Doug Hooton Tommy E. Nantung*

Sharon M. De Hayes Lawrence J. Kaetzel* Charles F. Scholer
Timothy P. Dolen* William F. Kepler* James M. Shilstone
Chiara F. Ferraris* Steven H. Kosmatka Kurt F. von Fay
Per Fidjestol Robert A. Nunez David A. Whiting†
Tony C. Liu

*Associate Member
†Consulting Member

This guide is intended for use by those responsible for entering data into a CONTENTS
concrete materials property database. It is the first of a series of related Chapter 1—Scope, p. 126.1R-2
documents that present recommended formats for use in computerization of 1.1—Introduction
concrete materials property data for entry into databases. The guide
1.2—Objective
addresses the complex problem of distinguishing one concrete from another
by providing a logical scheme for systematically organizing and subdivid-
ing material characteristics and parameters to create a unique concrete Chapter 2—Terminology, p. 126.1R-3
identifier for use in a database. The organization and structure presented 2.1—Terms specific to concrete
in this guide provide an extensive framework for cross-referencing concrete 2.2—Terms used in this guide
materials property and processing data and for integrating the reporting
recommendations contained in the other ACI Committee 126 guides. ACI
Committee 126 guides are consistent with the principles laid down in the
Chapter 3—Significance and use, p. 126.1R-4
guides that have been prepared by ASTM Committee E-49 on Computeriza- 3.1—Significance of this guide
tion of Material and Chemical Property Data. 3.2—Uses of this guide

Keywords: concrete; concrete identifiers; database; database management; Chapter 4—Guide for the identification of
materials property database; recommended formats. concrete, p. 126.1R-4

ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Standard Practices, and Com-

mentaries are intended for guidance in planning, designing, exe-
cuting, and inspecting construction. This document is intended
for the use of individuals who are competent to evaluate the
significance and limitations of its content and recommenda-
tions and who will accept responsibility for the application of
the material it contains. The American Concrete Institute dis-
claims any and all responsibility for the stated principles. The In-
stitute shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising
therefrom.
Reference to this document shall not be made in contract
documents. If items found in this document are desired by the
Architect/Engineer to be a part of the contract documents, they
shall be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by the
Architect/Engineer.
Chapter 5—Data segments, p. 126.1R-4
5.1—Introduction
5.2—Data segment definitions
Chapter 6—Data elements, p. 126.1R-7
6.1—Introduction
6.2—Concrete designation
6.3—Concrete supplier
ACI 126.1R-97 became effective May 7, 1997 .
Copyright  1997, American Concrete Institute.
All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any
means, including the making of copies by any photo process, or by electronic or
mechanical device, printed, written, or oral, or recording for sound or visual reproduc-
tion or for use in any knowledge or retrieval system or device, unless permission in
writing is obtained from the copyright proprietors.

126.1R-1
126.1R-2 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
6.4—Constituent designation
6.5—Concrete mixture proportions
6.6—Concrete processing
6.7—Fresh concrete property
6.8—Reference property
Chapter 7—References, p. 126.1R-10
7.1—American Concrete Institute
7.2—American Society for Testing and Materials
7.3—Other references
Appendix A—Example use of the guide,
p. 126.1R-11
CHAPTER 1—SCOPE
1.1—Introduction
A concrete materials property database is a collection of
data files in which properties of concretes are organized and
stored. Each data file is unique because it only contains prop-
erties, data, and information for one particular concrete. For
example, ACI Committee 207 on Mass Concrete has devel-
oped such a collection. It contains data files for 30 concretes
used in dams located throughout the world.
Accessing the data and information in a concrete materials
property database may be difficult or impossible if the data-
base management system poses constraints or if there are in-
consistencies among data files. The need for a comprehensive
data management strategy becomes apparent each time one
of these difficulties is encountered. To efficiently report the
property data that may be available for a particular concrete,
a comprehensive set of guidelines for establishing unique
concrete identification and for presenting constituent infor-
mation, processing parameters, mechanical, thermal, physi-
cal, and other properties, and performance characteristics
should be followed.
This guide is the first of a series of related documents be-
ing prepared by ACI Committee 126. The others will provide
recommended formats for cements, aggregates, chemical ad-
mixtures, mineral admixtures, concrete processing, and con-
crete properties and performance. Figure 1.1 shows the
CEMENTS AGGREGATES
CONCRETE
MATERIAL
IDENTIFIERS
PROCESSING
of CONCRETE
Fig. 1.1—Relationships among the guides to recommended formats for concrete materials property data and concrete
material identifiers
relationships among the guides and the concrete material
identifiers. The recommended formats presented in the
guides are intended for use in the computerization of data in
a comprehensive concrete materials property database.
These guides are consistent with the principles laid down in
the guides that have been prepared by ASTM Committee
E-49, Computerization of Material and Chemical Property
Data. The organization of this guide for the identification of
concrete in a materials property database was strongly influ-
enced by ASTM E 1338 Standard Guide for the Identifica-
tion of Metals and Alloys in Computerized Material Property
Databases, and ASTM E 1309 Standard Guide for the Iden-
tification of Composite Materials in Computerized Material
Property Databases.
1.2—Objective
This document is intended to serve as a guide for estab-
lishing the unique identity of each concrete in a concrete
materials property database. Based on consensus recommen-
dations for a multilevel material description and designation
system (Westbrook and McCreight 1987), it provides for
the reporting of essential data and information necessary for
searching the database and for locating concretes with sim-
ilar compositions and characteristics (Moniz 1993). This
guide includes a classification system, guidelines for identi-
fying and designating the supplier, composition, processing
history, and mixture proportions of concrete, and recom-
mendations for reporting fresh and reference concrete prop-
erties. Although compliance with the recommended formats
is considered essential for efficient computerization of con-
crete properties, this guide is not intended to replace report-
ing requirements established in consensus standards or
contractual agreements, nor is it intended to serve as a step-
by-step manual for use in database management or in com-
puter protocol development.
CHEMICAL MINERAL
ADMIXTURES ADMIXTURES
PROPERTIES and
PERFORMANCE of
CONCRETE
 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCRETE IN A MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE
CHAPTER 2—TERMINOLOGY
2.1—Terms specific to concrete
Concrete is defined by ACI Committee 116 on Cement
and Concrete Terminology as a composite material that con-
sists essentially of a binding medium within which are em-
bedded particles or fragments of aggregate. Other concrete-
related terms used in this guide are defined in reference doc-
uments listed in Chapter 7.
2.2—Terms used in this guide
Terms used to describe the components of a concrete ma-
terials property database are presented in this section. The re-
lationships among the components are shown in Fig. 2.2. A
database consists of data files that are, internally, composed
of data segments and data elements.
2.2.1 Concrete materials property database—a collec-
tion of data files in which properties of concretes are orga-
nized and stored.
2.2.2 Data file—a complete concrete materials property
database entry or record that contains properties, data, and
information for one particular concrete.
2.2.3 Data segment—a category of information that is
used to subdivide and designate sets of related data elements.
Certain data segments may be used a number of times to re-
port constituent information and properties for a particular
concrete.
2.2.4 Data element—an individual piece of information
used in describing a material or in recording test results; for
example, a variable name or test parameter. Each data ele-
ment in this guide is represented by a data element number,
data element name, data element type, and data element
format.
Certain data elements, which are included in this guide be-
cause they are essential for unique concrete identification,
are functional parts of other ACI Committee 126 guides. En-
tries for these particular data elements may be recorded at
various locations throughout a data file.
2.2.5 Data element number—a four- or six-digit num-
ber used to denote an individual data element. These num-
Concrete Materials
Property Database
Data File 1 Data File 2
Data Segment 1 Data Segment 2
Data Element 1 Data Element 2
Fig. 2.2—Relationships among components of a concrete materials property database
126.1R-3
bers represent the entire set of information in a particular
data element. Data element numbers are considered a func-
tional part of the guide and may be used for data element
reference.
The first digit in the data element number is used as a
cross reference to other ACI Committee 126 guides. Data
element numbers that include an “X” are part of other
ACI Committee 126 guides. For example, 5XXX.XX de-
notes a data element number from the properties and per-
formance guide, 6XXX.XX denotes a data element
number from the processing guide, and X001.XX denotes
a data element number from one of the cement, aggre-
gate, chemical admixture, mineral admixture, or other
constituent guides. The two digits following the decimal
point can be used to distinguish sets of entries having the
same four-digit data element number from each other.
The assigned ranges of data element numbers are present-
ed in Table 2.2.
2.2.6 Data element name—a descriptive term or title that
designates the type of information or data to be reported in
the data element.
2.2.7 Data element type—a designation that reflects the
significance of the data element entry. All data element en-
tries are considered either essential or desirable for identifi-
cation purposes. Data elements are considered essential if
they are required to make a meaningful comparison of prop-
erty data from different sources. A comparison of data from
different sources may still be possible if essential informa-
tion is omitted, but the value of the comparison may be
greatly reduced.
2.2.8 Data element format—the presentation style used
to report information or data. Alphanumeric, floating
point, and special entry formats are specified in this guide
for use in reporting information, unit designations, numer-
ical values, and text. Details concerning the YYYYMMDD
(year:month:date) format are presented in Subsection
6.6.1.
Data File M
Data Segment N
Data Element P
126.1R-4 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

