Table 1 : Frequency (IS: 456-2000 clause 15.2.

2)
The minimum frequency of sampling of concrete of each grade shall be in
accordance with the following:
Quantity
of
concrete
Number of samples
in the
work,
m3

1–5 1

6 – 15 2

16 – 30 3

31 – 50 4

51 and 4 plus one additional sample for each additional 50 m3 or part

above thereof

NOTE: At least one sample shall be taken from each shift where concrete is
produced at continuous production unit, such as ready-mixed concrete plant,
frequency of sampling may be agreed upon mutually by suppliers and
purchasers.

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
(A) Compressive strength
The concrete shall be deemed to comply with the strength requirement when
both the following conditions are met:
a) The mean strength determined from any group of four non-overlapping
consecutive test results, complies with the appropriate limits col. 2 of Table
2.
b) Any individual test result complies with the appropriate limits in col. 3
Table 2.
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(B) Flexural strength
When both the following conditions are met, the concrete complies with the
specified flexural strength.
a) The mean strength determine from any group of four consecutive test
results exceed the specified characteristic strength by at least 0.3 N/mm2
b) The strength determined from any test result is not less than specified
characteristic strength less 0.3 N/mm2
The quantity of concrete represented by a group of four consecutive test
results shall include the batches from which the first and last samples were
taken together with all intervening batches.

Three test specimens shall be made for each sample for testing at 28 days.
Additional specimens may be required for 7 days strength. In all the cases
28 days strength shall alone be the criterion for acceptance or rejection of
the concrete.

The test results of the sample shall be the average of the strength of three
specimens. The individual variation should not be more than +15 percent of
the average. If more, the test results of the sample are invalid.
Table 2 : Characteristic compressive strength compliance
requirement
IS: 456-2000 with amendments Table 11 (Clause 16.1 and 16.3)
Mean of Group of 4 Non-
Specified Individual Test Results in N/mm2
Overlapping Consecutive test
Grade Minimum
results in N/mm2 Minimum

(1) (2) (3)

fck + 0.825 X established Standard

deviation (round off to nearest 0.5
M15 and N/mm2
or fck – 3 N/mm2
above

fck + 3 N/mm2 whichever is greater

NOTE 1: In the absence of established value of standard deviation, the values

given in Table 8 (IS: 456-2000) may be assumed, and attempt should be made to
obtained results of 30 samples as early as possible to establish the value of
standard deviation.
NOTE 2: For concrete quantity up to 30 m3 (where the number of samples to be
taken is less than four) as per frequency of sampling given in 15.2.2, the mean of
test results of all such samples shall be fck + 4 N/mm2, minimum and the
requirement of minimum individual test results shall be fck – 2 N/mm2, minimum.
However, when the number of samples is only one as per 15.2.2, the requirement
shall be fck + 4 N/mm2, minimum.

(Values of column 2 and 3 are equal to or more than)

The acceptance criteria is best illustrated by the following examples:

Grade of concrete : M25

Laboratory design mean target strength for

good quality control: 25 + (1.65 x 4)= 31.6 N/mm2 at 28 days age

In all the case average of three 150 mm cubes shall be taken.