This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C823/C823M − 12 (Reapproved 2017)

Standard Practice for

Examination and Sampling of Hardened
Concrete in Constructions1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C823/C823M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope Concrete Specimens

1.1 This practice outlines procedures for visual examination C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for
and sampling of hardened concrete in constructions. Reference Concrete
is made to the examination and sampling of concrete in C457 Test Method for Microscopical Determination of Pa-
prefabricated building units, precast products, and laboratory rameters of the Air-Void System in Hardened Concrete
specimens. C597 Test Method for Pulse Velocity Through Concrete
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units for Test Methods for Construction Materials
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in C856 Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each Concrete
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
with the standard. Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Lot or Process
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the E141 Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Results of Probability Sampling
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3. Terminology
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- practice, refer to Terminology C125.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.2.1 concrete constructions, n—any object, unit, or struc-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical ture that has been built of hydraulic cement concrete.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.2 category of concrete, n—a specified level of quality in
2. Referenced Documents concrete that is observed to be in a definable range of condition
as a result of service or test exposure, as distinguished from
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 concrete in the same or related constructions that is either of
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled differing specified quality or of the same specified quality but
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete in observably different condition at the time of examination. It
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag- is also used to refer to concrete having a certain attribute or
gregates attributes. (see the Sampling Plan Section).
C215 Test Method for Fundamental Transverse,
Longitudinal, and Torsional Resonant Frequencies of 4. Significance and Use
4.1 The examination may provide a basis for laying out in
1
situ testing of the concrete.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete
and Concrete Aggregates, and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.65 4.2 The sampling can provide materials for petrographic
on Petrography. examination, in accordance with Practice C856, chemical or
Current edition approved May 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C823/C823M–12.
physical analytical procedures, or any of a wide variety of
DOI: 10.1520/C0823_C0823M-12R17. destructive or nondestructive tests to determine physical,
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or mechanical, or structural properties of the concrete.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 4.3 The results of examination and sampling carried out in
the ASTM website. accordance with this practice may be used for a variety of

