ASTM C42/C42M Testing for Drilled Concrete Cores and Sawed Beams

← Back to all standards

ASTM C42 is the test method for obtaining, preparing, and testing drilled cores from concrete for length, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength. To match this to your program, talk with our team.

What ASTM C42 Covers

It provides direct measured strength from cores taken out of an existing structure or precast element, used when in-place concrete performance must be verified.

How the Test Is Run

A drilled core is trimmed, its ends prepared, and it is loaded in compression or split diametrically, and the strength is calculated from the failure load and dimensions.

Why It Matters

Core strength verifies in-place concrete when cylinder data is unavailable or disputed; high-force compression capacity and correct end preparation are essential.

Reading the Designation

Cited as ASTM C42 with its edition year. Confirm the edition and specimen or fixture requirements before finalizing setup. To configure a testing setup, request a quote.

Related Standards

EN 12504-1 is the European core-testing method and ASTM C617 covers specimen capping.

Request a Quote

Setting up concrete core testing to ASTM C42? Request a quote and our team will help you build a system matched to your core size and force capacity.


TensileMill CNC products for ASTM C42

Our specimen-preparation systems and testing equipment compatible with ASTM C42:


Get ready for ASTM C42 with TensileMill CNC

Adding capacity or replacing older equipment? TensileMill CNC can support your ASTM C42 program. For this work we supply high-capacity frames and fixtures for compression and flexural testing. Let us know your application and our engineers will help you build a compliant ASTM C42 setup.