T 127 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING
Standard Method of Test for
Sampling and Amount of Testing of Hydraulic Cement
AASHTO DESIGNATION: T 127-901
(ASTM DESIGNATION: C 183-88)
1. SCOPE1 2.2 ASTM Standards: 4. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
C 91 Specification for Masonry
1.1 This practice covers procedures for Cement 4.1 The sampling procedures described
sampling and for the amount of testing of C 186 Test Method for Heat of are intended for use in the procurement
hydraulic cement after it has been Hydration of Hydraulic of samples of hydraulic cement after it
manufactured and is ready to be offered Cement has been manufactured and is ready to be
for sale. C 227 Test Method for Potential offered for sale. They are not intended as
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units Alkali Reactivity of Cement- sampling procedures for quality control
are to be regarded as the standard. The SI Aggregate Combinations purposes during manufacturing. The
units in parentheses are for information (Mortar Bar Method) testing procedures outlined cover the
purposes only. amount of testing to be done and provide
C 265 Test Method for Calcium guidance for reporting on conformance or
1.2.1 A ton as used in this practice is Sulfate in Hydrated Portland nonconformance of cements with
2,000 lb (907 kg). Cement Mortar requirements of purchase specifications.
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous C 452 Test Method for Potential 4.2 This practice is referenced as the
materials, operations, and equipment. Expansion of Portland procedure for sampling masonry cement
This standard does not purport to Cement Mortars Exposed to (ASTM C91), portland cement (Speci-
address all of the safety problems Sulfate fication M 85), blended hydraulic cement
associated with its use. It is the C 563 Test Method for Optimum (Specification M 240), and expansive
responsibility of the user of this standard S03 in Portland Cement hydraulic cement (ASTM C 845).
to establish appropriate safety and health
practices and determine the applicability C 845 Specification for Expansive 4.3 Most building codes and construction
of regulatory limitations prior to use. Hydraulic Cement specifications require that hydraulic
C 1012 Test Method for Length cement to be used in the work meet the
Change of Hydraulic-Cement applicable requirements of the relevant
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS Mortars Exposed to a purchase specifications, such as
Sulfated Solution Specifications M 85, M 240 or ASTM C
91, ASTM C 845. If the code or
2.1 AASHTO Standards: E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth
specification requires sampling of the
M 85 Portland Cement Sieves for Testing Purposes
manufactured cement, the provisions
M 240 Blended Hydraulic Cements 2.3 ACI Standard: given in Section 4.4 are applicable. Not
T 98 Fineness of Portland Cement 225.IR Guide to the Selection and much cement is sold on the basis of such
by the Turbidimeter Use of Hydraulic Cements sampling and testing. A useful discussion
of sampling and testing cement is
T 105 Chemical Analysis of contained in ACI 225.1R.
Hydraulic Cement 3. DESCRIPTIONS OF TERMS
SPECIFIC TO THIS STANDARD 4.4 The procedures covered in this
T 106 Compressive Strength of practice should be done by or for
Hydraulic Cement Mortars purchasers of hydraulic cement who are
T 107 Autoclave Expansion of 3.1 Lot (of cement)-specific quantity of using a code or specification that requires
Portland Cement cement offered for inspection at any one sampling and testing to determine if the
T 131 Time of Setting of Hydraulic time. A lot may be one or more storage samples conform to the relevant
Cement by Vicat Needle bins filled consecutively. A lot may also acceptance specifications. The testing is
be the contents of one or more transport done using specified methods to determi-
T 137 Air Content of Hydraulic units representing cement drawn from the ne whether the samples yield test results
Cement Mortar same storage bin. that conform to the specification, and the
T 153 Fineness of Portland Cement 3.2 Reduced testing rate-test program tests serve as a basis for acceptance or
by Air Permeability that provides for the testing of only two rejection of the lot of material sampled.