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Nov 8 10:03:51 EST 2019
1
Downloaded/printed by
Eder Inza (Eder Inza) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C823/C823M − 12 (2017)
purposes and to serve a variety of objectives, some of which 6.2 Purpose—Investigations of the condition of concrete in
are discussed in the Procedural Plan Section. service are usually undertaken for the following reasons: (a) to
determine the ability of the concrete to perform satisfactorily
5. Qualifications and Instruction of Personnel under anticipated conditions of future service; (b) to identify
5.1 Qualifications—The examination, formulation of sam- the processes or materials causing distress or failure; (c) to
pling plan, and the sampling procedures shall be performed by discover conditions in the concrete that caused or contributed
persons qualified by education and experience to carry out such to satisfactory performance or to failure; (d) to establish
work, to operate equipment employed, to record and interpret methods for repair or replacement without hazard of recurrence
observations, and to report upon the sampling plan and its of the distress; (e) to determine conformance with construction
execution. Technicians and workmen may be required to assist specification requirements; (f) to develop data to aid in fixing
in the operations but appropriate training and supervision are financial and legal responsibility for cases involving failure or
mandatory. unsatisfactory service; and (g) to evaluate the performance of
the components used in the concrete. It is assumed that the
5.2 Instruction of Personnel—This practice may be used by
manager of the investigation will begin with one or more
personnel employed directly by those for whom the examina-
working hypotheses, derived from information received or
tion and sampling program are conducted. The employer
gathered, that are intended to explain the reasons for the
should tell the personnel in as much detail as necessary, the
purposes and objectives of the examination, the kind of condition or conditions of the concrete, and that will be
information sought, and the extent of examination and sam- continuously revised and refined as more information is
pling desired. Pertinent background information should be received. It is intended that at the end of the investigation, an
made available. If the person to perform the work is highly explanation will have been produced which is the best obtain-
experienced, the employer should seek his or her advice in able from the investigation of the available evidence concern-
delineating the investigation. The nature, extent, and objectives ing the mechanisms that operated to produce the condition or
of the examination and sampling plan should be recorded, and conditions of the constructions.
the record may appropriately include the items under Agree- 6.3 Scope of Investigation—The scope of an investigation of
ments with Consultants. concrete in service may be limited to only isolated areas
5.3 Agreements with Consultants—This practice may be the displaying deterioration. Or the investigation may be con-
basis for establishing arrangements between a purchaser of a cerned with general distress, such as excessive deflection or
consulting service and the consultant. The purchaser and collapse of structural members. It may involve study of the
consultant should jointly determine the nature, extent, and dislocation of entire structures or large portions of structures.
objectives of the examination and sampling program to be The investigation may be confined chiefly to the study of the
made, and should record their agreement in writing. The concrete, or it may require substantial research into other
agreement may stipulate specific determinations to be made, circumstances, such as foundation conditions, conditions of
observations to be reported, numbers and kinds of samples to service, construction practices, and comparisons with other
be taken, level of reliability required for results of tests, structures.
portions of the constructions to be sampled, funds to be
obligated, a time schedule for the investigation, or a combina- 7. Preliminary Investigations
tion of these and other conditions. 7.1 Purpose—The purpose of preliminary investigations is
EXAMINATION OF CONCRETE IN to establish the general condition of the concrete and the
CONSTRUCTIONS existence of any unsatisfactory condition, to describe its nature,
and to estimate its extent and possible effect upon the
6. Procedural Plan performance, service life, and safety of the structure. An
investigation of failure or inadequate performance of concrete
6.1 Objective—The objective of the examination of concrete
in constructions is predicated upon a conclusion, usually by the
is to provide information that can be used to evaluate the
owner or his representatives, that an unsatisfactory condition
condition of the concrete and the constructions, and to cor-
exists or is imminent. Such a conclusion may be in error, either
roborate observed satisfactory performance, or to document
because the observed condition is insignificant, or because the
and explain distress or failure. The examination of concrete in
full extent of the actual distress or inadequacy has not been
service or under test should be undertaken in accordance with
detected.
a scope, an objective, and systematic procedures, all agreed
upon between the responsible parties. The extent of the 7.2 Test Methods—The preliminary investigation may
investigation and the procedures that are most appropriate for include, as appropriate, visual inspection of the structure,
the examination depend upon a decision as to the objectives of review of plans and specifications for the work, and examina-
the investigation and the level of reliability required of tion of available reports of project engineers and inspectors,
resulting test data. This decision may stipulate an authorized compilation of available data on service conditions, petro-
budget and a time schedule for completion of various stages of graphic examination in accordance with Practice C856, and
the investigation. The budget and time schedule can be testing of a few selected samples of concrete and secondary
modified following preliminary investigations and adjusted chemical deposits in or on the concrete or both. Deflection or
periodically as information accumulates. expansion (or shrinkage) of typical portions of the structure

