ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Standard Practices, and Com-

mentaries are intended for guidance in designing, planning, executing,

or inspecting construction, and in preparing specifications. Reference ANSI/ACI 214-77
to these documents shall not be made in the Project Documents. If
items found in these documents are desired to be part of the Project
Documents, they should be incorporated directly into the Project
Documents.

ACI Standard
Recommended Practice for Evaluation of
Strength Test Results of Concrete (A.CI 214 .. 77)*

Reported by ACICommittee 214

V. M. MALHOTRA
Chairman

EDWARD A. ABDUN·NUR RICHARD J. DOERMANN V. RAMAKRISHNAN

HOWARD T. ARNI RICHARD D. GAYNOR HUBERT RUSCH
JOSEPH F. ARTUSO ARNOLD R. KLINE ROBERTO SANCHEZ.TREJO
ROBERT M. BARNOFF K. R. LAUERt ROBERT G. SEXSMITH
T. G. CLENDENNING A. M. NEVILLE V. D. SKIPPER
HERBERT K. COOK ROBERT E. PHILLEO J. DERLE THORPE
FRANCIS J. PRINCIPE

Statistical procedures provide valuable tools for assessing results of strength tests,
and such an approach is also of value in refining design criteria and specifications.
The report discusses briefly the numerous variations that occur in the strength of
concrete and presents statistical procedures which are useful in interpreting these
variations.
Keywords: coefficient of variation; compression tests; compressive strength; concrete construction;
concretes; cylinders; evaluation; quality control; sa mpling; standard deviation; statistical analysis;
variations.

CONTENTS
Chapter 1-lntroduction .................................................. 214-2
Chapter 2-Variations in strength ......................................... 214-2

-
2.l-General 2.3-Testing methods
2.2-Properties of concrete
Chapter 3-Analysis of strength data 214-3
3.l-Notation 3.4-Strength variations
3.2-General 3.5-Standards of control
3.3-Statistical functions
Chapter 4-Criteria 214-7
4.l-General 4.4-Quality control charts
4.2-Criteria for strength 4.5-Tests and specimens required
requirements 4.6-Rejection of doubtful specimens
4.3-Additional information
Chapter 5-References ................................................. 214-14

. All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use

• Adopted as a standard of the American Concrete Institute in
Aug!-lst ~977, to supersede ACT 214-65, in accordance with the
Institute s standardIzation procedure.
tChairman during development of the revision.
Copyright © 1976, American Concrete Institute.
m any form or by any means. including the making of copies
by. any photo "rocess, or by any electronic or mechanical device.
prmted or wntten or oral, or recording for sound or visual
reproductIOn or for use m any knowledge or retrieval system
or de:Vlce, unle.ss permISSIon In wntIng is obtained irorn the
cOPYrIght proprIetors.

214-1
214-2 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
CHAPTER I-INTRODUCTION
The purposes of strength tests of concrete are
to determine compliance with a strength specifica-
tion and to measure the variability of concrete.
Concrete, being a hardened mass of heterogeneous
materials, is subject to the influence of numerous
variables. Characteristics of each of the ingredi-
ents of concrete, depending on their variability,
may cause variations in strength of concrete.
Variations may also be introduced by practices
used in proportioning, mixing, transporting, plac-
ing, and curing. In addition to the variations which
exist in concrete itself, test strength variations will
also be introduced by the fabrication, testing, and
treatment of test specimens. Variations in the
strength of concrete must be accepted, but con-
crete of adequate quality can be produced with
confidence if proper control is maintained, test
results are properly interpreted, and their limi-
tations are considered.
Proper control is achieved by the use of satis-
factory materials, correct batching and mixing of
these materials, correct batching and mixing of
sired quality, and good practices in transporting,
placing, curing, and testing. Although the com-
plex nature of concrete precludes complete
homogeneity, excessive variation of concrete
strength signifies inadequate concrete controL
Improvement in control may permit a reduction
in the cost of concrete since the average strength
can be brought closer to specification require-
ments.
Strength is not necessarily the most critical fac-
tor in proportioning concrete mixes since other
factors, such as durability, may impose lower
water-cement ratios than are required to meet
strength requirements. In such cases, strength
will of necessity be in excess of structural de-
mands. Nevertheless, strength tests are valuable
in such circumstances since, with established
mix proportions, variations in strength are indi-
cative of variations in other properties.
Test specimens indicate the potential rather
than the actual strength of the concrete in a struc-
CHAPTER 2-VARIATIONS IN STRENGTH
2.1-General
The magnitude of variations in the strength of
concrete test specimens depends on how well the
materials, concrete manufacture, and testing are
controlled. Differences in strength can be traced
to two fundamentally different sources as shown
in Table 2.1: (a) differences in strength-produc-
ture. To be meaningful, conclusions on strength of
concrete must be derived from a pattern of tests
from which the characteristics of the concrete can
be estimated with reasonable accuracy. Insuf-
ficient tests will result in unreliable conclusions.
Statistical procedures provide tools of consider-
able value in evaluating results of strength tests
and information derived from such procedures is
also of value in refining design criteria and speci-
fications. This report briefly discusses variations
that occur in the strength of concrete, and presents
statistical procedures that are useful in the inter-
pretation of these variations with respect to re-
quired criteria and specifications. For these sta-
tistical procedures to be valid, the data must be
derived from samples obtained by means of a
random sampling plan designed to reduce the
possibility that choice will be exercised by the
sampler. "Random sampling" means that each
possible sample has an equal chance of being
selected. To insure this condition, the choice must
be made by some objective mechanism such as
a table of random numbers. If sample batches are
selected by the sampler on the basis of his own
judgment, biases are likely to be introduced that
will invalidate results analyzed by the procedures
presented here. Reference 1 contains a discussion
of random sampling and a useful short table of
random numbers.
Additional information on the meaning and use
of this recommended practice is given in Realism
in the Application of ACI Standard 214-65. 2 This
volume is a compilation of information on ACI
214-65 that was presented at a symposium held
at Buffalo, N. Y, in 1971. In addition to the papers
from the symposium, it includes reprints of some
pertinent papers that were published earlier in
the ACI JOURNAL, and of discussion that resulted
from them. Although the information given was
based on ACI 214-65, most of it is still relevant.
An additional source of material on evaluation of
strength tests is ACI Bibliography No.2, published
in 1960. 3
ing properties of the concrete mixture and in-
gredients, and (b) apparent differences in
strength caused by variations inherent in the test-
ing.
2.2-Properties of concrete
It is well established that strength is governed
to a large extent by the water-cement ratio. The
 STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION 214-3

