This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C125 − 21a

Standard Terminology Relating to

Concrete and Concrete Aggregates1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C125; 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* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This standard is a compilation of definitions of terms as 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
they are used in standards under the jurisdiction of Committee C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C09. C94/C94M Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
1.2 Other terminology under the jurisdiction of Committee C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
C09 is included in two specialized standards. Terms relating to Concrete
constituents of concrete aggregates are defined in Descriptive C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic and Other Inor-
Nomenclature C294. Terms relating to constituents of aggre- ganic Cements
gates for radiation-shielding concrete are defined in Descrip- C294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con-
tive Nomenclature C638. crete Aggregates
C403/C403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete
1.3 Related terminology for hydraulic cement is included in Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
Terminology C219. In the event of conflict between definitions C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
in Terminology C125 and definitions in Terminology C219, Concrete
definitions in Terminology C125 shall govern for Committee C511 Specification for Mixing Rooms, Moist Cabinets,
C09 standards. Moist Rooms, and Water Storage Tanks Used in the
1.4 When a term is used in an ASTM standard for which Testing of Hydraulic Cements and Concretes
Committee C09 is responsible, it is included herein only if used C638 Descriptive Nomenclature of Constituents of Aggre-
in more than one Committee C09 standard. gates for Radiation-Shielding Concrete
NOTE 1—The subcommittee responsible for this standard will review C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
definitions on a five-year basis to determine if the definition is still for Test Methods for Construction Materials
appropriate as stated. Revisions will be made when determined necessary.
The year shown in parentheses at the end of a definition indicates the year
C939/C939M Test Method for Flow of Grout for Preplaced-
the definition or revision to the definition was approved. A letter R and a Aggregate Concrete (Flow Cone Method)
year indicate when the definition was reviewed. No date indicates the term C1074 Practice for Estimating Concrete Strength by the
has not yet been reviewed. Maturity Method
1.5 This terminology includes notes and discussions to C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete
definitions that provide supplementary or explanatory informa- Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
tion. These notes and discussions shall not be considered as Testing Agency Evaluation
requirements of this standard nor as parts of the definitions. C1240 Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- Mixtures
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the C1610/C1610M Test Method for Static Segregation of Self-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Consolidating Concrete Using Column Technique
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical C1611/C1611M Test Method for Slump Flow of Self-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. Consolidating Concrete
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
C09.91 on Terminology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1936. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as C125 – 21. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C0125-21A. the ASTM website.

*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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 C125 − 21a
3. Terms and Their Definitions water-reducing admixture, n—admixture that either in-
creases the slump of freshly mixed mortar or concrete without
absorption, n—the process by which a liquid is drawn into and increasing the water content or that maintains the slump with a
tends to fill permeable pores in a porous solid body; also, the reduced amount of water due to factors other than air entrain-
increase in mass of a porous solid body resulting from the ment. (R2008)
penetration of a liquid into its permeable pores. (R2008)
DISCUSSION—In the case of concrete and concrete aggregates, unless water-reducing admixture, high-range, n—an admixture that
otherwise stated, the liquid involved is water, the increase in mass is reduces the quantity of mixing water required to produce
that which does not include water adhering to the outside surface, the concrete of a given slump by 12 % or greater. (2021)
increase in mass is expressed as a percentage of the dry mass of the DISCUSSION—The water reduction of at least 12 % is based on
body and the body is considered to be “dry” when it has been treated comparing the performance of the test mixture made with the admixture
by an appropriate process to remove uncombined water, such as drying with the performance of the reference mixture in accordance with
to constant mass at a temperature between 100 °C and 110 °C. Specification C494/C494M.
acceptable range, n—the difference between the largest and age, equivalent, n—the number of days or hours of curing of
smallest of three or more test determinations that is expected a concrete mixture at a specified temperature required to
to be exceeded with a probability of about 5 % in the normal produce a maturity equal to the maturity achieved by a given
and correct operation of the test method. (2019) curing period at concrete temperatures different from the
DISCUSSION—The acceptable range can be used as an index of
specified temperature. (2015)
precision for test methods that define a test result as the average of three
or more test determinations. DISCUSSION—The specified temperature is taken typically as the
temperature used for standard laboratory curing. For example, a
accreditation, n—of testing agency, a process by which an concrete cured for three days at an elevated temperature may have an
evaluation authority attests that a testing agency has dem- equivalent age of seven days of curing at the standard laboratory
onstrated the competency to perform specific tasks in accor- temperature.
dance with a standard. (2011) aggregate, n—granular material, such as sand, gravel, crushed
admixture, n—a material other than water, aggregates, cemen- stone, or iron blast-furnace slag, used with a cementing
titious material, and fiber reinforcement that is used as an medium to form hydraulic-cement concrete or mortar.
ingredient of a cementitious mixture to modify its freshly (R2008)
mixed, setting, or hardened properties and that is added to coarse aggregate, n—(1) aggregate predominantly retained
the batch before or during its mixing. (R2015) on the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve; or (2) that portion of an
accelerating admixture, n—an admixture that increases the aggregate retained on the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve. (R2008)
rate of reaction of cementitious materials thus reducing time of DISCUSSION—The definitions are alternatives to be applied under
setting and increasing the rate of early-age strength develop- differing circumstances. Definition (1) is applied to an entire aggregate
either in a natural condition or after processing. Definition (2) is applied
ment of a cementitious mixture. (2021)
to a portion of an aggregate. Requirements for properties and grading
air-entraining admixture, n—admixture that causes the de- should be stated in the specification.
velopment of a system of microscopic air bubbles in concrete fine aggregate, n—(1) aggregate passing the 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.)
or mortar during mixing. (R2008) sieve and almost entirely passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve
chemical admixture, n—an admixture in the form of a liquid, and predominantly retained on the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve; or
suspension, or water-soluble solid. (2014) (2) that portion of an aggregate passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4)
extended set-control admixture, n—an admixture that can sieve and retained on the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve. (R2008)
predictably reduce the hydration rate of cement for applications DISCUSSION—The definitions are alternatives to be applied under
differing circumstances. Definition (1) is applied to an entire aggregate
requiring extended time of setting followed by normal strength
either in a natural condition or after processing. Definition (2) is applied
development. (2019) to a portion of an aggregate. Requirements for properties and grading
DISCUSSION—Depending on dosage rate, this admixture can be used should be stated in the specifications.
to manage the setting time of returned concrete, reduce the hydration of
cement in wash water from concrete production, permit extended heavyweight aggregate, n—see high-density aggregate.
delivery times of ready mixed concrete, or function as an ordinary
high-density aggregate, n—aggregate with relative density
retarding admixture. Also referred to as a hydration controlling
admixture or a hydration stabilizing admixture. greater than 3.3, such as: barite, magnetite, limonite, ilmenite,
iron, or steel. (R2008)
mineral admixture, n—deprecated term. (R2008)
DISCUSSION—This term has been used to refer to different types of lightweight aggregate, n—see low-density aggregate.
water insoluble, finely divided materials such as pozzolanic materials, low-density aggregate, n—aggregate with bulk density less
cementitious materials, and aggregate. These materials are not similar,
and it is not useful to group them under a single term. The name of the
than 1120 kg/m3 [70 lb/ft3], such as: pumice, scoria, volcanic
specific material should be used, for example, use “pozzolan,” “slag cinders, tuff, and diatomite; expanded or sintered clay, shale,
cement,” or “finely divided aggregate,” as is appropriate. slate, diatomaceous shale, perlite, vermiculite, or slag; and end
retarding admixture, n—an admixture that decreases the rate products of coal or coke combustion. (R2008)
of reaction of cementitious materials thus increasing time of normal-density aggregate, n—aggregate that is neither high
setting of a cementitious mixture. (2015) nor low density. (R2008)

