ASTM C171-20
(Specification)Standard Specification for Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete
Standard Specification for Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete
ABSTRACT
This specification covers materials in sheet form used for covering the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to inhibit moisture loss during the curing period and, in the case of the white reflective type materials, to also reduce temperature rise in concrete exposed to radiation from the sun. The following types are included: curing paper which can be regular or white, polyethylene film which can be clear or white opaque, and white-burlap-polyethylene sheet. The sheet materials furnished shall be tough, strong, resilient, and capable of withstanding normal job use without puncturing or tearing. The daylight reflectance of the white side of white curing paper shall be at least 50% when measured. The daylight reflectance of white polyethylene film and the polyethylene side of white burlap-polyethylene sheet shall be at least 70% when measured. Curing paper shall consist of two sheets of kraft paper cemented together with a bituminous material in which are embedded cords or strands of fiber running in both directions. The paper shall be light in color, shall be free of visible defects, and shall have a uniform appearance. White paper shall have a white surface on at least one side. The tensile strength of the curing paper shall be determined. Polyethylene film shall consist of a single sheet manufactured from polyethylene resins. It shall be free of visible defects and shall have a uniform appearance. The clear type shall be essentially transparent. The opaque film shall contain white pigment. The impact resistance of this film shall be measured. White burlap-polyethylene sheet shall consist of burlap extrusion coated on one side with white opaque polyethylene. The polyethylene material shall be securely bonded to the burlap so that there will be no separation of the materials during handling and curing of the concrete.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers materials in sheet form used for covering the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to inhibit moisture loss during the curing period and, in the case of the white reflective type materials, to also reduce temperature rise in concrete exposed to radiation from the sun. The following types are included:
1.1.1 Curing Paper:
1.1.1.1 Regular.
1.1.1.2 White.
1.1.2 Polyethylene Film:
1.1.2.1 Clear.
1.1.2.2 White Opaque.
1.1.3 White-Burlap-Polyethylene Sheet.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
Note 1: This specification does not cover materials such as burlap, cotton mats, or rugs used with additional applications of water to maintain a water-saturated environment on such surfaces. Sheet materials having additional characteristics such as insulating properties and the ability to carry additional water to the curing region are commercially available but are not currently addressed in this specification.
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.4 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2020
- Technical Committee
- C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
- Drafting Committee
- C09.22 - Materials Applied to New Concrete Surfaces
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2024
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2016
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2015
Overview
ASTM C171-20: Standard Specification for Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete is an internationally recognized standard published by ASTM International. This specification establishes the requirements for sheet materials applied to the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to inhibit moisture loss during curing. For white reflective materials, it also addresses reduction of temperature rise in concrete exposed to solar radiation. Proper curing is critical for achieving optimal concrete strength, durability, and long-term performance. This standard is widely referenced in construction, infrastructure, and concrete-based project specifications to ensure the quality and consistency of curing materials.
Key Topics
Product Types: The standard covers three main categories of sheet materials for concrete curing:
- Curing paper: Available in regular or white varieties, consisting of two layers of kraft paper bonded with bituminous material and strengthened by embedded fibers.
- Polyethylene film: Offered as clear or white opaque sheets, produced from polyethylene resins.
- White burlap-polyethylene sheet: Burlap fabric coated on one side with white opaque polyethylene.
Performance Requirements:
- Sheets must be tough, strong, and resilient, capable of withstanding normal job use without puncturing or tearing.
- Must inhibit moisture loss-measured by water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) limits.
- For white reflective materials, mandatory daylight reflectance thresholds are defined to mitigate heat buildup:
- At least 50% reflectance for the white side of curing paper.
- At least 70% reflectance for white polyethylene or the polyethylene side of burlap sheeting.
Quality and Physical Properties:
- Specified thickness, tensile strength (for paper), and impact resistance (for polyethylene film).
- Materials must be free of visible defects and possess a uniform appearance.
Sampling and Testing: Outlines methods and requirements to ensure conformance, including random sampling and use of referenced ASTM test methods.
Applications
- Infrastructure Projects: Used in highways, bridges, runways, dams, and other large-scale concrete structures to guarantee proper curing.
- Commercial and Residential Construction: Ensures concrete floors, slabs, and walls in buildings achieve reliable moisture retention for enhanced durability.
- Precast Concrete Production: Adopted by precast manufacturers to optimize the curing process and ensure product consistency.
- Quality Assurance: Specifiers, contractors, and engineers rely on ASTM C171-20 to select and verify appropriate curing sheet materials, reducing risk of premature cracking and poor surface quality.
Practical Value
- Consistent Performance: Compliance with ASTM C171-20 ensures uniformity in curing materials’ performance across projects.
- Reduced Risk: Minimizing moisture loss prevents surface cracking, dusting, and other durability issues in concrete.
- Improved Sustainability: Reflective sheet types can reduce concrete temperature in hot climates, promoting long-term concrete integrity.