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Nov 8 10:03:51 EST 2019
2
Downloaded/printed by
Eder Inza (Eder Inza) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C823/C823M − 12 (2017)
might appropriately be measured. The condition of the con- aspects of failure should be described as quantitatively as
crete in place can be estimated using nondestructive testing possible. The examination may be extended to aggregate
procedures, such as impact devices and ultrasonic methods (see sources in accordance with the procedures described in Prac-
Test Method C597). Selected critical portions of structures may tice C295. Photographs of pertinent features of the
be probed and sampled by drilling (Method C42/C42M). The constructions, their environs, and the manifestations of failure
cores may be tested in accordance with Test Method C215. are valuable and should be obtained.
Borehole cameras and viewing devices have been found to be 9.3 Observations—Features of the concrete to be noted
helpful in specific instances (1, 2, 3).3 especially include: (a) the nature and extent of cracking and
7.3 Conclusions—The findings of the preliminary investiga- fractures; (b) evidences of volume change, deflection, or
tion may allay all concern with respect to the condition of the dislocation of the constructions or portions thereof, which may
concrete. In certain cases, the findings are adequate for a final include the closing or opening of joints, tilting, shearing, or
conclusion on the significance of observed distress. Otherwise, misalignment of structural elements and shifting or misalign-
care should be taken to assure that the preliminary investiga- ment of machinery; (c) the condition of exposed surfaces,
tion provides the information necessary to delineate a plan for especially such features as spalling, popouts, unusual
the further investigations covered in Sections 8 – 14. weakness, disintegration, excessive wear, and discoloration;
(d) evidences of cement-aggregate reactions; (e) secondary
8. Assembly of Records deposits on surfaces, in cracks, and in voids; and (f) the
8.1 Reports and Legal Documents—The investigation of presence and extent of repair work and the quality of its bond
concrete performance should be preceded or accompanied by to the original concrete.
the assembly and critical review of records pertaining to the 9.3.1 Some of the features listed in this section can be
project specifications, construction contract, construction detected more readily in laboratory examination.
operations, concrete-making materials, weather conditions dur- 9.3.2 Some of the other properties of the concrete requiring
ing and after construction, and the actual conditions of service. observation include: the thoroughness of consolidation;
Such records should establish the specified requirements for whether the concrete is air-entrained; evidences of segregation
the materials and the completed work, and may reveal circum- and bleeding; indications of extremely high, low, or normal
stances or conditions that caused or contributed to the distress water content; in the case of reinforced concrete, the condition
of the concrete. Records of operation and maintenance may of the steel and its location in the section; and the nature and
describe the beginning and progress of unsatisfactory perfor- condition of other embedded items.
mance. 9.3.3 Any phenomena indicating distress of the concrete
8.2 Interviews—Interviews with contractors, engineers, should be studied in relation to possible causative or contribu-
inspectors, tradesmen, and suppliers should be conducted to tory factors, such as varying conditions of exposure over the
obtain pertinent information that is not included in the written area of the constructions; the sequence of placing operations;
record. Owners, occupants, and users of the constructions conditions prevailing during construction; sources of supply of
should be queried concerning the onset and progress of evident concrete and concrete-making materials; identifiable problems
distress, especially with respect to possible relationship to any of handling, placing, and finishing; conditions of curing and
change of the conditions of use and service. early protection; and the adequacy of the structural design and
conformance to the plans. Varying conditions of exposure over
9. Detailed Investigations of Concrete in Constructions the area of the constructions during and after construction may
include the following:
9.1 Procedures—A detailed investigation of concrete in
constructions should include all procedures that are required to 9.3.3.1 Differences in thermal exposure to solar heating.
achieve the approved scope and objectives within the autho- Shaded portions probably are subjected to the lowest range of
rized budget and time schedule. After the preliminary investi- diurnal thermal cycles,
gation to establish the general condition of the concrete and the 9.3.3.2 Differences in exposure to moisture, which may
extent of any unsatisfactory performance, the detailed investi- arise by orientation of the construction with respect to prevail-
gation may comprise: (a) thorough examination of the concrete ing winds during times of rainfall or snowfall, and which will
constructions; (b) surveys and field tests to define and evaluate be affected by the diurnal thermal cycles,
the condition of the concrete in place and the safety of the 9.3.3.3 Differences in the mineral composition of the sub-
constructions; and (c) taking samples to be examined and grade so that part of the construction is located on a foundation
tested by laboratory procedures. containing swelling clay or containing unstable sulfides or
sulfates, or
9.2 Scope of Field Examination—A detailed visual exami- 9.3.3.4 Differences of the moisture content of the subgrade
nation should be made by personnel familiar with concrete and during or after construction.
concrete constructions. This examination should locate and 9.3.4 The foundation and subgrade materials and conditions
describe all of the categories of concrete. All affected construc- should also be carefully examined if there is a possibility of
tions or portions thereof should be identified and the external their involvement in serviceability of the concrete.
9.3.5 The observations made, together with relevant infor-
3
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of mation developed as described under Assembly of Records,
this practice. and the results of the preliminary investigations as described in

