Concrete Pressure Meter (Type B) for ASTM C231

Concrete Pressure Meter (Type B) – Air Content Test for ASTM C231

Our Concrete Air Meter is better and more accurate. Our Concrete Air Meter has a higher quality Type B Pressure Meter for measuring concrete air content with many more features that makes it a better buy. These pressure entrained meters for air are for concrete quality and durability, and can be used in various test methods for determining air content. The product is designed in accordance with ASTM standards.

Safety Warning: Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and can cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure. Proper safety measures should be taken when handling these materials.

To ensure accurate measurements, especially when using relatively dense aggregates, it’s important to determine the aggregate correction factor, which excludes air present within the voids of the aggregate particles during the testing process.

Stainless steel clamps last longer and are cheaper to replace. Larger gauge in stainless steel housing is easier to read, calibrate and seal to reduce maintenance. The apparatus includes glass components for clarity and precision.

Product Dimensions and Specifications:

• Height: 16 inches

• Base: 10 inches

• Weight: 20 lbs

• Gauge: 4.5 inches

• Handle: 6 inches

• Material: Stainless steel, brass, vinyl coated handles

Meets Test Method:

• AASHTO T152

• ASTM C231

Made in the USA: We support the construction industry across the USA with our Concrete Meter (Type B), and explore how the Length Comparator is crucial in measuring changes in concrete. Higher quality and functionality, a must have for professionals who need precision and durability in their concrete testing equipment.

A Type B Concrete Meter is a device to measure the air entrained in fresh concrete. It is an important tool in the construction industry to ensure the concrete mix has the right air content to achieve the desired strength and durability.

The Type B Concrete Meter is designed to meet the requirements of ASTMC-231 and AASHTO T-152 to be a reliable and accurate instrument for freshly mixed concrete quality control in production. By measuring the freshly mixed concrete entrained air, this air meter produces concrete that is strong and long lasting.

Using a Type B Concrete Meter is easy but requires attention to detail and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Here’s a step by step guide to get accurate results:

1. Prepare the Concrete Sample: Compact with a tamping rod the concrete sample using a tamping rod and strike off bar to get a uniform and consolidated specimen. Use a strike off plate to ensure an even surface.

2. Place the Sample in the Pressure Chamber: Put the prepared concrete sample in the barometric pressure chamber of the meter. Proper placement techniques are important to minimize air entrapment.

3. Close the Lid: Close the lid and make sure it’s watertight using the one-piece self-locking stainless steel clamps and o-ring seal.

4. Build Test Pressure: Use the all-brass pump with longer stroke and big easy grip knob to build the test barometric pressure.

5. Take Readings: Read the stainless steel 4” (10.16cm) diameter direct percentage reading gauge with calibration adjustment.

6. Record and Calculate: Record the readings and calculate the air entrained in the concrete to meet the specifications.

Follow these steps to ensure your projects by using the best tools, such as the Gilson Concrete Air Meter Kit with Gorilla Gauge, and you will get the air content in fresh concrete.

Using a Concrete Meter has many benefits:

1. Accurate Readings: The meter gives precise reading of air entrained in fresh concrete to get the right air content for maximum strength and durability. This is why the calibration vessel is so important.

2. Industry Standards: The meter meets the requirements of ASTM C-231 and AASHTO T-152 to be a reliable instrument for freshly mixed concrete quality control in production.

3. Durable: Made of high quality materials like stainless steel and brass, the meter is built to last with minimal maintenance over its life.

4. Easy to Use: Designed to be user friendly, the meter has a simple and straightforward design for all users. The type b pressure meter kit also comes with a tamping rod for easy of use and a handy sturdy plastic carrying case. The type b pressure meter kit also comes with a strike off bar and calibration tubes and a calibration vessel.

5. Uniformity and Stability: Ensures the uniformity and stability of air bubbles in both fresh and hardened concrete.

These benefits make this tool a must have for construction professionals to produce quality freshly mixed concrete.

Calibration and Maintenance

Calibration and maintenance is important to ensure the accuracy and reliability of Concrete Meter. Here are some tips to keep your meter in good condition:

1. Calibrate Regularly: Use calibration vessel and calibration tubes to calibrate the meter regularly to get accurate readings. The calibration vessel and the calibration tubes come with the pressure meter kit.

2. Check the Gauge: Check the gauge regularly and adjust as needed for accurate reading.

3. Clean the Meter: Keep the meter clean to prevent contamination and get accurate reading. Regular cleaning will keep the instrument performing well.

4. Replace Worn Parts: Check periodically for worn or damaged parts like ball valves and o-ring seal and replace if necessary to maintain meter performance.

5. User Responsibility: Follow safety, health and environmental practices to use the air meter safely and effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common problems that may occur when using Type B Concrete Meter and how to fix them:

1. Inaccurate Readings: If you get inaccurate reading, check the air meter calibration and the pressure gauge. Recalibrate if necessary.

2. Leaks in the Chamber: Check the o-ring seal and stainless steel clamps for damage or wear. Replace if damaged.

3. Difficulty in Building Pressure: If you have difficulty in building test pressure, check the all-brass pump for blockage or damage. Clean or replace the pump if necessary to build pressure.

4. Meter Damage: Handle the meter with care to avoid damage. Don’t drop the instrument or expose it to extreme temperature or harsh condition that can affect its performance.

5. Observation and Recording: Ensure accurate observation and recording of values stated in the test method.

By addressing these issues promptly, you can maintain accuracy and functionality for reliable measurement every time.

Test Method

ASTM C231 test method is a standardized procedure to determine the air content of freshly mixed concrete by pressure method. This test method is critical to ensure concrete quality and durability. By measuring the volume change of concrete with pressure change, the test gives accurate air content. This test method is for use with specific aggregates and not for nonplastic concrete. Requires aggregate correction factor. Applicable to freshly mixed concrete exclusive of air trapped in aggregate particles. Typically done in laboratory with specialized equipment. Results of this test method is used to verify that the air content of the concrete meets the specifications. So the concrete will perform as expected in terms of strength and longevity.

Test Methods and Principles

The pressure method is used to determine the air content of freshly mixed concrete by measuring volume change under applied pressure. This method excludes air trapped within aggregate particles, providing an accurate reading of entrained air that affects concrete strength and durability. The test is performed by placing a fresh concrete sample into a calibrated pressure meter, where applied pressure compresses the air voids and produces a direct air content reading expressed as a percentage of total volume.

This method is applicable only to freshly mixed concrete and requires an aggregate correction factor for accurate results. It is not suitable for non-plastic or hardened concrete. When properly conducted, the pressure method delivers results comparable to gravimetric and volumetric methods for dense aggregates. Accurate preparation, testing, and documentation are essential to ensure compliance with industry standards and reliable performance outcomes.

Limitations and Considerations

The ASTM C231 pressure method is intended for determining the air content of freshly mixed concrete only and is not applicable to hardened or nonplastic concrete. It excludes lightweight aggregates and requires the use of aggregates typical in concrete pipe and masonry unit production. Accurate determination of the aggregate correction factor, as outlined in Section 6 of the standard, is essential for reliable results.

This method measures air content exclusive of air trapped within aggregate particles. Test results may differ from hardened concrete air content due to consolidation methods and timing of measurement. Proper data recording and adherence to ASTM procedures are critical to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and compliance with applicable standards.