Apparatus samples from any given lot of samples 4.5 It is neither intended nor required that
T 154 Time of Setting of Hydraulic obtained and prepared for testing at the all cements be tested using all the test
Cement by Gillmore Needles normal rate as described herein. The methods referenced in Section 2.
T 160 Length Change of Hardened program utilizes probability factors and is
Cement Mortar and Concrete so designed that when results from the
two samples fulfill the requirements of 5. KINDS AND SIZE OF SAMPLES;
T 186 Early Stiffening of Portland BY WHOM TAKEN
the program it may be said with 95
Cement (Paste Method)
percent confidence that less than 5
percent of the samples would be outside 5.1 A cement sample secured from a
1
Agrees with ASTM C 183-88 except for testingtime
the specification limits. conveyor, from bulk storage, or from a
requirements. bulk shipment in one operation, shall be
186
T 127 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING
termed a "grab sample." A sample cement, or fraction thereof, but take no (b) Multiple Shipments-When the
obtained during a 10-minute interval less than two grab samples and combine shipment consists of several cars or
using an automatic sampling device that them to produce a composite sample. trucks loaded from the same source and
continuously samples a cement stream 7.1.3 Other Sampling Methods-When on the same day, sample the shipment at
may also be termed a grab sample. Grab neither of the above sampling methods is the rate of one sample for each 100 tons
samples taken at prescribed intervals over applicable, samples may, when (90 Mg) of cement or fraction thereof,
a period of time may be combined to authorized by the purchaser, be taken by but take not less than two samples.
form a "composite sample" representative one of the following methods: Consider cement represented by such
of the cement produced during that samples as a lot, and test the samples in
period of time. 7.1.3.1 From Bulk Storage at Points of accordance with the procedure outlined
Discharge-Withdraw cement from the in the section on Amount of Testing.
5.2 All samples, whether grab or discharge openings in a steady stream
composite, shall weigh at least 10 lb (5 until sampling is completed. Estimate the
kg). quantity of cement in tons to be TABLE 1 Number of Samples for Test
5.3 The purchaser may designate a withdrawn from one discharge opening Lot Size- Number of Tests
representative to supervise the sampling, as 0.00173 d3 X 0.2, where d is the depth Numberof ReducedRat
NormalRate
packing, and shipping of samples when it in feet of cement above the discharge Samples e
2 2 2
is so specified in the purchase contract. opening. If a high circular silo is being
3 3 2
5.4 Samples shall be packed in moisture- sampled, take all samples from one
4 to 10 4 2
proof, airtight containers that are to be opening. If the quantity of the cement in 11 to 20 6 2
numbered consecutively in the order in the bin exceeds 1,200 tons (1.08 Gg) Over 20 8 2
which the samples are taken. The when low rectangular bins are being
purchase contract shall state who will pay sampled, discharge openings employed in
for the costs of sampling, packaging, the sampling shall be such that for no 7.2 Protection of Samples-As samples
shipping, and testing the samples. opening shall the number of samples are taken, place them directly in
represent more than one-half the contents moisture-proof airtight containers to
NOTE 1-Polyvinyl chloride sample of the bin or more than 2,000 tons (1.8 avoid moisture absorption and aeration of
containers, upon occasion, have been found to Gg). In sampling bulk storage at points of the sample. If the samples are placed in
affect the air-entraining potential of a cement discharge, while the cement is flowing cans, fill the can completely and
sample. The same problem might be through the openings. take samples at immediately seal. Use moisture-proof
experienced with containers made from other such intervals so that at least two crab multiple-wall paper bags or plastic bags
plastics.
samples shall be secured for each 400 if they are strong enough to avoid
tons (360 Mg) in the bin or silo. breakage, and if they can be sealed
6. TESTING-TIME 7.1.3.2 From Bulk Storage and Bulk immediately after filling in such a
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE Shipment by Means ofa Slotted Tube manner as to eliminate excess air in the
COMPLETION OF TESTS Sampler-When the depth of the cement to sample and avoid moisture absorption
be sampled does not exceed 7 ft (2.1 in). and aeration of the sample. Samples shall
obtain samples using a slotted tube be treated as described in the section on
6.1 When tests of hydraulic cement are Preparation of Sample.
made at a laboratory other than that of the sampler similar to that shown in Figure 1.
