Concrete Air Meter: Exact Air Pressure Meter Measurement
The Exact-air pressure air meter is used to test the air content in a freshly mixed concrete sample. The test method is based on Boyle’s Law and releases a known volume of air at a known pressure into the concrete sample which contains an unknown volume of air. The resulting change in the sample’s volume is directly related to the air content in the sample and can be read directly from the gauge. Made from the highest quality components for years of service. Includes Exact-air™ pressure pump, stainless steel gauge. Meets ASTM C-231, AASHTO T-152, BS-1881.
See all Concrete Air Meter and Parts
Meets Test Methods:
AASHTO T152
ASTM C 231
What is Air Entrainment in Concrete?
Concrete air entrainment is the process of introducing tiny entrained air bubbles into the concrete mix to improve its durability and workability. This is done by using air-entraining admixtures which lower the surface tension of the mixing water allowing for the formation of stable air bubbles within the fresh concrete. The entrained air acts as internal reservoirs to accommodate the expansion of water upon freezing and relieve internal air pressure and prevent cracking. By having the right amount of entrained air, fresh concrete can withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain its structure over time.
Why Use a Concrete Air Meter
Using a concrete air meter is critical to get the right air content in fresh concrete. The benefits are:
-
Accurate Measurement: Gives you precise air content readings in fresh concrete, meets specifications.
-
Compliance: Meets industry standards for air content in concrete, ASTM and AASHTO.
-
Defect Prevention: Prevents honeycombing and surface imperfections by verifying air content.
-
Longevity: Gets the right air content for strength and durability of concrete structures.
-
Speed: Gives quick and accurate results, a must have on the construction site.
Air Meter Function and Calibration
A concrete air meter measures the air content in fresh concrete by the pressure difference inside and outside the concrete sample. The air meter consists of three main components: calibration vessel, pressure gauge and tamping rod. The calibration vessel is used to calibrate the air meter, to get accurate readings. The pressure gauge entrained air and the pressure difference, the tamping rod is used to compact the concrete sample in the calibration vessel.
Calibration is important to maintain the accuracy of the air meter. The process involves filling the calibration vessel with a known volume of water and adjusting the air meter to read the correct air voids and air void spacing. This is done multiple times with the calibration vessel to ensure the air meter gives reliable and accurate readings.
Air Entrainment Test Accessories: Concrete Air Entrainment Meter
Tamping Rods for Slump Cone Test have hemispherical tips and for use when compacting fresh concrete specimens in tests that include slump, air voids and air content strength as well as the unit weight measure
Concrete Strike-Off Bar to remove excess material
Replacement Gauges in Concrete Air Meter Parts are quality gauges that fit most Type B Concrete Air Entrainment Meter
Replacement Air Pump fits Gilson Concrete Air Meter (and other manufacturers) with solid construction that lasts longer. For more replacement parts, see our concrete air meter replacement parts page.
The air meter comes calibration vessel and a plastic case for convenience.
Standard and Compliance
ASTM C231 is the standard to follow when testing air content in fresh concrete with a concrete air meter. This standard ensures consistency and reproducibility of testing, so you have a basis to evaluate the durability and quality of concrete mixes and air entraining admixtures. Using a concrete air meter is critical to meet industry standards so the concrete structure and fresh concrete mixes, for a strong and durable product every time.
