Fresh Concrete Testing: Deslauriers Field Test Starter Kit

Fresh Concrete Testing: Deslauriers Field Test Starter Kit

Deslauriers Fresh Concrete Field Test Starter Kit

Deslauriers Fresh Concrete Field Test Starter Kit has everything you need to test a batch of fresh concrete in the field. The Deslauriers Fresh Concrete Test Starter Kit includes:

For a comprehensive guide to construction materials testing equipment, consider the following essential tools:

• Deslauriers AIR Concrete Air Pressure Meter Kit

• Deslauriers SCSET Portable Standard Slump Cone Test Set

• Deslauriers UWSP-12 Unit Weight Strike Off Plate, 12” X 12” X 1/2”, Acrylic

• Deslauriers T-125 Concrete Thermometer

• Deslauriers TR375 Tamping Rod

Fresh concrete field testing is important in construction and civil engineering projects. It ensures the concrete mixture meets the required specs and is good for the intended application. The tests are done on freshly mixed concrete before it hardens and sets. To get a representative and accurate test, you need to collect a composite sample from the ready mix truck within the required time frame, following ASTM standards, and store samples in a suitable curing box.

Several tests can be done on fresh concrete in the field. These tests include slump, air content, temperature and unit weight. This article discusses these tests in detail and why they are important to ensure the concrete mixture is good and meets the specs.

Slump Test: The Deslauriers SCSET Portable Standard Slump Test Cone Test Set is the most popular test in fresh concrete field testing. It measures the consistency of the concrete mix and its workability. The test involves filling a mold with freshly mixed concrete and then removing the mold. The concrete then settles or slumps and the amount of slump is measured. The slump test value indicates the consistency of the concrete mix, higher slump values means higher workability. The test is important to ensure the concrete mixture is easy to place and finish without excessive compaction. To test successfully, you need to remove the slump cone in a steady vertical motion, this affects the accuracy of the measurement and reflects the amount of settled concrete which is an indicator of workability.The slump test is used for traditional concrete which slumps but does not spread out as easily as self consolidating concrete (SCC). For SCC, additional tests such as slump flow measure, passing ability and filling ability are required to assess flowability and performance. Slump flow testing for self consolidating concrete measures a few things, flow measure, filling ability and passing ability. The primary tool for these tests is the slump cone which is used on a large plastic platform to provide a stable base. During slump flow testing, the widest and narrowest diameter of the concrete spread are measured to calculate the average flow and it is important to maintain the same orientation when switching between tests like the J-Ring passing ability test.

Visual inspection is done by visually inspecting the SCC patty for static segregation such as halos or liquid on the outside which can indicate poor stability. The most stable mix or a stable mix is identified by the absence of halos or liquid segregation and the Visual Stability Index (VSI) is used to rate the mix. Achieving the desired mix properties is important and consolidation and air content are closely related to workability and flowability in both traditional and SCC concrete.

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 an essential part of the quality control process in modern construction to ensure every batch of concrete meets the tough standards for strength, durability and long term performance. By testing concrete – slump, air content and weight tests – field technicians can quickly determine the properties and consistency of concrete before it hardens. These tests are critical to detect any variations in the mix that can affect the final structure and verify compliance to project specifications and industry standards. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provide guidelines for concrete testing including the pressure method for air content and volumetric method for weight. Following these standards ensures testing concrete is accurate and reliable for every job site.