Table 2.2—Data element number range The data element numbers shown in Table 4 represent the
designations entire set of information in a particular data element and are
considered a functional part of this guide. Data elements rep-
ACI
Committee resented by data element numbers less than 7000 or equal to
Data element 126 or greater than 8000 are included in this guide for complete-
number range Task Group Guide subject ness even though they are defined in other ACI Committee
1000-1999 1 Cement 126 guides.
2000-2999 2 Aggregates
CHAPTER 5—DATA SEGMENTS
3000-3999 3 Chemical admixtures 5.1—Introduction
4000-4999 4 Mineral admixtures The seven data segments presented in Table 4 represent
categories of information that are necessary for the identifi-
Properties and
5000-5999 5 cation of a concrete. Each data segment is identified and de-
performance
fined in the following section.
6000-6999 6 Processing
7000-7999 7 Material identifiers 5.2—Data segment definitions
8000-8999 8 Other solid constituents 5.2.1 Concrete designation—The concrete designation
data segment is used to report identifiers for each concrete in
9000-9999 9 Other liquid constituents
a concrete materials property database. These identifiers are
based on a multilevel classification system that uses estab-
lished terms and designations to categorize the concrete.
CHAPTER 3—SIGNIFICANCE AND USE This data segment is represented by eight data elements.
3.1—Significance of this guide 5.2.2 Concrete supplier—The concrete supplier data seg-
Concretes are often identified using names such as Mix- ment is used to report the origin of the concrete. This data
ture A, Lightweight Concrete, or 3000 psi Concrete. ACI segment is represented by four data elements that are part of
Committee 207 on Mass Concrete used names like these to the processing guide.
report properties for the 30 concretes in its collection. Use of 5.2.3 Constituent designation—The constituent designa-
names in this way is of limited usefulness unless sufficient tion data segment is used to identify a constituent in a con-
additional data and information about the constituents, mix- crete mixture. This data segment, which is repeated for each
ture proportions, processing history, and properties of the constituent used in the concrete, is represented by ten data el-
fresh and hardened concrete are provided to establish differ- ements that are defined in the cement, aggregate, chemical
ences among the concretes. admixture, mineral admixture, other solid constituent, and
other liquid constituent guides. Recommended formats for
The recommended formats presented in this guide were
reporting data about the constituents used in the concrete are
developed to address the complex problem of distinguish- provided in these guides.
ing one concrete from another by providing a logical 5.2.4 Concrete mixture proportions—The concrete mix-
scheme for systematically organizing and subdividing ma- ture proportions data segment is used to report the amount of
terial characteristics and parameters to create a unique each constituent in a given volume of concrete. This data
concrete identifier. segment is represented by four data elements that are part of
the processing guide. Because this data segment is used re-
3.2—Uses for this guide peatedly, entries in this data segment should be consistent
This guide is intended for use by those responsible for en- with corresponding entries in the constituent designation
tering data into a concrete materials property database or data segment.
preparing tables of concrete properties and information for 5.2.5 Concrete processing—The concrete processing
use by others. It should be of particular use to those who data segment is used to report information related to batch-
might wish to share data with others, either within an orga- ing, mixing, transporting, placing, consolidating, finishing,
nization or between organizations. When necessary, users of and curing of concrete. This data segment is represented by
this guide may expand the number of data segments or create eight data elements that are part of the processing guide.
different data elements so that additional concrete identifica- 5.2.6 Fresh concrete property—The fresh concrete prop-
tion parameters can be included. erty data segment is used to report various properties of
freshly mixed concrete. These properties may be obtained
CHAPTER 4—GUIDE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION from a test conducted on the fresh concrete or determined by
OF CONCRETE calculation from the mixture proportions or related informa-
Guidelines for the identification of a concrete in a materi- tion such as the water-cement ratio, water-cementitious ma-
als property database are presented in Table 4. This guide in- terial ratio, or cement factor. This data segment, which is
cludes seven data segments that are subdivided into separate used repeatedly for each fresh concrete property, is repre-
data elements. Each data element is represented by a data el- sented by nine data elements that are part of the properties
ement number, data element name, data element type, and and performance guide.
data element format. Definitions for these terms are provided 5.2.7 Reference property—The reference property data
in Section 2.2. segment is used to report any concrete property that is con-
 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCRETE IN A MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE 126.1R-5

