Gilson Concrete Air Meter with Digital Gauge

Gilson Concrete Air Meter with Digital Gauge

Gilson’s Type B Concrete Air Meter, an air entrainment meter, measures entrained air in fresh concrete. Each air meter includes a Calibration Vessel, Calibration Tubes, Tamping Rod, Aluminum Straightedge, Syringe for water, and Carrying Case, with die-cut foam padding, and operating instructions.

A pump with a big, easy to grip handle builds pressure in the meter quickly and is shielded to keep dirt and water out of the piston area. The brass petcocks have stainless steel ball valves for accuracy and durability and vinyl-coated handles for comfortable opening and closing. The air meters have long lasting stainless steel clamps which are easy to adjust and less expensive to replace. The heat-treated cast aluminum base has a 1/4ft³ volume and can also be used for unit weight and yield determinations.

Air meters are a must have for measuring entrained air in freshly mixed concrete.

Gilson has the widest selection of gauge types for Type B Air Meters in the industry. Every gauge exceeds ASTM and AASHTO requirements and our options only vary by the type of gauge. The HM-30 comes with the exclusive Gilson Gorilla Gauge, the HM-30S comes with a stainless steel American made gauge and the HM-30D comes with our new digital gauge.

Gilson Concrete Air Meter with Digital Gauge

Digital gauge with polycarbonate and ABS plastic, IP67 rated enclosure, rubber boot and backlit LCD screen. ±0.25% at full scale air content.

See our full line of Concrete Air Meters.

Features:

• Accurate, high quality and easy to use for air-entrained concrete

• New precision Gorilla Gauge has plastic housing and safety glass

• Plastic carrying case fits all components

Included Items:

• Gilson Concrete Air Meter, with Gorilla Gauge or Stainless Steel Gauge

• Calibration Vessel

• Calibration Tubes

• 24in (610mm) Tamping Rod

• Aluminum Straightedge

• Syringe

• Plastic carrying case

Browse Certified MTP for all your concrete test equipment needs like concreteair entrainment meters.

What is Concrete Air Entrainment?

Concrete air entrainment is the process of introducing small air bubbles into a concrete mix to improve its durability and workability. This is done by adding an air-entraining agent or admixture to the mix which creates a network of microscopic expansion chambers in both fresh and hardened concrete. The air bubbles relieve internal pressure caused by water expansion during freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts. Concrete air entrainment increases the concrete’s resistance to damage making it more durable and longer lasting. It is critical to measure air content in freshly mixed concrete to ensure proper air entrainment for optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.

Why Use a Concrete Air Meter

Using a concrete air meter has many benefits to ensure concrete quality and longevity. Here are a few:

• Accurate Measurement: Concrete air meters measure air content in freshly mixed concrete to meet specifications.

• More Durable: Measuring and controlling air content makes concrete more resistant to freeze-thaw and deicing salts.

• Better Workability: Proper air content makes concrete easier to mix, transport and place.

• More Strength and Density: Accurate air content measurements help achieve the desired strength and density of concrete, reducing the risk of honeycombing and surface imperfections.

• Meets Standards: Using a concrete air meter meets industry standards for air content in concrete which is critical for quality control and assurance.

How to Use a Concrete Air Meter

Using a concrete air meter is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a concrete air meter:

1. Prepare the Concrete Sample: Take a representative sample of fresh concrete from the mixing truck or batch plant. Ensure the sample is free from any debris or contaminants to avoid skewed results.

2. Calibrate the Air Meter: Before taking a reading, calibrate the air meter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves adjusting the calibration vessel and making any necessary calibration adjustments to ensure accuracy.

3. Fill the Air Meter: Fill the air meter with the prepared concrete sample, ensuring it is compacted and free from any air pockets. Proper compaction is critical for accurate readings.

4. Take a Reading: Insert the pressure gauge into the air meter and take a reading. The gauge will indicate the air content of the concrete sample, providing a precise measurement of entrained air.5. Record the Reading: Record the air content reading and compare it to the specified limits. If the reading is outside the specified limits, adjust the concrete mix accordingly to meet the desired air content.

5. Repeat the Process: Repeat the process for multiple samples to ensure accurate and reliable results. Consistency is key to concrete quality.

By following these steps you can ensure your concrete air meter is giving you accurate and reliable measurements of air content in fresh concrete.

Entrained Air in Concrete

Entrained air in concrete means introducing small air bubbles into the concrete mix. This process called air entrainment improves the durability and workability of the concrete. Entrained air helps:

• Reduce Freeze-Thaw Damage: The small air bubbles act as expansion chambers, relieving internal pressure caused by water expansion during freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts.

• Improve Resistance to De-Icing Salts: Entrained air makes the concrete more resistant to de-icing salts, longer lasting.

• Better Workability and Finishability: The air bubbles make the concrete mix more workable, easier to place and finish, resulting in a smoother surface.

