Fresh Concrete Testing: Deslauriers Field Test Starter Kit

Deslauriers Fresh Concrete Field Test Starter Kit – Overview

The Deslauriers Fresh Concrete Field Test Starter Kit includes all essential tools required to perform on-site testing of freshly mixed concrete. It helps ensure the concrete meets project specifications before placement, following standard field testing practices.

Kit Includes

• Deslauriers AIR Concrete Air Pressure Meter Kit – Measures air content

• SCSET Portable Standard Slump Cone Test Set – Checks workability and consistency

• UWSP-12 Unit Weight Strike Off Plate (12” × 12”) – Determines unit weight

• T-125 Concrete Thermometer – Measures concrete temperature

• TR375 Tamping Rod – Used for consolidation during testing

Why Fresh Concrete Testing Matters

Field testing of fresh concrete is critical to verify workability, air content, temperature, and unit weight before the concrete hardens. These tests help confirm proper mix design, placement ease, durability, and compliance with project requirements.

Common Field Tests

• Slump Test: Measures consistency and workability of concrete

• Air Content Test: Ensures durability and freeze-thaw resistance

• Temperature Test: Confirms proper curing conditions

• Unit Weight Test: Verifies density and yield

This starter kit is ideal for construction sites, quality control teams, and civil engineering projects, providing reliable and efficient fresh concrete testing in the field.

Air Content Test: Air content is another important test done on fresh concrete. It is done to determine the amount of air trapped in the concrete mix. The test is significant because air-entrained concrete is more durable and resistant to freeze-thaw cycles. The air content test involves taking a small sample of the fresh concrete and then subjecting it to pressure. The amount of air released from the sample is then measured and the air content is calculated as a percentage of the total volume of the concrete. The Deslauriers AIR Concrete Air Pressure Meter Kit is designed for this purpose and is an industry leader in air entrainment testing. The air meter bucket used in this test is also practical for unit weight tests, allowing for efficient use of equipment in the field.

When using the pressure method, make sure to release air from the device before measurement by closing the main air valve and ensuring a tight seal with the cover assembly to prevent leaks. Pressure drops observed after releasing air indicates the amount of air trapped inside the sample and the pressure method measures air content by pumping to a specified pressure as per ASTM C231. This test determines how much air is present in the concrete and expelling air trapped inside is crucial for accurate results.Temperature testing is also important in fresh concrete field testing. It is done to ensure the concrete mix is within the specified temperature range. High temperatures can cause the concrete to set too quickly resulting to cracking and reduced strength while low temperatures can cause the concrete to set too slowly resulting to delayed construction schedules. Temperature testing involves inserting a thermometer into the concrete and recording the temperature. The temperature should be within the specified range, typically between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The Deslauriers T-125 Concrete Thermometer measures concrete temperature between 25 degrees Fahrenheit and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Measuring temperature is a straightforward process but must be done within the required time frame. Warm concrete gains strength more rapidly during early curing but may have lower long-term strength than cool concrete.

Unit Weight Test: The unit weight test is another test done on fresh concrete. It is done to determine the density of the concrete mixture which is important for estimating the strength and durability of the concrete. The test involves filling a container with fresh concrete and weighing it. The weight is then divided by the container’s volume to determine the concrete’s unit weight. Using the Deslauriers UWSP-12 Unit Weight Strike Off Plate, 12” x 12” x 1/2”, Acrylic to strike off excess concrete for weighing ensures accuracy and ease. For improved accuracy, a field scale should be used and tared with an empty container before measuring the concrete’s density. The density test is an important indicator of workability and flowability and if the unit weight falls outside specified limits, the mix should be re-measured and adjusted as needed. Dry cast concrete density is not tested unless specified but the test is also used for compliance with project requirements. The volumetric method is preferred for lightweight concrete or concrete with porous aggregate while the pressure method is commonly used for normal weight concrete.

In summary, concrete field testing is important in construction and civil engineering projects. The tests done on fresh concrete, as well as non destructive testing, are designed to ensure the concrete mixture meets the required specs and is good for the intended application. The tests include slump, air content, temperature and weight. These tests ensure the concrete mix is good quality and has the necessary properties for the intended application. Mobile field apps are now making the data collection process more efficient during concrete testing making quality control more streamlined and transparent.Get a Deslauriers test set today and see how easy it is to perform an ASTM test for concrete density.

Meets Test Methods: ASTM C138, C143, C192, C231, C470, AASHTO T23, T119, T121, T126, T152 BS 1881:107, EN 12350-6, 1097-3.

Concrete Air Entrainment Test Accessories:

• Tamping Rods for Slump Cone Test: Hemispherical tips for consolidating concrete specimens in tests that include slump, air content and strength.

• Concrete Strike-Off Bar: To remove excess material.

• Gauges that fit most Type B Concrete Air Meters.

• Replacement Air Pump Fits Concrete Air Meters (and other manufacturers) with solid construction for longer life. See our concrete air meter replacement parts page for more.

Made in the USA, the Deslauriers Test Kit is the highest quality and most reliable.

Concrete Testing

Concrete testing is a vital part of construction quality control to ensure each batch meets required strength, durability, and performance standards. Field tests such as slump, air content, and unit weight help technicians quickly evaluate concrete properties before it hardens. These tests identify mix inconsistencies early and confirm compliance with project specifications and industry standards. Guidelines from ACI and ASTM, including pressure and volumetric testing methods, ensure accurate, reliable results across all job sites