'TABLE 2.I-PRINCIPAL SOURCES OF mixtures used, since each will contribute to varia-
STRENGTH VARIATION tions in the concrete strength. The temperature of
Variations in the properties Discrepancies in testing fresh concrete influences the amount of water
of concrete methods needed to achieve the proper consistency and con-
sequently contributes to strength variation. Con-
Changes in water-cement Improper sampling struction practices may cause variations in
ratio: procedures strength due to inadequate mixing, poor com-
Poor control of water paction, delays, and improper curing. Not all of
Excessive variation of
moisture in aggregate these are reflected in specimens fabricated and
Retempering stored under standard conditions.
Variations in water require- Variations due to fabrica-
ment: tion techniques The use of admixtures adds another factor since
Aggregate grading, ab- Handling and curing of each admixture adds another variable to concrete.
sorption, particle shape newly made cylinders The batching of accelerators, retarders, pozzolans,
Cement and admixture Poor quality molds and air-entraining agents must be carefully con-
properties trolled.
Air content
Delivery time and
temperature 2.3-Testing methods
Variations in characteristics Changes in curing: Concrete tests mayor may not include all the
and proportions of ingre- Temperature variation variations in strength of concrete in place de-
dients: Variable moisture pending on what variables have been introduced
Aggregates Delays in bringing cylin- after test specimens were made. On the other
Cement ders to the laboratory
Pozzolans hand, discrepancies in sampling, fabrication cur-
Admixtures ing, and testing of specimens may cause indica-
tions of variations in strength which do not exist
Variations in transporting, i Poor testing procedures:
placing, and compaction in the concrete in the structure. The project is
Cylinder capping
II

Compression tests unnecessarily penalized when variations from this

Variations in temperature
and curing
I reduce these variations, and standard testing
first criterion for producing concrete of constant
strength, therefore, is a constant water-cement
ratio. Since the quantity of cement and added
water can be measured accurately, the problem of
maintaining a constant water-cement ratio is
primarily one of correcting for the variable
quantity of free moisture in aggregates.
The homogeneity of concrete is influenced by
the variability of the aggregates, cement, and ad-
source are excessive. Good testing methods will
procedures such as those described in ASTM
standards should be followed without deviation.
The importance of using accurate testing ma-
chines and producing thin, high-strength, plane,
parallel caps should need no emphasis since test
results can be no more accurate than the equip-
ment and procedures used. Uniform test results
are not necessarily accurate test results. Lab-
oratory equipment and procedures should be cali-
brated and checked periodically.

CHAPTER 3-ANAlYSIS OF STRENGTH DATA

3.1-Notation
factors for computing within-test
standard deviation from average range
required average strength to assure that
no more than the permissible propor-
tion of tests will fall below specified
strength
fo' specified strength
n number of tests
R range
maximum for average range used in
control charts for moving average for
range
R = average range
standard deviation
within-test standard deviation
batch-to-batch standard deviation
t a constant multiplier for standard de-
viation (a) that depends on the number
of tests expected to fall below fo'
coefficient of variation
within-test coefficient of variation
an individual test result
average of test results
214-4 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

kgf/cm2
169 183 197 211 225 239 253 267 281 295 309 323

x-
I
'5

I
95.45 %
k- -- ------ -- -2 ()- - - ----- - - --::+<- -- -- ------ -2()- -- --- -- - -->-1
1 I 1

I 1 68.27% I
r=----()------T-----()-----~
(/)
f- 1 1
(/)
W
f- 10 I 1 ' I 1
"-
o 1 I 0 I
()=462psi (32.5kgf/cm2)
~
1 I I V= 13.2% 1
w
CD
I 1 0 I 1
~
::J
I 01 0 0 I 1
Z
I 01 0 0 0 I 1

1
0 0 0 0 10 1

o o o o 1

1
o o o o o
1

o o o o o 01

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH PS I

Fig. 3.3(a)-Frequency distribution of strength data and corresponding normal distribution

