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It is the responsibility of the user of this document to estab- ACI E702.3-21 Designing Concrete Structures: Accep-
lish health and safety practices appropriate to the specific tance of Concrete Compressive Strength Test Results
circumstances involved with its use. ACI does not make According to 318-19.
any representations with regard to health and safety issues
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1
ACI E702.3 Example Problem Acceptance of Concrete Test Results Luke M. Snell
Given Information
Table 1 provides a set of 15 test results performed on 6 x 12 in. cylinders at 28 days.
Table 1
Test Cylinder 1 (psi) Cylinder 2 (psi)
1 4100 4320
2 4320 4190
3 4310 4310
4 4420 4380
5 4200 4160
6 4250 3810
7 3880 4040
8 3570 3680
9 3570 3210
10 3780 3780
11 3680 2980
12 3300 3740
13 3470 3210
14 2770 2750
15 3200 3480
Assumptions
Reference
Sampling frequency is adequate; the minimum frequency is:
a. Once a day for a given class
b. Once for every 150 yd3
c. Once each 5000 ft2 of surface area for slabs or walls ACI 318, 26.12.2.1(a)
Samples are taken on a random basis—concrete was not to be sampled ACI 318R, 26.12.2.1(a)
due to appearance, convenience, or other biased criteria
Each set of cylinders was cast from a different batch of concrete ACI 318R, 26.12.2.1(a)
No water was added to the concrete after the samples were taken ACI 318R, 26.12.2.1(a)
Certified field-testing technicians performed the tests on the fresh ACI 318, 26.12.1.1(d)
concrete
Certified laboratory technicians performed all required laboratory tests ACI 318, 26.12.1.1(e)
Table 2
Test Cylinder 1 Cylinder 2 Strength Test
(psi) (psi) (ST) Result (psi)
1 4100 4320 4210
2 4320 4190 4255
3 4310 4310 4310
4 4420 4380 4400
5 4200 4160 4180
6 4250 3810 4030
7 3880 4040 3960
8 3570 3680 3625
9 3570 3210 3390
10 3780 3780 3780
11 3680 2980 3330
12 3300 3740 3520
13 3470 3210 3340
14 2770 2750 2760
15 3200 3480 3340
Table 3
Test Cylinder 1 Cylinder 2 Strength Test Arithmetic
(psi) (psi) (ST) Results (psi) Average (psi)
1 4100 4320 4210 —
2 4320 4190 4255 —
3 4310 4310 4310 4258
4 4420 4380 4400 4322
5 4200 4160 4180 4297
6 4250 3810 4030 4203
7 3880 4040 3960 4057
8 3570 3680 3625 3872
9 3570 3210 3390 3658
10 3780 3780 3780 3598
11 3680 2980 3330 3500
12 3300 3740 3520 3543
13 3470 3210 3340 3397
14 2770 2750 2760 3207
15 3200 3480 3340 3147
Each strength test (ST) result in Table 2 is to be compared to 3000 psi. ACI 318,
26.12.3.1(a)(2)
Test Results Evaluation
Determine if the arithmetic average of the strength test results fail to meet
satisfactory strength levels.
• Arithmetic averages (Table 3) for Tests 13, 14, and 15 are below fc′.
Strength test results (Table 2) for Test 14 are below 3000 psi (fc′ – 500).
Note: Test 9 has one cylinder test result below 3500 psi (3210 psi). The average
of the two cylinders tested is 3390 psi (the strength test result), which is above
Test 11 has a cylinder test result of 2980 psi. The strength test result is 3330 psi, ACI 318,
so the concrete is acceptable. 26.12.3.1(b)
Steps to be taken because the arithmetic averages were low (arithmetic average of
Tests 13, 14, and 15) and because the strength in the Test 14 strength test result
was below fc′ by more than 500 psi:
Note: For fc′ of 3500 psi, the average core strength must exceed 85 percent of
3500, or 2975 psi. No single tested core can be below 75 percent of 3500 psi, or
2625 psi.
Conclusions:
1. Steps must be taken to increase the average of the strength results.
3. Concrete in all other areas (except concrete in Strength test areas number 14) is
considered to have met code requirements.
Additional Reading