Designation: C470/C470M − 15

Standard Specification for

Molds for Forming Concrete Test Cylinders Vertically1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C470/C470M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete

1.1 This specification covers molds for use in forming Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
cylindrical concrete specimens. The provisions of this specifi- Testing Agency Evaluation
cation include the requirements for both reusable and single- D256 Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum
use molds. Impact Resistance of Plastics
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
NOTE 1—Sizes included are molds having diameters from 50 mm [2 in.]
to 900 mm [36 in.].
3. General Requirements
1.2 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes 3.1 The following provisions apply to both reusable and
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered single-use molds:
as requirements of the standard. 3.1.1 Molds shall be constructed in the form of right circular
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units cylinders which stand with the cylindrical axis vertical and the
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in top open to receive the concrete. They shall be made of
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each materials that do not react with concrete containing portland or
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining other hydraulic cements. They shall be watertight and suffi-
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance ciently strong and tough to permit their use without tearing,
with the standard. The inch-pound units are shown in brackets. crushing, or deforming.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the NOTE 2—Reusable lids may be used on molds to reduce moisture loss.
test method described in this specification: This standard does
3.1.2 Molds shall have a nominal inside height equal to
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
twice the nominal inside diameter. The diameter of a mold,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
consisting of the average of two measurements taken at right
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
angles to each other at the top of the mold, shall not differ from
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use. the nominal diameter by more than 1 %. The height, deter-
mined by averaging two measurements taken 180° apart, shall
2. Referenced Documents not differ from the nominal height by more than 2 %. The
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 planes of the top rim of the mold and the bottom shall be
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test perpendicular to the axis of the mold within 0.5 degrees—
Specimens in the Field approximately equivalent to 3 mm in 300 mm [1⁄8 in. in 12 in.].
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates No diameter of a mold shall differ from any other diameter of
C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test the same mold by more than 2 % except that molds that fail to
Specimens in the Laboratory meet this requirement may be used when the user is able to
demonstrate that no diameter of hardened concrete specimen
produced in a similar mold differs from any other diameter on
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on the same specimen by more than 2 % (see Note 3).
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C09.61 on Testing for Strength.
NOTE 3—Certain single-use molds may require the use of a special
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015. Published March 2015. Originally
device such as a tube of heavy-gage metal around the mold during
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as C470/C470M – 09.
DOI: 10.1520/C0470_C0470M-15.
molding to maintain the dimensional tolerances specified in 3.1.2.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 3.1.3 The bottom inside surface of the mold shall not depart
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on from a plane by more than 2 mm in 150 mm [1⁄16 in. in 6 in.]
the ASTM website. (1 % of the diameter of the mold).

