This document has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense and for listing in the

DOD Index of Specifications and Standards.

Recommended Practice for Evaluation of Strength

Test Results of Concrete (ACI 214-77)*
(Reapproved 1997)
Reported by ACI Committee 214
V. M. M A L H O T R A
Chairman

EDWARD A. ABDUN-NUR
H O W A R D T . ARNI
JOSEPH F. ARTUSO
ROBERT M. BARNOFF
T. G. CLENDENNING
HERBERT K. COOK

RICHARD J. DOERMANN
R I C H A R D D. GAYNOR
ARNOLD R. KLINE
K. R. LAUER?
A . M . NEVILLE
ROBERT E. PHILLEO
FRANCIS J. PRINCIPE

V . RAMAKRISHNAN
HUBERT RUSCH
ROBERTO SANCHEZ-TREJO
ROBERT G. SEXSMITH
V. D. SKIPPER
J. DERLE THORPE

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; sampling; standard deviation; statistical analysis;
variations.

CONTENTS
2
Chapter I-Introduction ......................................................
Chapter 2-Variations in strength .............................................2
2.3-Testing methods

2.1-General
2.2-Properties of concrete

Chapter 3-Analysis of strength data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3.4-Strength variations
3.5-Standards of control

3.1-Notation
3.2-General
3.3-Statistical functions

Chapter 4-Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .
4.4-Quality control charts
4.5-Tests and specimens required
4.6-Rejection of doubtful specimens

4. l-General
4.2-Criteria for strength
requirements
4.3-Additional information

Chapter 5-References . . . . . . . . .

.....

*Adopted as a standard of the American Concrete Institute in August 1977, to supercede ACI 214-65, in accordance with the Institutes standardization procedure. This
recommended practice for evaluation of strength test results has been developed from
data derived from tests performed on concrete limited to a compressive strength of 6000
psi or less.
Whairman during development of the revision.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

C%.@yyrightl976, American Concrete Institute. All rights reserved including rights

of reproduction and use in any form or by any means, including the making of copies by
any photo process, or by any electronic or mechanical device, printed, written, or oral,
or recording for sound or visual reproduction or for use in any knowledge or retrieval
system or device, unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright
proprietors.

CHAPTER I-INTRODUCTION
The purposes of strength tests of concrete are
to determine compliance with a strength specification 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 ingredients 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, placing, 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 concrete of adequate quality can be produced with
confidence if proper control is maintained, test
results are properly interpreted, and their limitations are considered.
Proper control is achieved by the use of satisfactory 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 complex 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 requirements.
Strength is not necessarily the most critical factor 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 demands. Nevertheless, strength tests are valuable
in such circumstances since, with established
mix proportions, variations in strength are indicative of variations in other properties.
Test specimens indicate the potential rather
than the actual strength of the concrete in a struc-

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. Insufficient tests will result in unreliable conclusions.
Statistical procedures provide tools of considerable value in evaluating results of strength tests
and information derived from such procedures is
also of value in refining design criteria and specifications. This report briefly discusses variations
that occur in the strength of concrete, and presents
statistical procedures that are useful in the interpretation of these variations with respect to required criteria and specifications. For these statistical 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 A C I Standard 214-65? 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.s

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-produc2

ing properties of the concrete mixture and ingredients, and (b) apparent differences in
strength caused by variations inherent in the testing.
2.2-Properties of concrete

It is well established that strength is governed

to a large extent by the water-cement ratio. The
ACI STANDARD

TABLE 2.I-PRINCIPAL SOURCES OF

STRENGTH VARIATION
Variations in the properties
of concrete

Discrepancies in testing
methods
-

Changes in water-cement
ratio:
Poor control of water
Excessive variation of
moisture in aggregate
Retempering

Improper sampling
procedures

Variations in water require- Variations due to fabricament:

tion techniques
Aggregate grading, abHandling and curing of
sorption, particle shape
newly made cylinders
Cement and admixture
Poor quality molds
properties
Air content
Delivery time and
temperature
Variations in characteristics Changes in curing:
and proportions of ingreTemperature variation
dients:
Variable moisture
Aggregates
Delays in bringing cylinCement
ders to the laboratory
Pozzolans
Admixtures
Variations in transporting,
placing, and compaction

Poor testing procedures:

Cylinder capping
Compression tests

Variations in temperature
and curing
-

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-

mixtures used, since each will contribute to variations in the concrete strength. The temperature of
fresh concrete influences the amount of water
needed to achieve the proper consistency and consequently contributes to strength variation. Construction practices may cause variations in
strength due to inadequate mixing, poor compaction, delays, and improper curing. Not all of
these are reflected in specimens fabricated and
stored under standard conditions.
The use of admixtures adds another factor since
each admixture adds another variable to concrete.
The batching of accelerators, retarders, pozzolans,
and air-entraining agents must be carefully controlled.
2.3-Testing methods

Concrete tests may or may not include all the

variations in strength of concrete in place depending on what variables have been introduced
after test specimens were made. On the other
hand, discrepancies in sampling, fabrication curing, and testing of specimens may cause indications of variations in strength which do not exist
in the concrete in the structure. The project is
unnecessarily penalized when variations from this
source are excessive. Good testing methods will
reduce these variations, and standard testing
procedures such as those described in ASTM
standards should be followed without deviation.
The importance of using accurate testing machines and producing thin, high-strength, plane,
parallel caps should need no emphasis since test
results can be no more accurate than the equipment and procedures used. Uniform test results
are not necessarily accurate test results. Laboratory equipment and procedures should be calibrated and checked periodically.

CHAPTER 3-ANALYSIS OF STRENGTH DATA

3.1-Notation
da and = factors for computing within-test
standard deviation from average range
lldz
fcr
= required average strength to assure that
no more than the permissible proportion of tests will fall below specified
strength
fc
= specified strength
- number of tests
x
= range
En
= maximum for average range used in
control charts for moving average for
range
STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION

= average range
= standard deviation
- within-test standard deviation
- batch-to-batch standard deviation
- a constant multiplier for standard de-

viation (0.) that depends on the number

of tests expected to fall below f:
coefficient of variation
within-test coefficient of variation
an individual test result
average of test results
3

kgf /cm2
199
I

183
I

211
I

197
I

225
I

239
I

253
I

267
I

281
I

295
I

209
I

323
I

68.27%
_----c--_--4
r=---r-----T
I
I

COMPRESSIVE

STRENGTH

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

PS

and corresponding normal distribution

3.2-General

3.3-Statistical

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.

The strength of concrete test specimens on controlled projects can be assumed to fall into a
pattern similar to the normal frequency distribution 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 becomes 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

kgf/cm2
I

169

197 225

263 261

309

337 366 394

Q s 340 PSI (23.9 kgf/c.m2)

functions

j&x1+x2+x,+...+x,
n

T= 550 psi (39.4 k&b?-)

2000 2400 2600 3200 3600 4000 4400 4600 5200 5600 6(
Compressive strength, psi

Fig. 3.3(b)-Normal frequency curves for different standard deviations

4

(3-1)

Where X1, X2, X3 . . . X, 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 fabricated 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-meansquare 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
ACI STANDARD

area under the curve of the frequency distribution of strength data, such as that shown in Fig.
3.3 (a). The best estimate of CI, based on a finite
amount of data, is obtained by Eq. (3-2)) or by
its algebraic equivalent, Eq. (3-2a). The latter
equation is preferable for computation purposes,
because it is not only simpler and more adaptable
to desk calculators, but it avoids the possibility of
trouble due to rounding errors.

TABLE 3.4.1 l-FACTORS FOR COMPUTING WITHINTEST STANDARD DEVIATION*

Number of
specimens

d-2

l/CL

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

1.128
1.693
2.059
2.326
2.534
2.704
2.847
2.970
3.078

0.8865
0.5907
0.4857
0.4299
0.3946
0.3698
0.3512
0.3367
0.3249

o= (E(Xl--)2+ (x,-x)2+...
+ (Xn - X)2]/n - l}fh

(3-2)

or

*From Table B2, ASTM Manual on Quality Control of Materials, Reference 4.

G=

~xi - (CXi)'
n-1

(3-2a)

3.3.3 Coefficient of variation, V-The standard

deviation expressed as a percentage of the average strength is called the coefficient of variation:

v = + x 100

j-R

(3-3)

3.3.4 Range, R-Range is the statistic found by

subtracting the lowest of a group of numbers from
the highest one in the group. The within-test
range is found by subtracting the lowest of the
group of cylinder strengths averaged to produce
a test from the highest of the group. The withintest range is useful in computing the within-test
standard deviation discussed in the following section.
3.4-Strength variations
As mentioned previously, variations in results
of strength tests can be traced to two different
sources: (a) variations in testing methods and
(b) properties of the concrete mixture and ingredients. It is possible by analysis of variance
to compute the variations attributable to each
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 companion cylinders from at least ten batches of con-

STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION

crete are required to establish reliable values for

R. The within-test standard deviation and coefficient of variation can be conveniently computed
as follows:
01 = 2

(3-4)

VI = g x 100

(3-5)

where

within-test standard deviation

l/d2 = a constant depending on the number of
cylinders averaged to produce a test
(Table 3.4.1)
R
= average range within groups of companion cylinders
VI = within-test coefficient of variation
X
= average strength
Cl

3.4.2 Batch-to-batch variations-These variations

reflect differences in strength which can be attributed to variations in
(a) Characteristics and properties of the ingredients
(b) Batching, mixing, and sampling
(c) Testing that has not been detected from
companion cylinders since these tend to be treated
more alike than cylinders tested at different times

\
34.1%

Q.

Fig. 3.4.2(a)-Approximate division of the area under

the normal frequency distribution curve

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

variation are related to the overall variation
[Eq. (3-3) ] by the following expression:
o2 = 012 + 022

(3-6)

where
G = overall standard deviation
o1 = within-test standard deviation
o2 = batch-to-batch standard deviation
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 becomes known. Fig. 3.4.2 (a) indicates an approximate division of the area under the normal
frequency distribution curve. For example, approximately 68 percent of the area (equivalent to
68 percent of the test results) lies within 3t la of
the average, 95 percent within t 20, etc. This
permits an estimate to be made of the portion of
TABLE 3.4.2-EXPECTED

PERCENTAGES OF TESTS

LOWER THAN & WHERE x EXCEEDS

AMOUNT SHOWN

Average
strength,
x

70

80

90

fe + 0.800
f: + 0.90
fc + 0

Percent of average strength

Fig. 3.4.2(b)-Cumulative distribution curves for different

coefficients of variation

84.4

70.3

Expected
perceo;ltage
low tests

422

Expected
percztage
low tests

fc + 1.60
fc + 1.7

46.0
42.1
38.2
34.5
30.9
27.4
24.2
21.2
18.4
15.9
13.6
11.5

fc + 1.50

kgf/c&
56.2

Average
strength,
X

f: BY THE

2.3
1.8

k;

018
p;
* 0:25
0.19
0.13

f0 + 3.0
-

28.1

14.1

200

60

8 80
s
&
z 90
ce
$j 9 5
e 96
97

1400

400
1000
800
600
1200
Compressive strength-psi below average

Fig. 3.4.2(c)-Cumulative distribution curves for different standard deviations

ACI STANDARD

TABLE 3.5-STANDARDS OF CONCRETE CONTROL

Overall variation
Standard deviation for different control standards, psi (kgf/cmz)
Class of operation
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

General construction
testing

below 400
(28.1)

400 to 500
(28.1) (35.2)

500 to 600
(35.2) (42.2)

600 to 700
(42.2) (49.2)

above 700
(49.2)

Laboratory trial
batches

below 200
(14.1)

200 to 250
(14.1) (17.6)

250 to 300
(17.6) (21.1)

300 to 350
(21.1) (24.6)

above 350
(24.6)

Within-test variation
Coefficient of variation for different control standards, percent
Class of operation
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

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

multiples of 0 of the average or of any other specific 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 f: in terms
of the average strength of the mix x = fcr =
(fO + to). 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 information.
In these figures, the ordinate indicates the percent 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.

3.5-Standards of control

The decision as to whether the standard deviation or the coefficient of variation is the appropriate 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 particularly at strengths over 3000 psi (211 kgf/cm2).
For within-test variations the coefficient of variation is considered to be more applicable (see References 5-10).
Table 3.5 shows the variability that can be expected 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 concrete 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 loadcarrying capacity of concrete structures than the
average strength obtained. It is impractical, howSTRENGTH TEST EVALUATION

ever, to specify a minimum 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. Factors of safety are provided in design equations
which allow for deviations 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 construction industry. It should also be remembered that
for a given mean strength, if a small percentage

kgf/cm*

Standard deviation, psi

Coefficient of variation, percent

Fig. 4.1 (a)-Ratio of required average strength to
specified strength fc
for various coefficients of variation
and chances of falling below specified strength