cement manufacturer, the cement It shall be between 5 and 6 ft (1.5 and 1.8
sampling schedule, sample transportation m) long and approximately 1 3/8 in. (35 8. PREPARATION OF SAMPLE
time, and sample testing schedule must mm) in outside diameter and consist of
be coordinated among the purchaser, the two polished brass telescopic tubes with
registering slots that are opened or closed 8.1 Before testing, pass each sample
manufacturer, and the testing laboratory
by rotation of the inner tube, the outer through an 850-µm (No. 20) sieve, or any
so that the tests results will be available
tube being provided with a sharp point to other sieve having approximately the
when required.
facilitate penetration. Take samples from same size openings, in order to mix the
6.2 The manufacturer of the cement shall well-distributed points and various depths sample, break up lumps, and remove
make the cement available to be sampled of the cement so that the samples taken foreign material. Discard the foreign
for testing early enough before the time will represent the cement involved. materials and hardened lumps that do not
the test results are needed. break up on sieving or brushing. Store the
7.1.3.3 From Packaged Cement by
cement in airtight moisture-proof
Means of Tube Sampler-Insert the
7. SAMPLING containers to prevent aeration or
sampler, shown in Figure 2, diagonally
absorption of moisture prior to test.
into the valve of the bag and place the
thumb over the air hole. Then withdraw
7.1 The cement may be sampled by any
the sampler. Take one sample from a bag 9. AMOUNT OF TESTING
of the applicable methods described in
in each 5 tons (4.5 Mg) or fraction
this section.
thereof.
7.1.1 From the Conveyor Delivering to 9.1 General-When required, the
7.1.3.4 From Bulk Shipment of Car or purchaser shall specify the amount of
Bulk Storage-Take one grab sample,
Truck: testing for heat of hydration (ASTM C
weighing a minimum of 10 lb (5 kg), at
approximately 6-hour intervals. (a) Single Shipment-If only one car or 186), alkali reactivity (ASTM C 227),
truck is being loaded and the loading is and sulfate resistance (ASTM C 1012).
7.1.2 Transfer Sampling-Sample
continuous and all from the same source, Make all other tests on individual grab or
cement in storage while the cement is
take a 10-lb (5-kg) sample. If not composite samples chosen as specified
being transferred from one bin to another.
continuous or unknown, combine five or herein under Selection of Samples for
Take one grab sample from the transfer
more portions from different points in the Testing. Do only those tests required by
stream for each 400 tons (360 Mg) of
load to form the test sample. the applicable specification.
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T 127 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING
9.2 Normal Testing-Determine the method is suggested: Place a group of probability factor, 2.49; this will yield a
number of samples to be tested in consecutively numbered markers equal to number that for convenience is called d.
accordance with Table 1. The normal the number of samples in a container and If the requirement has a maximum
testing rate shall be used under the mix, then draw one marker at a time from specification limit, obtain C by
following conditions: the container until the number drawn is subtracting d from the specification limit
9.2.1 Before the quality history has equal to the number of samples to be and- if a minimum, add d to the
been established, tested at the normal rate. If the testing is specification limit Maintain quality
to be done at the reduced rate, mix the history charts.
