Friday, May 16, 2025

Today, we're going to talk about why we need air bubbles inside concrete. And are all air bubbles created equal? Finally, did you know that every specification when it comes to air-entrained concrete is totally flawed?

Friday, May 16, 2025

Why would you ever want to specify the Super Air Meter? Most people care about the bubble spacing inside their concrete, and one way to measure that is by the spacing factor. That's where you cut concrete, polish it, and count the bubbles on the surface.

Friday, May 16, 2025

The Super Air Meter (SAM) is a modified version of the ASTM C231 standard test method for measuring the air content of freshly mixed concrete by the pressure method. It is designed to measure the air-void spacing and air content of plastic concrete quickly, taking approximately 10 minutes. Note that void spacing is a better indicator of freeze-thaw durability than total air content, but it can be challenging to determine, especially in fresh concrete until the SAM.

Friday, May 16, 2025

Air bubbles in concrete play a crucial role in its freeze-thaw durability. Contrary to common perception, these bubbles are not construction mistakes or aesthetic flaws but are actually essential for the concrete's integrity. However, it's important to note that not all bubbles are created equal.