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 C125 − 21a
DISCUSSION—This term refers to aggregate with relative density bulk density, n—of aggregate, the mass of a unit volume of
typically ranging between 2.4 and 3.0, or with bulk density typically bulk aggregate material (the unit volume includes the
ranging between 1120 kg/m3 [70 lb/ft3] and 1920 kg/m3 [120 lb/ft3]. volume of the individual particles and the volume of the
normalweight aggregate, n—see normal-density aggregate. voids between the particles). (R2008)
air content, n—the volume of air voids in cement paste, DISCUSSION—This term replaces the deprecated term unit weight—of
aggregate.
mortar, or concrete, exclusive of pore space in aggregate
particles, usually expressed as a percentage of total volume calcined, adj—heated to a temperature less than the melting
of the paste, mortar, or concrete. (R2008) point so as to bring about a decomposition, phase transition,
air-cooled blast-furnace slag—see blast-furnace slag, air- or removal of a volatile fraction of a solid material. (2012)
cooled. calibration, n—of measuring instrument, a process that, under
air, entrained, n—air voids, typically between 10 and 1000 µm specified conditions and following a standard procedure,
(1 mm) in diameter and spherical or nearly so, that are establishes metrological traceability by determining: (1) the
incorporated intentionally into a cementitious mixture dur- relationship between the quantity values provided by mea-
ing mixing by use of an air entraining admixture. (2012) surement standards or certified reference materials and the
DISCUSSION—Entrained air is used primarily to increase the durability corresponding indications from a measuring instrument or
of cementitious mixtures exposed to cycles of freezing and thawing in system; and (2) an estimate of measurement uncertainty of
wet environments. Entrained air may affect workability and strength of the instrument or system. (2021)
a hardened cementitious mixture.
DISCUSSION—Calibration considers systematic error (or bias) of the
air, entrapped, n—air voids, typically 1 mm or larger in size measuring instrument or system as well as random error that is
and mainly irregular in shape, that are incorporated uninten- associated with the use of the measurement instrument or system and
error associated with the measurement standards or certified reference
tionally into a cementitious mixture during mixing and
materials. The estimate of measurement uncertainty of the instrument
handling. (2012) or system is often expressed as a 95 % confidence interval. Calibration
air void—see void, air. should not be confused with an adjustment of a measuring instrument
or with verification of a measuring instrument. Sometimes the first step
authority, evaluation, n—an independent entity, apart from alone is mistakenly called calibration; however, performing only the
the testing agency being evaluated, that has the capability to first step is the process of standardization. In tests of concrete and
provide an unbiased evaluation of the technical activities of concrete aggregates, standardization of measuring instruments or sys-
concrete and concrete aggregates testing agencies. (2011) tems is often sufficient.
DISCUSSION—Two acceptable methods of evaluation are inspection cellular concrete—see concrete, cellular.
and accreditation, and these services are offered by various evaluation
authorities. cement, hydraulic, n—a cement that sets and hardens by
bias, n—the difference between the average value of a property chemical reaction with water and is capable of doing so
obtained by a given test method and the accepted reference under water. (R2015)
or true value of that property. (2019) cement, slag, n—granulated blast-furnace slag that has been
DISCUSSION—Bias cannot be determined if an accepted reference
material is not available or if the property value can be determined only ground to cement fineness, with or without additions, and
by the given test method. that is a hydraulic cement. (R2015)
blast-furnace slag, n—the nonmetallic product, consisting cementitious material (hydraulic), n—an inorganic material
essentially of silicates and aluminosilicates of calcium and or a mixture of inorganic materials that sets and develops
other bases, that is developed in a molten condition simul- strength by chemical reaction with water by formation of
taneously with iron in a blast furnace. (R2008) hydrates and is capable of doing so under water. (R2015)
blast-furnace slag, air-cooled , n—the material resulting from cementitious material, supplementary, (SCM), n—an inor-
solidification of molten blast-furnace slag under atmospheric ganic material that contributes to the properties of a cemen-
conditions; subsequent cooling may be accelerated by appli- titious mixture through hydraulic or pozzolanic activity, or
cation of water to the solidified surface. (R2008) both. (R2015)
blast-furnace slag, expanded, n—the low density cellular DISCUSSION—Some examples of supplementary cementitious materi-
als are fly ash, silica fume, slag cement, rice husk ash, natural
material obtained by controlled processing of molten blast-
pozzolans, and ground-glass pozzolans. In practice, these materials are
furnace slag with water or water and other agents, such as used in combination with portland cement.
steam or compressed air or both. (R2011)
cementitious mixture, n—any mixture containing cementi-
blast-furnace slag, granulated, n—the glassy, granular mate-
tious material and water. (2016)
rial formed when molten blast-furnace slag is rapidly chilled,
as by immersion in water. (R2008) DISCUSSION—Paste, grout, mortar, and concrete are examples of
cementitious mixtures.
bleeding, n—the autogenous flow of mixing water within, or
its emergence from, a newly placed cementitious mixture certification, n—of technician, a procedure to determine and
caused by the settlement of the solid materials within the attest in writing that an individual is qualified to perform
mass. (R2013) specific test methods or practices. (R2015)