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Nov 8 10:03:51 EST 2019
3
Downloaded/printed by
Eder Inza (Eder Inza) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C823/C823M − 12 (2017)
Preliminary Investigations, shall be assembled as may be 11.1.2 Situation 2—The preliminary examination and other
appropriate into a report which shall either be submitted to information indicate that the concrete is in two or more
those for whom the study was conducted or prepared for categories or comprises two or more portions that are or are
incorporation in a more comprehensive document covering likely to be of differing composition or quality.
other phases of an investigation of broader scope.
11.2 Under Situation 1, sampling locations should be spread
SAMPLING CONCRETE IN CONSTRUCTIONS randomly or systematically over the area of interest. For large
structures and substantial areas of pavement, the sampling
10. Requirements sequence should be repeated at some predetermined frequency,
such as for each 50, 100, 500 m2 [500, 1000, or 5000 ft2] of
10.1 Sampling each category of concrete should be done exposed concrete, as may be appropriate. Any method for
objectively so that the suite of samples taken is not weighted determining sampling locations may be employed provided the
with unusually poor or unusually sound concrete. Samples may locations are established without bias.
be taken to exemplify unusual or extreme conditions or
features to aid in the identification of causes of distress or 11.3 In Situation 2, samples may be taken for comparison
failure of concrete, but these samples should be kept apart from with respect to several categories of performance by using the
samples that are taken to exemplify statistically the properties Chi-Square test (5).
of the concrete in place. Thus, the samples may be of two 11.4 Recommended Sampling Method—Prepare to scale an
types, namely, (a) those that, together, are intended to be outline sketch or sketches or obtain scaled large photographs of
representative of the variability of the concrete in place, and (b) the surface or surfaces from which representative samples are
those that display specific features of interest but are not to be extracted, and subdivide the entire area, comprising all of
intended, individually or collectively, to be representative of the separate surfaces, into equal or approximately equal
any substantial proportion of the concrete in place. In order to sections, at least ten in number and not less than the number of
be suitable for sampling, the concrete must have developed separate areas that are included in the investigation. Designate
sufficient strength to allow removal of forms or temporary each section by a number or letter. Choose sections to be
supports or to sustain required loads. sampled by drawing numbered or lettered slips of paper at
10.2 The samples should include portions of both near- random from a container, or by using a list of random numbers
surface concrete and concrete at depth, because the concrete or letters. Take samples, as by drilling, in accordance with the
may vary substantially with depth in the development of provisions of the section on Sampling Procedures at locations
cracking, deterioration of the cement paste, progress of that are marked at random on the sketch of each of the
cement-aggregate reactions, and other features. indicated sections (Note 1).
10.3 The samples should be sufficient in size and number to 11.4.1 In an investigation of test specimens or concrete
permit application of all necessary laboratory procedures upon products, the units to be examined and tested should be
different samples or portions of samples than those used for selected randomly by similar means from the lot or lots.
other tests except as noted under the section on Sampling for 11.4.2 Prefabricated products of large dimension, such as
Compliance with Construction Specifications. Therefore, the building units, pipe, and piling, can be sampled by the
sampling program should be arranged with foreknowledge of recommended method as it is applied to structures and pave-
the laboratory testing program to be covered by the plan of the ments.
investigation. 11.4.3 The procedure should be modified as appropriate to
10.4 The samples secured for each test procedure should be provide for sampling concrete members or elements that have
sufficient in number to provide an estimate that is of acceptable been removed from constructions that are under investigation.
reliability as described in the Sampling Plan Section. NOTE 1—If it is necessary to avoid critical reinforcement, embedded
hardware, or other construction features, shift the sampling location a
11. Sampling Plan minimum necessary distance to the north (or up on vertical surfaces). If
such a move is not feasible, shift to the east, south, or west (or right, down,
11.1 Representative samples should be taken in accordance or left), alternatively considered, in that order.
with a prearranged plan that will meet the stipulations given
11.5 Sample Size—For samples to be subjected to tests
under Sampling Concrete in Constructions. The plan should
yielding a numeric value, the number of samples should be
also conform with the recommendations of the Sections on
determined in accordance with the recommendations of Prac-
Characteristics of a Probability Sampling Plan and Minimum
tice E122, based upon the degree of confidence desired to be
Standards for a Probability Sampling Plan in Practice E105.
placed in the result. The quantity of concrete and the dimen-
For guides in application of statistical methods to small
sions of pieces secured in the sampling operation should
numbers of samples, see Ref (4). Two sampling situations may
conform with the stipulations of the applicable method of test.
arise, namely:
11.1.1 Situation 1—The preliminary examination and other 11.6 Evaluation of Test Results—Test results from samples
information indicate that all of the concrete is in a similar obtained in accordance with Situation 1 are evaluated on the
condition and is of similar quality, or that it is infeasible basis of the following statistics, average or mean values, X̄;
without taking and testing samples, to determine whether or standard deviation of individual values, s. These statistics are
not the concrete is essentially uniform; and computed as follows:

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Nov 8 10:03:51 EST 2019
4
Downloaded/printed by
Eder Inza (Eder Inza) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C823/C823M − 12 (2017)

(X i
permit performance of the applicable test procedure in accor-
X̄ 5 (1) dance with the stipulations of the method of test.
n

s5 Œ ( ~ X 2 X̄ !
i
n21
2

(2)
12.2 The number of samples to be taken from each category
of concrete should be established in accordance with recom-
mendations of Practices E105 and E122 so as to provide a
where: reliable estimate of the standard deviation and average value of
Xi = an individual test result, and the test results. The level of reliability required and the criteria
n = the number of test results averaged. for acceptance of the results as set forth in Practice E141
should be established as a part of construction specifications or,
11.6.1 Evaluation of Test Results on the Basis of if not, as a part of the sampling plan. In the event that no such
Variability—Variability of test results within a group is indi- stipulation has been established beforehand, not less than five
cated by s. Whether or not these statistics are excessively large samples shall be taken from each category of concrete for each
can only be determined by comparing them with some prior test procedure stipulated in the Procedural Plan, except as
knowledge about what the variability ought to be. The best provided in 12.3.
information on what the variability should be is contained in
the precision statement in the test method by which the results 12.3 In some instances, two or more tests may be performed
were obtained. Directions for obtaining an acceptable range for on the sample or samples, provided the tests performed initially
n individual results and an acceptable difference between the do not modify the properties of the concrete to be evaluated by
averages of two groups of tests from the same category of subsequent tests. Any such reuse or successive use of samples
concrete are given in Practice C670. shall be stipulated in detail beforehand in the sampling plan so
11.6.2 Evaluation of the Quality of Concrete—Quality of the as to specify the kinds of tests that may be performed
concrete in question can be assessed by comparing the average successively, the sequence of testing, and precautions to be
of test measurements from a group within the category of taken in performance of the tests and handling of the sample
questionable quality with one obtained from a category of good during the course of the testing. Examples of permissible
quality. A Student’s t test may be applied to the difference successive testing are unit weight followed by a compression
between the two averages to make a decision whether the test, air void content in accordance with Test Method C457
difference is significant or not (6). Before conducting the t test, followed by petrographic examination, and compression test
other considerations must be borne in mind. These include the followed by chemical test for cement content (provided care is
nature and intent of the constructions, the kinds of properties taken to avoid loss of fragments of the specimen).
relevant to successful concrete in the constructions, the nature
of any distress, the economics of maintenance, the need for 13. Sampling Procedures
repair, if any, and the desired service life of the structure. 13.1 In general, samples of hardened concrete from
11.7 Under Situation 2, each separate category of exposed constructions, concrete products of large size, or large test
surface of the concrete constructions, or each category of test specimens should be secured in accordance with the applicable
specimens or concrete products should be treated individually sections of Test Method C42/C42M. Specimens of hardened
as under Situation 1 to establish sampling locations and concrete may be obtained by coring, sawing, or otherwise
number of samples and to select particular specimens or removing portions of the concrete (Note 2). Sawing or coring
product units for examination. For example, completely scaled, by rotary drilling (Note 3) is preferred for samples to be
partially scaled, and unscaled areas of pavement concrete of a subjected to tests of physical properties or to petrographic
specified level of quality should be sampled separately in examination. Caution should be used to avoid or to minimize
accordance with the recommended method so that three suites fracturing the concrete or contamination of the sample with
of samples are secured, each suite comprising concrete of a foreign substances. Use of sledges, chisels, and similar tools
specific category and each conforming with the recommenda- should be avoided. Their possible effects on the integrity of the