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 C470/C470M − 15
4. Reusable Molds 5.3 Single-use Plastic Molds—Molds shall conform to the
4.1 Reusable molds are those which are designed to be used following additional requirements when plastic is the predomi-
more than a single time. Reusable molds shall be made of nant material used in construction:
nonabsorptive materials, and constructed as either one piece or 5.3.1 Wall Thickness—The side walls shall be of sufficient
several pieces (see Note 4). stiffness to meet the requirements of 3.1 (See Note 5).
4.2 Reusable molds shall be provided with a closure or base NOTE 5—This can be achieved through sufficient side wall thickness
alone, or in combination with a stiffened top.
on the lower end at right angles to the axis of the cylinder.
Molds may be single piece molds or made from castings with 5.3.2 Bottom Design—The bottom shall be designed so that
a separate detachable base plate or a base that is an integral part it will be flush with the bottom of the sidewall within a
of the sidewall. The mold shall be either coated or made of a tolerance of 2 mm [1⁄16 in.]. An inside fillet, if any, at the
material that will prevent adherence to the concrete. At the time bottom of the sidewall shall have an indentation around the
of use, molds shall not leak water. An inside fillet, if any, at the circumference no more than 4 mm [1⁄8 in.] in the vertical
bottom of the side wall shall have an indentation around the direction or no more than 5 mm [3⁄16 in.] in the radial direction.
circumference no more than 3 mm [1⁄8 in.] in the vertical The bottom shall be of adequate rigidity to prevent permanent
direction or no more than 5 mm [3⁄16 in.] in the horizontal deformation when specimens are molded in accordance with
direction. the applicable provisions of Practice C31/C31M or C192/
C192M.
4.3 Reusable molds shall be tested for water leakage as 5.3.3 Material—The mold manufacturer shall certify that:
described in 6.4, for resistance to damage as described in 6.3.1, (1) the plastic material used in molds has a maximum water
and for dimensional stability in accordance with 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 absorption of less than 0.5 % in 24 h when tested in accordance
initially and after every 50 uses or every six months, whichever with Test Method D570; (2) the plastic has an Izod impact
comes first. toughness of at least 117 J/m [2.2 ft lb/in.] of notch for a 4 mm
NOTE 4—Satisfactory molds can be made from lengths of steel tubing [1⁄8 in.] thick specimen tested in accordance with Test Methods
or pipe that is slit on one side parallel to the axis and fitted with a means D256; and (3) after being held at 12 °C [10 °F] for 24 h, the
of closing the vertical slit as well as a means of attaching a base plate. The plastic shall not fracture when subject to tapping and jarring
required dimensional tolerances must be maintained after slitting,
clamping, and attaching the base plate. Other nonabsorptive materials
that is judged to be typical of what occurs when specimens are
which have been used include iron, brass, steel, and various plastics. molded in accordance with the applicable provisions of Prac-
Although aluminum and magnesium alloys have been used, some of these tice C31/C31M or C192/C192M.
alloys may be reactive with cement constituents and are therefore
unacceptable.
5.4 Paper Molds—When paper or other potentially absorp-
tive fiber material is used as the primary structural material in
5. Single-Use Molds the construction of the side walls or bottom of the mold, the
mold shall conform to the following additional requirements:
5.1 Single-use molds are molds designed to be used once 5.4.1 Side Walls—The side walls of paper molds shall be
and discarded. They are permitted to be made of sheet metal, made with a minimum of three plies having a combined
plastic, suitably treated paper products, or other materials and thickness of not less than 2 mm [0.070 in.]. Seams on the inside
shall conform to the requirements of this specification. of the mold shall not be open by more than 2 mm [1⁄16 in.].
5.2 Physical Requirements—The molds as prepared for use NOTE 6—The minimum thickness of material used in side walls and
shall comply with the following: bottoms is considered adequate for cylinders up to 150 mm [6 in.] in
5.2.1 Water Leakage—When tested as described in Section diameter. For larger cylinders thicker material may be required to meet
6, there shall be no visible leakage. requirements of 3.1.
5.2.2 Absorptivity—When tested as described in Section 6, 5.4.2 Bottom Caps—The bottom cap of the mold shall be
the absorption shall not exceed the values given in Table 1. made of either metal or paper. If metal, it shall not be less than
Intermediate values are proportional to the square of the height. 0.23 mm [0.009 in.] in thickness and coated to prevent
5.2.3 Elongation—When tested as described in Section 6, corrosion (Note 6). It shall be designed so that it will be flush
the elongation after test shall not exceed 0.2 % of height. with the bottom edge of the side wall within a tolerance of 2
mm [1⁄16 in.] and the inside crimp, if any, shall produce an
indentation around the circumference of the cylinder no more
than 5 mm [3⁄16 in.] in the radial, and no more than 4 mm
TABLE 1 Limits for Absorption and Elongation [1⁄8 in.] in the vertical direction. If made of paper, the bottom
Nominal Mold cap of the mold shall be of parchment-lined cap stock not less
Elongation, max
Height, Absorption, max g
mm [in.]
than 0.7 mm [0.028 in.] thick (Note 6). It shall be glued to the
mm [in.] outside of the walls by means of a flange not less than 19 mm
100 [4] 2.7 0.2 [0.008] [3⁄4 in.] high. The glue shall be water-insoluble adhesive of the
150 [6] 6.0 0.3 [0.012]
200 [8] 11 0.4 [0.016] resin type that will not react with fresh concrete. Only the
300 [12] 24 0.6 [0.024] practicable minimum amount of adhesive shall be exposed on
450 [18] 54 0.9 [0.036] the inner side of the bottom of the mold.
600 [24] 96 1.2 [0.048]
900 [36] 216 1.8 [0.072] 5.4.3 Waterproofing—The mold made from paper or fiber
shall be completely coated on inside and outside, side walls,