3.2-General 3.3-Statistical functions

To obtain maximum information, a sufficient
number of tests should be made to indicate the
variation in the concrete produced and to permit
appropriate statistical procedures to be used in
interpreting the test results. Statistical procedures
provide the best basis for determining from such
results the potential quality and strength of the
concrete and for expressing results in the most
useful form.
141
():. 340 pai (23.9 kof/cm2)
Compressive strength, psi
Fig. 3.3(b)-Normal frequency curves for different stand-
ard deviations
The strength of concrete test specimens on con-
trolled projects can be assumed to fall into a
pattern similar to the normal frequency distribu-
tion curve illustrated in Fig. 3.3 (a). Where there
is good control, the strength values will be
bunched close to the average, and the curve will
be tall and narrow. As the variations in strength
increase, the values spread and the curve be-
comes low and elongated, as illustrated by the
idealized curves shown in Fig. 3.3 (b). Because the
characteristics of such curves can be defined
mathematically, certain useful functions of the
strength can be calculated as follows:
3.3.1 Average, 'X-The average strength of all
individual tests
x = Xl + X + X3 + ... + Xn
2
(3-1)
n
Where Xl, X 2 , Xs ... Xn are the strength results
of individual tests and n is the total number of
tests made. A test is defined as the average
strength of all specimens of the same age fabri-
cated from a sample taken from a single batch of
concrete.
3.3.2 Standard deviation, a-The most generally
recognized measure of dispersion is the root-mean-
square deviation of the strengths from their
average. This statistic is known as the standard
deviation and may be considered to be the radius
of gyration about the line of symmetry of the
 STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION 214·5

area under the curve of the frequency distribu- TABLE 3.4.I-FACTORS FOR COMPUTING WITHIN-
tion of strength data, such as that shown in Fig. TEST STANDARD DEVIATlON*
3.3 (a). The best estimate of cr, based on a finite Number of
amount of data, is obtained by Eq. (3-2), or by specimens d2 1/d2
its algebraic equivalent, Eq. (3-2a). The latter
equation is preferable for computation purposes, 2 1.128 0.8865
because it is not only simpler and more adaptable 3 1.693 0.5907
4 2.059 0.4857
to desk calculators, but it avoids the possibility of 2.326 0.4299
5
trouble due to rounding errors. 6 2.534 0.3946
7 2.704 0.3698
()' = {[ (Xl - X)2 + (X2 - X)2 + ... 8 2.847 0.3512
0.3367
+ (Xu - X)2]/n - 1}% (3-2)
9
10
2.970
3.078 0.3249

or 'From Table B2, ASTM Manual on Quality Control of Ma-

terials, Reference 4 .

• / ~X.2 _ (~Xi) ~
V ' n (3-2a)
crete are required to establish reliable values for
a= n-1 R. The within-test standard deviation and coef-
ficient of variation can be conveniently computed
3.3.3 Coefficient of variation, V""":The standard
as follows:
deviation expressed as a percentage of the aver~
age strength is called the coefficient of variation: 1-
01 = d R (3-4)
2

a
V= = X 100 (3-3) V1 = a1 X 100 (3-5)
X X
where
3.3.4 Range, R-Range is the statistic found by
= within-test standard deviation
subtracting the lowest of a group of numbers from
1/d 2 a constant depending on the number of
the highest one in the group. The within-test
cylinders averaged to produce a test
range is found by subtracting the lowest of the (Table 3.4.1)
group of cylinder strengths averaged to produce
average range within groups of com-
a test from the highest of the group. The within-
panion cylinders
test range is useful in computing the within-test
standard deviation discussed in the following sec-
V1 = within-test coefficient of variation
tion. X = average strength
3.4.2 Batch-ta-batch variations-These variations
reflect differences in strength which can be at-
3.4-Strength variations
tributed to variations in
As mentioned previously, variations in results (a) Characteristics and properties of the in-
of strength tests can be traced to two different gredients
sources: (a) variations in testing methods and (b) Batching, mixing, and sampling
(b) properties of the concrete mixture and in- (c) Testing that has not been detected from
gredients. It is possible by analysis of variance companion cylinders since these tend to be treated
to compute the variations attributable to each more alike than cylinders tested at different times
source.
3.4.1 Within-test variation - The variation in
strength of concrete within a single test is found
by computing the variation of a group of cylinders
fabricated from a sample of concrete taken from
a given batch. It is reasonable to assume that a
test sample of concrete is homogeneous and any
variation between companion cylinders fabricated
from a given sample is caused by fabricating,
curing, and testing variations.
A single batch of concrete, however, provides
insufficient data for statistical analysis and com-
Fig. 3.4.2(al-Approximate division of the area under
panion cylinders from at least ten batches of con- the normal frequency distribution curve
214-6 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

The batch-to-batch and within-test sources of where

variation are related to the overall variation o = overall standard deviation
[Eq. (3-3)] by the following expression: 01 = within-test standard deviation

02 = batch-to-batch standard deviation

(3-6)
Once these parameters have been computed,
and with the assumption that the results follow a
normal frequency distribution curve, a large
amount of information about the test results be-
comes known. Fig. 3.4.2 (a) indicates an approxi-
50 mate division of the area under the normal
frequency distribution curve. For example, ap-
60 proximately 68 percent of the area (equivalent to
Q;
~
> 68 percent of the test results) lies within ± 10" of
J: 70 the average, 95 percent within ± 20", etc. This
0,
c
~
permits an estimate to be made of the portion of
Cii
"C 80
.e: TABLE 3.4.2-EXPECTED PERCENTAGES OF TESTS
'u" LOWER THAN f/ WHERE X EXCEEDS fa' BY THE
ii
.=c AMOUNT SHOWN
:;'" 90 Average Expected Expected
percentage Average percentage
Q; strength, strength,
ro of of
~ X low tests X low tests
Ol
95
~ fo' + 0.10a 46.0 f/ + 1.6a 5.5
.e: fo' + 0.20a 42.1 fo' + 1.7a 4.5
"0 fo' + 0.30a 38.2 fo' + 1.80 3.6
c: fo' + 0.400 34.5 fo' + 1.9a 2.9
u
Q)
f,,' + 0.50a 30.9 fo' + 2.0a 2.3
Q; fc' + 0.60a 27.4 fo' + 2.10 1.8
0..
fo' + 0.700 24.2 fo' + 2.2a 1.4
fo' + 0.80a 21.2 fo' + 2.3a 1.1
f/ + 0.90a 18.4 fo' + 2.4a 0.8
f/ +0 15.9 fo' + 2.50" 0.6
fo' + 1.10a 13.6 fo' + 2.60" 0.45
f/ + 1.200 11.5 fo' + 2.70" 0.35
Percent of average strength f/ + 1.30a 9.7 f/ + 2.8a 0.25
Fig. 3.4.2(bJ-Cumulative distribution curves for different fo' + 1.400" 8.1 fc' + 2.90" 0.19
coefficients of variation
fo' + 1.500" I
6.7 fo' + 3.00 0.13

kgf/cm2
98.4 84.4 70.3 56.2 42.2 28.1 14.1 o
50
60
70
---_::::::.
....
J!! 80
i....