tions of Practices E105 and E122. Any number of suites of sample must be considered during examination and testing of
samples may be required for proper investigation of concrete the samples.
that is within the scope of an approved plan so as to adequately NOTE 2—Care should be taken to avoid cutting critical sections of
evaluate concrete of differing specified levels of quality and reinforcement, conduit, and duct-work.
concrete in differing condition following the service exposure. NOTE 3—Diamond-drilled cores are preferred to shot-drilled cores,
because the outer surfaces are smoother and reveal the composition and
11.8 For purposes of engineering surveys and research fabric of the concrete more clearly than shot-drilled cores.
programs, the number of samples and their characteristics may 13.2 Samples for examination may be secured from small
be established by responsible personnel in accordance with the beam or slab specimens or from small prism-shaped or
scope and objectives of the investigation. columnar concrete products by sawing across the entire width
and depth, for example at the third-points and the middle of the
12. Sampling for Compliance with Construction length. Samples from vertically cast concrete cylinders should
Specifications be secured from top and bottom halves or top, middle, and
12.1 To determine compliance of hardened concrete with bottom portions or by sawing the specimen longitudinally.
requirements of codes or contract specifications, each sample These samples will represent any variability arising as a
of concrete should be sufficient in quantity and dimensions to consequence of placing and compaction procedures,

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Nov 8 10:03:51 EST 2019
5
Downloaded/printed by
Eder Inza (Eder Inza) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C823/C823M − 12 (2017)
segregation, or bleeding. Similar procedures and precautions 14. Information to Accompany Samples
should be employed in securing samples from other types of 14.1 The personnel who will supervise the laboratory tests,
test specimens and concrete products. Methods for obtaining analyses, or examinations of the samples should receive
portions of samples for testing purposes are outlined in 13.1, complete information on the identity and sources of the
13.2, and in Table 1. samples and on the problem that is being investigated. In
13.3 If feasible, samples should be taken perpendicular to particular, they should be advised of and, preferably, consulted
the layers in which the concrete was deposited. The sample about the specific questions that are to comprise the objectives
should include the exposed surface, near-surface concrete, any of the investigation.
concrete in contact with aggressive waters or other aggressive 14.2 Specific items of information that should be available
substances, and concrete at depth. Samples of isolated spalls or to the supervisor or consultant are:
popouts should include representative examples of the spalls 14.2.1 Location of the source of each sample, orientation of
and popouts and the underlying and adjacent concrete. For the sample, depth from which the sample was taken, and
sampling, various common types of concrete constructions, sampling procedures. Photographs of samples and of the
recommended minimum depths or thicknesses across which sampling locations should be provided, if possible.
samples should be taken, are shown in Table 1. Deeper drilling 14.2.2 Report of both the preliminary and detailed field
may be required to determine the extent of cracking, condition investigations, including a description of the performance of
of construction joints, extent of any cement-aggregate concrete in service and the results of the examination of the
reactions, condition of concrete in contact with subgrade concrete in the field. The surveys, field tests, and other
material, and variability of the concrete. pertinent information on the constructions and sources of the
concrete and concrete-making materials should be included.
13.4 Samples should be identified and oriented by painted 14.2.3 Results of any tests or analyses that were performed
or inked markings on the material itself, if feasible. The on the concrete or concrete-making materials.
concrete should be wrapped and sealed as may be appropriate
to preserve the moisture content representative of the structure 15. Keywords
at the time of sampling, and should be packed so as to be 15.1 construction; coring; deterioration; exposure condition;
properly protected from freezing or damage in transit or field inspection; hardened concrete; performance; petrographic
storage, especially if the concrete is very weak. examination; photograph; representative sample