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 C125 − 21a
compound, curing, n—a liquid that, when applied to the curing, n—action taken to maintain moisture and temperature
surface of freshly-placed concrete, forms a membrane that conditions in a freshly-placed cementitious mixture to allow
impedes the evaporation of water. (2018) hydraulic cement hydration and (if applicable) pozzolanic
reactions to occur so that the potential properties of the
DISCUSSION—White pigmented curing compounds reflect solar radia-
tion and reduce surface heating. mixture may develop. (R2015)

concrete, n—a composite material that consists essentially of a curing compound—see compound, curing.
binding medium within which are embedded particles or density, n—mass per unit volume of a material (preferred over
fragments of aggregate; in hydraulic-cement concrete, the term unit weight). (2013)
binder is formed from a mixture of hydraulic cement and DISCUSSION—For materials with pores that can become filled with
water. (R2015) water, such as aggregate, different modifiers are applied to the term
density depending on which portions of the material are included in
concrete, cellular, n—a low-density cementitious mixture defining the volume. The modifiers shown on the right are used:
having a homogeneous void or cell structure attained using
Included in the Volume Modifier
gas-forming chemicals or foaming agents. (2016) Solid portion of material absolute
Solid portion of material plus impermeable pores apparent
concrete, fresh, n—concrete that possesses enough of its Solid portion of material plus permeable and No modifier is used
original workability so that it can be placed and consolidated impermeable pores
by the intended methods. (2016) For example, the term apparent density would be the mass of the
solid material divided by the volume of solid material plus imperme-
concrete, hardened, n—concrete that has developed sufficient able pores.
strength to serve some defined purpose or resist a stipulated If permeable pores are included in the volume, a delimiting term
loading without failure. (R2015) (or an abbreviation) is used in parentheses to define the moisture
condition of the permeable pores when mass is measured. These de-
concrete, pervious, n—hydraulic-cement concrete propor- limiting terms are oven-dry (OD) and saturated-surface-dry (SSD).
tioned with sufficient, distributed, interconnected macro- For example, the term density (SSD) would be the density of a po-
scopic voids that allow water to flow through the material rous material in its SSD condition. The delimiting term is not used
under the action of gravity alone. (2015) with absolute density or apparent density, because permeable
pores are not included in the defining volume.
concrete, roller-compacted, RCC, n—concrete compacted
while fresh by a roller, often a vibratory roller. (R2015) density, relative, n—the ratio of the density of material at a
stated temperature to the density of distilled water at that
concrete, self-consolidating, SCC, n—concrete that can flow stated temperature; if a temperature is not stated, it is
around reinforcement and consolidate under its own weight assumed to be 23 °C [73.5 °F]. (2013)
without additional effort and without exceeding specified DISCUSSION—As discussed for the term density, for a porous material
limits of segregation. (R2015) (such as aggregate), different modifiers and delimiting terms are used
DISCUSSION—Project specifications shall indicate the acceptable seg- for relative density depending on which density of the material is used
regation based upon a specified test method. Test Method C1610/ in calculating the ratio. For example, apparent relative density refers
C1610M provides a procedure for determining the degree of aggregate to the ratio of apparent density to the density of water and relative
segregation under static conditions and the Appendix of Test Method density (SSD) refers to the ratio of density (SSD) to the density of
C1611/C1611M describes a non-mandatory technique for assessing the water.
degree of segregation under flowing conditions.
difference limit (d2s or d2s%), n—the difference between two
consistency, n—of a fresh cementitious mixture, the relative test results that is expected to be exceeded with a probability
mobility or ability to flow. (R2015) of about 5 % in the normal and correct operation of the test
DISCUSSION—This characteristic of fresh cementitious mixtures is method; used as an index of precision of the test method.
difficult to quantify and empirical test methods have been adopted to (2019)
provide indicators of consistency. For example, the slump test de- DISCUSSION—The difference limit (d2s%) is used if the coefficient of
scribed in Test Method C143/C143M is used for concrete, the flow variation is used as the statistic to define single-operator and multilabo-
table method described in Test Method C1437 is used for mortar, and ratory precision. Refer to Practice C670 for additional discussion.
the flow cone method described in Test Method C939/C939M is used
for grout. duration, impact, n—the time that the impactor used to
generate stress waves is in contact with the test surface; also
consolidation, n—of cementitious mixtures, the process of referred to as contact time. (2015)
increasing the density of a fresh cementitious mixture in a
form, mold, or container by reducing the volume of voids. elongated piece (of aggregate) , n—a particle of aggregate for
(R2015) which the ratio of the length to width of its circumscribing
DISCUSSION—Except for self-consolidating concrete, consolidation rectangular prism is greater than a specified value (see also
is accomplished by inputting mechanical energy, typically by rodding, flat piece (of aggregate)). (R2015)
tamping, tapping, vibration, or some combination of these actions.
Specific apparatus and methods for consolidation are defined in the engineer, licensed professional, n—an individual who is
relevant C09 Standards. licensed to practice engineering as defined by the statutory