Fig. 4.1(b)-Excess of required average strength to

specified strength fc
for various standard deviations and
chances of falling below specified strength

of the test results fall below the design strength,

a corresponding large percentage of the test results 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 depend on many factors; included are the probability
of early overload, the location and magnitude of
the low-quality zone in the structural unit, the degree of reliance placed on strength in design, the
initial cause of the low strength, and the consequences, economic and otherwise, of structural
failure.
The final criterion which allows for a certain
probability of tests falling below ft used in design
is a designers decision based on his intimate
knowledge of the conditions that are likely to
prevail. Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete (AC1 318-71) , provides guidelines 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 f6, 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 represent a group of at least 30 consecutive tests made
on concrete produced under conditions similar to
those to be expected on the project. The requirement 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 variation. S i g n i f i c a n t changes generallyinclude
changes in type and brand of portland cement, admixtures, 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 fcr for any design can be computed from Eq. (4-l) or (4-la), (Table 3.4.2), or
approximated from Fig. 4.1 (a) or 4.1 (b) , depending on whether the coefficient of variation or
standard deviation is used.

fw =
fcr =

fc
(1 - tv)

(4-1)

to

(4-1a)

fc +

where
fcr =
fc

t=

v=

CT=

required average strength

design strength specified
a constant depending upon the proportion
of tests that may fall below fJ (Table 4.1)
forecast value of the coefficient of variation expressed as a fraction
forecast value of the standard deviation
ACI STANDARD

kgf/cm2

.I 69
197
I1

141

2400

2800

225

253

281

309

337

Whenever the average of a certain number of

tests TZ is involved in the specification, Eq. (4-l)
is modified as follows:

-$

l--Z=
Vn

(4-lb)

fcr = fc +

to

Vn

(4-lc)

Fig. 4.1 (c) demonstrates that as the variability

increases fcr must increase and thereby illustrates
the economic value of good control.
The requirement of at least 30 test results mentioned previously is based on the fact that 25 to
30 randomly selected test results from a normally
distributed population provide estimates of the
population average and standard deviation that
can be used as the population values. If only a
small number of results is available on which to
base estimates, then the values, especially for
standard deviation, are unreliable, and there is no
way in which fcr can be determined so that a
specific percentage of future tests will be above
f assuming that the present test results are the
only information available.
If previous information exists for concrete from
the same plant meeting the similarity requirements described above, that information may be
used in deciding on a trial value of c to be used in
determining the target fcr.
STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION

10, 15,

and

20 percent

TABLE 4.1-VALUES OF t
Percentages of tests
falling within the
limits X * to
40
50
6680.27

and

5200

3200 3600
4ooo
4400
Compressive Strength, psi

Fig. 4.1(c)-Normal frequency curves for coefficients of variation of

fer=

366

;:
;8
95.45
98
ii.73

Chances of falling
below lower limit
3
2.5
2
1
1.5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

in
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
in

10
10
10
6.3
10
10
20
40
44
100
200
741

.-

t
0.52
0.67
0.84
1.00
1.04
1.28
1.65
1.96
2.00
2.33
2.58
3.00

For small jobs that are just getting started,

where no prior information is available, the concrete should be designed to produce an average
strength fcr at least 1200 psi (84.4 kgf/cm2) greater
than fl. As the job progresses and more strength
tests become available, all the strength tests can
be analyzed together to give a more reliable estimate of the standard deviation, and Eq. (4-1),
(4-la), (4-lb) , and (4-1c) can be used to calculate
a less conservative fCr.
4.2-Criteria for strength requirements

The amount by which the average strength of

a concrete mix fcr should exceed fC depends on
the criteria used in the specifications for a particular project. The following are examples of
calculations that would have to be made to select
9

the design strengths of a mix that will meet the

requirements of a particular code or specification.
4.2.1 Criterion No. 1-A stated maximum proportion of random individual strength tests that
will be permitted to fall below fc on the average.
ASTM C 94-74 uses a similar approach. For concrete in structures designed by the ultimate
strength method, ASTM recommends that not
more than 10 percent of the strength tests have
values less than the specified strength f:.
As an example, consider the situation where no
more than 1 in 10 random individual strengths
will be permitted to be below an f: of 4000 psi
(281 kgf/cmz).
Standard deviation method
Consider very good quality control as indicated by a standard deviation of 450 psi (31.7
kgf/cm2). Using Eq. (4-la) and Table 4.1, we have
f CT = fc+ to
= 4000 + 1.28 x 450
= 4580 psi (322 kgf/cm2)
As a result, for a structural design strength fJ
of 4000 psi (281 kgf/cm2), the concrete mixture
should be proportioned for an average strength of
not less than 4580 psi (322 kgf/cm2). Note that
the coefficient of variation is (450/4580) x 100 =
9.8 percent.
Coefficient of variation method