9.2.2 When no samples from a given drawn markers and draw two to select the
mill have been tested within a year, numbers of the samples to be tested. NOTE 4-Improved estimates of the range r,
9.23 When the quality history is based and consequently of C, will result if the test
9.5 Establishing a Quality History and results are not rounded. For example, the test
entirely on data more than two years old, Control Charts: result of 21.78 percent for SiO_, is preferred to
and
9.5.1 Quality History-The quality the rounded value of 21.3 percent. For the
9.2.4 When it is deemed necessary to history shall represent cement from the fineness, the calculated value of 3.243 is
recalculate the critical limit because of same source as the cement to be tested,
preferred to the rounded value of 3.240.
indicated lack of control as shown by the and shall be based on data not more than
control chart of the range. 9.5.3 Control Chart of the Range-
2 years old. There shall be available test Maintain a control chart of the range to
NOTE 2-Random grab samples taken at results for not less than 40 test samples indicate when the critical limit needs to
inappropriate times, such as immediately representing not less than 7 lots of be recomputed. Multiply the average
following the repair or adjustment of cement. The test samples shall conform range, r, as obtained in Section 95.2, by
manufacturing equipment, or from to the applicable provisions of this the probability factor 3.267 to obtain the
inappropriate places, such as from the top practice. A pair shall be two test samples
surface of the material in a car, will not
upper control limit for the range between
from the same lot, in numerical sequence. each consecutive pair of test results. The
suitably reflect the properties of a cement, and Several pairs from the same lot may be
therefore should not be used as the basis for horizontal scale of the chart will be
used where available. The number of successive groups of two, and the vertical
acceptance or rejection of a lot of cement.
paired samples representing a large lot scale will be the range. Where the range
9.3 Reduced Testing-After the quality may be reduced as follows: From the chart indicates lack of control (points
history has been established, test at the consecutively numbered group of tested beyond the upper control limit), the
reduced testing rate. If the results of these samples representing the entire lot, select critical limit, C, may need to be
tests are within the critical range, make a subgroup by some random method. List recalculated. Consider the occurrence of
additional tests (total equal to the number the numbers identifying the subgroup in two consecutive points beyond the upper
of tests at the normal rate as shown in numerical sequence, and pair in the order control limit for the range. or the
Table 1). of listing. Compute the range (difference occurrence of three points beyond the
between the test results of a pair) for each upper control limit in any series of five
NOTE 3-When the quality history indicates pair of test results. Total the ranges and consecutive points cause to recalculate
that the results for a given requirement will divide their sum by the total number of the critical limit. Where it becomes
probably be within the critical range, and ranges used to obtain the average range,
substantial delay in completion of the tests necessary to recalculate the critical limit,
is Compute the average range, P, for each discontinue reduced testing until a new
would result from making additional tests (for included physical and chemical property
example, compressive strength). it may be quality history has been established.
limited by specification requirements.
desirable to make the tests at the normal rate,
rather than the reduced testing rate. 9.5.2 Critical Limit-Calculate the NOTE 5-Examples of the calculation of r, d,
critical limit, C, for each included and quality history and control charts are
9.4 Selection of Samples for Testing- physical and chemical property limited shown in Table 2 and Figures 3 and 4. The
Take samples to be tested from each lot specification limits used in these examples are
by a specification requirement First, hypothetical.