requirements of the professional licensing laws of the
crushed gravel—see gravel, crushed.
governing jurisdiction; also referred to as registered profes-
crushed stone—see stone, crushed. sional engineer. (R2015)

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 C125 − 21a
entrained air—see air, entrapped. gravel, crushed, n—the product resulting from the use of
mechanical devices to break gravel particles into smaller
entrapped air—see air, entrained.
fragments. (R2016)
examiner, n—(1) an individual with the requisite technical
qualifications to conduct and score impartially an examina- ground-glass pozzolan, n—a supplementary cementitious ma-
tion of a person’s ability to perform specific test methods or terial that results from the processing of suitable recycled
practices; (2) an individual designated by a certification body glass products. (2021)
DISCUSSION—Suitable recycled glass products include container and
to conduct and score certification examinations. (R2015) plate glass, both made of soda-lime-silica glass, and waste glass-fiber
DISCUSSION—An individual who only supervises a multiple-choice
reinforcement referred to as E-glass.
type of written examination but does not evaluate the competence of the
candidates to perform specific procedures is not considered an exam- grout, n—a cementitious mixture, with or without aggregate or
iner. The examiner requires requisite technical qualifications to exercise admixtures, that is used primarily to fill voids. (2021)
judgment in scoring a candidate’s ability to perform a specific proce-
dure. grout (nonshrink), hydraulic-cement, n—a grout containing
factor, temperature-time, n—the maturity index computed as hydraulic-cement that, under unrestrained conditions, has a
the area between the concrete temperature and the datum hardened volume greater than or equal to the original
temperature from the plot of measured concrete temperature installed volume. (2018)
DISCUSSION—This type of grout is often used as a transfer medium
versus time, expressed in units of degree-days or degree-
between load-bearing members. Unrestrained conditions means the
hours. (2015) grout is free to expand during hardening.
fibers, n—slender filaments, which may be discrete or in the hardened concrete—see concrete, hardened.
form of bundles, networks, or strands of natural or manu-
factured materials that can be distributed uniformly through- hardening, n—gain of strength and other properties of a
out a fresh cementitious mixture. (2018) cementitious mixture after final setting. (2018)
fineness modulus, n—of aggregate, a factor obtained by hydraulic cement—see cement, hydraulic.
adding the percentages of material in the sample that is
coarser than each of the following sieves (cumulative identical test specimens, n—test specimens selected at ran-
percentages retained), and dividing the sum by 100: 150 µm dom that were made from a single quantity or batch of
(No. 100), 300 µm (No. 50), 600 µm (No. 30), 1.18 mm (No. materials, which is as homogeneous as possible, using the
16), 2.36 mm (No. 8), 4.75 mm (No. 4), 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.), same fabrication procedure. (2019)
DISCUSSION—Identical test specimens are used in conducting an
19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.), 37.5 mm (11⁄2 in.), 75 mm (3 in.), 150 mm interlaboratory study of a test method. Specimens of a cementitious
(6 in.). (R2016) mixture are considered identical if they are made from the same batch
flat piece (of aggregate), n—a particle of aggregate for which of materials and are fabricated using the same procedure. Due to the
inherent variability of cementitious mixtures, there will always be
the ratio of the width to thickness of its circumscribing differences among test specimens.
rectangular prism is greater than a specified value (see also
elongated piece (of aggregate)). (R2016) inspection, laboratory, n—a comprehensive evaluation of a
testing agency that includes: (1) an examination of testing
fly ash, n—finely divided residue that results from the process
equipment for conformance to applicable tolerances; (2) an
of combustion of ground or powdered coal and that is
evaluation of the performance of test procedures for each
transported by flue gases. (R2016)
standard submitted by the testing agency for review; (3) a
DISCUSSION—This definition of fly ash does not include, among other review of the agency’s quality system based on criteria listed
things, the residue resulting from: (1) fluidized bed combustion, (2) the in Practice C1077; and (4) a summary report that lists
burning of municipal solid waste or any other refuse with coal, or (3) deviations from the standards under review. (R2016)
the burning of industrial or municipal solid waste in incinerators.
fog room, n—a moist room in which the humidity is controlled interval, sampling, n—as applied to digital data acquisition
by atomization of water. (see moist room) (R2016) instruments, the time difference between any two adjacent
points in a waveform. (R2016)
frequency, sampling, n—as applied to digital data acquisition
instruments, the rate at which the points that comprise the laitance, n—a layer of weak material derived from cementi-
waveform are recorded; the inverse of the sampling interval, tious materials and aggregate fines carried to the surface of
expressed in Hz or samples/s; also referred to as sampling a cementitious mixture by bleeding. (R2016)
rate. (R2016) lime-saturated water, n—for curing test specimens, water
fresh concrete—see concrete, fresh. containing calcium hydroxide at saturation level and in
contact with solid calcium hydroxide so that saturation is
granulated blast-furnace slag—see blast-furnace slag, maintained. (R2016)
granulated.
manufactured sand—see sand, manufactured.
gravel, n—coarse aggregate resulting from natural disintegra-
tion and abrasion of rock or processing of weakly bound material, certified reference, n—a material, accompanied by
conglomerate. (see aggregate ) (R2016) a certificate, one or more of whose property values are

