- Fast Service
- Free Shipping
- Easy Ordering
Air void determination is an important test performed on concrete that is used to determine the amount of air present in the material. The presence of air in concrete is crucial as it affects the durability and strength of the material. Air voids are tiny pockets of air within the concrete, and their amount is typically expressed as a percentage of the total volume of the concrete.
There are several methods used for air void determination in concrete, including the pressure method and the volumetric method. The pressure method involves subjecting a concrete sample to high pressure to expel the air voids, and then measuring the volume of the expelled air. This method is suitable for determining the total air content in the concrete but does not distinguish between entrained air and entrapped air.
The volumetric method involves measuring the volume of a known amount of concrete and then measuring the volume of the air voids within it. This method is used to determine the entrained air content of the concrete, which is the air that is deliberately incorporated into the concrete during the mixing process. The entrapped air content, on the other hand, is the air that becomes trapped within the concrete due to poor compaction or other factors.
The air void content in concrete affects its durability, strength, and freeze-thaw resistance. A concrete mixture that has too much air voids may have reduced strength and increased permeability, which can lead to degradation over time. Conversely, if the concrete mixture has too few air voids, it may be susceptible to damage from freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause cracking and other forms of damage.
In conclusion, air void determination is an essential test for ensuring the quality and durability of concrete. By accurately measuring the air content in concrete, engineers and contractors can ensure that the material will be able to withstand the stresses and environmental factors it will be exposed to over its lifetime.