REFERENCES

(1) Trantina, J. A., and Cluff, L. S.,“ ' NX’ Borehole Camera,’’ Sympo- (4) Simpson, G. G., Roe, Anne, and Lewontin, R. C., Quantitative
sium on Soil Exploration, ASTM STP 351, Am. Soc. Testing Mats., Zoology, Revised Ed., Harcourt Brace and Co., New York, N. Y.,
1964, pp. 108–120. 1960.
(2) Burwell, E. B., Jr., and Nesbitt, R. H., “The NX Borehole Camera,’’ (5) Natrella, M. G., Experimental Statistics, NBS Handbook 91, National
Mining Engineering, MIENA Vol 6, No. 8, 1954, pp. 805–808; or Bureau of Standards, NBSHA, Chapter 9, August 1963; Crow, E. L.,
Journal of Metals, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Davis, F. A., and Maxfield, M. W., Statistics Manual, Dover
Petroleum Engineers, JOMTA, Vol 6, No. 11, Section 1, Nov 1954 , Publications, New York, N.Y., Chapter 8, 1960, p. 209ff ; MIL-STD-
pp. 1197–1198. 105 D, 29 April 1963, Military Standard Sampling Procedures and
(3) Burwell, E. B., Jr., and Nesbitt, R. H., “The NX Borehole Camera,’’ Tables for Inspection by Attributes.
Systems , Vol 18, No. 3, 1954, pp. 12–13. (6) Natrella, M. G., Experimental Statistics, Chapter 3, 1963 .

TABLE 1 Minimum Depth of Sampling of Concrete for Testing PurposesA

Minimum Depth to Be Sampled,
Types of Construction Thickness of Section, m [ft]
m [ft]
Slabs, pavements, walls, linings, foundations, structural 0.3 [1.0] or less entire depth
elements accessible from one side only 0.3 [1.0] or greater 0.3 [1.0]
Suspended slabs,B walls, conduits, foundations, structural 0.15 [0.5] or less entire depth
elements exposed to the atmosphere at two or more 0.15–0.6 [0.5–2.0] one half the thickness or 0.15 [0.5]
sides; concrete products whichever is greater
Massive sections 0.6 [2.0] or greater 0.6 [2.0]
A
The requirements of Table 1 may not provide the quantities or dimensions of samples that are required by the stipulations of Sections 11 and 12. In that case, the
necessary additional quantity of concrete in pieces of appropriate minimum size should be taken at each sampling location in accordance with the requirements of Section
13.
B
When suspended slabs are cored, it is desirable to leave the lower 25 mm [1 in.] uncored, so as not to lose the core by its falling from the barrel and to make it easier
to patch the core hole.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Nov 8 10:03:51 EST 2019
6
Downloaded/printed by
Eder Inza (Eder Inza) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C823/C823M − 12 (2017)
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Nov 8 10:03:51 EST 2019
7
Downloaded/printed by
Eder Inza (Eder Inza) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.