Pressure MethodAASHTO T 152 (ASTM C231)

AASHTO T 152, Standard Method of Test for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method is
based on Boyles law, which states that the volume occupied by air is proportional to the applied pressure. Two types
of meters designated A and B are covered by the standard. The Type A meter is rarely used. With the Type B meter
shown in the photograph, a separate air chamber is connected through a valve to the test bowl that is filled with
concrete. With the valve closed, the separate chamber is pressurized to a predetermined operating pressure. When
the valve is opened, the air expands into the test chamber, and the pressure drops in proportion to the air contained
within the concrete sample. The pressure gauge is read in units of air content.

Sources of error in the pressure method include incomplete sample consolidation; over vibration; error in the pressure
gauge which may result in incorrect application of pressure or in gauge malfunction; calibration tests; sampling
methods; aggregate correction factor; and leaks in the needle valve, petcocks, or a poor fit when the mating surfaces
are not clean.

The pressure meter should not be used for concrete made with lightweight aggregates. In these instances, the
volumetric method should be used.

Abstract
The correlations of air content measurements obtained with a new air meter, called the mini air
meter, and two other ASTM standard air meters were examined to establish the reliability of the
new apparatus. The mini air meter uses the volumetric principle to determine the air content of
fresh concrete. It weighs 8 lb (3.63 kg) and requires a concrete sample approximately 1/11 and
1/28 the size of that needed by the conventional roller and pressure meters, respectively. The
laboratory work involved testing the air content of 21 concrete mixtures using the mini, roller,
and pressure air meters. Both 3/8 and 1 in. (9.5 and 25.4 mm) nominal size aggregates were used
to make normal-weight and lightweight concretes. The water-cementitious materials ratios of the
mixes ranged between 0.22 and 0.51. The cement content varied from 450 to 910 lb/yd3 (267 to
540 kg/m3), with silica fume added to some mixes. All mixes incorporated superplasticizers, and
air-entraining agents were also added to yield air content between 1.25 and 12.5 percent. Results
indicate that the mini air meter exhibits excellent linear correlations with the other standard tests
and provides a quick means to monitor air content. For the materials employed in this
investigation, the accuracy of air volume measurements recorded using the mini air meter does
not seem to be influenced by the density of the aggregate, nominal size of the aggregate, cement
content, water-to-cementitious materials ratio, or the presence of additives.

Significance and Use

3.1 This test method covers the determination of the air content of freshly mixed
concrete. The test determines the air content of freshly mixed concrete exclusive of any
air that may exist inside voids within aggregate particles. For this reason, it is applicable
to concrete made with relatively dense aggregate particles and requires determination
of the aggregate correction factor (see 6.1 and 9.1).
3.2 This test method and Test Method C138/C138M and C173/C173M provide
pressure, gravimetric, and volumetric procedures, respectively, for determining the air
content of freshly mixed concrete. The pressure procedure of this test method gives
substantially the same air contents as the other two test methods for concretes made
with dense aggregates.

3.3 The air content of hardened concrete may be either higher or lower than that
determined by this test method. This depends upon the methods and amount of
consolidation effort applied to the concrete from which the hardened concrete specimen
is taken; uniformity and stability of the air bubbles in the fresh and hardened concrete;
accuracy of the microscopic examination, if used; time of comparison; environmental
exposure; stage in the delivery, placement and consolidation processes at which the air
content of the unhardened concrete is determined, that is, before or after the concrete
goes through a pump; and other factors.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers determination of the air content of freshly mixed concrete
from observation of the change in volume of concrete with a change in pressure.

1.2 This test method is intended for use with concretes and mortars made with relatively
dense aggregates for which the aggregate correction factor can be satisfactorily
determined by the technique described in Section 6. It is not applicable to concretes
made with lightweight aggregates, air-cooled blast-furnace slag, or aggregates of high
porosity. In these cases, Test Method C173/C173M should be used. This test method is
also not applicable to nonplastic concrete such as is commonly used in the manufacture
of pipe and concrete masonry units.

1.3 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory
information. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not
be considered as requirements of this standard.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded
separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact
equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. (WarningFresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic
and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.2)

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally

recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for
the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by
the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
AIR CONTENT

A Type B pressure meter is used to determine the air content of normal-weight concrete. The air content is read at the dial, which is calibrated for each

apparatus. The aggregate correction factor (explained in ASTM C 231) must be subtracted from your reading to obtain the net air content. (Photo

courtesy of PCA.

Air-entrained concrete is typically specified in areas of the country where frost-related damage can occur. The
measurement of air content in fresh concrete of normal density is typically performed using the pressure method
(ASTM C 231). Another useful test is ASTM C 173. However, the pressure method is frequently preferred because it
is relatively fast.
You should begin the test within 15 minutes after obtaining the composite sample. Start by filling the 0.25 ft 3 base of
the air-content test device in three equal layers, and rod each layer 25 times. After rodding, strike the outside of the
base with a mallet 12 to 15 times to close any air voids. After completing the three equal layers, strike off the bowl
flush at the top to completely fill the 0.25 ft3 volume. At this point, it can be weighed as part of the calculation to
determine the fresh concrete unit weight.

Next, latch the top of the air-content test device over the base and fill the air gap between the top of the struck-off
concrete and the underside of the top of air meter with water. The meter top is then pressurized with the built-in hand
pump until zeroed out (or as calibrated). After a stabilization period, release the pressure in the top and read the air-
void content on the dial on the top of the meter. Subtract the aggregate correction factor from the dial reading and
report the final value.

Testing tip: A typical air content for concrete with a -inch maximum-size aggregate is about 6%, and specified
ranges in air content are typically minus 1 % and plus 1 % of the target value.

ASTM C 231 Standard Test Method for Air Content of

Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
Lab ID: 698

Use
Concrete mix prepared under laboratory conditions in order to examine fresh concrete properties
and/or cast specimen for hardened concrete testing.

Instructions
Consult technical service representative for quantities of materials required. Usually 3 times the
volume needed to cast desired test specimens.

Results Produced
As requested. Note: laboratory mixes require adjustment when transferred to the batch plant due
to differences in mixing action, batch size and moisture control, etc.These tests include:slump,
air content, unit weight, concrete temperature, ambient temperature, water cement ratio, and
water demand.