Concrete Air Test How To Determine Air Content In Concrete ASTM C231

Step 2: Start the ASTM C231 procedure for the concrete air test

To get started you need to dampen in the interior of the concrete air meter pressure.

Step 3: Begin to fill concrete inside the concrete air meter bowl

Next you will place the first layer of concrete in the air pressure meter bowl in three equal layers by volume. Start by moving the scoop around the perimeter of the air pressure meter.

Step 4: Go ahead and fill the first layer of the air pressure meter 1/3 of the volume

Start by filling the concrete air pressure meter bowl with 1/3 by volume of concrete.

Step 5: Followed by rodding the first layer 25 times

Next you will rod the layer 25 times with the 5/8 inch tamping rod. Make sure it is throughout its depth, without forcefully striking the bottom. Also, to distribute the rods uniformly over the cross section of the concrete air meter pressure bowl.

Step 6: Next tap the outside of the concrete air pressure meter

Then tap the outside of the concrete air pressure meter bowl 10 to 15 times with a rubber mallet. Make sure to close the air voids left by the tamping rod.

Step 7: Then fill the bowl 2/3 of the volume

Next you will use a scoop to fill the second layer with 2/3 by volume of concrete.

Ensure you only have 1/3 the volume left in the air pressure meter when filling the last lift with concrete.

Step 8: Next you will rod the second layer 25 times

Then you will rod the layer 25 times, with the 5/8 inch tamping rod. Make sure you penetrate the first layer by about one inch.

Step 9: Then tap the outside of the air pressure meter bowl

Next you will tap the outside of the concrete air meter bowl 10 to 15 times with a rubber mallet. Remember to close the air voids left by the tamping rod.

Step 10: Start by filling the third layer in the concrete air meter

For the final layer, you will add enough concrete so as to fill the concrete air pressure meter. Keep in mind to avoid excessive overfilling.

Step 11: Next you will rod the third layer 25 times

Then you will rod the final layer 25 times, with the 5/8 inch tamping rod. Making sure you penetrate the second layer about one inch. Also, distribute the rods uniformly over the cross section of the air pressure meter.

Step 12: Then you will tap the outside of the air pressure meter

Next you will tap the outside of the pressure meter bowl 10 to 15 times with the rubber mallet. Ensuring to close the air voids left by the tamping rod.

Step 13: Next you will need to incline the strike off plate

Finally, you will place the strike off plate on the air pressure meter bowl approximately two thirds of the diameter then you will use the strike off plate to level the surface. Use a sawing motion to produce a smooth surface. Make sure to Incline the strike off plate and make several passes to produce a smooth surface.

Final Steps for Concrete Air Content Test Procedure

Step 14: Now you can start cleaning the rim of the concrete air meter

Then thoroughly clean the rim of the air pressure meter bowl to ensure an airtight seal.

Step 15: Then dampen the bottom of the air pressure meter cover

Next you will dampen the bottom of the cover where the O ring is located.

Step 16: You need to securely place the cover on the air pressure meter

Make sure to securely place the cover on top of the bowl. Then you need to fasten the clamps on opposite ends. Fasten the opposite ends of the clamps for example the North and South should be clamped first then East and West clamps second.

Step 17: Then check the main air valve

Next you need to make sure the main air valve is closed.

Step 18: Next you need to check the petcocks

Then you should make sure both petcocks are open.

Step 19: Then inject water into the air pressure cover

Next you need to use a syringe to inject water through one petcock until the water emerges from the opposite side. At that time, jar the air pressure meter gently until all the air is expelled.

Step 20: Then check bleeder valve and initial pressure line

Next you need to close the bleeder valve. Then you can pump air into the air chamber until the hand on the dial gauge is on the initial pressure line.

Step 21: Next make sure to stabilize air meter gauge and close petcocks

Then lightly tap to stabilize the air pressure meter gauge. Then you need to close both petcocks to keep the pressure inside the concrete air meter.

Step 22: Then to release the air pressure meter

Finally, with your hand pressed down on the main air valve between the air chamber and the air pot. At the same time you need to hit the sides of the pressure meter bowl with a rubber mallet.

Step 23: Now record the results

Lastly you should lightly tap the air pressure gauge to stabilize the reading. Once it is stabilized you need to make sure to record the results to the nearest 0.1%.

Request A Call From One Of Our Representatives

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone *

When would you like us to call back?

• Morning
• Afternoon
• Evening

Submit