In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, even if the calcium carbide method (CM measurement) is still the most common method used for measuring the readiness of cement floors for covering, the supplementary CRH method is becoming increasingly important. Outside of Germany, the moisture condition of concrete and cement floors is increasingly described as the ‘’corresponding relative humidity’’ (hence the CRH method). This hygrometric material climate measurement is particularly suitable for carrying out flooring work when the composition or drying behaviour of the cement floor is unclear.
The Problem: Moisture damage due to excessive residual moisture
It is not common for cement floors to be modified by adding drying accelerator to ensure that it is ready for covering in a shorter time. Time is money and deadlines must be met to not jeopardise the progress of construction. For the flooring work contractor, however, this composition sometimes harbours risks.
Trotec has the solution: T3000 handheld measuring meter for CRH moisture measurement
Play it safe and rely on a supplementary CRH measurement in addition to the CM measurement of the readiness for covering. The sampling procedure is identical for both measuring methods. Precise measurement data for estimating the residual moisture is provided by the multi-purpose T3000 multifunctional measuring device from Trotec.
Our T3000 multifunctional measuring device has already proven its worth in preventative maintenance, building diagnostics and damage analysis. With moisture measurement according to the CRH method, this all-rounder also supports you in the precise moisture measurement of mineral screeds. With the T3000 and the TS 230 SDI climate sensor, Trotec offers a device-sensor combination for CRH measurement which has been approved by the TCA (Technical Commission for Construction Adhesives) for the CRH method.
Six steps to precise moisture value:
The sample that is to be measured should be taken over the entire cross-section of the screed for floor coverings, and as an average sample from the lower to middle area for parquet and wood flooring.
- The sample must be crushed to such an extent, that the entire test material has a grain size of less than 8 mm.
- Place approx. 100 – 200 g of test material in a container. You do not need to measure the test material very precisely. (In comparison to the CM measurement, it is not necessary to keep to the exact weight, since it is not the absolute amount of water contained in the mortar that is determined, but instead the relative humidity that occurs in equilibrium.)
- Carefully insert the TS 230 SDI measuring probe into the container and place it on the coarse grain of the test material.
- When using a bag, the air should be expelled as far as possible by hand. Then, opening tightly around the rod of the measuring probe, place the bag and seal it with adhesive tape (sticking the edge of the bag to the probe rod). Solid vessels should preferably be filled to a high level and sealed with a suitable closure with a built-in sensor.
- Store the vessel with test material and probe on the floor at a consistent temperature until equilibrium is reached. The vessel must be protected from direct sunlight, drafts and other effects that cause temperature fluctuations. The vessel must not be held in the hand for too long, otherwise the sample will heat up.
- The corresponding relative humidity can be read on the measuring device after 30 minutes at the earliest (the duration of the equilibrium setting depends on the device). The equilibrium state is considered to have been reached if the displayed measured value does not change significantly within 3 minutes (+/-1 % RH).
Suitable for a wide range of measurement methods and sensors
Whether you are an architect, builder, craftsman or expert – rely on measurement diversity and combine the most important measurement methods in just one device. The most diverse tasks can be carried out with the all-rounder T3000 and the wide range of connectable sensors and electrodes for measuring temperature, air and material moisture, air flow or trace gas!
Measuring tools for professionals: available immediately in the Trotec Shop:
Order the advantageous device-sensor combination for reliable measurement of the readiness for covering screed floors today:
T 3000 multifunctional measuring devise – only £425.78 incl. VAT
T 230 SDI multifunctional climate sensor – only £641.69 incl. VAT
