| Three lab concrete mixes and one field concrete mix were evaluated to establish the Air Void Analyzer (AVA) as a means of real-time, "In-the-Field", Quality Control testing method. In this study, both the Air Void Analyzer and conventional test methods were used to examine each concrete mix. Each mix was evaluated three times to record a total of twelve tests. Experimental data were organized to allow direct comparison of different testing methods. The air volume, the spacing factor, and the specific surface area that were obtained from the Air Void Analyzer tests were correlated to the durability index and total air volume that were measured with traditional methods. The research shows that the durability of concrete is governed by the structure of air void system, which is represented by the spacing factor and the specific surface area. To use AVA as a field quality control method, one should pay attention to leveling, power supply, and especially the temperature of testing liquids. |
