4.1 This practice provides for using an unbonded capping system in testing hardened concrete cylinders made in accordance with Practices C31/C31M or C192/C192M, or cores obtained in accordance with Test Method C42/C42M in lieu of the capping systems described in Practice C617.

4.2 The elastomeric pads deform in initial loading to conform to the contour of the ends of the test specimens and are restrained from excessive lateral spreading by plates and metal rings to provide a uniform distribution of load from the bearing blocks of the testing machine to the ends of the concrete or mortar specimens.

1.1 This practice covers requirements for a capping system using unbonded caps for testing concrete cylinders molded in accordance with Practice C31/C31M or C192/C192M, or cores obtained in accordance with Test Method C42/C42M. Unbonded neoprene caps of a defined hardness are permitted to be used for testing for a specified maximum number of reuses without qualification testing up to a certain concrete compressive strength level. Above that strength, level neoprene caps will require qualification testing. Qualification testing is required for all elastomeric materials other than neoprene regardless of the concrete strength.

1.2 Unbonded caps are not to be used for acceptance testing of concrete with compressive strength below 10 MPa [1500 psi ] or above 80 MPa [12 000 psi].

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Concrete specimens tested with unbonded caps rupture more violently than comparable specimens tested with bonded caps. The safety precautions given in the Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing are recommended.2)