Table 4—Guide for the identification of concrete in a materials property database

Data Elements for CONCRETE DESIGNATION Data Segment*

Number† Name Type‡ Format

7001 Material class Essential Alphanumeric string
7002 Binder type Essential Alphanumeric string
7003 Concrete category Essential Alphanumeric string
7004 Concrete group Desirable Alphanumeric string
7005 Processing group Desirable Alphanumeric string
7006 Concrete identification number Desirable Alphanumeric string
7007 Common name Essential Alphanumeric string
7008 Concrete designation notes Desirable Alphanumeric string

Data Elements for CONCRETE SUPPLIER Data Segment*

Number† Name Type‡ Format

6XXX Concrete supplier name Essential Alphanumeric string

6XXX Concrete supplier address Essential Alphanumeric string
6XXX Concrete supplier plant location Desirable Alphanumeric string
6XXX Concrete suppier’s identification number Desirable Alphanumeric string

Data Elements for CONSTITUENT DESIGNATION Data Segment*

Number† Name Type‡ Format

X001.XX Constituent class Essential Alphanumeric string

X002.XX Constituent common name Essential Alphanumeric string
X003.XX Constituent producer name Essential Alphanumeric string
X004.XX Constituent producer plant location Essential Alphanumeric string
X005.XX Constituent producer’s identification number Essential Alphanumeric string
X006.XX Constituent standards organization Desirable Alphanumeric string
X007.XX Constituent specification number Desirable Alphanumeric string
X008.XX Constituent specification version Desirable Alphanumeric string
X009.XX Constituent specification designation Desirable Alphanumeric string
X010.XX Constituent notes Desirable Alphanumeric string

Data Elements for CONCRETE MIXTURE PROPORTIONS Data Segment*

Number† Name Type‡ Format

6XXX.XX Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete Essential Floating point

6XXX.XX Constituent quantity per unit volume Essential Alphanumeric string

(customary units designation)

6XXX.XX Constituent quantity per unit volume Essential Alphanumeric string

(SI units designation)
6XXX.XX Customary to SI units conversion factor Essential Floating point

* Repeat the data elements in this data segment for each constituent in the concrete mixture
† Data element numbers represent entire set of information in a particular data element and are considered a functional part of the guide.
‡ All data elements are considered desirable. Essential data elements are important for unique identification.
126.1R-6 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

Table 4 (cont.)—Guide for the identification of concrete in a materials property database

Data Elements for CONCRETE PROCESSING Data Segment*

Number† Name Type‡ Format

6XXX Processing date Essential YYYYMMDD
6XXX Batching process Desirable Alphanumeric string
6XXX Mixing equipment Desirable Alphanumeric string
6XXX Transporting and placing equipment Desirable Alphanumeric string
6XXX Consolidating equipment Desirable Alphanumeric string
6XXX Surface finish Desirable Alphanumeric string
6XXX Curing Technique Desirable Alphanumeric string
6XXX Concrete processing notes Desirable Alphanumeric string

Data Elements for FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTY Data Segment*

Number† Name Type‡ Format

5XXX.XX Fresh concrete property designation Essential Alphanumeric string
5XXX.XX Fresh concrete property standards organization Desirable Alphanumeric string
5XXX.XX Fresh concrete property standard number Desirable Alphanumeric string
5XXX.XX Fresh concrete property standard version Desirable Alphanumeric string
5XXX.XX Fresh concrete property value Essential Floating point
Fresh concrete property
5XXX.XX (customary units designation) Essential Alphanumeric string

Fresh concrete property

5XXX.XX (SI units designation) Essential Alphanumeric string

5XXX.XX Customary to SI units conversion factor Essential Floating Point

5XXX.XX Fresh concrete property notes Desirable Alphanumeric string

Data Elements for REFERENCE PROPERTY Data Segment*

Number† Name Type‡ Format

5XXX.XX Reference property designation Essential Alphanumeric string
5XXX.XX Reference property standards organization Desirable Alphanumeric string
5XXX.XX Reference property standard number Desirable Alphanumeric string
5XXX.XX Reference property standard version Desirable Alphanumeric string
5XXX.XX Reference property value Essential Floating point

5XXX.XX Reference property Essential Alphanumeric string

(customary units designation)

5XXX.XX Reference property Essential Alphanumeric string

(SI units designation)
5XXX.XX Customary to SI units conversion factor Essential Floating Point
5XXX.XX Concrete age (days) Essential Floating point
5XXX.XX Reference property notes Desirable Alphanumeric string