• Reduce Cracking and Scaling: By providing space for water to expand, entrained air reduces the risk of cracking and scaling, a more durable structure.

Entrained air is introduced into the concrete mix using an air-entraining admixture. The amount of entrained air varies depending on the application and desired air entrainment, making it a versatile solution for many construction needs.

Air Voids and Air Pockets in Concrete

Air voids and air pockets in concrete are the spaces within the concrete that are not filled with cement paste or aggregate. These voids can be intentional, such as those created by air entrainment, or unintentional, such as those caused by poor mixing or placement.

• Intentional Air Voids: Created by air entrainment, these small bubbles improve the concrete’s durability and workability, making it more resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salts.

• Unintentional Air Voids and Pockets: These are often the result of inadequate mixing, improper placement or insufficient compaction. They can compromise the concrete’s strength, durability and appearance, leading to potential structural issues.Understanding the difference between intentional and unintentional air voids is key to concrete quality and longevity.

Aggregate Correction Factor

The aggregate correction factor is a critical component in measuring air content in concrete. This factor accounts for the effect of aggregate particles on the air content reading so the results are accurate and reliable. Without the aggregate correction factor aggregate particles will skew the air content reading and you’ll draw the wrong conclusions about the concrete mix. By compensating for the effect of aggregate particles the aggregate correction factor ensures the air content reading reflects the true concrete and provides a solid foundation for quality control and assurance. It is especially important to measure air content in freshly mixed concrete to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.

Benefits of Air Entrained Concrete

Air entrained concrete has many benefits over non-air entrained concrete, making it a popular choice for many construction projects:

• More Durable: Air entrained concrete is more resistant to freeze-thaw damage and de-icing salts, longer lasting.

• Better Workability: The air bubbles make the concrete more workable, easier to mix, place and finish, resulting in a smoother surface.

• Less Cracking and Scaling: The air bubbles provide space for water to expand, reducing the risk of cracking and scaling.

• Better Appearance: Air entrained concrete can produce a smoother and more attractive finish, better looking.

These benefits make air entrained concrete a valuable solution for many construction applications, from residential to commercial projects.

Concrete Air Meter Kit with Digital Gauge Meets Test Method

The concrete air meter kit with digital gauge meets the test method for air content in freshly mixed concrete. This kit includes everything: calibration vessel, calibration tubes, 24in (610mm) tamping rod, aluminum straightedge, water syringe and plastic carrying case with die-cut foam padding for storage and transport. The digital gauge is accurate and reliable with air content reading to ±0.25% of full scale. This kit is a must have for the construction site to get quick and accurate results to ensure concrete quality and longevity.

Standard Practice and Compliance

Concrete air meters are a must have for compliance with industry standards and regulations. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has standards for testing air content in concrete using pressure air meters. The ASTM C231 standard outlines the procedure for testing air content in concrete using a pressure air meter.

Concrete producers and contractors must follow these standards to ensure their concrete meets the specifications. Regular calibration and maintenance of the air meter is crucial for accurate and reliable results. By following these standards you can ensure the quality and longevity of your concrete structures.

Features and Applications of the Gilson Concrete Air Meter

The Gilson Concrete Air Meter is a high quality, precision instrument for measuring air content in fresh concrete. It includes a calibration vessel, calibration tubes, tamping rod and pressure gauge for accurate measurements.

Available in manual and automatic versions to suit different user needs. The Gilson Concrete Air Meter is used in:

• Ready-Mix Concrete Production: To ensure quality and consistency of concrete mixes.

• Precast Concrete Manufacturing: To verify air content in precast elements for durability and performance.

• Cast-in-Place Concrete Construction: To monitor air content on-site to meet project specifications.

• Concrete Repair and Rehabilitation: To assess air content in repair materials to ensure compatibility and performance.

• Quality Control and Assurance: To provide accurate measurements for quality control laboratories and construction sites.

It can be used in various environments: on-site construction projects, laboratory settings and quality control laboratories. The Gilson Concrete Air Meter is a valuable tool to optimize concrete mix design and overall concrete quality.

Concrete Pressure Air Meter Kit with Digital Gauge Meets Test Method

AASHTO T152

ASTM C 231

These standards ensure accurate measurement of air content in freshly mixed concrete.

Concrete Air Entrainment Test Accessories: Concrete Air Meters

Tamping Rods for Slump Cone Test have hemispherical tips and are for use when consolidating concrete specimens in tests that include slump, air content and strength.

Volumetric air meter is a specialized device used to measure air content in lightweight aggregate concretes when air content is below 3%.

Concrete Strike-Off Bar to remove excess material.

Concrete Air Meter Gauges are quality, reliable gauges that fit most Type B Concrete Air Meters.Calibration is critical.

Air Pump fits Gilson Concrete Air Meters (and others) solid construction for longer life. See our concrete air meter parts for more.

These are required for air content measurement.