Designation: C 233 – 07

Standard Test Method for

Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 233; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* C 185 Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement

1.1 This test method covers the testing of materials pro- Mortar
posed for use as air-entraining admixtures in the field. C 192/C 192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the Test Specimens in the Laboratory
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information C 231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed
purposes only. Concrete by the Pressure Method
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the C 232 Test Methods for Bleeding of Concrete
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the C 260 Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Con-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- crete
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- C 403/C 403M Test Method for Time of Setting of Concrete
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Mixtures by Penetration Resistance
1.4 The text of this test method references notes and C 666/C 666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to
footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and Rapid Freezing and Thawing
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
considered as requirements of the standard. for Test Methods for Construction Materials
D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
2. Referenced Documents D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 E 70 Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates Glass Electrode
C 39/C 39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cy- 2.2 ACI Standards:
lindrical Concrete Specimens ACI 211.1 Recommended Practice for Selecting Propor-
C 78 Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using tions for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete3
Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading)
3. Significance and Use
C 136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates 3.1 This test method is used to develop data for comparison
C 143/C 143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic- with the requirements of Specification C 260. These tests are
Cement Concrete based on arbitrary stipulations permitting highly standardized
C 150 Specification for Portland Cement testing in the laboratory, and are not intended to simulate actual
C 157/C 157M Test Method for Length Change of Hard- job conditions.
ened Hydraulic-Cement Mortar and Concrete
4. Materials
C 172 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
C 173/C 173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly 4.1 Cement—The cement used in any series of tests shall be
Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method either the cement proposed for specific work in accordance
with 4.4, a Type I or Type II cement conforming to Specifica-
tion C 150, or a blend of two or more cements, in equal parts.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Each cement of the blend shall conform to the requirements of
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee either Type I or Type II, Specification C 150. If a blend of
C09.23 on Chemical Admixtures.
Current edition approved July 15, 2007. Published August 2007. Originally
cements is used, it shall be a combination which produces an
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as C 233 – 04.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on American Concrete Institute Manual of Concrete Practice, Part 1, pp. 211-1 to
the ASTM website. 211-38 (1993).

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

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 C 233 – 07
air content of less than 10 % when tested in accordance with Specification C 33, No. 57 Maximum variation from
Test Method C 185 (Note 4). Sieve Percent Passing average/passing
37.5-mm 100 00
4.2 Aggregates—Except when tests are made in accordance 25.0-mm 95 to 100 1.0
with 4.4, using the aggregates proposed for specific work, the 12.5-mm 25 to 60 4.0
4.75-mm 0 to 10 4.0
fine and coarse aggregates used in any series of tests shall come 2.36-mm 0 to 5 1.0
from single lots of well-graded, sound materials that conform
NOTE 3—All of the results required for demonstrating compliance
to the requirements of Specification C 33, except that the under this specification are dependent on the uniformity of the aggregate
grading of the aggregates shall conform to the following samples prepared and used. Careful, skilled and well-supervised work is
requirements: essential.
4.2.1 Fine Aggregate Grading—The fine aggregate shall 4.3 Reference Admixture—For this test method, unless oth-
meet the requirements for the fine aggregate in Specification erwise requested by the purchaser, the reference admixture
C 33. used in the concrete mixture specified in Section 4 shall be
4.2.2 Coarse Aggregate Grading—The coarse aggregate “neutralized Vinsol resin.”5
grading shall meet the Size 57 grading requirements of 4.4 Materials for Tests for Specific Uses—When it is desired
Specification C 33. to test an air-entraining admixture for use in specific work, the
cement and aggregates used shall be representative of those
NOTE 1—Take care in loading and delivery to avoid segregation. proposed for use in the work, and the concrete mixtures shall
be designed to have the cement content specified for use in the
4.2.3 The coarse aggregate used for the reference concrete
work (Note 4). If the maximum size of coarse aggregate is
and test concretes shall be essentially the same. Provide
greater than 25.0 mm (1 in.), the freshly mixed concrete shall
sufficient coarse aggregate for the reference concrete, the test be screened over a 25.0-mm (1-in.) sieve prior to fabricating
concrete, and for the grading analysis. Concrete consists of one the test specimens in accordance with the wet sieving proce-
reference concrete and as many test admixture-containing dure described in Practice C 172.
concretes as are intended to be compared. 4.5 Preparation and Weighing—All materials shall be pre-
4.2.3.1 Prepare required quantities of coarse aggregate as pared and all weighings shall be made as prescribed in Practice
follows: Fill tared containers, one for sieve analysis, one for a C 192/C 192M.
batch of reference concrete, and one for a batch of test NOTE 4—It is recommended that whenever practicable, tests be made in
concrete, to the required mass from the aggregate stockpile accordance with 4.4 using the cement and pozzolanic or chemical
(See Note 2). Accomplish this by placing equal quantities into admixtures, if any, proposed for specific work.
each container, successively, and repeat the procedure until all
the containers have their required mass (See Note 2). 5. Concrete Mixtures
5.1 Proportions—Using ACI 211.1, all concrete shall be
NOTE 2—See the Appendix of Practice D 75, Sampling from Stock- proportioned to conform to the following requirements:
piles, and the section on Sampling Aggregates in the Manual of Aggregate 5.1.1 The cement content shall be 307 6 3 kg/m3 (517 6 5
and Concrete Testing4 for guidance on procedures for sampling from
lb/yd3) except when tests are being made for specific uses (see
stockpiles.
4.4).
4.2.4 Perform sieve analysis on the coarse aggregate sample 5.1.2 The first trial mixture shall contain the amount of
prepared in 4.2.3.1 by Test Method C 136. Discard any set for coarse aggregate shown in Table 6.3.6 of ACI 211.1 for the
which the sample does not comply with Size 57. Average test maximum size of aggregate and for the fineness modulus of the
results for samples that comply with Size 57 for each sieve sand being used.
size. Discard any set for which the sample deviates from this
average by more than the amount shown in column 3. Continue
the process of preparation, testing and averaging until sufficient 5
The sole source of supply of Vinsol resin known to the committee at this time
sets of aggregate within tolerance are obtained. is Hercules Inc., Wilmington, DE. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please
provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1
which you may attend. Neutralization may be accomplished by treating 100 parts of
the Vinsol resin with 9 to 15 parts of NaOH by weight. In an aqueous solution, the
4
Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Annual Book of ASTM ratio of reagent water (See Specification D 1193) to the resinate shall not exceed
Standards , Vol 04.02. 12:1 by weight.

