\nThree of the most common tests performed on concrete are: Slump, Air Content and Compression Strength.<\/p>\n
A slump test measures the consistency or workability of fresh concrete for a specific batch.<\/p>\n Measuring total content of entrained and entrapped air in concrete is important because a certain mix of air can prevent damage during freezing and thawing conditions.<\/p>\n For the purposes of this article, we are focusing on compression strength testing (which is arguably the most important).<\/p>\n Testing the compressive strength of fully cured concrete samples determines whether a product meets specified strength requirements, when to strip forms, and when a product is ready for shipping and service.<\/p>\n To conduct compressive strength testing, a sample concrete cylinder is placed in a compression-testing machine where a constant and increasing load is applied until the cylinder breaks; thereby measuring the amount of force it takes to break the sample.<\/p>\n Concrete Dust<\/strong><\/p>\n Source: http:\/\/www.instron.com<\/p><\/div>\n Several videos are available online that show a compression strength test in action (see resources section).<\/p>\n The force of the break causes heavy debris to project into the surrounding area. To protect operators, cages and screens are sometimes used around the test chamber.<\/p>\n What is hard for workers to escape from is the plume of concrete dust that becomes airborne.<\/p>\n The basic components of concrete include: air, water, cement, aggregates, chemicals and supplements.<\/p>\n When these materials are in a fine dust-like state, they pose respiratory health concerns when inhaled.<\/p>\n Health and Safety Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n Healthy lungs vs. Silicosis Source: http:\/\/blog.dol.gov<\/p><\/div>\n In general, short term exposure to high levels of cement dust may irritate the nose and throat while long term exposure may lead to occupational asthma.<\/p>\n Inhalation of portland cement dust may cause irritation to the eyes, skin and nose resulting in a sore throat and coughing. Acute symptoms include chronic bronchitis, wheezing and asthma.<\/p>\n Studies show an increased risk in developing silicosis from long term exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Silicosis is a scarring of the lungs which reduces lung function and causes severe shortness of breath.<\/p>\n Health and safety agencies have both recommended and required exposure limits to protect workers from over exposure to hazardous dust.<\/p>\n![\"concrete](\"https:\/\/www.sentryair.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/concrete-graphic.jpg\")
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