- Regulatory and Contract Compliance: Referencing the standard demonstrates adherence to best practice and may be required by project specifications or governmental agencies.
Related Standards
The following ASTM standards are closely connected to ASTM C171-20, often referenced for test procedures or terminology:
- ASTM C125: Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
- ASTM C156: Test Method for Water Loss Through Liquid Membrane-Forming Curing Compounds for Concrete
- ASTM D4397: Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
- ASTM E96/E96M: Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
- ASTM E1347: Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
In summary, ASTM C171-20 provides critical requirements for sheet materials used in curing hydraulic cement concrete, contributing to quality control, performance reliability, and safety in concrete construction projects worldwide. Use of this standard supports best practices and compliance within the construction industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C171-20 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers materials in sheet form used for covering the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to inhibit moisture loss during the curing period and, in the case of the white reflective type materials, to also reduce temperature rise in concrete exposed to radiation from the sun. The following types are included: curing paper which can be regular or white, polyethylene film which can be clear or white opaque, and white-burlap-polyethylene sheet. The sheet materials furnished shall be tough, strong, resilient, and capable of withstanding normal job use without puncturing or tearing. The daylight reflectance of the white side of white curing paper shall be at least 50% when measured. The daylight reflectance of white polyethylene film and the polyethylene side of white burlap-polyethylene sheet shall be at least 70% when measured. Curing paper shall consist of two sheets of kraft paper cemented together with a bituminous material in which are embedded cords or strands of fiber running in both directions. The paper shall be light in color, shall be free of visible defects, and shall have a uniform appearance. White paper shall have a white surface on at least one side. The tensile strength of the curing paper shall be determined. Polyethylene film shall consist of a single sheet manufactured from polyethylene resins. It shall be free of visible defects and shall have a uniform appearance. The clear type shall be essentially transparent. The opaque film shall contain white pigment. The impact resistance of this film shall be measured. White burlap-polyethylene sheet shall consist of burlap extrusion coated on one side with white opaque polyethylene. The polyethylene material shall be securely bonded to the burlap so that there will be no separation of the materials during handling and curing of the concrete. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers materials in sheet form used for covering the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to inhibit moisture loss during the curing period and, in the case of the white reflective type materials, to also reduce temperature rise in concrete exposed to radiation from the sun. The following types are included: 1.1.1 Curing Paper: 1.1.1.1 Regular. 1.1.1.2 White. 1.1.2 Polyethylene Film: 1.1.2.1 Clear. 1.1.2.2 White Opaque. 1.1.3 White-Burlap-Polyethylene Sheet. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Note 1: This specification does not cover materials such as burlap, cotton mats, or rugs used with additional applications of water to maintain a water-saturated environment on such surfaces. Sheet materials having additional characteristics such as insulating properties and the ability to carry additional water to the curing region are commercially available but are not currently addressed in this specification. 1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of the standard. 1.4 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.
ABSTRACT This specification covers materials in sheet form used for covering the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to inhibit moisture loss during the curing period and, in the case of the white reflective type materials, to also reduce temperature rise in concrete exposed to radiation from the sun. The following types are included: curing paper which can be regular or white, polyethylene film which can be clear or white opaque, and white-burlap-polyethylene sheet. The sheet materials furnished shall be tough, strong, resilient, and capable of withstanding normal job use without puncturing or tearing. The daylight reflectance of the white side of white curing paper shall be at least 50% when measured. The daylight reflectance of white polyethylene film and the polyethylene side of white burlap-polyethylene sheet shall be at least 70% when measured. Curing paper shall consist of two sheets of kraft paper cemented together with a bituminous material in which are embedded cords or strands of fiber running in both directions. The paper shall be light in color, shall be free of visible defects, and shall have a uniform appearance. White paper shall have a white surface on at least one side. The tensile strength of the curing paper shall be determined. Polyethylene film shall consist of a single sheet manufactured from polyethylene resins. It shall be free of visible defects and shall have a uniform appearance. The clear type shall be essentially transparent. The opaque film shall contain white pigment. The impact resistance of this film shall be measured. White burlap-polyethylene sheet shall consist of burlap extrusion coated on one side with white opaque polyethylene. The polyethylene material shall be securely bonded to the burlap so that there will be no separation of the materials during handling and curing of the concrete. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers materials in sheet form used for covering the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to inhibit moisture loss during the curing period and, in the case of the white reflective type materials, to also reduce temperature rise in concrete exposed to radiation from the sun. The following types are included: 1.1.1 Curing Paper: 1.1.1.1 Regular. 1.1.1.2 White. 1.1.2 Polyethylene Film: 1.1.2.1 Clear. 1.1.2.2 White Opaque. 1.1.3 White-Burlap-Polyethylene Sheet. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Note 1: This specification does not cover materials such as burlap, cotton mats, or rugs used with additional applications of water to maintain a water-saturated environment on such surfaces. Sheet materials having additional characteristics such as insulating properties and the ability to carry additional water to the curing region are commercially available but are not currently addressed in this specification. 1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of the standard. 1.4 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.