* Repeat the data elements in this data segment for each constituent in the concrete mixture
† Data element numbers represent entire set of information in a particular data element and are considered a functional part of the guide.
‡ All data elements are considered desirable. Essential data elements are important for unique idenification.
 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCRETE IN A MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE 126.1R-7

sidered a reference property. Properties obtained from a test
conducted on the fresh concrete or a sample of the hardened
concrete can be used for this purpose. It can also be used to
report reference values, acceptance criteria, or strength re-
quirements such as the design compressive strength of the
concrete. This data segment, which is used repeatedly for
each reference property, is represented by ten data elements
that are part of the properties and performance guide.
CHAPTER 6—DATA ELEMENTS
6.1—Introduction
Each data segment is subdivided into sets of data elements
that are used to report either essential or desirable informa-
tion. The data elements associated with each data segment
are identified and defined in the following subsections. Ex-
ample data element entries are provided whenever possible.
Although it is not necessary for every data element to be used
for every concrete, it is suggested that, for those elements
used, the recommended format be adopted, and for those el-
ements designated essential, entries be provided.
6.2—Concrete designation
6.2.1 Material class—This essential data element is used
to distinguish one broad group of materials from another.
The materials within each class typically have common com-
positional traits and similar characteristics or features. Metal,
ceramics, polymers, composites, and wood are considered
material classes. The class of materials covered by this guide
is concrete.
6.2.2 Binder type—This essential data element is used to
subdivide concrete into types which contain the same binder.
Some suggested entries for this data element are provided in
Table 6.2. This list was developed using common cement
and concrete terminology, but it is not exhaustive.

Table 6.2—Suggested data element entries for the concrete designation data segment

Data element

Material class Binder type Concrete category Concrete group Processing group
Concrete Asphalt Lightweight Architectural Castable
Aluminate cement Normal weight Mass Central-mixed
Blended cement Heavyweight Backfill Dry-mix shotcrete
Expansive cement Cast-in-place Foamed
Gypsum Fiber reinforced Grouted-aggregate
Insulating Manually-mixed
Masonry cement
Masonry grout Packaged
Natural cement
Masonry mortar Prepacked
Polymer Overlay Preplaced-aggregate
Portland cement Plain Pumped
Portland blast-furnace Plaster Ready-mixed
slag cement Precast Roller-compacted
Portland-pozzolan Prestressed Sprayed
cement Reinforced Spun
Refractory cement Shielding Transit-mixed
Slag cement Structural Truck-mixed
Sulfur Stucco Vacuum dewatered
Terrazzo Wet-mix shotcrete