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 C125 − 21a
certified by a procedure that establishes traceability to an DISCUSSION—The terms "test mixture" and "reference mixture" are
accurate realization of the unit in which property values are often used in specifications for materials used to make cementitious
expressed, and for which each certified property value is mixtures. The required properties of the test mixture are expressed
relative to the properties of the reference mixture. In some standards,
accompanied by an uncertainty at a stated level of confi- “control mixture” is used instead of “reference mixture,” but the
dence. (E135) (R2016) preferred term in Committee C09 standards is “reference mixture.” The
DISCUSSION—The certificate provides traceable values and associated term “mixture” is often replaced with “concrete,” “mortar” or “grout,”
uncertainties of the properties of the material and must be retained with depending on the scope of the specification. For example, Specification
the material. C494/C494M refers to the “test concrete” and the “reference concrete.”
Such usage is acceptable.
material, consensus reference, n—a material whose proper-
ties are based on average values obtained in an interlabora- moist room, n—an enclosed room for storing and curing
tory study or proficiency testing program that involves the specimens of cementitious mixtures in which temperature
use of standardized measurement systems. (R2016) and relative humidity can be controlled within specified
DISCUSSION—Consensus reference materials can be used internally by limits. (see Specification C511) (2018)
laboratories for periodic verification of measuring instruments or
measurement processes. multilaboratory standard deviation, sR (or coeffıcient of
material, reference, n—material, sufficiently homogeneous variation, CVR), n—the standard deviation (or coefficient of
and stable with reference to specified properties, which has variation) of test results obtained with the same test method
been established to be fit for its intended use in measurement on identical test specimens in different laboratories with
or in examination of nominal properties. (VIM3) (R2016) different operators using different equipment. (2019)
DISCUSSION—In some ASTM standards, the multilaboratory standard
maturity, n—the extent of the development of a property of a deviation is referred to as the reproducibility (R) standard deviation,
cementitious mixture. (2018) and that is why the subscript R is used in the notation.
DISCUSSION—This term is commonly used to describe the extent of
relative strength development of concrete. However, the term can also nominal maximum size, n—of aggregate, in specifications for
be applied to the evolution of other properties that depend on the aggregate, the smallest sieve opening through which the
chemical reactions occurring in the cementitious materials. At any age, entire amount of the aggregate is permitted but not required
maturity depends on the curing history. to pass. (2019)
DISCUSSION—Specifications on aggregates usually stipulate a sieve
maturity function, n—a mathematical expression that uses the
opening through which all of the aggregate may, but is not required to,
measured temperature history of a cementitious mixture pass so that a stated small percentage of the aggregate is permitted to
during a curing period to calculate an index that is indicative be retained on that sieve. A sieve opening so designated is the nominal
of the maturity at the end of that period. (2018) maximum size of the aggregate. For example, the grading requirements
in Specification C33/C33M for a No. 67 aggregate state that 100 % of
maturity index, n—an indicator of maturity calculated from the aggregate has to pass the 25.0 mm (1 in.) sieve, and 90 % to 100 %
the temperature history of the cementitious mixture by using of the aggregate has to pass the 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.) sieve. This means that
a maturity function. (2018) 0 % to 10 % of the aggregate may be retained on the 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.)
DISCUSSION—The calculated index is indicative of maturity provided sieve. Therefore, the maximum size is 25.0 mm (1 in.) and the nominal
there has been a sufficient supply of water for hydration or pozzolanic maximum size is 19.0 mm (3⁄4 in.).
reaction of the cementitious materials during the time interval used in
the calculation. Two widely used maturity indexes are the oven-dry, adj—the condition that results when a specimen is
temperature-time factor and the equivalent age. dried by heating in an oven at 110 °C 6 5 °C [230 °F
610 °F] for sufficient time to reach constant mass as defined
maximum size, n—of aggregate, in specifications for
by the test method. (R2018)
aggregate, the smallest sieve opening through which the
entire amount of aggregate is required to pass. (2019) paste, cement, n—a fresh or hardened mixture of hydraulic
method, impact-echo, n—nondestructive test method based on cement, hydration products, and water, with or without any
the use of a short-duration mechanical impact to generate of the following: supplementary cementitious materials,
transient stress waves and the use of a broadband receiving admixtures, and mineral fines with particles finer than the 75
transducer placed adjacent to the impact point. (R2018) µm (No. 200) sieve. (R2018)
DISCUSSION—In the production of concrete, air voids introduced
mixture, reference, n—a cementitious mixture made using during mixing are often considered to be part of the cement paste. In the
defined materials and proportions, without the constituent to analysis of fresh and hardened concrete, however, air voids are not
be evaluated, used as the basis for evaluating the perfor- considered to be part of the cement paste. Water in hardened paste
includes chemically bound water and water in capillaries.
mance of a specific constituent. (2019)
mixture, test, n—a cementitious mixture made using defined period, sampling, n—the duration of the waveform, which
materials and proportions containing the constituent being equals the number of points in the waveform multiplied by
evaluated. (2019). the sampling interval; also referred to as record length.
(R2018)

