How long should the temperature measuring device remain in freshly mixed concrete?

The recommended duration for a temperature measuring device to remain in freshly mixed concrete is at least two minutes but no longer than five minutes. This timeframe allows the temperature sensor to accurately equilibrate with the concrete's temperature.

When measuring the temperature of freshly mixed concrete, it is critical to ensure that the probe or sensor is fully immersed in the concrete mix to get a representative reading. Sticking to this two to five-minute guideline helps in obtaining a stable and consistent temperature reading, as this allows enough time for the sensor's temperature to stabilize without being influenced by the ambient conditions or the surface temperature of the concrete.

Choosing a time shorter than two minutes may result in an inaccurate reading due to the sensor not reaching the actual temperature of the concrete mix, while exceeding five minutes may not yield additional benefit and could introduce other variables, such as cooling or thermal drift of the sensor itself. Thus, the specified time frame is essential for ensuring reliability and accuracy in temperature measurement for freshly mixed concrete.