What should an inspector do if the concrete shows excessive air content on the site test?

What should an inspector do if the concrete shows excessive air content on the site test?

• A. Document the reading, notify the producer, and determine if adjustments to the mix or additional tests are needed per contract; do not place if outside limits.
• B. Immediately place the concrete and adjust later.
• C. Re-test the same sample only.
• D. Ignore the reading if it is close to limits.

Answer: (A)

When air content is higher than what the specification allows, the crucial issue is durability and strength, especially in environments with freeze–thaw cycles. The inspector’s job is to stop and address the reading before placing more concrete: document the measurement, notify the producer, and determine, per contract, whether adjustments to the mix or additional tests are needed. This approach protects the structure from reduced durability and ensures the work stays within agreed requirements. Re-testing the same sample or delaying action after noticing an excessive reading doesn’t fix the underlying issue and can lead to placing nonconforming concrete. Ignoring the reading isn’t acceptable because the specification is being violated and the concrete could perform poorly.

When air content is higher than what the specification allows, the crucial issue is durability and strength, especially in environments with freeze–thaw cycles. The inspector’s job is to stop and address the reading before placing more concrete: document the measurement, notify the producer, and determine, per contract, whether adjustments to the mix or additional tests are needed. This approach protects the structure from reduced durability and ensures the work stays within agreed requirements.

Re-testing the same sample or delaying action after noticing an excessive reading doesn’t fix the underlying issue and can lead to placing nonconforming concrete. Ignoring the reading isn’t acceptable because the specification is being violated and the concrete could perform poorly.