3
plate, n—as applied to stress-wave testing, any prismatic
International Vocabulary of Metrology—Basic and General Concepts and
Associated Terms (VIM), 3rd Ed., 2008. Developed by Joint Committee for Guides structure where the lateral dimensions are at least six times
in Metrology, www.iso.org/sites/JCGM/JCGM-Introduction.htm. the thickness. (R2018)

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 C125 − 21a
pores, impermeable, n—those spaces in a specimen that do self-consolidating concrete, SCC—see concrete, self-
not become filled with water when the specimen is sub- consolidating.
merged for a prescribed time. (R2018)
DISCUSSION—For a material composed of particles, such as aggregate, setting, n—the process, due to chemical reactions, occurring
the term pores refers to the spaces within particles. The spaces between after the addition of mixing water, that results in a gradual
particles are called voids. See bulk density of aggregate. development of rigidity of a cementitious mixture. (R2018)
pores, permeable, n—those spaces in a specimen that become shotcrete, n—a mortar or concrete that is projected pneumati-
filled with water when the specimen is submerged for a cally at high velocity onto a surface. (R2018)
prescribed time. (R2018) shotcrete, dry-mix, n—shotcrete in which most of the mixing
pozzolan, n—a finely-divided siliceous or siliceous and alumi- water is added at the nozzle. (R2018)
nous material that will not react chemically with water, but shotcrete, wet-mix, n—shotcrete in which most of the
will react with calcium hydroxide and water at ordinary ingredients, including water, are mixed before introduction into
temperatures to form compounds possessing cementitious the delivery hose. (R2018)
properties. (2020)
DISCUSSION—Some supplementary cementitious materials are weak shrinkage, chemical, n—the reduction in volume of cementi-
hydraulic cements but their cementitious properties are enhanced in the tious paste that occurs during hydration because the reaction
presences of calcium hydroxide and water. Such materials possess the products occupy less volume occupied originally by the
characteristics of a hydraulic cement and a pozzolan. water and unreacted cementitious materials. (R2018)
pozzolan, natural, n—a raw or calcined naturally occurring shrinkage, autogenous, n—the reduction in bulk volume that
material that behaves as a pozzolan. (R2018) occurs during hydration due to chemical shrinkage within a
DISCUSSION—Examples of natural pozzolans include volcanic ash, sealed cementitious mixture, not subjected to external forces
tuff, pumicite, opaline chert, opaline shale, metakaolin, and diatoma- and under constant temperature, measured typically from the
ceous earth. time of final setting. (R2018)
pozzolanic, adj—behaving as a pozzolan. (2021) DISCUSSION—The word "sealed" means that exterior water is not able
DISCUSSION—In practice, a material is considered to be pozzolanic if to travel to the interior and fill the empty pores resulting from chemical
it includes only constituents that behave as pozzolans or if it includes shrinkage. The formation of partially water-filled internal pores (see
a combination of constituents, some of which behave as pozzolans. self-desiccation) results in menisci that give rise to internal tensile
stresses that cause the bulk shrinkage. While autogenous shrinkage
rate, sampling, n—see frequency, sampling. results from chemical shrinkage, the magnitude of autogenous shrink-
age is less than the chemical shrinkage after setting occurs because the
replicate, n—an additional test determination obtained from an aggregate particles and the hydrated cement paste network restrain the
identical test specimen to that used to obtain the first test shrinkage. The restraint may, in turn, lead to cracking.
determination. (2019) self-desiccation, n—the reduction in the internal relative
DISCUSSION—In conducting an interlaboratory study, replicates are
used even if the test method defines a test result as a single test
humidity of a sealed cementitious mixture, due to chemical
determination. This is necessary to establish the single-operator stan- shrinkage, that may reduce the rate of hydration or stop
dard deviation (or coefficient of variation) of the test method. hydration. (R2018)
rodding, n—consolidation of a fresh cementitious mixture or silica fume, n—very fine pozzolanic material, composed
sample of aggregate by repeated insertion of a prescribed mostly of amorphous silica produced by electric arc furnaces
rod. (2019) as a by-product of the production of elemental silicon or
ferro-silicon alloys (also known as condensed silica fume or
roller-compacted concrete, RCC—see concrete, roller- microsilica). (C1240) (R2018)
compacted.
single-operator standard deviation, sr, (or coeffıcient of
sand, n—fine aggregate resulting from natural disintegration
variation, CVr), n—the standard deviation (or coefficient of
and abrasion of rock or processing of completely friable
variation) of test determinations obtained on identical test
sandstone. (R2018)
specimens by a single operator using the same apparatus in
sand, manufactured, n—fine aggregate produced by crushing the same laboratory over a relatively short period of time.
rock, gravel, iron blast-furnace slag, or hydraulic-cement (2019)
concrete. (R2018) DISCUSSION—In some ASTM standards, the single-operator standard
deviation is referred to as the repeatability (r) standard deviation, and
saturated-lime water, n—see lime-saturated water. that is why the subscript r is used in the notation.
saturated-surface-dry (SSD), adj—the condition in which the slag cement—see cement, slag.
permeable pores of a specimen are filled with water to the
extent achieved by submerging the specimen for a prescribed slump flow, n—the average diameter of the spread concrete
time, but without free water on the surface. (R2018) mass, obtained from two measurements perpendicular to
each other, after a self-consolidating concrete has ceased to
segregation, n—the unintentional separation of the constitu- flow during a slump-flow test. (R2018)
ents of a cementitious mixture, or particles of an aggregate, DISCUSSION—Slump flow of self-consolidating concrete is measured
causing a lack of uniformity in their distribution. (R2019) using Test Method C1611/C1611M.