Examples of data element entry combinations

Material class Binder type Concrete category Concrete group Processing group
Concrete Portland cement Normal weight Fiber reinforced Ready-mixed
Concrete Refractory cement Lightweight Insulating Castable
Concrete Polymer Normal weight Overlay Truck-mixed
Concrete Expansive cement Normal weight Plain Manually-mixed
Concrete Masonry cement Normal weight Masonry mortar Packaged
Concrete Portland cement Heavyweight Shielding Transit-mixed
Concrete Portland cement Normal weight Mass Roller-compacted
Concrete Portland cement Normal weight Fiber reinforced Dry-mix shotcrete
Portland blast-furnace
Concrete Normal weight Structural Central-mixed
slag cement
126.1R-8 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
6.2.3 Concrete category—This essential data element is
used to categorize each type of concrete based on its bulk
density. The bulk density of concrete is significantly influ-
enced by the densities of the aggregates and by the void con-
tent of the concrete. Some suggested entries for this data
element are provided in Table 6.2. This list was developed
using common cement and concrete terminology, but it is not
exhaustive.
6.2.4 Concrete group—This data element is used to indi-
cate the end-use or application of the concrete or other types
of unique features or characteristics. Some suggested entries
for this data element are provided in Table 6.2. This list was
developed using common cement and concrete terminology,
but it is not exhaustive.
6.2.5 Processing group—This data element is used to
distinguish concretes from the same class, type, category,
and group from one another. The processing group identifier
generally reflects the procedure or manufacturing technique
used to process the concrete. Suggested entries for this data
element are provided in Table 6.2. This list was developed
using common cement and concrete terminology, but it is not
exhaustive.
6.2.6 Concrete identification number—This data ele-
ment is used to report a unique alphanumeric concrete iden-
tifier. This combination of numbers and letters is generally
established by the organization that prepares the concrete
specification and used by the database manager to represent
the concrete in the materials property database. Note: A
unified numbering system (UNS) for metals and alloys has
been developed and is described in ASTM E 527, but a
standardized numbering system for concretes has not yet
been developed.
6.2.7 Common name—This essential data element is used
to report a unique common name for the concrete. This name
is often provided by the concrete supplier and used by the da-
tabase manager to represent the concrete in the materials prop-
erty database. Mixture A, Lightweight Concrete, and 3,000 psi
Concrete are examples of commonly used concrete names.
6.2.8 Concrete designation notes—This data element is
used to report descriptive information or notes about the
concrete.
6.3—Concrete supplier
6.3.1 Concrete supplier name—This essential data ele-
ment is used to report the name of the concrete supplier. The
name of a concrete producer, research organization, or con-
tractor may be used as an entry in this data element.
6.3.2 Concrete supplier address—This essential data el-
ement is used to report the address of the concrete supplier.
6.3.3 Concrete supplier plant location—This data ele-
ment is used to report the location of the concrete supplier's
plant. An address, a batch plant designation, or another type
of identifier may be entered in this data element.
6.3.4 Concrete supplier’s identification number—This
data element is used to report an identification number pro-
vided by the concrete supplier. An alphanumeric designation
may be entered in this data element.
6.4—Constituent designation
6.4.1 Constituent class—This essential data element is
used to distinguish one broad class of constituents from an-
other. Materials within each class typically have common
compositional traits or chemical formulations and similar
characteristics or features. Cement, aggregate, chemical
admixture, mineral admixture, other solids, and other liq-
uids are examples of classes of constituents. This entry
should conform to recommendations contained in the ap-
propriate guides for cements, aggregates, chemical admix-
tures, mineral admixtures, other solid constituents, and
other liquid constituents.
6.4.2 Constituent common name—This essential data el-
ement is used to report a common name for the class of con-
stituents reported in the previous data element. Portland
cement, crushed limestone (coarse), crushed limestone
(fine), fly ash, air-entraining admixture, water-reducer, and
water are examples of common names for constituents.
6.4.3 Constituent producer name—This essential data
element is used to report the name of the company that pro-
duced or supplied the constituent.
6.4.4 Constituent producer plant location—This essen-
tial data element is used to report the address where the con-
stituent was produced or the location where the constituent
was obtained.
6.4.5 Constituent producer’s identification number—
This essential data element is used to report an alphanumeric
designation assigned by the producer or supplier to distin-
guish one lot or batch of material from another.
6.4.6 Constituent standards organization—This data
element is used to report the company, industry, national,
or international organization that produced the specifica-
tion with which the constituent complies. ASTM is an ex-
ample of an organization that issues standard specifications
for constituents.
6.4.7 Constituent specification number—This data ele-
ment is used to report the specification number for the stan-
dards organization reported above. Numbers such as A 820,
C 33, C 150, C 260, C 332, C 494, and C 618 are examples
of ASTM standard specification numbers.
6.4.8 Constituent specification version—This data ele-
ment is used to report the version of the standard specifica-
tion reported above. A version is usually a number that
represents the date of issue.
6.4.9 Constituent specification designation—This
data element is used to report the designation, if any,
within the standard specification reported above. Type I,
Type A, and Class F are examples of ASTM standard
specification designations.
6.4.10 Constituent notes—This data element is used to re-
port notes and comments about the constituent.
6.5—Concrete mixture proportions
6.5.1 Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete—
This essential data element is used to report the quantity
(mass or volume) of a constituent that is used to prepare a
unit volume of concrete. This number is reported as a float-
ing point decimal.
 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCRETE IN A MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE
6.5.2 Constituent quantity per unit volume (customary
units designation)—This essential data element is used to re-
port the customary units that correspond to the number re-
ported above. Example entries include pounds/cubic yard,
fluid ounces/cubic yard, kilograms/cubic meter, and millili-
ters/cubic meter.
6.5.3 Constituent quantity per unit volume (SI units
designation)—This essential data element is used to report
the units in the International System (SI) of units that corre-
spond to the number reported above. These designations
should conform to ASTM E 380 Standard Practice for Use of
the International System of Units (SI). Example entries in-
clude kilograms/cubic meter and milliliters/cubic meter.
6.5.4 Customary to SI units conversion factor—This es-
sential data element is used to report the conversion factor
that is used to convert customary units to SI units. This num-
ber is reported as a floating point decimal. As an example;
the factor for converting pounds/cubic yard to kilograms/cu-
bic meter is 0.5932764.
6.6—Concrete processing
6.6.1 Processing date—This essential data element is
used to report the date the concrete was mixed (or batched)
using the YYYYMMDD (year:month:date) format. The first
four digits of this format represent the year, the next two dig-
its represent the month, and the last two digits represent the
day. For example: 19941024 represents October 24, 1994.
6.6.2 Batching process—This data element is used to re-
port the batching process used for measuring the constituents
for a batch of concrete. Manual weight batching, semiauto-
matic weight batching, automatic weight batching, cumula-
tive automatic weight batching, individual automatic weight
batching, and volumetric batching are examples of concrete
batching processes.
6.6.3 Mixing equipment—This data element is used to re-
port the type of mixer used for blending the constituents. Col-
loid mixer, horizontal shaft mixer, nontilting mixer, open-top
mixer, pan mixer, paddle mixer, continuous mixer, tilting
mixer, transit mixer, and vertical shaft mixer are examples of
types of mixers used to prepare a batch of concrete.
6.6.4 Transporting and placing equipment—This data
element is used to report the type of equipment used for
transporting the concrete from the mixer to the point of dis-
charge and the type of equipment used for placing the con-
crete. Wheelbarrow, buggy, chute, dump bucket, truck with
agitator, truck without agitator, conveyor belt, portable con-
veyor, feeder or series conveyor, spreading conveyor, radial
spreader, straight line spreader, piston pump, pneumatic
pump, and squeeze pressure pump are examples of transport-
ing equipment. Scoops, shovels, buckets, hoppers, chutes,
