Concrete Basics

What is Concrete Made of

Pouring Concrete

Concrete Mix Designs

Aggregates in Ready-Mix Concrete

Building Concrete Slabs

Concrete Testing

Seasonal Pouring Tips

Repairing Concrete

Concrete Repair

Fixing Decorative Concrete

Applications

Staining Concrete

Stamped Concrete

Concrete Countertops

Concrete Patios

Concrete Floors

Commercial Concrete

Testing Fresh Concrete

An overview of the basic tests all residential concrete contractors should conduct

Typical fresh concrete tests Sampling Temperature Slump tests Air Content Density Making test cylinders Effect of selected testing Concrete testing quiz

For the smaller residential concrete contractor, concrete testing may not be routine practice and even seem like an inconvenience. But the relatively small cost associated with testing pays for itself rather quickly when problems or questions arise on projects.

Assessing the properties of fresh concrete during placement leaves a contractor in a better position to respond to any problems that ensue, such as low strength or cracking. Fresh concrete test data such as slump and air content can help indicate possible causes and guide the troubleshooting investigation. Was excess water added? Was the air content too high or too low?

You should take concrete testing seriously and start off on the right foot by securing the services of a certified testing laboratory (see ASTM C 1077) employing field and lab technicians that are ACI-certified. This will give you the greatest assurance that proper sampling and proper field and laboratory tests are conducted.