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 C 233 – 07
NOTE 5—The volumes of coarse aggregate recommended in ACI 211.1 Test Method C 231 exceeds 0.5 %, are used under the provi-
are intended to ensure workable mixtures with the least favorable sions of 4.4, use Test Method C 173/C 173M.
combinations of aggregate likely to be used. It is suggested, therefore, that
for a closer approximation of the proportions required for this test, the 7.1.3 Bleeding—Test Methods C 232.
recommended values in ACI 211.1 be multiplied by 1.07 for the first trial 7.1.4 Time of Setting—Test Method C 403/C 403M, except
mixture. that the temperature of each of the ingredients of the concrete
5.1.3 The air content used in the computation of proportions mixtures, just prior to mixing, and the temperature at which the
for all concrete shall be 5.5 % except where the admixture time of setting specimens are stored during the test period shall
under test is for use in specific work (see 4.4). In this case the be 23.06 2 °C (73 6 3 °F).
air content used in selecting proportions shall be the median of
the range to be permitted in the work. If lightweight aggregates 8. Preparation of Test Specimens
are to be used in specific work, the unit weight of concrete used 8.1 Specimens for test of hardened concrete, representing
in selecting proportions shall be the median of the range each test and age of test and each condition of concrete being
permitted in the work. compared, shall be made from at least three separate batches,
5.1.4 The water content and sand content shall be adjusted and the minimum number of specimens shall be as prescribed
to obtain a slump of 90 6 15 mm (31⁄2 6 1⁄2 in.). The in Table 1. On a given day at least one specimen shall be made
workability of the concrete mixture shall be suitable for for each test and age of test from each condition of concrete
consolidation by hand rodding and the concrete mixture shall except that at least two specimens for the freezing and thawing
have the minimum water content possible. These conditions test shall be made from each condition of concrete. The
shall be achieved by final adjustments in the proportion of fine preparation of all specimens shall be completed in three days of
aggregate to total aggregate, in the amount of total aggregate, mixing.
or both, while maintaining the yield and slump in the required
ranges. 8.2 Manifestly Faulty Specimens—Each group of specimens
5.2 Conditions—Concrete mixtures shall be prepared both representing a given test or a given age of test, including tests
with the air-entraining admixture under test and with the of freshly mixed concrete, shall be examined visually before or
reference admixture. The admixtures shall be added in the during the test, or both, whichever is appropriate. Discard any
amounts necessary to produce the air content selected in specimen found to be manifestly faulty by such examination
accordance with 5.1.3 within a tolerance of 60.5 % of the without testing. Visually examine all specimens representing a
volume of concrete. given test at a given age after testing, and should any specimen
be found to be manifestly faulty, the test results thereof shall be
6. Mixing disregarded. Should more than one specimen representing a
6.1 Machine mix the concrete as prescribed in Practice given test at a given age be found manifestly faulty, either
C 192/C 192M. before or after testing, the entire test shall be disregarded and
repeated. The test result reported shall be the average of the
7. Tests and Properties of Freshly Mixed Concrete individual test results of the specimens tested or, in the event
that one specimen or one result has been discarded, it shall be
7.1 Test samples of freshly mixed concrete from at least
the average of the test results of the remaining specimens.
three separate batches for each condition of concrete in
accordance with the following methods and the minimum
number of tests shall be as prescribed in Table 1. 9. Test Specimens of Hardened Concrete
7.1.1 Slump—Test Method C 143/C 143M. 9.1 Number of Specimens—Make six or more test speci-
7.1.2 Air Content—Test Method C 231. When lightweight mens for the freezing and thawing test and three or more test
aggregates, air-cooled blast furnace slag, or aggregates of high specimens for each other type of test and age of test specified
porosity, for which the aggregate correction factor defined in in Table 1 for each condition of concrete to be compared.

