ASTM C138/C138M-10a - 1.7.2010
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers determination of the density (see Note 1) of freshly mixed concrete and gives formulas for calculating the yield, cement content, and air content of the concrete. Yield is defined as the volume of concrete produced from a mixture of known quantities of the component materials.

1.2 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.

Note 1—Unit weight was the previous terminology used to describe the property determined by this test method, which is mass per unit volume.

1.3 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.

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 Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure. )

 
2. Referenced Documents

C188-26

Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Hydraulic Cement

C31/C31M-26b

Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field (Includes all amendments and changes 8/27/2026).

C143/C143M-26b

Standard Test Method for Slump of Concrete (Includes all amendments and changes 8/6/2026).

C150/C150M-24

Standard Specification for Portland Cement

C172-08

Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete

C231-09

Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method

C29/C29M-23

Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate

C173/C173M-26

Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method