Air and water permeability of concrete

The ingress of air and moisture into the concrete can cause corrosion of the steel reinforcement and lead to a deterioration in concrete strength.

The apparatus can be used in the following tests:

-Internal test (deep permeability)A hole Ø10 mm and 40 mm deep is drilled and connected leaving a cylindrical test hole Ø10 mm, 20 mm high, located 20 mm below the surface of the concrete. The time required for air and water to pass through the test material to the hole is used as an index to determine the quality of the concrete.

-Air permeability tests

Performed before moisture has a significant effect on permeability, based on the vacuum technique, the timer and gauge automatically display the time in seconds it takes for the vacuum to rise from -55 kPa to 5 kPa.

-Water permeability tests

After filling and forcing the water into the test cavity, the air moves out through the overflow tube. The instrument’s flow sensor and timer, after the test procedure, measure the time required in seconds for the water meniscus to travel a distance of 50 mm.

-Surface permeability test

The test is carried out by anchoring a stainless steel chamber in a smooth area of the concrete surface. A measurement of the time required for corresponding amounts of air and water to pass through the concrete is used as an index of surface conditions.

The device consists of the following elements:

-Digital manometer
-Hand vacuum pump
-Water syringe
-Pack of 25 test caps
-Cup grinding wheel
-Stainless steel surface chamber
-Holding pliers, bits and anchors
-Carrying case

Case dimensions: 430x300x150 mm
Weight: 5,4 Kg