TABLE 1 Types and Minimum Number of Specimens and Tests

Number of Number of Minimum
Number of
Test Types of Conditions of Number of
Test Ages
SpecimensA ConcreteB Specimens
C
Slump 1 1 2
C
Air content 1 1 2
Bleeding 1 1 2 6
D
Time of setting 1 2 6
Compressive strength 1 3 2 18
Flexural strengthE 1 3 2 18
Freezing and thawing 1 1 2 12F
Length changeE 1 1 2 6
A
See Section 7 and 9.2.
B
See 4.2.
C
Determined on each batch of concrete mixed.
D
See 7.1.4.
E
Optional tests, see 10.1.5.
F
Specimens for duplicate tests from each batch.

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 C 233 – 07
9.2 Types of Specimens—Prepare specimens made from material in reagent water in the proportions specified for job
concrete with and without the air-entraining admixture under use as shown on the package or in other manufacturer’s
test in accordance with the following: instructions. The temperature of the check test sample shall be
9.2.1 Compressive Strength—Make and cure test specimens within 6 1 °C (6 2 °F) of that for the acceptance sample and
in accordance with Practice C 192/C 192M. preferably in the range of 21 to 27 °C (70 to 80 °F).
9.2.2 Flexural Strength—Make and cure test specimens in 11.1.2 Air Content of Mortar—Using the same amounts of
accordance with Practice C 192/C 192M. successive lots of air-entraining admixtures with the same
9.2.3 Resistance to Freezing and Thawing—Test specimens cement, determine the air contents of mortars in accordance
shall consist of prisms made and cured in accordance with the with Test Method C 185. The air-entraining admixture shall be
applicable requirement of Practice C 192/C 192M. Test speci- combined with the mixing water prior to the start of the mixing
men dimensions shall be as required by Test Method C 666/ procedure. The determinations for both the check test sample
C 666M. Make one set of specimens from the concrete mixture and acceptance sample shall be made on the same day.
containing the air-entraining admixture under test and from the
reference concrete mixture, the air content of each mixture 12. Procedure for Residue by Oven Drying
being as specified in 5.2. 12.1 Determine the mass of an aluminum dish (about 57
9.2.4 Length Change—Make and cure test specimens in mm diameter, 15 mm height, and about 1 g in weight) to the
accordance with Test Method C 157/C 157M. The moist- nearest 0.0001 g. Using a pipet, evenly distribute 1 ml of the
curing period, including the period in the molds, shall be 14 liquid air entraining admixture in the dish, and weigh to the
days. nearest 0.0001 g. Place the weighing dish in a drying oven
10. Tests on Hardened Concrete (12.2). Dry for 25 6 2 min at 125 6 1 °C. At the end of the
drying period transfer the weighing dish to a desiccator, cool to
10.1 Test specimens of hardened concrete in accordance
room temperature, and weigh to the nearest 0.0001 g.
with the following test methods:
12.2 The drying oven shall be either a forced circulation
10.1.1 Compressive Strength—Test Method C 39/C 39M.
type or one with provision for free access of air. There shall be
Test specimens at ages of 3, 7, and 28 days. Calculate the
precise control of temperature and time of drying so that the
compressive strength of the concrete containing the admixture
degree of volatilization of the material other than water from
under test as a percentage of the compressive strength of the
sample to sample will not vary.
reference concrete as follows:
12.3 Calculation:
10.1.1.1 Divide the average compressive strength of the
12.3.1 Record the following weights:
specimens made from the concrete containing the admixture
under test at a given age of test by the average compressive
strength of the specimens made from the reference concrete at M1 = mass of weighing dish and admixture prior to heat-
the same age of test and multiply the quotient by 100. ing,
10.1.2 Flexural Strength—Test Method C 78. Test speci- M2 = mass of empty weighing dish,
mens at ages 3, 7, and 28 days. Calculate the flexural strength M3 = M1 − M2 = mass of sample,
of the concrete containing the admixture under test as a M4 = mass of weighing dish and dried residue, and
percentage of the flexural strength of the reference concrete as M5 = M4 − M2 = mass of dried residue.
