| ASTM C403 – Summary Table | |
|---|---|
| Standard Name | ASTM C403 / C403M |
| Title | Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete Mixtures by Penetration Resistance |
| Scope | Determines the time of initial and final setting of concrete based on penetration resistance measurements. |
| Apparatus | Penetrometer with different needle sizes (area ranging from 645 mm² to 3.23 mm²) |
| Sample Preparation | Concrete is sieved to remove coarse aggregate (typically > 4.75 mm) to get mortar fraction. |
| Test Procedure |
Measure penetration resistance at intervals using appropriate needle sizes. Plot resistance vs. elapsed time. |
| Initial Setting Time | Penetration resistance reaches **500 psi (3.5 MPa)** |
| Final Setting Time | Penetration resistance reaches **4000 psi (27.6 MPa)** |
| Units | Can be reported in psi or MPa (SI units) |
| Applications | Used in field and laboratory to monitor concrete setting characteristics for construction and quality control. |
