Introduction to ASTM C 173

Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
While ASTM C 231, Air Content by the Pressure Method, is applicable only when dense aggregates are used in the concrete, the Volumetric Method can be used with any type of aggregate. Moreover, there is no need to determine or apply an Aggregate Correction Factor with the Volumetric Method. Many people refer to the Volumetric test as the "Roll-a-Meter" test. As with the Pressure Method, the Volumetric air test measures the total volume of air (entrapped and entrained) in a sample of concrete. However, the principle on which the air content is measured differs greatly between the tests. With the Volumetric Method, a known volume of water is added to the concrete and the two are mixed together through a shaking and rolling process. Hence the slang term "Roll-a-Meter". As the test apparatus is shaken and rolled, the water mixes with the paste thereby releasing the air bubbles from the paste. Being lighter than any of the surrounding materials, the air bubbles rise to the top of the volumetric meter. As a result, the water level drops an amount equal to the volume of air released from the paste. Since the amount of air released from the paste will be a function of the effectiveness of the shaking and rolling process, it is necessary with the volumetric test to confirm the measured air content reading before the test is complete. Thus, the shaking and rolling process must be performed at least twice in order to confirm the test result. While simple in concept, the Volumetric Method is physically demanding. Caution should be observed during the inversion, shaking, and rolling procedures so that an injury does not occur.

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