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 C125 − 21a
specific gravity, n—see preferred term, density, relative. temperature, datum, n—the temperature value that is used for
(R2018) calculating the temperature-time factor. (2015)
DISCUSSION—The term specific gravity has been defined as the ratio DISCUSSION—Historically, a value of -10 °C has been used for the
of mass of a volume of a material at a stated temperature to the mass datum temperature. The best value to use, however, depends on the
of the same volume of distilled water at that stated temperature. This particular concrete mixture. Practice C1074 suggests a value of 0 °C for
dimensionless quantity is the same as relative density. The term concretes made with Type I portland cement, with no admixtures, and
relative density is preferred because it is more descriptive of its curing temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C. The best value for a
meaning. Some C09 standards use the terminology relative density particular mixture may be established experimentally as described in
(specific gravity) to assist in the transition to the preferred term. Practice C1074

spectrum, amplitude, n—a plot of relative amplitude versus test determination, n—the value of a characteristic of a single
frequency that is obtained from the waveform or time- test specimen obtained by a given test method. (2019)
domain data using a Fourier transform technique. (R2018) test result, n—the value of a characteristic of a material
DISCUSSION—The peaks in the amplitude spectrum correspond to the
obtained by carrying out a specified test method. (2019)
dominant frequencies in the time-domain data.
DISCUSSION—As defined in the test method, a test result may be a
stability, n—of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), the ability single test determination or the average of a specified number of test
of self-consolidating concrete to resist separation of the paste determinations, or replicates. In some cases, a test result is defined by
another standard that refers to the test method.
from the aggregates. (R2018)
test, acceptance, n—a test performed to determine whether an
standard, measurement, n—a measuring system, material individual lot of a product conforms to specified require-
measure, or certified reference material providing embodi- ments. (2011)
ment of the definition of a measurement unit, with stated
quantity value and its measurement uncertainty. (2011) test, check, n—a test performed on a new specimen for
DISCUSSION—A measurement standard is used frequently as a refer- comparison against a previous test result. (2014)
ence to assign measurement results to other quantities, thereby estab- DISCUSSION—Standards may require a new sample be obtained to
lishing metrological traceability through calibration of other measure- prepare the specimen for the check test, or they may permit the new
ment standards, instruments, or systems. specimen to be made from the same sample. For example, Specification
C94/C94M permits a check test on a new sample for comparison
standard, reference—an object or device for which properties against a preliminary test result obtained from a sample taken near the
are sufficiently well established to be used for standardiza- start of discharge.
tion of an apparatus or for assessment of a measurement
testing, proficiency, n—a process in which an organization
method. (2011)
distributes homogenous samples of a material for testing by
standardization, n—of measuring instrument, a process that, participating testing agencies for the purpose of comparing,
under specified conditions and following a standard on an anonymous basis, the relative testing performance of
procedure, establishes: (1) the relationship between the the testing agencies. (2011)
quantity values provided by reference standards or reference
time of setting, n—the elapsed time from the addition of
materials and the corresponding indications from a measur-
mixing water to a cementitious mixture until the mixture
ing instrument or system; or (2) the adjustment to be applied
reaches a specified degree of rigidity as measured by a
to test equipment when its performance is compared to that
specific procedure. (R2012)
of an accepted standard or process. (2011) DISCUSSION—Development of rigidity during setting is a gradual and
DISCUSSION—Standardization in case (1) is a simplified form of continuous process, and the time of setting is defined arbitrarily in
calibration that accounts for systematic error (bias) but does not terms of a given test method. For cementitious mixtures, time of setting
evaluate random error. Standardization, therefore, does not address all is usually defined as the elapsed time to attain a specified level of
of the elements of uncertainty of measurement and does not lead to resistance to penetration by a probe. For example, the time of initial
traceable measurements. An example of case (2) standardization is setting of concrete is determined by Test Method C403/C403M and is
