Procedural Outline for ASTM C 173

Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method.
The following table summarizes the procedural steps required to properly determine the total air concrete of freshly mixed concrete by the Volumetric Method. Reference is made to Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the ASTM Standard. The calibration of a volumetric meter IS NOT covered in this outline.

Procedural Step 1. Obtain a sample of concrete in accordance with ASTM Practice C 172. 2. If the concrete contains coarse aggregate that would be retained on a 37.5 mm sieve, wet sieve a sufficient amount of material over a 25 mm sieve. 3. Wet the inside of the bowl to a damp, but not shiny, appearance. 4. Fill the bowl in TWO layers of approximately equal depth. 5. Place the first layer of concrete into the bowl. 6. Rod the first layer 25 times with the tamping rod. Do not forcibly strike the bottom of the bowl. 7. Tap the sides of the bowl with the mallet 10 to 15 times to close any voids left by the rod and to release large bubbles. 8. Place the second layer of concrete into the bowl. Rod the layer 25 times. Penetrate the first layer about 25 mm. Tap the sides of the container 10 to 15 times with the mallet.

Section in ASTM C 173 6.1

6.1

7.1

7.1 7.1 7.1

7.1

7.1

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ASTM C 173

Procedural Outline

9. After tapping the final layer, a slight excess of concrete, 3 mm or less, above the rim is acceptable. Add or remove a representative sample of concrete as necessary. 10. Strike off the excess concrete with the strike off bar and wipe the flange of the bowl clean. 11. Wet the inside of the top section of the meter, including the gasket, and attach it to the bowl creating a water tight seal. 12. Insert the funnel and add at least 0.5 L of water followed by the selected amount of isopropyl alcohol. Record the amount of alcohol added. 13. Add water until it appears in the neck of the top section. Remove the funnel. Adjust the now liquid (water and alcohol) level until the bottom of the meniscus is level with the zero mark on the sight glass. 14. Attach and tighten the cap, producing a water tight seal. 15. If at any time during the following procedures the meter is found to be leaking, the test is invalid and must be restarted with Step 4 above. 16. Quickly invert the meter, shake the base, and return the meter to the upright position. Do not invert the meter for more than 5 seconds at a time. 17. Repeat the inversion, shaking, and upright process for a minimum of 45 seconds, and until the concrete is free from the bowl. 18. With the neck elevated at 45, one hand supporting the neck, and the other hand on the flange, roll the meter back and forth for a minimum of 1 minute. Rolling should be vigorous with quick starts and stops. 19 Occasionally, stop rolling, rotate the meter about 1/3 of a turn, and continue the rolling.

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.3

7.3

7.3 7.4.2.1

7.4.1

7.4.1

7.4.2

7.4.2

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ASTM C 173

Procedural Outline

20. After the first rolling, set the meter upright, loosen the cap, and allow the liquid level to stabilize. The liquid level is stabile when it does not change more than 0.25% within a 2 minute period. 21. If the liquid level does not stabilize within 6 minutes, discard the test and conduct a new test using additional alcohol. 22. If there is more foam present in the neck than that equivalent to 2 full air content divisions, discard the test and conduct a new test using additional alcohol. 23. If Steps 21 and 22 are satisfied, read the liquid level to the nearest 0.25%. This is the Initial Meter Reading. Re-tighten the cap. 24. If the air content is greater than 9%, add calibrated cups of water to the meter to bring the liquid level into the neck of the meter. Record the number of cups of water added. 25. Repeat Steps 18 through 24. 26. If the second reading of the liquid level, to the bottom of the meniscus, has not changed more than 0.25% from the Initial Meter Reading, record the second reading as the Final Meter Reading. Proceed to Step 30. 27. If the second reading differs from the first by more than 0.25%, record the second reading as the Initial Metering Reading and repeat Steps 18 through 24. 28. If the third reading of the liquid level, to the bottom of the meniscus, has not changed more than 0.25% from the Initial Meter Reading, record the third reading as the Final Meter Reading. 29. If the third reading differs from the second by more than 0.25%, discard the test and conduct a new test using additional alcohol.

7.4.2.2

7.4.2.3

7.4.2.3

7.4.2.4

7.4.2.5

7.5.1 7.5.2

7.5.2.1

7.5.2.1

7.5.2.2

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ASTM C 173

Procedural Outline

30. Disassemble the meter, dump the contents in the base, and examine the base for portions of undisturbed, tightly packed concrete. If such material is present, the test is invalid. 31. The final air content reading is equal to the Final Meter Reading - the correction for large amounts of alcohol (Table 1) + the number of calibrated cups of water added. 32. Report the air content to the nearest 0.25%.

7.6

8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3 8.1.4

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