Methods For Measuring Moisture Content In Concrete

Often more than one method is used to get an accurate reading of actual moisture content.

Methods for measuring moisture content in concrete.

It will discuss the meth ods that are used to measure the moisture found in a concrete structure and how ex cess moisture can be removed. There are three standard methods for measuring concrete moisture. There are many applications where trace moisture measurements are necessary for manufacturing and process quality assurance. Moisture in percentage amounts is monitored as a specification in commercial food production.

As the name suggests this method calls for small test holes to be drilled into the concrete slab at a depth 40 of the total thickness for slabs on grade 20 from each side of. A definitive test that measures the amount of moisture released from the concrete requires a calcium chloride kit or a relative humidity meter. Astm c566 standard test method for total evaporable moisture content of aggregate by drying is applicable to both fine or coarse aggregate and is the most commonly used procedure. This article will focus on the issue of moisture content.

A second direct test astm f 1869 standard test method for measuring moisture vapor emission rate of concrete subfloor using anhydrous calcium chloride was standardized in the 1990s by the subcommittee on practices of the committee on resilient floor coverings. When measuring moisture in concrete the best and most reliable method is to use the astm f 2170 testing method. Three methods for testing concrete moisture levels it is vitally important to test your concrete slab s moisture before installing flooring over it. Under this method you ll use a thermo hygrometer with in situ probes along with a series of prepared holes to get readings of relative humidity deep in the concrete slab.

Astm 2170 standard test method for determining relative humidity in concrete floor slabs using in situ probes takes a different approach to measuring moisture. Methods used to measure moisture in concrete the plastic sheet method1 astm d 4263 as the most familiar method for. Moisture and moisture content. Therefore it s advisable to have a floor tested for moisture content prior to installing flooring or moisture barriers.

To avoid these failures from occurring a variety of test methods are used to determine the amount of moisture in concrete before installing flooring.