follows: 12.3.2 Calculate the residue by using the following equa-
10.1.2.1 Divide the average flexural strength of the speci- tion:
mens made from the concrete containing the admixture under Residue by oven drying ~% by mass! 5 ~M5 3 100!/M3 (1)
test at a given age of test by the average flexural strength of the
specimens made from the reference concrete at the same age of 13. Report
test, and multiply the quotient by 100.
10.1.3 Resistance to Freezing and Thawing—Procedure A 13.1 Report the following information:
of Test Method C 666/C 666M. Place specimens under test at 13.1.1 Results of the tests specified in this method as
the age of 14 days. compared with the requirements of Specification C 260,
10.1.4 Length Change—Test Method C 157/C 157M. The 13.1.2 Brand name, manufacturer’s name and lot number,
drying period shall be 14 days. character of the material, and quantity represented by the
10.1.5 The flexural strength and length change tests are sample of the admixture under test,
applicable only when specifically required by the purchaser. 13.1.3 Brand name, manufacturer’s name, and other data on
the reference admixture,
11. Check Tests for Uniformity 13.1.4 Brand name, manufacturer’s name, type, and test
11.1 The check tests enumerated in Specification C 260 in data on the portland cement or cements used,
the section on Optional Uniformity Requirements shall be 13.1.5 Description of, and test data on the fine and coarse
determined as follows: aggregates used,
11.1.1 pH—The pH of liquid air-entraining admixtures shall 13.1.6 Detailed data on the concrete mixtures used, includ-
be determined in accordance with Test Method E 70. Non- ing amounts and proportions of admixtures used, actual cement
liquid admixtures shall be prepared in solution to determine factors, water-cement ratios, ratios of fine to total aggregate,
pH. Unless there is reason to do otherwise, dissolve the consistency, and air content.

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 C 233 – 07
13.1.7 In reporting on check tests for uniformity, report both average of these two measurements is 6.09 %. The acceptable range of
the initial and current air contents of mortar for the acceptance results is then 2.24 % of 6.09 % or 60.136 %. As the difference between
sample, and the air content of the check test sample, all as 6.14 % and 6.04 % is 0.10 % the results are within the acceptable range.
determined by Test Method C 185. 14.1.2 The multilaboratory coefficient of variation of resi-
due by oven drying has been found to be 2.35 %. Therefore, the
14. Precision and Bias 6 results of two properly conducted tests on the same material in
14.1 Precision: different laboratories are not expected to differ by more than
14.1.1 The single-laboratory coefficient of variation of resi- 6.65 % of their average.7
due by oven drying has been found to be 0.79 %. Therefore, the 14.1.3 Other procedures referenced in this test method use
results of two properly conducted tests on the same material in results obtained from other ASTM test methods listed in
the same laboratory are not expected to differ by more than Section 2. These documents are to be referred to for their
2.24 % of their average.7 respective precision statements.
NOTE 6—As an example, two tests conducted on the same material
14.2 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material
yield residues by oven drying of 6.14 % and 6.04 %, respectively. The suitable for determining the bias of this test method, no
statement on bias is made.
6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may 15. Keywords
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: C09-1005.
7
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s %) and (d2s %) limits as 15.1 air content; air-entraining admixture; cement; concrete;
described in Practice C 670. pH; residue; specific gravity

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
C 233 – 04, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved July 15, 2007)

(1) Revised 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.3.1, and 4.2.4. (2) Added new Note 2 and renumbered subsequent notes.

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