Gauge For Concrete Air Meter
Our Gauge For Concrete Air Meters is a must have for anyone in the concrete industry. Whether you’re doing air entrainment tests or need to replace parts we have everything you need to get accurate and reliable results. This includes a calibration vessel which is crucial for proper function and testing.
Meets test methods AASHTO T152 and ASTM C 231 our Gauge For Concrete Air Meters is built to last. It’s a quality gauge that fits most Type B Concrete Air Meters. Solid construction and longer service life means this replacement gauge can withstand daily use.
In addition to our Gauge for Concrete Air Meters we offer a variety of accessories for concrete air entrainment testing. Our Tamping Rods for Slump Cone Test have hemispherical tips and are perfect for consolidating concrete specimens for tests that include slump, air content and strength. We also offer a Concrete Strike-Off Bar to remove excess material. The plastic carrying case keeps the gauge and accessories durable and portable.
Need replacement parts? We’ve got you covered. Our Replacement Gauges fit most Type B Concrete Air Meters for accurate and reliable readings. We also offer a Replacement Air Pump that fits Gilson Concrete Air Meters and others. Solid construction and longer service life means our replacement parts will keep your concrete air entrainment meter running at peak performance.
Check out our blog to learn more about concrete air entrainment testing and other related topics. From why concrete testing is important to how to set the pressure our materials testing experts will educate and inform.
For concrete air entrainment testing trust the quality and reliability of our Gauge for Concrete Air Meters and accessories. With our products you’ll get accurate and reliable results and better concrete projects.
Test Methods: AASHTO T152 ASTM C 231
What is Entrained Air in Concrete
Entrained air in concrete is the small air bubbles that are intentionally added to the concrete mixture during the mixing process. These small air bubbles form a network of tiny expansion chambers in both fresh and hardened concrete. This network is important as it relieves internal pressure caused by water expansion during freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts. Entrained air makes concrete more durable and longer lasting.
But the amount of entrained air must be controlled. A certain amount of air content improves workability and resistance to environmental stressors but too much air content can compromise the strength and durability of the concrete. Too little air content can result in poor workability and segregation in the concrete mixture. So getting the right balance of entrained air is key to producing good concrete mixes.
Types of Concrete Air Meters
There are several types of concrete air meters out there each measuring air content in fresh concrete with different methods and levels of accuracy. Knowing the differences will help you choose the right tool for your application.
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Pressure Air Meters: These are the most popular type of air entrainment meter in the field. They use a pressure gauge to measure air content in fresh concrete fast and accurately. Easy to use and quick results make them perfect for on-site testing.
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Volumetric Air Meters: These measure air content by displacing a known volume of water. More time consuming and labor intensive than pressure air entrainment meter but can provide highly accurate results so good for laboratory testing.
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Gravimetric Air Meters: These measure air content by weighing the concrete before and after removing the air. Used for trial mix designs and can provide accurate results but require careful handling to avoid errors due to small variations in the testing process.
Each type of concrete air entrainment meter has its own advantages and is good for different testing situations whether in the field or lab.
Why Measure Air Content in Concrete
Measuring air content in concrete is a key step in producing quality and durable concrete structures. Air content affects workability, strength and longevity of the concrete. Too much air content weakens the concrete reducing its strength and durability while too little air content results in poor workability and segregation.
Measuring air content regularly allows you to catch potential issues early and make adjustments before the concrete is placed. This proactive approach is crucial for a complete mix analysis and to ensure the concrete meets the specs. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has guidelines for acceptable air content in different applications and following those guidelines is key to compliance and performance.
