ASTM C803/C803M-23 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C803/C803M-23 — Standard Test Method for Penetration Resistance of Hardened Concrete. This standard defines procedures for measuring the resistance of hardened concrete to penetration by either a steel probe or a steel pin (Windsor probe), including apparatus, test procedures, and guidance for relating penetration results to in-place concrete uniformity and strength where a correlation has been established for the specific materials and equipment used.

Abstract

Provides a test method to assess concrete uniformity, delineate zones of poor quality or deterioration, and (when properly correlated for the specific apparatus and materials) estimate in-place compressive strength using measured penetration resistance of probes or pins. The standard notes limitations (effect of aggregate, surface condition, and surface damage caused by testing) and requires experimental correlation to use penetration resistance for strength estimation.

General information

• Status: Published (designation C803/C803M-23). Note: subsequently listed as withdrawn/superseded by a 2025 revision (C803/C803M-25).
• Publication date: December 1, 2023 (designated −23).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 — Concrete and concrete products.
• Edition / version: C803/C803M-23 (superseded by C803/C803M-25 in 2025).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

This test method covers determination of the resistance of hardened concrete to penetration by either a steel probe (driven with a high-energy, powder-actuated driver) or a steel pin (driven with a low-energy, spring-actuated driver). Values are provided in SI or inch-pound units (to be used independently). The standard emphasizes that penetration testing causes surface damage and that strength estimates require an experimentally established relationship specific to the apparatus and concrete materials in use.

Key topics and requirements

• Test methods for two penetration devices: probes (powder-actuated) and pins (spring-actuated), including required driver characteristics and verification of delivered energy.
• Guidance on interpreting penetration resistance for assessing concrete uniformity and identifying deteriorated zones.
• Requirement to establish an experimental correlation between penetration resistance and compressive strength for the specific test apparatus, materials, and mixture proportions before using the test to estimate in-place strength (referencing statistical procedures such as those in ACI 228.1R).
• Clarification that SI and inch-pound units are separate standards and must not be combined.
• Safety and practical considerations: potential surface damage, influence of coarse aggregate and formed surfaces on results, and the need to disregard pin strikes that hit coarse aggregate for pin tests.

Typical use and users

Used by structural and materials engineers, field inspection teams, testing laboratories, and owners/asset managers for condition assessment, uniformity surveys, and preliminary in-place strength estimation (when correlated). Commonly applied in inspection of existing structures, rehabilitation projects, and spot checks during construction to identify areas needing further evaluation or core testing.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and documents include ACI 228.1R (report on in-place methods to estimate concrete strength), ASTM C39 (compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens), ASTM C805 (rebound number of hardened concrete), ASTM C900 (pullout strength), ASTM C873 (cast-in-place cylinders), ASTM C1074 (maturity), and ASTM C42 (obtaining and testing cores). These documents provide complementary methods, correlation guidance, and procedures for verification and interpretation of in-place test results.

Keywords

penetration resistance, Windsor probe, hardened concrete, in-place strength, concrete uniformity, nondestructive testing (NDT), probe, pin, ASTM C803, ACI 228.1R.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C803/C803M-23 is the ASTM standard test method that defines procedures for measuring the penetration resistance of hardened concrete using steel probes or pins (Windsor probe method) to assess uniformity and, with proper correlation, estimate in-place strength.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus requirements (drivers and probes/pins), test procedures, units (SI and inch-pound treated separately), interpretation guidance, and limitations such as surface damage, aggregate effects, and the requirement to develop an experimental strength correlation for the specific equipment and concrete.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Structural/materials engineers, field inspectors, testing laboratories, contractors, and owners performing condition assessments, uniformity surveys, or preliminary in-place strength estimation before proceeding to coring or other definitive tests.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The C803/C803M-23 edition was published December 1, 2023. Records show it was subsequently superseded by ASTM C803/C803M-25 (publication in 2025) and listed as withdrawn in some registries in 2025; users should consult the latest ASTM catalog or national standards bodies to confirm the currently active designation before purchase or citation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — C803/C803M is part of a family of ASTM test methods and practices used for evaluating hardened concrete and estimating in-place strength (alongside methods such as ASTM C805, C900, C873, C1074, and related ACI guidance such as ACI 228.1R). The designation follows ASTM’s year-based revision numbering (for example, −18, −23, −25).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Penetration resistance, Windsor probe, in-place strength, concrete uniformity, nondestructive testing, probe, pin, ASTM C803.