by some random method. The following multiply the average range, r, by the
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T 127 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING
TABLE 2 Test Data, Type II Low-Alkali Portland Cement
7-day Total Load of 3 Specimens Range
Lot No. Sample No. Alkalies % Range
Ibf (kN) lbf (kN)
88 1 0.58 40,200 (178.8)
13 0.61 0.03 42,700 (189.9) 2,500 (11.1)
17 0.57 34,500 (153.5)
21 0.55 0.02 36,000 (160.1) 1,500 (6.6)
91 1 0.55 34.000 (151.2)
5 0.55 0.00 37,400 (166.4) 3,400 (15.2)
13 0.57 38,100 (169.5)
21 0.54 0.03 39,700 (176.6) 1,600 (7.1)
98 5 0.55 37,150 (165.3)
13 0.56 0.01 37,880 (168.5) 730 (3.2)
17 0.56 40,000 (177.9)
21 0.56 0.00 41,600 (185.0) 1,600 (7.1)
106 5 0.42 40,300 (179.3)
13 0.45 0.03 37,800 (168.1) 2,500 (11.2)
17 0.47 36,380 (161.8)
21 0.39 0.08 35,130 (156.3) 1,250 (5.5)
107 4 0.47 37,650 (167.5)
8 0.46 0.01 38,900 (173.0) 1,250 (5.5)
12 0.40 34,600 (153.9)
20 0.41 0.01 37,100 (165.0) 2,500 (11.1)
111 4 0.45 41,200 (183.3)
8 0.44 0.01 42,600 (189.5) 1,400 (6.2)
16 0.41 40,350 (179.5)
20 0.40 0.01 41,350 (183.9) 1,000 (4.4)
112 3 0.45 42,400 (188.6)
7 0.48 0.03 37,900 (168.6) 4,500 (20.0)
15 0.48 38,350 (170.6)
19 0.49 0.01 39,750 (176.8) 1,400 (6.2)
113 2 0.49 37.640 (167.4)
15 0.46 0.03 36.040 (160.3) 1.600 (7.1)
20 0.47 38.330 (170.5)
24 0.49 0.02 37,500 (166.8) 830 (3.7)
120 1 0.46 35,000 (155.7)
6 0.46 0.00 36,170 (160.9) 1,170 (5.2)
11 0.46 34,500 (153.5)
21 0.46 0.00 36.100 (160.6) 1,600 (7.1)
123 6 0.46 42.050 (187.0)
11 0.45 0.01 41,600 (185.0) 450 (2.0)
21 0.44 39,800 (177.0)
26 0.44 0.00 40,750 (181.3) 950 (4.3)
Total 0.34 33,730 149.6
Calculation of Critical Limit and Control Limit
Ŧ 0.017 1686.5 7.49
2.49 Ŧ 0.04233 4199 18.65
Critical limit 0.60 - 0.042 = 0.558 30,000 + 4,199 = 34,199 133.4 + 18.7 = 152.1
3.267 Ŧ 0.0555 5.510 24.47
Control limit 0.056 5.510 24.5
9.6 Reporting for Normal TestingWhen requirement, and if on completion of the cement shall not be reported as not
the testing is done at the normal testing additional tests, all of the results meet the complying with the specification unless
rate, report the cement as complying with specified requirements report the cement noncompliance is confirmed by retest as
the specification if it meets the as complying with the specification. described in Section 10.2.
specification requirements, and report it Report the cement as failing to meet the 10.2 A retest is considered to be an
as failing to meet the specification specification requirements if any test additional test of a certain property that is
requirements if it does not meet each of result does not conform to the respective made when the initial test of that property
the requirements as specified. requirements. produces a result not complying with the
9.7 Reporting for Reduced TestingWhen 9.8 When a cement is reported as failing specification requirements. A retest may
the testing is done at the reduced testing to meet the specification requirements, consist of either a single determination or
rate, report the cement as complying with state in the report which requirement the a set of replicate determinations.
the specification if the average of the test cement failed and the applicable limit. 10.3 Retests shall be conducted in
results is further from the specified limit accordance with the provisions, if given,
than the critical limit. If the average of of the applicable specification. If no
the results for one or more requirements 10. NONCOMPLIANCE AND
RETEST provisions are given, the following
are between the critical limit and the procedure shall be used:
specification limit, test additional
samples (total equal to the number of 10.3.1 Make the retest on a portion of
10.1 If any test result fails to meet the the same sample as was used for the
tests at the normal rate) for that specification requirement, the lot of
189
T 127 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING
initial test. Use referee methods test, or, if a in-laboratory precision value reported shall be the average of all
whenever they are provided for statement is given which is based on a results that are within the limits of
determination of the property requiring specified number of replicates (that is, precision of the method at the 95-percent
retest and in such case use only the duplicate or triplicate determinations), confidence level, as stated in the
results obtained by referee methods. The the number of replicates used as the basis applicable specification or as generally
retest shall consist of the same number of of such precision statement. If two or recognized.
determinations required for the initial more determinations are required, the
190
