ASTM C1170/C1170M-20 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C1170/C1170M-20 — Standard Test Method for Determining Consistency and Density of Roller-Compacted Concrete Using a Vibrating Table. This test method specifies procedures using a vibrating table and surcharge to assess the consistency of freshly mixed roller‑compacted concrete (RCC) and to determine the density of the consolidated specimen.

Abstract

This standard describes two procedures that use a vibrating table with a surcharge (Procedure A: 22.7 kg / 50 lb surcharge; Procedure B: 12.5 kg / 27.5 lb surcharge) to consolidate specimens and measure both the consistency and the consolidated density of roller‑compacted concrete. It is intended for field and laboratory testing of RCC and similar stiff cementitious mixtures with a nominal maximum aggregate size of 50 mm (2 in.) or less.

General information

• Status: Published / Current.
• Publication date: 2020 — designation C1170/C1170M-20 (listed by ASTM/standards providers with an effective publication in 2020; ASTM listings indicate April 1, 2020).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 — Concrete and concrete products.
• Edition / version: C1170/C1170M-20 (2020).
• Number of pages: 7 pages.

Scope

This test method is used to determine consistency (via a vibrating table plus surcharge) and density of consolidated specimens for roller‑compacted concrete and related stiff cementitious mixtures. It applies to freshly mixed concrete in laboratory and field conditions with nominal maximum aggregate size of 50 mm (2 in.) or less; when larger aggregate is present, the method may be applied to the fraction passing the 50 mm (2 in.) sieve with larger particles removed in accordance with Practice C172. The standard provides two procedures to cover a range of stiff to extremely dry consistencies common in RCC construction.

Key topics and requirements

• Two consolidation procedures: Procedure A (22.7 kg / 50 lb surcharge) for very stiff to extremely dry mixtures; Procedure B (12.5 kg / 27.5 lb surcharge) for stiff to very stiff mixtures.
• Use of a vibrating table with specified mold dimensions and surcharge to obtain a consolidated specimen suitable for density measurement.
• Density determination of the consolidated specimen as part of quality assessment for RCC placement.
• Applicability limits: nominal maximum aggregate size ≤ 50 mm (2 in.); removal of larger aggregate per Practice C172 if necessary.
• Units: SI and inch‑pound units are provided and are to be used independently (not combined). Safety notes regarding handling of fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are included.

Typical use and users

Used by materials engineers, construction quality control/quality assurance personnel, testing laboratories, transportation and public works agencies, contractors and consultants involved in roller‑compacted concrete pavements, dams, embankments and other large‑area RCC placements. The method supports field acceptance testing, mix evaluation, and laboratory investigations of stiff cementitious mixtures.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related documents include ASTM Practice C172 (sampling of freshly mixed concrete) for procedures when larger aggregate fractions must be removed, ASTM C1435/C1435M (molding roller‑compacted concrete in cylinder molds) and other RCC practice/test documents. The standard also supersedes earlier C1170 editions (for example C1170/C1170M‑14e1 and earlier editions). A revision work item (WK95143) has been listed for further clarification (work in progress as of 2025).

Keywords

roller‑compacted concrete, RCC, vibrating table, consistency, density, surcharge, Procedure A, Procedure B, Vebe‑type consolidation, specimen molding, quality control.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1170/C1170M‑20 is a test method that specifies procedures using a vibrating table and surcharge to measure the consistency and consolidated density of roller‑compacted concrete.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two procedures (A and B) for consolidating and testing stiff to extremely dry cementitious mixtures used in RCC. The method sets out surcharge weights, specimen consolidation by vibrating table, limits on aggregate size (≤ 50 mm / 2 in.), and density measurement of the consolidated specimen.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and pavement engineers, construction QC/QA teams, testing laboratories, agencies and contractors responsible for design, acceptance testing and quality assurance of RCC projects.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The C1170/C1170M‑20 edition (2020) is listed as the current published edition. ASTM has active work items to clarify and update language (see WK95143), so users should confirm whether an updated edition or amendment exists before relying on the standard for the latest regulatory or contract requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASTM's suite of standards and practices for concrete and roller‑compacted concrete (developed by committee C09 and subcommittee C09.45) and is often used alongside related test methods and practices such as C1435/C1435M (molding RCC cylinders) and Practice C172 (sampling).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Roller‑compacted concrete, vibrating table, consistency, density, surcharge, Procedure A, Procedure B, RCC, specimen consolidation.