Automated foam index test: Quantifying air entraining agent addition and interactions with fly ash–cement admixtures

Abstract

The use of a new automated foam index test (AFIT) instrument is discussed as a quantitative approach to observe air entraining agent (AEA) interactions with and to measure proper AEA dosage into cement–fly ash mixtures. Based on measuring acoustic emission from bubbles bursting on top of and in water–cement–ash mixtures after AEA addition, AFIT uses computer control to automate steps taken and quantities used during foam index testing, including: water addition; AEA titration; admixture agitation; and acoustic emission data acquisition. Variation of these steps is investigated relative to determining the dynamics of AEA adsorption onto the solid surfaces within water–cement–ash mixtures. Working within time durations needed for AEA equilibration, different water dilution and titration levels of AEA helped elucidate influences of equilibration on the AFIT-determined foam index values. A mathematical discussion about AFIT foam index curves is offered that relates changes in foam stability to surface tension and interactions with free calcia as AEA's are titrated into ash and cement–ash mixtures. Correlations between experimental surface tension data and the foam index curves are also presented. The potential of applying the AFIT to control air content in concrete with and without fly ash is also examined relative to using the C231 ASTM testing procedure on concrete mixes.