The Super Air Meter (SAM) is a new method of testing that correlates to how well concrete can resist damage from freeze-thaw stresses. This test is a modified Type B pressure meter that undergoes a set of sequential pressure steps. The equilibrium pressure difference between the first and second steps of pressurization provides a number that correlates to both the spacing factor and durability factor of the mixtures tested. The goals of this research were to evaluate how the materials and mixture proportions commonly used by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) affect the SAM number, as well as to identifying SAM numbers that are indicative of durable concrete based on the performance specifications of the NCDOT. Mixtures from four past NCDOT projects that used a variety of w/cm, fly ash type and replacement percentages, and cementitious material content were included in this study. SAM numbers obtained from fresh concrete tests were correlated to freeze-thaw durability test results (ASTM C666, method A) and air void system parameters determined using manual point count methods (ASTM C457). This analysis provided insight into the performance of NCDOT mixtures in the freeze-thaw durability test, the relationship between the air void system spacing factor of the hardened concrete and historically used performance targets, and a potential SAM number performance target that could be used in shadow specifications by NCDOT in future concrete construction.