Consider good quality control as indicated by

a coefficient of variation of 10 percent. Using Eq.
(4-l) and Table 4.1, we have

fcr =
fcr =
-

fc

1 - 1.28 (0.10)

1.15 fi [see also Fig. 4.1 (a)]

4600 psi (324 kgf/cm2)
Using this approach and this data the concrete
mixture should be proportioned for an average
strength of not less than 4600 psi (324 kgf/cm2).
4.2.2 Criterion No. 2-A certain probability that
an average of n consecutive strength tests will be
below fJ.
ACI 318-71 suggests that after sufficient test
data become available from a project, the frequency of occurrence of averages of three consecutive tests below fc should not exceed 1 in 100.
As an example, consider the situation where no
more than 1 in 100 of averages of three consecutive strength tests will be permitted to be below
an fc of 4000 psi (281 kgf /cm2).
Standard deviation method

Consider a standard deviation of 750 psi (53

kgf/cm2). Using Eq. (4-1c) and Table 4.1, we have
10

CT =

jc+

$=

n 2.33(750)
= 4000 psi +
VT
= 5000 psi (351 kgf/cm2)
As a result, for a structural design strength fJ
of 4000 psi (281 kgf/cm2), the concrete mixture
should be proportioned for an average strength of
not less than 5000 psi (351 kgf/cm2).
Coefficient of variation method
Considering a coefficient of variation of 15 percent and using Eq. (4-lb) and Table 4.1, we have
f CT

fc
tv
1 -v

4000
2.33 (0.15)
lv3
= 5000 psi (351 kgf/cm2)
Using this approach the concrete mixture
should be proportioned for an average strength
of not less than 5000 psi (351 kgf/cm2).
4.2.3 Criterion No. 3-A certain probability that
a random individual strength test will be more
than a certain amount below f:.
This approach is also used in ACI 318-71 by
stipulating that the probability of a random test
result being more than 500 psi (35.1 kgf/cm2)
below fi should be 1 in 100.
As an example, consider a probability of 1 in
100 that a strength test will be more than 500
psi (35.1 kgf/cm2) below an fi of 4000 psi (281
kgf/cm2) .
-

Standard deviation method

Considering a standard deviation of 750 psi

(53 kgf/cm2) and using Eq. (4-la) and Table 4.1,
we have
fc?_ = fc- 500 + to
= 4000 - 500 + 2.33 (750)
= 5245 psi (369 kgf/cm2)
As a result the concrete mixture should be proportioned for an average strength of not less than
5245 psi (369 kgf/cm2).
Coefficient of variation method

Using Eq. (4-l) and Table 4.1, and a coefficient

of variation of 15 percent, we have

fcr = *; -;y
4000 - 500
jcr = 1 - 2.33 (0.15)
= 5390 psi (379 kgf/cm2)
Using this approach, the concrete mixture
should be proportioned for an average strength of
not less than 5390 psi (379 kgf/cm2).
ACI STANDARD

TABLE 4.3-EVALUATION OF CONSECUTIVE LOW STRENGTH

TEST RESULTS
1

5
Probability of
averages less
than f,,t
percent

Averages less than indicated

require investigation*
Number of
consecutive

Criteria for original selection of for

tests
averaged

1 test in 100
less than
[fc - 500 psi
(35.2 kgf/cms]

1 test in 10
below fc
For V = 15,
percent

For given CT

1 test in 10
below f0

For given 0
fc - 500
fc - 500
fc - 500
fc - 500
fc - 500
fr - 500

+
+
+
+
+
+

0.76
0.88
1.14a
1.30
1.41
1.49

10.0
3.5
E
0:2
0.1

*The probability of averages less than the levels indicated is approximately 2 percent if the
population average equals f Go and the standard deviation or coefficient of variation is at the
level assumed.
tIf the population average equals f CP 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 fc.
As an example consider a probability of 1 in
100 that a strength test will be less than 85 percent of an fc of 4000 psi (281 kgf /cm2).
Standard deviation method
Using Eq. (4-la) and Table 4.1 and a standard
deviation of 750 (53 kgf/cm2), we have
fcr = 0.85 fc + to
= 0.85 (4000) + 2.33 (750)
= 5145 psi (361 kgf/cm2)
As a result the concrete mixture should be proportioned for an average strength of not less than
5145 psi (361 kgf/cm2).
Coefficient of variation method
Using Eq. (4-l) and Table 4.1 and a coefficient
of variation of 15 percent, we have
0.85 fc
fcr = ~
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/cm2).
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 individual tests or averages of different numbers of
STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION

