Concrete Moisture Testing Systems

Concrete Moisture Testing Best Practices

Using the Rapid RH® L6 System, C555 Concrete Moisture Meter and Smart Logger™

Wagner Meters provides the most comprehensive toolset available for concrete moisture testing. The Wagner Meters Rapid RH® L6 system for relative humidity (RH) moisture testing, the new C555 Concrete Moisture Meter, and the Wagner Meters Smart Logger™ for measuring and logging ambient temperature and RH, are an unbeatable combination for fast, accurate moisture testing.

Key Takeaways

• Install the Smart Logger and start logging 48 hours before testing.
• Use the C555 Concrete Moisture Meter to identify areas of the highest comparative moisture.
• Use the C555 on smooth surfaces only.
• Use the built-in sensors in the C555 for quick readings of ambient temperature and RH.
• Install the Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors in the areas of potential high moisture and the required number of sensors over the rest of the slab.
• Use the free DataMaster™ L6 app to create a sensor map showing the location of each of the installed Smart Sensors.
• Allow the L6 Smart Sensors 24 hours to equilibrate before testing.
• Use the DataMaster L6 app to record your RH readings for the highest data integrity.

The Wagner Meters Rapid RH L6 system

The Rapid RH L6 is the fastest, easiest, most cost-effective system for RH testing concrete slabs in compliance with ASTM F2170.

The Rapid RH L6 uses single-use sensors for speed, economy, and ease of use. Once the L6 sensors are installed in the slab and equilibrated, there’s no need to move them from location to location and wait for them to equilibrate again. Repeat readings can be taken without additional equilibration time. And unlike reusable probes, the L6 sensors never need calibration. They come calibrated from the factory and include a NIST-traceable certificate of calibration.

The Rapid RH L6 system’s Total Reader® reads, displays, and transmits temperature and RH data via Bluetooth® to the DataMaster L6 app, which

runs on your iOS or Android device. With the DataMaster app, you can create a diagram showing the locations of your sensors, including a name and photo of each one. This allows you to easily find the sensors when you’re taking readings, and the name digitally links the correct data to each sensor.

The DataMaster stores, displays, and reports the data and allows you to email PDF reports to your client and all interested parties. All of the readings are stored as time-stamped data points within the sensors that are permanently installed in the slab. The all-digital path from the sensor to the final report, plus permanently stored readings ensure the highest data integrity and accuracy, giving you complete peace of mind.

If you’re looking for automated reading and reporting to make the entire process even more efficient, the DataGrabbers are a great addition.

The Smart Logger

The Smart Logger automatically measures ambient temperature and RH on a pre-programmed schedule and records up to 12,000 readings. It’s small enough to be placed anywhere, and no power connection is required.

The data can be retrieved via Bluetooth by using the Smart Logger app, which runs on any iOS or Android device. The Smart Logger app allows you to generate, print, and email PDF reports.

The C555 Concrete Moisture Meter

The C555 Concrete Moisture Meter provides fast, non-destructive “wet/dry” qualitative moisture measurements to help pinpoint problem areas and determine where to place Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors. Placed on a smooth, flat surface, the C555 measures concrete moisture in seconds and complies with ASTM F2659. It also has built-in sensors for taking quick measurements of ambient temperature and RH.

Preparing to Test

Once the space is enclosed and HVAC is up and running, the first step is to establish service conditions in the space.

Install a Smart Logger in every zone of conditioned space where there is concrete to be tested. There are no set guidelines here. Just be sure you install one in each area where the ambient conditions might vary. Install the Smart Loggers and start logging data at least 48 hours prior to when the concrete testing begins. This allows you to verify that service conditions have been reached and are stable.

The next step is to determine where to install the L6 Smart Sensors. Consult the ASTM F2170 standard to plan the number and location of sensors you need. The standard requires sensors in the areas of potential high moisture. This is where the C555 moisture meter comes in. Use the C555 to take measurements over the entire area to be tested, and determine which areas have the highest moisture levels. Plan to install Smart Sensors in these critical areas. Then install the required number of Smart Sensors over the rest of the area.

Use the DataMaster L6 app to create a sensor diagram showing where you’ll install the sensors, and to assign a name to each sensor. To help you locate each sensor later, take a photo of each location and store it in the DataMaster app with the sensor diagram. When you’ve planned out your sensor installation, install the sensors.

Taking the Readings

You’re ready to test once you’ve completed these steps:

• Smart Sensors have equilibrated for 24 hours according to the ASTM F2170 Standard
• Smart Loggers have been logging for 48 hours and show correct, stable ambient conditions

When it’s time to collect readings, use the sensor map you created in the DataMaster app to locate each sensor. Remove the protective cap from the sensor cover, insert the Total Reader, and download the reading into the DataMaster app. Replace the protective cap and move onto the next sensor.

Once you’ve taken all the readings, you can analyze the data to determine if the concrete is dry or if it will require additional drying time. If you need to take repeat readings, you can take them immediately, because the Smart Sensors don’t need to re-equilibrate. Smart Sensors and Smart Loggers will continue to operate and store data for months.

Wagner Meters has you covered with the fastest, easiest, most accurate tools for RH testing concrete. Follow these best practices for the most professional results, with secure data to back up your decisions and protect your professional reputation.

Last updated on August 25th, 2022