-CIt

II:
CD
U
90

.... 95
CD
Q.. 96
97
98
99
1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 o
Compressive strength-psi below average
Fig. 3.4.2(cJ-Cumulative distribution curves for different standard deviations
 STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION 214-7

TABLE 3.5-5T ANDARD5 OF CONCRETE CONTROL

Overall variation

Standard deviation for different control standards, psi (kgf/cm2)

Class of operation
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor
I I I I
General construction below 400 400 to 500 500 to 600 600 to 700 above 700
testing (28.1) (28.1) (35.2) (35.2) (42.2) (42.2) (49.2) ( 49.2)
Laboratory trial below 200 200 to 250 250 to 300 300 to 350 above 350
batches (14.1) (14.1) (17.6) (17.6) (21.1) (21.1) (24.6) (24.6)

Within-test variation

Coefficient of variation for different control standards, percent

Class of operation
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor
I I I I
Field control testing below 3.0 3.0 to 4.0 4.0 to 5.0 5.0 to 6.0 above 6.0
Laboratory trial
batches below 2.0 2.0 to 3.0 3.0 to 4.0 4.0 to 5.0 above 5.0

the test results expected to fall within given 3.5-Standards of control

multiples of a of the average or of any other spe-
cific value. Table 3.4.2 has been adapted from the
normal probability integral of the theoretical
normal frequency distribution curve and shows
the probability of tests falling below to' in terms
of the average strength of the mix X· = fer =
(to'+ ta). Cumulative distribution curves can
also be plotted by accumulating the number of
tests below any given strength expressed as a
percentage of the average strength for different
coefficients of variation or standard deviations.
Fig. 3.4.2 (b) and 3.4.2 (c) present such informa-
tion.
In these figures, the ordinate indicates the per-
cent of the population of strength values which
may be expected to exceed the strength indicated
by any abscissa value for a selected coefficient of
variation or standard deviation.
The decision as to whether the standard devia-
tion or the coefficient of variation is the appro-
priate measure of dispersion to use in any given
situation depends on which of the two measures
is the more nearly constant over the range of
strengths characteristic of the particular situation.
Present information indicates that the standard
deviation remains more nearly constant par-
ticularly at strengths over 3000 psi (211 kgf/cm 2 ) .
For within-test variations the coefficient of varia-
tion is considered to be more applicable (see Ref-
erences 5-10).
Table 3.5 shows the variability that can be ex-
pected for compressive strength tests on projects
subject to different degrees of control. These
values are not applicable to other strength tests.

CHAPTER 4-CRITERIA
4.1-General
The strength of control cylinders is generally
the only tangible evidence of the quality of con-
crete used in constructing a structure. Because of
the possible disparity between the strength of
test cylinders and the load-carrying capacity of a
structure it is unwise to place any reliance on
inadequate strength data.
The number of tests lower than the desired
strength is more important in computing the load-
carrying capacity of concrete structures than the
average strength obtained. It is impractical, how-
ever, to specify a mmlmum strength since there
is always the possibility of even lower strengths,
even when control is good. It is also recognized
that the cylinders may not accurately represent
the concrete in each portion of the structure. Fac-
tors of safety are provided in design equations
which allow for de v i a t ion s from specified
strengths without jeopardizing the safety of the
structure. These have been evolved on the basis
of construction practices, design procedures, and
quality control techniques used by the construc-
tion industry. It should also be remembered that
for a given mean strength, if a small percentage
214-8 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

1.50 Chance of strength being

_0

'-
~1.45
lower than specified
... .~
£
0 14.1
kgf/cm2
70.0
1000.----.;.-r----:;:..r--r--T::..--.;..r::..--....:..; 70.0
..<::
g, 1.40 ; - - - - + - - - - - / g.
~ ~
(II
1;;
"0
I . 35 -c 800t-----+-+---,A-----t7L---+-~'___l56.2
Q)
C1l
~
.~ 1.30+----+-- ·0
C1l
5l-
~~o600r_--+-~-+_~-~~r__+---~ 42.2 OlE
1» '...
:; 1.25
c;, ~~ ~0>
~ I. 20 +----1-J'-I-~_¥_-~~+__- ~"
+-b
~
g' +- 400r_-----,1t----.'--+_-r--~----+-__:7'''''_l28.1
~::> 1.15 ~
(II
CT
-c
.:: 1.10 ~
o ·3 2oot----++-t-7L---b----r---+-----i 14.1
o cr
& 1.05
-
~
o
(II
(II
C1l
O~--~--~--~--~----~
o 200 400 600 800 1000
0
5 10 15 20 25 U
Coefficient of variation, percent
)(
W Standard deviation, psi

