In the civil materials testing industry, there are several testing methods that can be applied at construction sites. This article will focus on the testing method that is used to determine the temperature of freshly mixed hydraulic-cement concrete. There are time-dependent requirements for the temperature of concrete that is being used in new construction. In testing the temperature of the concrete, it is ensured that the material will meet these requirements so that it can solidify in a given period of time and can be used safely in construction.
This testing process involves a container, temperature measuring device, and partial immersion liquid in glass thermometers. According to the ASTM standard for the testing method for the temperature of freshly mixed hydraulic-cement concrete, the temperature measuring device should be placed about 3 inches deep into the fresh concrete. After a period of time between 2 and 5 minutes has passed, the temperature measuring device should be removed and the temperature should be recorded. The recorded results from the test are then charted and compared to the appropriate standard specification for freshly mixed concrete to determine if it is safe to use in construction depending on the project’s time constraints.
If the concrete is determined to be too cold or too warm, the variation in temperature affects the rate at which the concrete sets up or solidifies. When the temperature of the material is known, the contractor utilizing the concrete will know how long the concrete will take to set so that they can safely and effectively plan the finishing processes for the project.
By testing the temperature of freshly mixed hydraulic-cement concrete, it is assured that the pre-determined standards are being met, resulting in the safety and longevity of the structure. It can also result in saving time and money, as the construction schedule and budget are among the most important things that can be adhered to throughout the project. Civil materials testing gives the construction project manager peace of mind as they work to meet their own budget and deadline restraints. Encorus’s Civil Testing Group performs testing for determining the temperature of freshly mixed concrete, as well as other concrete testing services, both in the laboratory and in the field.
If you have a need for determining the temperature of freshly mixed hydraulic-cement concrete or any other civil materials testing service, reach out to Civil Laboratory Supervisor Jeremy Lake at (716) 592-3980 ext. 133, or jlake@encorus.com.
