ASTM C138 is utilized to determine the density (unit weight), yield, and air content (gravimetric) of
concrete.
A decrease in density may suggest several possibilities, including changes in materials (lower specific
gravity), increased water content, higher air content, alterations in ingredient proportions, or reduced
cement content.
If the reduction in concrete density is attributed to an increase in air content, it may enhance the
concrete's durability against freezing and thawing. However, this could negatively impact its strength,
resistance to abrasion, chemical attack, shrinkage, and susceptibility to cracking.
Density tests should be applied to both lightweight and heavyweight concretes.
Changes in density may influence various characteristics, such as pumpability, placeability, finishability,
and the overall strength of different types of concrete.
Yield refers to the quantity of concrete generated from a mixture that comprises specific amounts of the
component materials.
- A = air content (percentage of voids) in the concrete
- C = actual cement content (in pounds per cubic yard)
- Cb = mass of cement within the batch (in pounds)
- D = density (unit weight) of concrete (in pounds per cubic foot)
- M = total mass of all materials in the batch (in pounds)
- Mc = mass of the measuring container filled with concrete (in pounds)
- Mm = mass of the measuring container
- Ry = relative yield
- T = theoretical density of concrete calculated on an air-free basis (in pounds per cubic foot)
- Y = yield, indicating the volume of concrete produced per batch (in cubic yards)