Determining the Quality of Fresh Concrete
The quality of fresh concrete is determined by sampling. These samples are assumed to be an exact specimen of the concrete poured on site and to represent its quality; sampling and storage must therefore strictly comply with the relevant standards.
Because a sample has less mass and more surface area than the concrete poured on site, it loses more moisture and heat. While concrete on site is cured for about 7 days on average, sample concrete is cured for 28 days, since the larger mass of site concrete protects it from drying after 7 days of curing. If concrete on site is not cured sufficiently, however, it loses strength.
When sampling, care must be taken that the sample represents the whole batch homogeneously. The sample should not be moved immediately; it should be covered with a wet cloth or plastic sheet and left for 1 day. Differences in strength of up to three times have been found between samples kept in the curing tank for 28 days and samples kept outside.
Standards relating to sampling
- TS 500Requirements for Design and Construction of Reinforced Concrete Structures
- TS EN 206-1Concrete — Specification, Performance, Production and Conformity
- TS EN 12350-1Testing Fresh Concrete — Part 1: Sampling
- TS EN 12390-1Testing Hardened Concrete — Part 1: Shape, Dimensions and Other Requirements for Specimens and Moulds
- TS EN 12390-2Testing Hardened Concrete — Part 2: Making and Curing Specimens for Strength Tests
- TS EN 12390-3Testing Hardened Concrete — Part 3: Compressive Strength of Test Specimens
- TS EN 12390-4Testing Hardened Concrete — Part 4: Compressive Strength — Specification for Testing Machines
Need concrete for your project?
Contact our sales team for mix design, delivery planning and a price quote. Fast delivery from our Milas / Muğla plants to the Bodrum, Milas, Ören and Güllük line.