adjusting the number of blows of a mechanically-operated hammer so defined as the elapsed time, after initial contact of cement and water, for
it applies the same energy as a specified number of blows of a the mortar sieved from the concrete to reach a penetration resistance of
manually-operated hammer. 500 psi [3.5 MPa].
stone, crushed, n—the product resulting from the use of time of final setting (of concrete), n—the elapsed time, after
mechanical devices to break rocks, boulders, or large cobble- initial contact of cement and water, required for the mortar
stones into smaller fragments. (2014) sieved from the concrete to reach a penetration resistance of
4000 psi [27.6 MPa]. (C403/C403M). (R2012)
supplementary cementitious material, (SCM)—see cementi-
tious material, supplementary, (SCM). time of initial setting (of concrete), n—the elapsed time, after
initial contact of cement and water, required for the mortar
tamping, n—consolidation of a fresh cementitious mixture by sieved from the concrete to reach a penetration resistance of
repeated blows to the surface of the mixture with a specified 500 psi [3.5 MPa]. (C403/C403M). (R2012)
tool. (2013)
traceability, metrological, n—property of a measurement
tapping, n—striking the side of a mold to close voids in a fresh result whereby the result can be related to a reference
cementitious mixture created by rodding or an internal through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each
vibrator. (2009) contributing to the measurement uncertainty. (VIM3) (2011)

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 C125 − 21a
transform, Fourier, n—a numerical technique used to convert material. For cementitious mixtures containing blended hydraulic
digital data from the time domain to the frequency domain cement, or a combination of portland cement and separate addition of
and used in stress-wave or chemical spectroscopy methods. supplementary cementitious materials, use the term water-
cementitious material ratio.
(2015)
water-cementitious material ratio, n—the ratio of the mass of
unit weight, n—of aggregate, deprecated term—use preferred water, excluding water absorbed by the aggregates, to the
term bulk density—of aggregate. (2013) mass of cementitious material (hydraulic) in a cementitious
verification, n—of measuring instrument, the process of ob- mixture, stated as a decimal (see also water-cement ratio).
taining objective evidence to confirm that values indicated (2015)
by a measuring instrument or system are within a specified DISCUSSION—This term, abbreviated as w/cm, is applicable to cemen-
titious mixtures that contain cementitious material other than only
range of known values of a reference standard. (2013) portland cement, such as a blended hydraulic cement, or a combination
vibration, n—agitation of a fresh cementitious mixture by an of portland cement and separate addition of other supplementary
cementitious materials. If portland cement is the only cementitious
internal or external vibrating device to assist in consolidating material contained in the cementitious mixture, use the term water-
the mixture in a form, mold, or container. (2009) cement ratio.
void, air, n—a space in a cementitious mixture that is filled waveform, n—a recorded digital signal from a transducer that
with air (see air, entrained and air, entrapped). (2012) is a plot of voltage versus time. (2015)
water-cement ratio, n—the ratio of the mass of water, exclud- workability, n—of concrete, that property of freshly mixed
ing water absorbed by the aggregates, to the mass of portland concrete that affects the ease with which it can be mixed,
cement in a cementitious mixture, stated as a decimal (see placed, consolidated, and struck off. (2014)
also water-cementitious material ratio). (2015)
4. Keywords
DISCUSSION—This term, abbreviated as w/c, is applicable to cemen-
titious mixtures that contain only portland cement as the cementitious 4.1 aggregates; concrete; definitions; terminology

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (C125 – 21)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved October 1, 2021.)

(1) Added 1.5. (2) Added the definition of pozzolanic.

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (C125 – 20)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved July 1, 2021.)

(1) Revised the Discussion of cementitious material, (3) Removed the Discussion to the definition of grout.
supplementary, (SCM) and added the new term ground-glass (4) Revised the definitions of accelerating admixture and
pozzolan. water-reducing admixture, high-range.
(2) Revised the definition of calibration.

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (C125 – 19a)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved February 1, 2020)

(1) Revised the definition for pozzolan.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
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make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

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