Calcium chloride tests reflect moisture vapor emission from the surface of the concrete. It has been shown that the test reflects moisture in only the top 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the slab’s thickness.

Why is the calcium chloride test used on concrete surfaces?

Calcium chloride tests reflect moisture vapor emission from the surface of the concrete. It has been shown that the test reflects moisture in only the top 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the slab’s thickness.

How do you test for moisture in concrete?

Concrete moisture testing methods This test involves taping an 18” x 18” polyethylene sheet to a concrete surface and then waiting at least 16 hours. Visible condensation on the sheet or darkening of the concrete indicates excessive moisture. Any coating applied to the surface may be at risk of failure.

What is anhydrous calcium chloride test?

Calcium Chloride Tests – also called the dome test – are designed to measure the moisture vapor emission rate of concrete sub floors using anhydrous calcium chloride.

What is the acceptable moisture content for concrete?

Acceptable moisture levels in concrete according to ASTM standard, when testing via ASTM F2170, the RH level of a concrete slab needs to be at or below 75% — unless the flooring system manufacturer provides alternate guidelines. Some flooring system manufacturers have products that can handle 95% RH or more.

What level of moisture is acceptable?

A reading of up to 17 percent is generally considered moderate moisture and acceptable. Click to see full answer. A reading of up to 17 percent is generally considered moderate moisture and acceptable. The relative humidity should be no higher than 50 percent.

What is ASTM F2170?

The ASTM F2170 standard represents a fundamental change in how moisture is measured and to what degree of accuracy is to be obtained. ASTM recognizes that floor coverings often fail due to unsuitable concrete moisture levels beneath them or arising out of the concrete substrate.

What is a high moisture reading in concrete?

MFMA recommends the relative humidity level for a concrete slab for a non-glue-down maple floor system be 85% or lower and for glue down systems the concrete slab relative humidity level should be 75% or lower before installation.

How do you test concrete?

Methods for Testing Compressive Strength of Concrete

  1. Rebound Hammer or Schmidt Hammer (ASTM C805)
  2. Penetration Resistance Test (ASTM C803)
  3. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (ASTM C597)
  4. Pullout Test (ASTM C900)
  5. Drilled Core (ASTM C42)
  6. Cast-in-place Cylinders (ASTM C873)
  7. Wireless Maturity Sensors (ASTM C1074)

What is the dry standard for concrete?

Concrete takes weeks – not days – to dry. That’s the way it is – concrete absorbs water slowly and releases it even more slowly. Most flooring material standards are either 3 to 5-lbs of evaporation per 1000 square feet (MVER) or 70 to 75% (ERH).

Is humidity bad for concrete?

Decreased strength: When relative humidity levels increase, the compressive strength of concrete decreases, affecting its durability.