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 C470/C470M − 15
and bottom with a suitable waterproofing medium (Note 7). mold, the indentation produced in the concrete cylinder shall
The top edge shall be waterproofed, or coated, to limit not exceed 4 mm [1⁄8 in.] in either a radial or vertical direction.
absorption. The surfaces of metal bottoms, which must comply 5.5.4 Coating—If the mold is made of material which will
with 5.4.2, need not be coated. Any waterproofing coating used rust, corrode, react, or adhere to the freshly mixed or hardened
in this application shall have a melting point not less than 49 °C concrete, it must be coated with a protective coating of lacquer
[120 °F] (Note 8). The coating shall provide a film over the or other suitable material.
inside that will minimize adherence of the concrete to the side 5.6 Packaging:
walls and the bottom. 5.6.1 The manufacturer shall state on containers of single-
NOTE 7—Paraffin coating for this use may be of the grade known to the use molds that molds are intended to be used a single time.
trade as crude scale wax or of any superior grade. In general, a film of 5.6.2 Containers of single-use molds shall be marked with
paraffin of sufficient thickness to accomplish the intended purposes will the manufacturer’s lot number or date of manufacture.
permit one to raise a curl of paraffin with the thumbnail.
NOTE 8—Such coatings may be unsuitable for molds that are subjected
5.6.3 Containers of single-use molds shall be marked with a
to temperatures above 49 °C [120 °F], either before or after filling with directional arrow indicating orientation of the vertical axis of
concrete. the molds.
5.5 Single-Use Sheet Metal Molds—Molds shall conform to NOTE 9—Shipping and storing single-use molds with their axis in the
the following additional requirements when light-gage sheet vertical position reduces the incidence of distortion.
metal is the predominant material used in their construction:
5.5.1 Metal Thickness—The side wall of steel sheet metal 6. Test Methods for Elongation, Absorption, and Water
molds shall be manufactured from sheet metal not thinner than Leakage
can-making quality blackplate and shall have a minimum metal 6.1 Apparatus—The assembly used for the absorption-
thickness corresponding to that of 48.5-kg [107-lb] blackplate, elongation test shall follow the principles illustrated in Fig. 1.
which is approximately 0.300 mm [0.0118 in.] thick or
301⁄2 gage. The metal for the bottom of the mold shall have a 6.2 Specimens—Molds shall be selected as described in
minimum thickness of 0.23 mm [0.009 in.] (Note 6). Section 2. Single-use molds shall not be reused nor the same
5.5.2 Bottom Design—The bottom shall be so designed that mold retested.
it will be flush with the bottom of the side wall within a 6.3 Test Procedure for Molds:
tolerance of 2 mm [1⁄16 in.]. An inside crimp, if used, shall 6.3.1 Samples of all types of single-use molds and reusable
produce an indentation around the circumference of the cylin- plastic molds shall be subjected to the dry rodded coarse
der no more than 4 mm [1⁄8 in.] in the vertical or 5 mm [3⁄16 in.] aggregate test as described in 6.3.2 to evaluate their resistance
in the radial direction. to damage under use and to the water leakage test described in
5.5.3 Top Edge—The top edge of the side wall shall be 6.3.3 and 6.3.4. Paper or other potentially absorptive molds
curled or beaded to strengthen the mold and protect the user shall additionally be tested for absorptivity and elongation
from sharp edges. If such bead protrudes to the inside of the described in 6.3.5. Plastic and sheet metal molds need not be