tests should not normally fall. These values are

based on the premise that the concrete is proportioned to produce an average strength equal
to fcr. 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 fcr or that (r 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 testing 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 f: if the concrete is proportioned to produce an average strength equal to
fcr. It can be seen that increasing the number of
tests to be averaged increases the likelihood that
fc will be exceeded since variations tend to balance 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 acceptance level is equal to fG. 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 remem11

bered that, according to the statistical theory assumed in the derivation of the values, such failures 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 fcr.
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.

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 required average strength is established as indicated
by Eq. (4-la) 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 indicating 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.

4.4-Quality control charts

Quality control charts have been used by manufacturing 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 convenient 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 recommended wherever concrete is in continuous production over considerable periods.
Three simplified charts prepared specifically
concrete control are illustrated in Fig. 4.4.

(c) Moving average for range where the

average range of the previous ten groups of companion cylinders is plotted each day or shift. The
maximum average range allowable for good laboratory 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 maintained throughout the entire job.
I

Charts for individual strength tests

280

4000

--140,
E
c
W-

2000-- Required strength = fl+ tcr

p-

Moving average for strength

4000

e,
E

Each point, average strength

of five previous test groups __280 z

Required average strength, fcr-,

300-- - - - - - - lOO-I

Averoge range for two cylinders = .0564 fcrA

Average range tor three cylinders = 0846 fcr
II !
I
I I
I
I I
I
I
I
I

I2

I6

20
28
24
Sample numbers

Each point average of

ten previous ranges
11
1 11
11
1

32

36

Fig. 4.4-Quality control charts for concrete.

12

40

44

_,

48

4.5-Tests and specimens required

For any particular job, a sufficient number of

tests should be made to insure accurate representation 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 operations are progressing smoothly tests taken each
day or shift, depending on the volume of concrete
produced, are sufficient to obtain data which reflect the variations in the concrete of the structure. In general, it is advisable to make a sufficient
number of tests so that each different type of concrete placed during any one day will be represented 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 reliable information on overall variations, but it is
usually desirable to make companion specimens
from the same sample to obtain a check on the
within-test variation.
The number of specimens required by the engineer (architect) should be based on established
standards but may be reduced as the reliabilities
of the producer, the laboratory, and the contractor are established.
The laboratory has the responsibility of making
accurate tests, and concrete will be penalized unnecessarily 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 testing, 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 Em 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
STRENGTH TEST EVALUATION

for good control (Table 3.5), and the estimate of

the corresponding average range will be:
Rm = (0.05 x l.l28)f,, = 0.05640&
for groups of two companion cylinders
R, = (0.05 x 1.693)&r = O.O8465f,
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 specimen 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, particularly 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 necessary 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 mixing 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 construction site and under job conditions is sometimes
recommended since this is considered more representative of the curing applied to the structure.
These special tests should not be confused with,
nor replace, standard control tests. Tests of jobcured 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 concrete can be established by standard 6 x 12 in.
cylinders made and cured under standard conditions. Strength specimens of concrete made or
cured under other than standard conditions provide additional information but should be analyzed
and reported separately.
13

4.6-Rejection of doubtful specimens

The practice of arbitrary rejection of test cylinders which appear too far out of line is not
recommended since the normal pattern of probability 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 deviates so far from the mean as to be highly improbable. It is recommended that a specimen from

a test of three or more specimens be discarded if

its deviation from a test mean is greater than
30, and should be accepted with suspicion if its
deviation is greater than 20. If questionable variations have been observed during fabrication, curing, 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.

CHAPTER 5-REFERENCES
1. Natrella, M. G., Experimental Statistics, Handbook No. 91, U. S. Department of Standards, National
Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C., 1963, pp. l-4
to l-6.
2. Realism in the Application of ACI 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, Detroit, 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

Concrete for Structures in Current Practice, RRL Report No. LR 300, Road Research Laboratory, Crawthorne, 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. Riisch, H., Statistical Quality Control of Concrete,
Materialpriifung (Dusseldorf), V. 6, No. 11, Nov. 1964,
pp. 387-394.
10. Tentative Recommended Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Test Program to Determine the
Precision of Test Methods for Construction Materials,
(ASTM C 802-74T), 1975 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Part 13, American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, pp. 414-443.

ACI STANDARD