Testing Moisture Content In Concrete

How to do a moisture test for concrete slabs.

Testing moisture content in concrete.

And one for every 1 000 sq. A definitive test that measures the amount of moisture released from the concrete requires a calcium chloride kit or a relative humidity meter. In addition read the september october 2018 precast inc. Moisture in concrete should be measured by an anhydrous calcium chloride test kit per the astm f 1869 test method or by using an in situ probe test for relative humidity rh per the astm f 2170.

Only the astm f2170 in situ probe concrete rh test has been scientifically proven to provide this information. Concrete slabs are naturally breathing elements of a home readily taking in moisture and air expanding and contracting and shifting with nature. Testing with either method will tell you how precisely how much moisture is present making it possible to choose a surface flooring that is appropriate. Concrete moisture test how to test for moisture in a concrete floor or slab.

To avoid these failures from occurring a variety of test methods are used to determine the amount of moisture in concrete before installing flooring. Three tests must be performed for the first 1 000 sq. From the 1940s to today many contractors have relied on surface based methods for monitoring or evaluating relative humidity levels and moisture content. Therefore it s advisable to have a floor tested for moisture content prior to installing flooring or moisture barriers.

Testing concrete for moisture astm f2170 stipulates the use of in situ probes to determine the moisture condition of a concrete slab at the time that it will be sealed or covered by flooring material. Proportioning for more information on how to conduct raw material and batch adjustments to. You see the cacl test and most other concrete moisture testing procedures employ methods such as the plastic sheet application only measure moisture escaping from the surface of the concrete slab. Article concrete mix design.

Before diving into the myths let s talk about how to test concrete for moisture. Concrete slabs and floors can be excellent subfloor surfaces for tile and other floor coverings but too much moisture in the concrete can cause problems with flooring installations. You can also refer to the npca quality control manual for precast concrete plants for more information on the frequency of aggregate moisture content testing.