Fig. 4.1 (aI-Ratio of required average strength fer to Fig. 4.1 (bl-Excess of required average strength to 'cr
specified strength fe' for various coefficients of variation specified strength fa' for various standard deviations and
and chances of falling below specified strength chances of falling below specified strength

of the test results fall below the design strength,
a corresponding large percentage of the test re-
sults will be greater than the design strength
with an equally large probability of being located
in a critical area. The consequences of a localized
zone of low-strength concrete in a structure de-
pend on many factors; included are the probability
of early overload, the location and magnitude of
the low-quality zone in the structural unit, the de-
gree of reliance placed on strength in design, the
initial cause of the low strength, and the conse-
quences, economic and otherwise, of structural
failure.
The final criterion which allows for a certain
probability of tests falling below fo' used in design
is a designer's decision based on his intimate
knowledge of the conditions that are likely to
prevail. "Building Code Requirements for Rein-
forced Concrete (ACI 318-71) ," provides guide-
lines in this regard, as do other building codes and
specifications.
To satisfy strength performance requirements
expressed in this fashion the average strength of
concrete must be in excess of fe', the design
strength. The amount of excess strength depends
on the expected variability of test results as
expressed by a coefficient of variation or standard
deviation, and on the allowable proportion of low
tests.
Strength data for determining the standard
deviation or coefficient of variation should rep-
resent a group of at least 30 consecutive tests made
on concrete produced under conditions similar to
those to be expected on the project. The require-
ment for 30 consecutive strength tests will be con-
sidered to have been complied with if the tests
represent either a group of 30 consecutive batches
of the same class of concrete or the statistical
average for two groups totalling 30 or more
batches. "Similar" conditions will be difficult to
define and can be best documented by collecting
several groups of 30 or more tests. In general,
changes in materials and procedures will have a
larger effect on the average strength level than
on the standard deviation or coefficient of varia-
tion. S i g n i f i can t changes generally include
changes in type and brand of portland cement, ad-
mixtures, source of aggregates, mix proportions,
batching, mixing, delivery, or testing. The data
should represent concrete produced to meet a
specified strength close to that specified for the
proposed work, since the standard deviation may
vary as the average strength varies. The required
average strength fer for any design can be com-
puted from Eq. (4-1) or (4-1a) , (Table 3.4.2), or
approximated from Fig. 4.1 (a) or 4.1 (b), depend-
ing on whether the coefficient of variation or
standard deviation is used.
fa'
fcr = (1 - tV)
(4-1)
fer = fo' + ta ( 4-1a)
where
fer = required average strength
fe' = design strength specified
t a constant depending upon the proportion
of tests that may fall below fe' (Table 4.1)
V forecast value of the coefficient of varia-
tion expressed as a fraction
forecast value of the standard deviation
 STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION 214-9

kgf/cm2
141 169 197 225 253 281 309 337 366 394

20

(j)

Vi 15
~
<t-
o
+-
c
Q) 10
U
L
Q)
0..

Compressive Strength, psi

Fig. 4.1 (c)-Normal frequency curves for coefficients of variation of 10, IS, and 20 percent

Whenever the average of a certain number of TABLE 4.I-VALUES OF t

tests n is involved in the specification, Eq. (4-1)
Percentages of tests
is modified as follows: falling within the Chances of falling
limits X ± ta below lower limit
fe' (4-1b)
fer = V 3 in 10 0.52
1- t 40
50 2.5 in 10 0.67
'In 60 2 in 10 0.84
68.27 1 in 6.3 1.00
and 70 1.5 in 10 1.04
80 1 in 10 1.28
for = fe' + ta (4-1c) 90
95
1
1
in
in
20
40
1.65
1.96
'In 95.45 1 in 44 2.00
Fig. 4.1 (c) demonstrates that as the variability 98 1 in 100 2.33
99 1 in 200 2.58
increases fer must increase and thereby illustrates 99.73 1 in 741 3.00
the economic value of good control.
The requirement of at least 30 test results men- For small jobs that are just getting started,
tioned previously is based on the fact that 25 to where no prior information is available, the con-
30 randomly selected test results from a normally crete should be designed to produce an average
distributed population provide estimates of the strength fer at least 1200 psi (84.4 kgf/cm2) greater
population average and standard deviation that than fe'. As the job progresses and more strength
can be used as the population values. If only a tests become available, all the strength tests can
small number of results is available on which to be analyzed together to give a more reliable esti-
base estimates, then the values, especially for mate of the standard deviation, and Eq. (4-1),
standard deviation, are unreliable, and there is no (4-1a), (4-1b), and (4-1c) can be used to calculate
way in which fer can be determined so that a a less conservative fer.
specific percentage of future tests will be above
fe', assuming that the present test results are the
only information available. 4.2-Criteria for strength requirements
If previous information exists for concrete from The amount by which the average strength of
the same plant meeting the similarity require- a concrete mix fer should exceed f e' depends on
ments described above, that information may be the criteria used in the specifications for a par-
used in deciding on a trial value of a to be used in ticalar project. The following are examples of
determining the target fer. calculations that would have to be made to select
214-10 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