tremie, paving equipment, and slipforming equipment are
examples of placing equipment.
6.6.5 Consolidating equipment—This data element is
used to report the type of equipment used to consolidate the
concrete. Spades, hand tampers, rods, power tampers or ram-
mers, internal vibrators, external vibrators, surface vibrators,
table vibrators, and various other devices are examples of
consolidating equipment.
126.1R-9
6.6.6 Surface finish—This data element is used to report
the final surface finish of the concrete. Exposed aggregate,
trowelled, broomed, rubbed, floated, screeded, polished,
grooved, and formed are examples of surface finishes.
6.6.7 Curing technique—This data element is used to re-
port the curing procedure or technique. Curing with water
and curing by moisture retention are two techniques that are
typically used to cure concrete members. Wet burlap, damp
sand, sprinkling, soaking, and ponding are examples of cur-
ing materials or procedures used in the wet curing technique.
Polyethylene film, plastic membranes, waterproof paper,
and curing compounds are examples of curing materials used
in the moisture retention curing technique.
6.6.8 Concrete processing notes—This data element is
used to report processing-related notes and comments.
6.7—Fresh concrete property
6.7.1 Fresh concrete property designation—This essen-
tial data element is used to report the name of the fresh con-
crete property being reported. Slump, unit weight, air
content, water-cement ratio, and water-cementitious materi-
al ratio are examples of fresh concrete properties.
6.7.2 Fresh concrete property standards organization—
This data element is used to report the company, industry,
national, or international organization that issued the stan-
dard method of test used in determining the fresh concrete
property. ASTM is an example of an organization that issues
test methods for determining fresh concrete properties.
6.7.3 Fresh concrete property standard number—This
data element is used to report the number of the standard test
method issued by the organization reported above. C 138,
C 143, C 173, and C 231 are examples of ASTM test method
standard numbers that correspond to test methods for deter-
mining fresh concrete properties.
6.7.4 Fresh concrete property standard version—This
data element is used to report the version of the standard test
method reported above. A version is usually a number that
represents the date of issue.
6.7.5 Fresh concrete property value—This essential data
element is used to report the property value obtained from
the standard test method or evaluation. This number is re-
ported as a floating point decimal.
6.7.6 Fresh concrete property (customary units desig-
nation)—This essential data element is used to report the
customary units that correspond to the property value report-
ed above. Example entries include inches and pounds.
6.7.7 Fresh concrete property (SI units designation)—
This essential data element is used to report the units in the
International System (SI) of units that correspond to the
property value reported above. These designations should
conform to ASTM E 380 Standard Practice for Use of the In-
ternational System of Units (SI). Example entries include
millimeters and kilograms.
6.7.8 Customary to SI units conversion factor—This es-
sential data element is used to report the conversion factor
that is used to convert customary units to SI units. This num-
ber is reported as a floating point decimal. As an example;
the factor for converting inches to millimeters is 25.4.
126.1R-10 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
6.7.9 Fresh concrete property notes—This data element
is used to report notes and comments about the fresh con-
crete property.
6.8—Reference property
6.8.1 Reference property designation—This essential
data element is used to report the name of the property being
reported. Unit weight, air content, slump, compressive
strength, modulus of rupture, and splitting tensile strength
are examples of properties that could be considered refer-
ence properties.
6.8.2 Reference property standards organization—
This data element is used to report the company, industry,
national, or international organization that issued the stan-
dard method of test used in determining the reference con-
crete property. ASTM is an example of an organization that
issues test methods for determining reference properties of
concrete.
6.8.3 Reference property standard number—This data
element is used to report the number of the standard test
method issued by the organization reported above. C 39,
C 78, C 138, C 143, C 173, and C 293 are examples of
ASTM test method standard numbers that correspond to test
methods for determining reference properties of concrete.
6.8.4 Reference property standard version—This data
element is used to report the version of the standard test
method reported above. A version is usually a number that
represents the date of issue.
6.8.5 Reference property value—This essential data ele-
ment is used to report the property value obtained from the
standard test method or evaluation. This number is reported
as a floating point decimal.
6.8.6 Reference property (customary units designa-
tion)—This essential data element is used to report the cus-
tomary units that correspond to the number reported above.
Example entries include inch and pounds/square inch.
6.8.7 Reference property (SI units designation)—This
essential data element is used to report the units in the Inter-
national System (SI) of units that correspond to the property
value reported above. These designations should conform to
ASTM E 380 Standard Practice for Use of the International
System of Units (SI). Example entries include millimeters,
megapascals, and gigapascals.
6.8.8 Customary to SI units conversion factor—This es-
sential data element is used to report the conversion factor
that is used to convert customary units to SI units. This num-
ber is reported as a floating point decimal. As an example;
the factor for converting pounds/square inch to megapascals
is 0.006894757.
6.8.9 Concrete age—This essential data element is used
to report the age of the concrete at the time the reference
property was determined. This number is reported as a float-
ing point decimal and the units are days.
6.8.10 Reference property notes—This data element is
used to report notes and comments about the reference prop-
erty such as environmental exposure conditions, ambient
temperature, and relative humidity.
CHAPTER 7—REFERENCES
7.1— Recommended references
The documents of the various standards-producing organi-
zations referred to in this document are listed below with
their serial designation.
American Concrete Institute
116 Cement and Concrete Terminology
207.1 Mass Concrete
American Society for Testing and Materials
A 820 Specification for Steel Fibers for Fiber Reinforced Concrete
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregate
C 39 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical
Concrete Specimens
C 71 Definition of Terms Related to Refractories
C 78 Test Method for Flexure Strength of Concrete (Using
Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading)
C 125 Standard Definition of Terms Relating to Concrete and
Concrete Aggregates
C 138 Test Method for Unit Weight, Yield, and Air Content
(Gravimetric) of Concrete
C 143 Test Method for Slump of Portland Cement Concrete
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement
C 173 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by
the Volumetric Method
C 219 Definition of Terms Related to Hydraulic Cement
C 231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by
the Pressure Method
C 260 Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
C 293 Test Method for Flexure Strength of Concrete (Using
Simple Beam with Center-Point Loading)
C 332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Insulating
Concrete
C 401 Classification of Castable Refractories
C 494 Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
C 618 Specification for Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural
Pozzolan for Use as a Mineral Admixture in Portland
Cement Concrete
E 380 Practice for Use of the International System of Units (SI)
(The Modernized Metric System)
E 527 Practice for Numbering Metals and Alloys
E 1013 Terminology Related to Computerized Systems
E 1309 Guide for the Identification of Composite Materials in
Computerized Material Property Databases
E 1338 Guide for the Identification of Metals and Alloys in
Computerized Material Property Databases
E 1443 Terminology Relating to Building and Accessing
Material and Chemical Databases
The above publications may be obtained from the following
organizations:
American Concrete Institute
P.O. Box 9094
Farmington Hills, MI 48333
American Society for Testing and Materials
100 Barr Harbor Drive
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
7.2—Cited references
Moniz, B., November 1993. “Nomenclature and Current Standards for
Identification of Engineering Materials,” Manual on the Building of Mate-
rials Databases, ASTM Manual Series: MNL 19, edited by C. H. Newton,
American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, 107 pp.
Westbrook, J. H. and McCreight, L. R., ed., January 1987. Computerized
Aerospace Materials Data, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astro-
nautics, Inc., New York, 201 pp.
 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCRETE IN A MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE 126.1R-11

