Super Air Meter Introduction
The Super Air Meter (SAM) is the latest in concrete testing technology, measuring total air content and air void spacing factor of fresh concrete specimens in under 10 minutes. Unlike traditional pressure meters, the SAM gives you more. Get the quality and durability of concrete on the job site. This tool is a must have for fresh concrete producers, contractors and engineers who need to meet ACI 201 Concrete Durability Committee standards. By supporting ASTM C231 and AASHTO T152 standards the SAM gives you accurate and reliable results, the industry’s choice. Whether you’re testing fresh concrete or the air void system, the Super Air Meter SAM is the tool for you.
Super Air Meter (SAM) is a modified Type B Concrete Air Meter.
Meets standards: ASTM C231, AASHTO T152
Why Air Void Spacing System in Concrete
The air void spacing in concrete is a key to its durability and performance. Air voids, tiny bubbles of air intentionally added to the concrete mixture, improve workability, reduce density and increase freeze-thaw resistance. An ideal air void spacing is small, well dispersed bubbles throughout the concrete mixture. This distribution reduces stress on the fresh concrete when exposed to freezing water and increases its durability and performance. The Super Air Meter is the tool to measure the air void system in fresh concrete, giving you valuable information on the quality and spacing of the air voids. By getting the right air void system the SAM helps you produce concrete that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and extend its life and reliability.
What are air voids and how do they improve concrete durability and performance.
How to use the Super Air Meter
The Super Air Meter is easy to use, gives you accurate and reliable results with minimal effort. Here’s how to use the SAM:
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Prepare the Concrete Mix: Follow ASTM C231 to prepare the mix.
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Fill the SAM Chamber: Pour the prepared mix into the SAM chamber and consolidate as you would in a typical ASTM C231 test.
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Test: Run multiple tests without releasing pressure in the bottom bowl. This gives you consistent and accurate results.
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Analyze: The SAM will give you detailed information on air content and air void spacing quality in the fresh concrete.
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Determine Durability: Use the SAM number to determine freeze-thaw durability of the mix according to ACI 201 Concrete Durability Committee standards.
By following these simple steps you can easily and accurately measure the air void system in fresh concrete with the Super Air Meter. This means your mix meets durability and performance standards, making the SAM a must have in the construction industry.
Meets standards: ASTM C231, AASHTO T152
The super air meter measures total air content and air void spacing factor of fresh concrete specimens in under 10 minutes under the same conditions as a conventional pressure meter. This fast test can be done in the field at the point of placement of the fresh concrete, no need to wait weeks for results of traditional tests on hardened concrete.
The Super Air Meter test, a modified ASTM C231 Type B Pressure Meter, is a dual function test that allows traditional air content measurement followed by a high pressure test to evaluate air void quality in fresh concrete mixture with various admixtures.
The Super Air Meter gives you traditional air content per ASTM C231/AASHTO T 152 and a new value called the SAM number that correlates with air void spacing. The overall air void system quality is based on small, well dispersed bubbles. The spacing of the voids has been shown to be a better indicator of freeze-thaw durability than air content alone and SAM makes durability much more predictable. Measuring air volume is critical as it affects freeze-thaw durability and overall performance of the concrete.
For the SAM test two sequential pressurizations are applied to the concrete sample. For each sequence 14.5, 30 and 45psi (1, 2.1 and 3.1bar) are applied to the concrete and a deformation value is obtained. The SAM number is the difference between these values and correlates to the average spacing between air voids. A higher SAM number means more susceptible to freeze-thaw deterioration. Extensive research during development shows that a SAM value of 0.20 means 90% certainty that the spacing meets ACI durability recommendations. Optimum air void spacing can also reduce the overall air content required for the concrete to resist freeze-thaw damage. This AASHTO TP 118 approved meter is used in 22 U.S. States, 1 Canadian Province and has been approved in Michigan and Oklahoma. The SAM enhances traditional testing by applying higher pressures to the concrete for a more detailed analysis of air-void characteristics.
The optional CAPE Tank can be pre-filled with compressed air to reduce the effort to pressurize the SAM to higher pressures. The tank has three inflation chucks with regulators that can be attached to the pressurization valve of the SAM. The HM-345 Super Air Meter is made of rugged cast aluminum with 1/4ft³ (7.1L) chamber and reinforced cover with six stainless steel clamps. The electronic digital gauge is highly accurate and pre-programmed to guide the user through the test steps.
Everything is packed in a heavy-duty water-tight molded resin case with fitted foam insert. The 27x14x14in (686x356x356mm) case has secure latches, built-in wheels and telescoping handle.
Features:
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Super air meter measures both total air content and air void spacing in fresh concrete samples
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No waiting weeks for results of traditional tests on hardened concrete
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Meets ASTM and AASHTO requirements for traditional air tests
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Meets AASHTO Provisional Standard TP 118 and used nationally
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Guides user through steps with pre-programmed electronic digital gauge
Included:
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Super Air Meter
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5/8x16in (16x400mm) Dia.xL Tamping Rod
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12x12in (305x305mm) Brass Calibration Vessel
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16oz (454g) Plastic Strike-Off Plate
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Rubber Mallet
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Water Syringe
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Heavy-duty resin Carrying Case to hold all included items
Accessories to Concrete Air Entrainment Test: air void system
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
Concrete Strike-Off Bar to remove excess material
Replacement Gauges in Concrete Air Meter Parts are quality, dependable gauges that fit most Type B Concrete Air Meters
