EXPERIMENT NO.

Determination of the Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete

(Volumetric Method)
Referenced
Standard: ASTM C
173-94a AASHTO T
196-94

Introduction

This method covers the determination of the air content of freshly mixed concrete
containing any type of aggregate, whether it be dense, cellular, or lightweight. This test is
one of the essential tests in the preparation of a concrete test specimen.

Objectives:

1. To determine the air content of a freshly mixed concrete specimen containing any
type of aggregate by volumetric method

2. To understand the significance of this test in the preparation of a concrete test

specimen

Apparatus/Materials:

Airmeter Bowl Top Section

Funnel Tamping Rod Strike-off Bar
Calibrated Cup Syringe Trowel
Pouring Vessel Scoop Isopropyl Alcohol

Procedure:

1. Obtain a sample at a minimum of 2 liters. The sample should be prepared in 15

minutes or less. For samples containing 37.5mm coarse aggregates, wet sieving
should be done on 25mm sieve. Do not wipe out mortar sticking on the coarse
aggregate.

2. Scoop an amount of the freshly mixed concrete, working one-third of the total volume
at a time. Fill the bowl with the first one-third part of the concrete and tamp 25 times.

3. Using a mallet, tap the sides of the measure 10 to 15 times to rid the concrete of voids.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the bowl is filled beyond the surface. Strike off excess
concrete using the strike off bar. Clean the flange of the bowl.

5. Position the top section of the apparatus on top of the bowl. Add water using the
funnel until the water level appears in the neck. Remove the funnel and using the
syringe, continue to add water until the lower meniscus reaches the zero mark. Attach
and tighten the screw cap.

6. ate and invert the apparatus to remove air and until the water column remains
constant. Do not keep the unit inverted for more than five seconds at a time.

7. Allow the air to rise to the top of the apparatus. Remove the screw cap. Remove the
foamy mass on the surface of the water by adding one cup increments of isopropyl
alcohol using the syringe.

8. Read the level of the lower meniscus of the liquid in the neck to the nearest 0.1%.

2
Drawing:

3
4
Observations:

I observe that, this procedure requires more strength by doing the procedures. Upon doing it,

make sure double check the safeness of the person who conduct the experiment. NOTE: It must be
possible to hear the aggregate sliding in the water. meter during the procedure. If, at any point
throughout the inversion, you find yourself in this situation, During the rolling procedures, liquid is
discovered to be seeping. The test is invalid according to the meter, and a fresh one must be
performed.

5
Analysis of Data

Calculate the air content, in percent, of the concrete in the measuring bowl by adding the
reading from in Step 6 above to the amount of alcohol used in accordance with Steps 4
and 5 above. This is the air content of the concrete sample to the nearest 0.25%.

Calculations:

Result and Discussion:

Air Content air content = 6.25%

To calculate the air content of the concrete in the measuring bowl to the nearest 0.25% , we

need to follow this formula; TA=R1+R2; where R1 is the reading directly in the neck, after the
alcohol was added, and R2 is the number of cups filled with alcohol. As a result, we got the value
of 6.25% as our air content of the concrete.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the main reason for entraining air in concrete is to make it more resistant to the
damaging effects of freezing and thawing, as well as deicing salts. The entrainment of air improves
the workability of the concrete for placing and allows the mix's sand and water content to be
reduced.
Post-lab questions:

1. What is the purpose of wet sieving in air content determination? How is it

performed?
• Wet sieving is a method for determining a granular material's particle size
distribution or gradation. It's also used to remove fines that can obstruct the
separation process from granular materials before particle size analysis.
• Pour the materials into the top sieve first. Then, depending on the size of
the sample, turn on the sieve shaker for 5-10 minutes. Turn on the water
supply next. Observe the liquid coming out of the exit and, once it is clear,
switch off the water and shaker. Finally, gather the elements that have
remained on each sieve.

2. What are the effects of air in hardened concrete?

• Effect on concrete strength: It is commonly assumed that entraining air
will diminish concrete strength; nevertheless, if this system is effectively
executed, we may achieve very little or no strength loss. True, air
entrainment affects concrete strength to some amount, but the entrained air
may be used to reduce the water content at a certain workability, allowing
the concrete to recover its strength. It also lowers the permeability of
concrete, making it more resistant to chemical assault.