Gilson Concrete Air Meter Kit with Gorilla Gauge
The Gilson Concrete Air Meter Kit with Gorilla Gauge is the top-of-the-line air entrainment meter for measuring the air in fresh concrete. That's where accuracy and reliability really matter-you want to be sure your concrete mixtures are top quality and durable. Made in the USA, you can see Gilson's commitment to excellence in every part of this kit.
Product Features
High accuracy is what sets Gilson's Type B Concrete Air Meter apart. It meets and exceeds ASTM and AASHTO specifications-and that's because the pressure gauge gives you precise readings during testing. That means you get the accurate air measurement you need.
Durable construction is built to last. Heat-treated cast aluminum and stainless steel can withstand even the harshest construction environments.
We made this kit easy to use. The pump has a large, easy-to-grip handle for quick pressure buildup. Brass petcocks with stainless steel ball valves give you precise control.
Gilson offers the industry's widest range of gauge types for Type B Air Meters. That means you have an option for every need and preference.
The kit includes everything you need for air content testing: Calibration Vessel, Calibration Tubes, Tamping Rod, Aluminum Straightedge, Syringe for water, and a Carrying Case.
Unit weight measure is an integral part of the Gilson Concrete Air Meter. That's crucial for ensuring accurate material specifications.
What You Get
The Gilson Concrete Air Meter Kit with Gorilla Gauge includes:
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Gilson Concrete Air Meter with either Gorilla Gauge or Stainless Steel Gauge
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Calibration Vessel
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Calibration Tubes
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24in (610mm) Tamping Rod
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Aluminum Straightedge
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Syringe
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Plastic carrying case
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Unit weight measure for precise concrete testing
The Gilson Concrete Air Meter Kit with Gorilla Gauge is more than just a tool-it's a complete solution for concrete testing. Whether you're a pro or a DIYer, you need precision and reliability to get the job done.
Test Method:
AASHTO T152
Concrete Air Entrainment Accessories:
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Tamping Rods for SlumpCone Test
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Replacement Gauges for Concrete Air Meter
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Replacement Air Pump
Concrete Air Entrainment: Why It Matters
Concrete air entrainment is a big deal in the construction industry. Air voids are what make concrete more resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and better overall. That's where air entrainment comes in.
What is Concrete Air Entrainment?
Concrete air entrainment is the process of introducing small air bubbles into the concrete mix with an air-entraining agent or admixture. That creates a network of small expansion chambers in both fresh and hardened concrete. This intentional air bubble creation relieves internal pressure from water expansion during freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salt exposure.
Why Use Concrete Air Meters?
Concrete air meters are essential for testing entrained air in fresh concrete. By using one, you can get the desired level of entrainment-and that means better durability against freezing conditions. The benefits of using concrete air meters are:
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Freeze-thaw resistance
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Durability and workability
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Deicing salt resistance
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Air content control
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ASTM compliance
What is Entrained Air in Concrete?
Entrained air-or trapped air-is the small bubbles intentionally added to the concrete mix during the mixing process. These air bubbles create a network of small expansion chambers in both fresh and hardened concrete.
Concrete Air Content Factors
Several factors can affect the air content of concrete:
Water-cement ratio: Higher water-cement ratio will dilute the air-entraining admixture and reduce its effectiveness.
Temperature: Colder temperature will increase the mix viscosity and reduce the air entraining admixture's ability to form stable bubbles.
Mixing time and intensity: Not enough mixing won't distribute the air bubbles evenly. Too much mixing will break them down.
Type of cement: The chemical composition of cement can affect the air bubbles' stability.
Air-entraining admixture: A type of admixture to increase the air content in concrete.
Using a super air meter can provide more precise measurements of air content and air void spacing.
Air entrained concrete testing is at the heart of ensuring that concrete structures stand the test of time. That means measuring the air content in fresh concrete—and determining its workability, strength and resistance to freeze-thaw damage. There are several methods for testing air entrained concrete, but the pressure meter method is the most widely used. This involves placing a fresh concrete sample in a sealed container with a known air volume and measuring the pressure change to determine the air content. Getting that measurement right is key to achieving the performance characteristics you need from your concrete. And meeting the necessary standards for durability and longevity.
ASTM C231 provides the standard practice for air entrainment testing. That means filling a calibrated container with a known volume of fresh concrete, subjecting it to a vacuum and then pressurizing it to release entrapped air. The released air volume is measured using a calibration cylinder, and the air content is calculated as a percentage of the total volume. You typically do this on freshly mixed concrete. The results help determine the air content and air void spacing—both critical for the concrete's durability and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
Air entraining admixtures are the chemical additives that introduce and distribute air bubbles in concrete. They're essential for getting the right air content and air void spacing in your concrete. By reducing the surface tension of the mixing water, these admixtures allow more air to be captured as microscopic bubbles within the concrete. The type and dosage of air entraining admixture you choose can significantly affect the air content and air void spacing in the concrete. So selecting the right one for your specific mix design is crucial.
That means choosing the right concrete air meter is just as important. There are several types available, including pressure air meters, volumetric air meters and digital air meters. Pressure air meters are the most widely used type. When you're selecting a concrete air meter, you need to consider factors like accuracy, durability and ease of use. And make sure it meets the relevant ASTM standards—and is calibrated regularly. A well-chosen air meter will give you consistent and reliable measurements, so you can be sure your concrete mix meets the required specifications for durability and performance.