APPENDIX A

EXAMPLE USE OF THE GUIDE

As an example of the use of this guide, a hypothetical
normal weight, fiber reinforced, portland cement concrete
is identified in Table A using the guidelines presented in
Table 4.
This concrete was supplied by Tri-County Concrete Co.
and was made using ASTM C 150, Type II portland cement;
ASTM C 618, Class F fly ash; crushed limestone coarse and
fine aggregates; an ASTM C 494, Type A water-reducing
chemical admixture; and ASTM A 820, Type I deformed
cold-drawn steel fibers. Four batches of concrete were pre-
pared using a small-capacity, tilting mixer. The air content,
slump, and unit weight of the plastic concrete were mea-
sured, and the water-cementitious material ratio was deter-
mined from the mixture proportions. The concrete was used
to cast a small-scale model that was later instrumented and
tested to failure. Three concrete cylinders were cast from
each batch. The average 56-day moist-cured compressive
strength of these cylinders was 9310 psi (64.2 MPa).
This example reflects only part of the data and information
that could be included in a complete data file for this con-
crete. Additional constituent and processing information as
well as other material properties and test results that may be
available could be included in the data file using recommen-
dations presented in other ACI Committee 126 guides.

Table A shown on pages 126.1R-12 through 126.1R-17

126.1R-12 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

Table A—Identification of a portland cement concrete using the guide (EXAMPLE)

CONCRETE DESIGNATION

Number Name Example entry

7001 Material class Concrete
7002 Binder type Portland cement
7003 Concrete category Normal weight
7004 Concrete group Fiber reinforced
7005 Processing group Central-mixed
7006 Concrete identification number HF 9-1
7007 Common name Concrete 103
Four batches were prepared.
7008 Concrete designation notes
Batch HF 9-1 was cast first.

CONCRETE SUPPLIER

Number Name Example entry

6XXX Concrete supplier name Tri-County Concrete Co.
6XXX Concrete supplier address Hometown, USA
6XXX Concrete supplier plant location Vine Avenue Plant
6XXX Concrete suppier’s identification number 900915-001

CONSTITUENT DESIGNATION

Number Name Example entry

1001.10 Constituent class Cement
1002.10 Constituent common name Portland
1003.10 Constituent producer name AAA Cement Co.
1004.10 Constituent producer plant location Big City, USA
1005.10 Constituent producer’s identification number Lot 54B
1006.10 Constituent standards organization ASTM
1007.10 Constituent specification number C 150
1008.10 Constituent specification version 1986
1009.10 Constituent specification designation Type II
1010.10 Constituent notes Cement was supplied in bags

CONCRETE MIXTURE PROPORTIONS

Number Name Example entry

Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete
6XXX.11 878
(portland cement)
Constituent quantity per unit volume
6XXX.11 pounds/cubic yard
(customary units designation)
Constituent quantity per unit volume
6XXX.11 kilograms/cubic meter
(SI units designation)
6XXX.11 Customary to SI units conversion factor 0.5932764
 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCRETE IN A MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE 126.1R-13

Table A (cont.)—Identification of a portland cement concrete using the guide (EXAMPLE)

CONSTITUENT DESIGNATION

Number Name Example entry

2001.10 Constituent class Aggregate
2002.10 Constituent common name Crushed limestone (fine)
2003.10 Constituent producer name Rocky Hill Sand and Gravel Co.
2004.10 Constituent producer plant location Rock City, USA
2005.10 Constituent producer’s identification number SW788
2006.10 Constituent standards organization ASTM
2007.10 Constituent specification number C 33
2008.10 Constituent specification version 1986
2009.10 Constituent specification designation
2010.10 Constituent notes Saturated surface dry

CONCRETE MIXTURE PROPORTIONS

Number Name Example entry

Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete
6XXX.21 1031
(fine aggregate)
Constituent quantity per unit volume
6XXX.21 pounds/cubic yard
(customary units designation)
Constituent quantity per unit volume
6XXX.21 kilograms/cubic meter
(SI units designation)
6XXX.21 Customary to SI units conversion factor 0.5932764

CONSTITUENT DESIGNATION

Number Name Example entry

2001.20 Constituent class Aggregate
2002.20 Constituent common name Crushed limestone (coarse)
2003.20 Constituent producer name Rocky Hill Sand and Gravel Co.
2004.20 Constituent producer plant location Rock City, USA
2005.20 Constituent producer’s identification number SW756
2006.20 Constituent standards organization ASTM
2007.20 Constituent specification number C 33
2008.20 Constituent specification version 1986
2009.20 Constituent specification designation Coarse aggregate size No. 8
2010.20 Constituent notes Saturated surface dry

CONCRETE MIXTURE PROPORTIONS

Number Name Example entry

Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete
6XXX.22 (coarse aggregate) 1565

Constituent quantity per unit volume

6XXX.22 (customary units designation) pounds/cubic yard

Constituent quantity per unit volume

6XXX.22 (SI units designation) kilograms/cubic meter

6XXX.22 Customary to SI units conversion factor 0.5932764

126.1R-14 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

Table A (cont.)—Identification of a portland cement concrete using the guide (EXAMPLE)

CONSTITUENT DESIGNATION

Number Name Example entry

3001.10 Constituent class Chemical admixture
3002.10 Constituent common name Water-reducer
3003.10 Constituent producer name A-1 Chemical Co.
3004.10 Constituent producer plant location Smalltown, USA
3005.10 Constituent producer’s identification number Lot 254B
3006.10 Constituent standards organization ASTM
3007.10 Constituent specification number C 494
3008.10 Constituent specification version 1986
3009.10 Constituent specification designation Type A
3010.10 Constituent notes Added to mixing water

CONCRETE MIXTURE PROPORTIONS

Number Name Example entry

Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete
6XXX.31 45
(chemical admixture)
Constituent quantity per unit volume
6XXX.31 fluid ounces/cubic yard
(customary units designation)
Constituent quantity per unit volume
6XXX.31 milliliters/cubic meter
(SI units designation)
6XXX.31 Customary to SI units conversion factor 38.680715

CONSTITUENT DESIGNATION

Number Name Example entry

4001.10 Constituent class Mineral admixture
4002.10 Constituent common name Fly ash
4003.10 Constituent producer name Ashland Fly Ash Co.
4004.10 Constituent producer plant location Coalfield, USA
4005.10 Constituent producer’s identification number Lot 17C
4006.10 Constituent standards organization ASTM
4007.10 Constituent specification number C 618
4008.10 Constituent specification version 1987
4009.10 Constituent specification designation Class F
4010.10 Constituent notes Fly ash was supplied in drums