FIG. 1 Apparatus for Absorption-Elongation Test of Paper Molds

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 C470/C470M − 15
tested for elongation and absorption, but should be tested for 7. Sampling and Rejection
water leakage. Dimensional requirements for all molds shall be 7.1 At least three single-use and reusable molds shall be
verified. selected at random from each shipment by the purchaser to
6.3.2 Prepare the mold for test by filling with dry crushed ensure that the molds are in compliance with this specification.
stone coarse aggregate meeting the grading requirements of
Specification C33 size No. 57, 25.0 to 4.75 mm [1 in. to No. 4] 7.2 Failure of any one of the three molds to comply with this
or No. 67, 19.0 to 4.75 mm [3⁄4 in. to No. 4]. Fill and compact specification shall be basis for rejection of the shipment.
the mold by the rodding procedure specified in Practice 8. Record to be Prepared by the Purchaser
C192/C192M for compression test specimens using the tamp-
ing rod, number of layers and number of strokes per layer 8.1 Where applicable for the type of mold tested, record and
specified. It will generally not be possible to obtain the retain in accordance with Practice C1077 the following infor-
penetration of the tamping rod specified in Practice C192/ mation for each mold tested:
C192M. After rodding the final layer, empty the coarse 8.1.1 Brand or source of molds,
aggregate, wipe lightly with a dry cloth and examine the mold 8.1.2 Shipment or lot from which the mold was taken,
for physical damage. 8.1.3 Date sampled and date tested,
8.1.4 Brief general description of the mold including nomi-
6.3.3 After completion of 6.3.2, determine the mass of the
nal dimensions, type of mold, and materials of which it is
mold and record to the nearest 0.004 g/mm [0.1 g/in.] of mold
made,
height. Place the mold on a firm, flat surface and fill with water
8.1.5 Total absorption, g, if specified,
at room temperature to a depth of 90 to 95 % of the mold
8.1.6 Total expansion, mm [in.], if specified, and
height. Then place the mold on the dial stand, cover with the
8.1.7 Water leakage reported in terms of compliance, or
glass or metal plate and record the initial length by dial
failure by leakage.
micrometer to the nearest 0.025 mm [0.001 in.].
6.3.4 Allow the mold to stand for 3 h and take a final 8.2 Where applicable for the type of mold tested, record and
reading of the micrometer. Examine and record any visible retain the following information for samples which do not meet
leakage. Empty water from the mold, dry lightly with a towel the requirements of the specification:
and record the final mass to the nearest 0.04 g/cm [0.1 g/in.] of 8.2.1 Average diameter or height, mm [in.],
mold height. 8.2.2 Maximum and minimum diameters or heights, mm
6.3.5 Calculate the elongation as the difference between the [in.],
final length and initial length. Calculate the absorption as the 8.2.3 Nonconformance with required perpendicularity of
difference between the final mass and initial mass of the mold. rim or base to the axis of the mold,
6.3.6 Verify all dimensional requirements. 8.2.4 Apparent reaction between mold materials and con-
crete or mortar or corrosion of metal in contact with concrete,
6.4 Water Leakage Test for Reusable Molds: 8.2.5 Melting point less than 49 °C [120 °F],
6.4.1 Prepare reusable molds with the sealant to be used, if 8.2.6 Minimum thickness of materials in side walls or
required. Fill molds with water to a depth of 90 to 95 % of the bottom, and
nominal height. Subject the mold to tapping and jarring which 8.2.7 Dimension of crimp in bottom, top edge or construc-
is judged to be typical of what occurs when specimens are tion of paper bottom.
molded in accordance with the applicable provisions of Prac-
tice C31/C31M or C192/C192M. 9. Keywords
6.4.2 One hour after tapping, examine for visible leakage. 9.1 concrete; molds; test cylinders

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C470/C470M – 09, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved Feb. 1, 2015.)

(1) Added 5.6 and Note 9.

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 C470/C470M − 15
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