the design strengths of a mix that will meet the tu

requirements of a particular code or specification. fer = fo' + 'In
4.2.1 Criterion No. l-A stated maximum pro- = 4000 psi +
2.33 (750)
portion of random individual strength tests that 'J3
will be permitted to fall below fo' on the average. = 5000 psi (351 kgf/cm2)
ASTM C 94-74 uses a similar approach. For con- As a result, for a structural design strength fe'
crete in structures designed by the ultimate of 4000 psi (281 kgf/cm 2 ) , the concrete mixture
strength method, ASTM recommends that not should be proportioned for an average strength of
more than 10 percent of the strength tests have not less than 5000 psi (351 kgf/cm 2 ).
values less than the specified strength fe'. Coefficient of variation method
As an example, consider the situation where no Considering a coefficient of variation of 15 per-
more than 1 in 10 random individual strengths cent and using Eq. (4-1b) and Table 4.1, we have
will be permitted to be below an fo' of 4000 psi
fo'
(281 kgf/cm2). fer - 1_ tV
Standard deviation method
'In
Consider very good quality control as indi-
4000
cated by a standard deviation of 450 psi (31.7
- 1 _ 2.33 (9. 15)
kgf/cm 2 ). Using Eq. (4-1a) and Table 4.1, we have
'J3
fer = fo' +
tu = 5000 psi (351 kgf/cm 2 )
+
= 4000 1.28 X 450
= 4580 psi (322 kgf/cm2) Using this approach the concrete mixture
should be proportioned for an average strength
As a result, for a structural design strength fa' of not less than 5000 psi (351 kgf/cm2).
of 4000 psi (281 kgf/cm 2), the concrete mixture 4.2.3 Criterion No. 3-A certain probability that
should be proportioned for an average strength of a random individual strength test will be more
not less than 4580 psi (322 kgf/cm 2). Note that than a certain amount below f 0'.
the coefficient of variation is (450/4580) X 100 =
This approach is also used in ACI 318-71 by
9.8 percent.
stipulating that the probability of a random test
Coefficient of variation method result being more than 500 psi (35.1 kgf/cm 2 )
Consider good quality control as indicated by below fo' should be 1 in 100.
a coefficient of variation of 10 percent. Using Eq. As an example, consider a probability of 1 in
(4-1) and Table 4.1, we have 100 that a strength test will be more than 500
f fo'
psi (35.1 kgf/cm2) below an fo' of 4000 psi (281
cr = 1- tV kgf/cm2) .
_ fo' Standard deviation method
fer - 1 - 1.28 (0.10) Considering a standard deviation of 750 psi
(53 kgf/cm2) and using Eq. (4-1a) and Table 4.1,
= 1.15 fo' [see also Fig. 4.1 (a)]
we have
= 4600 psi (324 kgf/cm 2) fer = fe' - 500 ta +
Using this approach and this data the concrete = 4000 - 500 + 2.33 (750)
mixture should be proportioned for an average = 5245 psi (369 kgf/cm 2)
strength of not less than 4600 psi (324 kgf/cm2). As a result the concrete mixture should be pro-
4.2.2 Criterion No. 2-A certain probability that portioned for an average strength of not less than
an average of n consecutive strength tests will be 5245 psi (369 kgf/cm2).
below fo'. Coefficient of variation method
ACI 318-71 suggests that after sufficient test Using Eq. (4-1) and Table 4.1, and a coefficient
data become available from a project, the fre- of variation of 15 percent, we have
quency of occurrence of averages of three con-
fo' - 500
secutive tests below f/ should not exceed 1 in 100. fer
1- tV
As an example, consider the situation where no
more than 1 in 100 of averages of three consecu- 4000 - 500
tive strength tests will be permitted to be below 1 - 2.33 (0.15)
an fa' of 4000 psi (281 kgf/cm2). 5390 psi (379 kgf/ cm2)
Standard deviation method Using this approach, the concrete mixture
Consider a standard deviation of 750 psi (53 should be proportioned for an average strength of
kgf/cm 2 ). Using Eq. (4-1c) and Table 4.1, we have not less than 5390 psi (379 kgf/cm2).
 STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION 214-11

TABLE 4.3-EVALUATION OF CONSECUTIVE LOW STRENGTH

TEST RESULTS
1 2 3 4 5
\ I
Probability of
A verages less than indicated averages less
require investigation * than fc',t
percent
Number of
consecutive Criteria for original selection of fer
tests
averaged 1 test in 100
1 test in 10 less than
below fe' [tc' - 500 psi
(35.2 kgf/cm2] 1 test in 10
below f/
For V = 15,
percent For given 0 For given 0

1 0.86f/ fe' - 0.770 fo' -

500 + 0.760 10.0
2 0.97fo' fe' - 0.170 f/ -
500 + 0.880 3.5
3 1.02fo' fo' + 0.100 fe' -
500 + 1.140 1.3
4 1.05f/ fe' + 0.260 fe' -
500 + 1.300 0.5
5 1.07f/ fe' + 0.360 fe' - 500 + 1.410 0.2
6 1.08fo' fo' + 0.440 fe' - 500 + 1.490 0.1
'The probability of averages less than the levels indicated is approximately 2 percent if the
population average equals f" and the standard deviation or coefficient of variation is at the
level assumed.
tIf the population average equals fer and the standard deviation or coefficient of variation
is at the level assumed.