CONCRETE MIXTURE PROPORTIONS

Number Name Example entry

Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete
6XXX.41 (mineral admixture) 115

Constituent quantity per unit volume

6XXX.41 (customary units designation) pounds/cubic yard

Constituent quantity per unit volume

6XXX.41 (SI units designation) kilograms/cubic meter

6XXX.41 Customary to SI units conversion factor 0.5932764

 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCRETE IN A MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE 126.1R-15

Table A (cont.)—Identification of a portland cement concrete using the guide (EXAMPLE)

CONSTITUENT DESIGNATION

Number Name Example entry

8001.10 Constituent class Other solid constituents
8002.10 Constituent common name Deformed steel fibers
8003.10 Constituent producer name Metal Supply Co.
8004.10 Constituent producer plant location Steel City, USA
8005.10 Constituent producer’s identification number Lot 91283
8006.10 Constituent standards organization ASTM
8007.10 Constituent Specification number A 820
8008.10 Constituent Specification version 1985
8009.10 Constituent specification designation Type I
8010.10 Constituent notes Fibers were supplied in bags

CONCRETE MIXTURE PROPORTIONS

Number Name Example entry

Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete
6XXX.81 149
(other solid constituents)
Constituent quantity per unit volume
6XXX.81 pounds/cubic yard
(customary units designation)
Constituent quantity per unit volume
6XXX.81 kilograms/cubic meter
(SI units designation)
6XXX.81 Customary to SI units conversion factor 0.5932764

CONSTITUENT DESIGNATION

Number Name Example entry

9001.10 Constituent class Other liquid constituents
9002.10 Constituent common name Water
9003.10 Constituent producer name Tri-County Utility District
9004.10 Constituent producer plant location Hometown, USA
9005.10 Constituent producer’s identification number —
9006.10 Constituent standards organization —
9007.10 Constituent specification number —
9008.10 Constituent specification version —
9009.10 Constituent specification designation —
9010.10 Constituent notes Chemical admixture was added to water

CONCRETE MIXTURE PROPORTIONS

Number Name Example entry

Constituent quantity per unit volume of concrete
6XXX.91 (other liquid constituents) 397

Constituent quantity per unit volume

6XXX.91 (customary units designation) pounds/cubic yard

Constituent quantity per unit volume

6XXX.91 (SI units designation) kilograms/cubic meter

6XXX.91 Customary to SI units conversion factor 0.5932764

126.1R-16 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

Table A (cont.)—Identification of a portland cement concrete using the guide (EXAMPLE)

CONCRETE PROCESSING

Number Name Example entry

6XXX Processing date 19941024
6XXX Batching process Manual weight batching
6XXX Mixing equipment Tilting mixer
6XXX Transporting and placing equipment Wheelbarrow and scoops
6XXX Consolidating equipment Internal vibrator
6XXX Surface finish Formed
6XXX Curing technique Moisture retention (polyethylene film)
Three 6 × 12 cylinders were cast from
6XXX Concrete processing notes
each batch

FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTY

Number Name Example entry

5XXX.01 Fresh concrete property designation Water-cementitious material ratio
5XXX.01 Fresh concrete property standards organization —
5XXX.01 Fresh concrete property standard number —
5XXX.01 Fresh concrete property standard version —
5XXX.01 Fresh concrete property value 0.40
Fresh concrete property
5XXX.01 (customary units designation) —

Fresh concrete property

5XXX.01 (SI units designation) —

5XXX.01 Customary to SI units conversion factor 1.0

Value determined from mixture
5XXX.01 Fresh concrete property notes
proportions

FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTY

Number Name Example entry

5XXX.02 Fresh concrete property designation Air content
5XXX.02 Fresh concrete property standards organization ASTM
5XXX.02 Fresh concrete property standard number C 231
5XXX.02 Fresh concrete property standard version 1989a
5XXX.02 Fresh concrete property value 1.8
Fresh concrete property
5XXX.02 (customary units designation) Percent

Fresh concrete property

5XXX.02 (SI units designation) Percent

5XXX.02 Customary to SI units conversion factor 1.0

5XXX.02 Fresh concrete property notes
 IDENTIFICATION OF CONCRETE IN A MATERIALS PROPERTY DATABASE 126.1R-17

Table A (cont.)—Identification of a portland cement concrete using the guide (EXAMPLE)

FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTY

Number Name Example entry

5XXX.03 Fresh concrete property designation Unit weight
5XXX.03 Fresh concrete property standards organization ASTM
5XXX.03 Fresh concrete property standard number C 138
5XXX.03 Fresh concrete property standard version 1981
5XXX.03 Fresh concrete property value 153.2
Fresh concrete property
5XXX.03 pounds/cubic foot
(customary units designation)
Fresh concrete property
5XXX.03 kilograms/cubic meter
(SI units designation)
5XXX.03 Customary to SI units conversion factor 16.01846
5XXX.03 Fresh concrete property notes

FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTY

Number Name Example entry

5XXX.04 Fresh concrete property designation Slump
5XXX.04 Fresh concrete property standards organization ASTM
5XXX.04 Fresh concrete property standard number C 143
5XXX.04 Fresh concrete property standard version 1989a
5XXX.04 Fresh concrete property value 5.0
Fresh concrete property
5XXX.04 (customary units designation) inches

Fresh concrete property

5XXX.04 (SI units designation) millimeters

5XXX.04 Customary to SI units conversion factor 25.4

5XXX.04 Fresh concrete property notes

REFERENCE PROPERTY

Number Name Format

5XXX.01 Reference property designation Compressive strength
5XXX.01 Reference property standards organization ASTM
5XXX.01 Reference property standard number C 39
5XXX.01 Reference property standard version 1986
5XXX.01 Reference property value 9310
Reference property
5XXX.01 pounds/square inch
(customary units designation)
Reference property
5XXX.01 megapascals
(SI units designation)
5XXX.01 Customary to SI units conversion factor 0.006894757
5XXX.01 Concrete age (days) 56
Average value from 12 moist-cured
5XXX.01 Reference property notes
concrete cylinders