scope:

This guide discusses quality control and testing practices of high-strength concrete. High-strength concrete usually is associated with structures that have been optimized for performance. Therefore, a high degree of confidence in concrete quality must be achieved through the inspection and testing process. This process can be conducted by the producer and contractor as quality control and by the owner or the owner's representative as quality assurance. Those involved in quality control and testing need to know the unique characteristics of high-strength concrete to better assist the Architect/Engineer in evaluating the structure's potential performance.

Concrete with a specified compressive strength of 70 MPa (10,000 psi) can be produced from local aggregates in all areas of the U.S.A. and Canada. When the specified strength substantially exceeds that produced previously in a particular market area, special measures are necessary to make a successful progression to the use of the higher-strength concrete. This guide details those measures.