ASTM C171-20 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C171-20 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E96/E96M-24, ASTM E96/E96M-23, ASTM D4397-16(2023), ASTM E1347-06(2020), ASTM C125-19a, ASTM C125-19, ASTM C125-18b, ASTM C125-18a, ASTM C125-18, ASTM C125-16, ASTM D4397-16, ASTM C125-15b, ASTM E1347-06(2015), ASTM C125-15a, ASTM E96/E96M-15. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C171-20 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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: C171 −20
Standard Specification for
Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C171; 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers materials in sheet form used
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
for covering the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to
gregates
inhibit moisture loss during the curing period and, in the case
C156 Test Method forWater Loss [from a Mortar Specimen]
of the white reflective type materials, to also reduce tempera-
Through Liquid Membrane-Forming Curing Compounds
ture rise in concrete exposed to radiation from the sun. The
for Concrete
following types are included:
D829 Test Methods for Wet Tensile Breaking Strength of
1.1.1 Curing Paper:
Paper and Paper Products (Withdrawn 2009)
1.1.1.1 Regular.
D4397 Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for
1.1.1.2 White. Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
1.1.2 Polyethylene Film:
Materials
1.1.2.1 Clear.
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea-
1.1.2.2 White Opaque.
surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
1.1.3 White-Burlap-Polyethylene Sheet.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
specification, refer to Terminology C125.
standard.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
NOTE 1—This specification does not cover materials such as burlap,
3.2.1 curing paper, n—a composite consisting of two layers
cotton mats, or rugs used with additional applications of water to maintain
of kraft paper bonded together with a bituminous material and
a water-saturated environment on such surfaces. Sheet materials having
reinforced with fiber, used for covering the surface of fresh
additional characteristics such as insulating properties and the ability to
concrete to inhibit moisture loss during the curing period.
carry additional water to the curing region are commercially available but
are not currently addressed in this specification.
4. Ordering Information
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
4.1 The purchaser shall specify the type of curing material
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
to be furnished under this specification.
shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
4.2 Lengths and widths of the rolls or mats of the sheet
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
materials furnished shall be as agreed upon between the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
purchaser and seller.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Performance Requirements
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 The sheet materials furnished under this specification
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
shall be tough, strong, resilient, and capable of withstanding
normal job use without puncturing or tearing.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Concrete and ConcreteAggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
C09.22 on Materials Applied to New Concrete Surfaces. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2020. Published November 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C171–16. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/C0171-20. www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © AS
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C171 − 16 C171 − 20
Standard Specification for
Sheet Materials for Curing Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C171; 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*
1.1 This specification covers materials in sheet form used for covering the surfaces of hydraulic cement concrete to inhibit
moisture loss during the curing period and, in the case of the white reflective type materials, to also reduce temperature rise in
concrete exposed to radiation from the sun. The following types are included:
1.1.1 Curing Paper:
1.1.1.1 Regular.
1.1.1.2 White.
1.1.2 Polyethylene Film:
1.1.2.1 Clear.
1.1.2.2 White Opaque.
1.1.3 White-Burlap-Polyethylene Sheet.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
NOTE 1—This specification does not cover materials such as burlap, cotton mats, or rugs used with additional applications of water to maintain a
water-saturated environment on such surfaces. Sheet materials having additional characteristics such as insulating properties and the ability to carry
additional water to the curing region are commercially available but are not currently addressed in this specification.
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall
not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.4 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.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.22 on
Materials Applied to New Concrete Surfaces.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2016Nov. 1, 2020. Published March 2016November 2020. Originally approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 20072016 as
C171–07.–16. DOI: 10.1520/C0171-16.10.1520/C0171-20.
*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
C171 − 20
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C156 Test Method for Water Loss [from a Mortar Specimen] Through Liquid Membrane-Forming Curing Compounds for
Concrete
D829 Test Methods for Wet Tensile Breaking Strength of Paper and Paper Products (Withdrawn 2009)
D4397 Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer to Terminology C125.
3.2 Definitions:Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 curing paper, n—a composite consisting of two layers of kraft paper bonded together with a bituminous material and
reinforced with fiber, used for covering the surface of fresh concrete to inhibit moisture loss during the curing period.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 The purchaser shall specify the type of curing material to be furnished under this specification.
4.2 Lengths and widths of the rolls or mats of the sheet materials furnished shall be as agreed upon between the purchaser and
seller.
5. Performance Requirements
5.1 The sheet materials furnished under this specification shall be tough, strong, resilient, and capable of withstanding normal job
use without puncturing or tearing.
5.2 The sheet material shall exhibit a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of no more than 10 g/m in 24 h when tested
according to Test Methods E96/E96M
...
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