4.2.4 Criterion No. 4-A certain probability that
a random individual strength test will be less than
a certain percentage of ft
As an example consider a probability of 1 in
100 that a strength test will be less than 85 per-
cent of an fc' of 4000 psi (281 kgf/cm2).
Standard deviation method
Using Eq. (4-1a) and Table 4.1 and a standard
deviation of 750 (53 kgf/cm 2 ), we have
fc, 0.85 fc' ta+
= 0.85 (4000) +
2.33 (750)
= 5145 psi (361 kgf/cm2)
As a result the concrete mixture should be pro-
portioned for an average strength of not less than
5145 psi (361 kgf/cm 2 ).
Coefficient of variation method
Using Eq. (4-1) and Table 4.1 and a coefficient
of variation of 15 percent, we have
0.85f/
fer =
1- tV
0.85 (4000)
1 - 2.33 (0.15)
5230 psi (368 kgf/cm2)
Using this approach, the concrete mixture
should be proportioned for an average strength of
not less than 5230 psi (368 kgf/ cm 2 ) •
4.3-Additional information
Table 4.3 presents additional information. The
values in the body of the table in Columns 2, 3,
and 4 are the strength levels below which in-
dividual tests or averages of different numbers of
tests should not normally fall. These values are
based on the premise that the concrete is pro-
portioned to produce an average strength equal
to fer. The values in Column 2 are theoretically
correct only for concrete with a coefficient of
variation of 15 percent. Those in Columns 3 and
4 apply to any known standard deviation. In
either case the probability of their being exceeded
when the concrete is properly controlled is only
about 0.02. Thus, failure to meet the tabulated
limits in a larger proportion of cases than that
stated may be an indication that the current
average strength is less than fer or that () or V has
increased. This could be caused by lower strength
or poorer control than expected, or both. The
possibility should not be overlooked that the low
tests may be caused by errors in sampling or test-
ing rather than deficiency in the concrete itself.
In any case, corrective action is warranted.
Column 5 shows the probability that the average
of any given number of consecutive tests will fail
to equal or exceed fe' if the concrete is propor-
tioned to produce an average strength equal to
fel" It can be seen that increasing the number of
tests to be averaged increases the likelihood that
fe' will be exceeded since variations tend to bal-
ance out with an increased number of tests in a
set. For enforcement purposes, it is appropriate
and logical to select the number of consecutive
tests to be averaged in such a way that the ac-
ceptance level is equal to ft This would mean an
average of three consecutive tests for concrete in
which one out of ten tests would be permitted to
be lower than f/. It should, however, be remem-
214-12 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE

bered that, according to the statistical theory as-
sumed in the derivation of the values, such fail-
ures may be expected by chance alone one time
in 50, even if the concrete is controlled exactly
as anticipated and is overdesigned to yield an
average strength equal to fer-
Most specifications for concrete strength require
that a test be comprised of two or three specimens
from the same sample of concrete. The specimens
are necessary to obtain a reliable average for a
given sample and to provide range data R for
determining within-sample variations.
4.4-Quality control charts
Quality control charts have been used by manu-
facturing industries for many years as an aid in
reducing variability and increasing efficiency in
production. Methods are well established for the
setting up of such charts and are outlined in con-
venient form in the ASTM Manual on Quality
Control of Materials. 4 Based on the pattern of
previous results and limits established therefrom,
trends become apparent as soon as new results are
plotted. Points which fall outside the calculated
limits indicate that something has affected the
control of the process. Such charts are recom-
mended wherever concrete is in continuous pro-
duction over considerable periods.
Three simplified charts prepared specifically
for concrete control are illustrated in Fig. 4.4.
While these do not contain all the features of
formal control charts they should prove useful to
the engineer, architect, and plant superintendent.
(a) A chart in which the results of all strength
tests are plotted as received. The line for the re-
quired average strength is established as indicated
by Eq. (4-1a) or Table 4.3 and the specified design
strength.
(b) Moving average for compressive strength
where the average is plotted for the previous five
sets of two companion cylinders for each day or
shift, and the specified strength in this case is
the lower limit. This chart is valuable in indicat-
ing trends and will show the influence of seasonal
changes, changes in materials, etc. The number
of tests averaged to plot moving averages with
an appropriate lower limit can be varied to suit
each job.
(c) Moving average for range where the
average range of the previous ten groups of com-
panion cylinders is plotted each day or shift. The
maximum average range allowable for good lab-
oratory control is also plotted. Maximum average
range is determined as discussed in Section 4.5.
Fig. 4.4 shows Charts (a), (b), and (c) for 46
tests. To be fully effective charts should be main-
tained throughout the entire job.

Required overage strength fcn

\
.- 4000
(J)
o
o
\
\ 280
a.

:E
- _.L

~3000+---~----~~~~~----~~--~--~~~+-~~----+210
~
v;
. /
Specified strength, fc _J o
(l)

:;; 2000 Required strength = f ~ + to-

(J)

~ ======~================================================================9
a. Movi ng average for strength
~ Each point, average strength
u 4000 of five previous test groups
Required average strength, f cr -'
_____ _ ______ L

3000 210
Moving average for range
~ 300 21
(l)
0> ----------------------~
C
o Average range for two cylinders : .0564 fer"" Each point average of
a:: 100 Average ra nge tor three cylinders = 0846 fer ten previous ranges 7

o 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
Sample numbers
Fig. 4A--Quality control charts for concrete.
 STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION
4.5-Tests and specimens required
For any particular job, a sufficient number of
tests should be made to insure accurate represen-
tation of the variations of the concrete. Concrete
tests can be made either on the basis of time'
elapsed or cubic yardage placed and conditions
on each job will determine the most practical
method of obtaining the number of tests needed.
A test is defined as the average strength of all
specimens of the same age fabricated from a
sample taken from a single batch of concrete.
A project where all concrete operations are
supervised by one engineer provides an excellent
opportunity for control and for accurate estimates
of reliability with a minimum of tests. Once op-
erations are progressing smoothly tests taken each
day or shift, depending on the volume of concrete
produced, are sufficient to obtain data which re-
flect the variations in the concrete of the struc-
ture. In general, it is advisable to make a sufficient
number of tests so that each different type of con-
crete placed during anyone day will be repre-
sented by at least one test which is an average
of two standard 6 x 12 in. cylinders tested at the
required age.' Single specimens taken from two
different batches each day will provide more re-
liable information on overall variations, but it is
usually desirable to make companion snecimens
from the same sample to obtain a check on the
within-test variation.
The number of specimens required by the en-
gineer (architect) should be based on established
standards but may be reduced as the reliabilities
of the producer, the laboratory, and the contrac-
tor are established.
The laboratory has the responsibility of making
accurate tests, and concrete will be penalized un-
necessarily if tests show greater variations or
lower average strength levels than actually exist.
Since the range between companion specimens
from the same sample can be assumed to be the
responsibility of the laboratory, a control chart
for ranges (Fig. 4.4) should be maintained by the
laboratory as a check on the uniformity of its
operations. It should be noted that these ranges
will not reveal day to day differences in test-
ing, curing, and capping procedures or testing
procedures which affect strength levels over long
periods. The range between companion cylinders
depends on the number of specimens in the group
and the within-test variation. This relationship is
expressed by the following equation [see Eq. (3-4)
and (3-5)]
(4-2)
where Rm is the average range in Control Chart
(c) of Fig. 4.4. The within-test coefficient of
variation VI should not be greater than 5 percent
214-13
for good control (Table 3.5), and the estimate of
the corresponding average range will be:
Rm = (0.05 X 1.128) fer = 0.05640fer
for groups of two companion cylinders
Rm = (0.05 X 1.693) fer = 0.08465fer
for groups of three companion cylinders.
A cylinder of concrete 6 in. in diameter and 12
in. high which has been moist cured for 28 days
at 21 C is generally considered a standard speci-
men for strength and control of concrete if the
coarse aggregate does not exceed 2 in. in nominal
size. Many times, particularly in the early stages
of a job, it becomes necessary to estimate the
strength of concrete being produced before the
28-day strength results are available. Concrete
cylinders from the same batch should be made
and tested at 7 days, or at earlier ages utilizing
accelerated test procedures. The 28-day strength
can be estimated by extrapolating early test data.
The strength of concrete at later ages, particu-
larly where a pozzolan or cement of slow strength
gain is used, is more realistic than the standard
28-day strength. Some structures will not be
loaded until concrete has been allowed to mature
for longer periods and advantage can be taken of
strength gain after 28 days. Some concretes have
been found to produce at 28 days less than 50
percent of their ultimate strength. If design is
based on strength at later ages, it becomes neces-
sary to correlate these strengths with standard
28-day cylinders since it is not practicable to use
later age specimens for concrete acceptance. If
possible, the correlation should be established by
laboratory tests before construction starts. If mix-
ing plants are located in one place for long enough
periods, it is advisable to establish this correlation
for reference even though later age concrete is
not immediately involved.
Curing concrete test specimens at the construc-
tion site and under job conditions is sometimes
recommended since this is considered more rep-
resentative of the curing applied to the structure.
These special tests should not be confused with,
nor replace, standard control tests. Tests of job-
cured specimens may be highly desirable and are
necessary when determining the time of form
removal, particularly in cold weather, and when
establishing the strength of steam-cured concrete
pipe, block, and structural members.
The potential strength and variability of con-
crete can be established by standard 6 x 12 in.
cylinders made and cured under standard condi-
tions. Strength specimens of concrete made or
cured under other than standard conditions pro-
vide additional information but should be analyzed
and reported separately.
214-14 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
4.6-Rejection of doubtful specimens
The practice of arbitrary rejection of test cylin-
ders which appear "too far out of line" is not
recommended since the normal pattern of proba-
bility establishes the possibility of such results.
Discarding tests indiscriminately could seriously
distort the strength distribution, making analysis
of results less reliable.
It occasionally happens that the strength of one
cylinder from a group made from a sample devi-
ates so far from the mean as to be highly im-
probable. It is recommended that a specimen from
CHAPTER 5-REFERENCES
1. Natrella, M. G., "Experimental Statistics," Hand-
book No. 91, U. S. Department of Standards, National
Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C., 1963, pp. 1-4
to 1-6.
2. Realism in the Application of ACT Standard 214-65,
SP-37, American Concrete Institute, Detroit, 1973,
215 pp.
3. "Evaluation of Strength Tests of Concrete," ACI
Bibliography No.2, American Concrete Institute, De-
troit, 1960, 13 pp.
4. ASTM Manual on Quality Control of Materials,
STP 15-C, American Society for Testing and Materials,
Philadelphia, Jan. 1951, 127 pp.
5. Neville, A. M., "The Relation Between Standard
Deviation and Mean Strength of Concrete Test Cubes,"
Magazine .of Concrete Research (London), V. 11, No.
32, July 1959, pp. 75-84.
6. Metcalf, J. B., "The Specification of Concrete
Strength, Part II, The Distribution of Strength of
a test of three or more specimens be discarded if
its deviation from a test mean is greater than
3a, and should be accepted with suspicion if its
deviation is greater than 2a. If questionable varia-
tions have been observed during fabrication, cur-
ing, or testing of a specimen, the specimen should
be rejected. The test average should be computed
from the remaining specimens.
A test (average of all specimens of a sample)
should never be rejected unless the specimens are
known to be faulty, since it represents the best
available estimate for the sample.
Concrete for Structures in Current Practice," RRL Re-
port No. LR 300, Road Research Laboratory, Craw-
thorne, Berkshire, 1970, 22 pp.
7. Murdock, C. J., "The Control of Concrete Quality,"
Proceedings, Institution of Civil Engineers (London),
V. 2, Part I, July 1953, pp. 426-453.
8. Erntroy, H. C., "The Variation of Works Test
Cubes," Research Report No. 10, Cement and Concrete
Association, London, Nov. 1960, 28 pp.
9. Rusch, H., "Statistical Quality Control of Concrete,"
Materialpriifung (Dusseldorf), V. 6, No. 11, Nov. 1964,
pp. 387-394.
10. "Tentative Recommended Practice for Conduct-
ing an Interlaboratory Test Program to Determine the
Precision of Test Methods for Construction Materials,"
(ASTM C 802-74T), 1975 Annual Book of ASTM Stand-
ards, Part 13, American Society for Testing and Ma-
terials, Philadelphia, pp. 414-443.