ICRI CSMT study plan
ICRI CSMT · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Moisture in Concrete: Sources, Transport, and Effects
Distinguish the four concrete moisture sources (residual free water, vapor from below, construction water, ambient/hygroscopic effects) and explain which ones drive slab drying time
Describe the difference between liquid water transport (capillary, permeation) and vapor transport (diffusion, evaporation) and how slab thickness and finish affect drying rate
Explain how water-to-cement ratio, aggregate type, curing method, admixtures, and surface treatments change drying behavior and moisture profiles
Define moisture content, relative humidity, and moisture vapor emission rate and state the units and physical meaning of each
Identify which field conditions (on-grade vs elevated, vapor retarder presence, slab age) most strongly predict elevated moisture
Your checkpoint
A one-page concept map linking moisture sources to transport mechanisms to measurable quantities (RH, MC, MVER), with units and typical ranges noted for each
Moisture in Concrete: Sources, Transport, and Effects & ASTM F2170 In-Situ Relative Humidity Testing
Explain the equilibrium principle behind in-situ RH testing and why depth of measurement matters
Describe the physical setup of ASTM F2170: hole depth, hole diameter, sleeve, cap, probe, and equilibration time
Calculate the correct measurement depth for a slab on grade versus an elevated slab and justify the choice
Interpret an RH profile across depths and explain what a steep gradient signals about drying stage
List common field errors in F2170 (shallow holes, insufficient equilibration, wrong probe, contaminated holes) and their effect on readings
Your checkpoint
A worked calculation sheet showing correct F2170 hole depth and equilibration time for three slab scenarios (on-grade, elevated, thick slab), with justification for each
ASTM F2170 In-Situ Relative Humidity Testing
List the ASTM F2170 required number and spacing of test locations for a given floor area and justify them
Describe probe calibration and verification steps and how to document them
Explain how temperature, ambient conditions, and HVAC operation during testing affect F2170 readings
Interpret F2170 results against common flooring manufacturer thresholds and explain why a single reading is insufficient
Plan a sampling layout for an irregular floor plan with multiple pours
Your checkpoint
A complete F2170 test plan for a 5,000 sq ft slab with a marked layout, hole depths, equilibration schedule, and pass/fail criteria referenced to a stated flooring product threshold
ASTM F1869 Calcium Chloride Moisture Vapor Emission Testing
Explain the principle of the calcium chloride test and what MVER physically measures
Describe the ASTM F1869 procedure: surface preparation, dish placement, sealing, exposure time, and weighing
Calculate MVER from the measured mass change, dish area, and exposure time, and state the units
Identify the conditions that invalidate an F1869 test (surface contamination, adhesive residue, curing compounds, improper sealing)
Compare F1869 and F2170 in terms of what each measures and when each is appropriate
Your checkpoint
A side-by-side comparison table of F1869 and F2170 covering principle, units, sample prep, duration, limitations, and appropriate use cases, plus two fully worked MVER calculations
ASTM F1869 Calcium Chloride Moisture Vapor Emission Testing & ASTM F2420 and F2659 Surface-Based Moisture Measurement Methods
Describe ASTM F2420 (in-situ RH beneath an insulated hood) and explain how it differs from F2170
Describe ASTM F2659 (non-destructive moisture meter) and state what it actually measures and its limitations
Explain why moisture meters are screening tools and how to verify meter readings against a primary method
Interpret surface moisture readings in relation to slab condition and flooring adhesive compatibility
Identify site conditions (surface temperature, ambient RH, direct sun, airflow) that bias surface-based readings
Your checkpoint
A screening-to-confirmation decision flowchart showing when to use F2659/F2420 first, when to escalate to F2170 or F1869, and what documentation each step requires
Test Method Selection, Scheduling, and Site Conditions & Documentation, Reporting, and Interpretation of Results
Sequence moisture testing correctly relative to slab curing, HVAC start-up, and flooring installation schedule
Select the appropriate test method for a given project scenario and defend the choice in writing
Draft a report section that records test method, equipment, calibration, locations, conditions, and results with units and tolerances
Interpret results that straddle a threshold and explain how to communicate uncertainty to a client
Identify documentation gaps that would weaken a report if challenged
Your checkpoint
A full mock test report for one project scenario including method selection rationale, sampling plan, raw data table, interpretation, and a stated recommendation
Flooring and Coating System Requirements and Moisture Limits & Safety, Ethics, and Professional Practice
List moisture limits and test requirements commonly specified by flooring and coating manufacturers for different product classes (adhesives, epoxy, resilient, wood)
Match a given product specification to the correct test method and threshold and identify mismatches
Explain ethical obligations when results conflict with a client's desired outcome or installation schedule
Describe safety practices for drilling, dust control, chemical handling, and working on active construction sites
Identify professional practice issues such as scope of work, competence limits, and referral to a licensed engineer
Your checkpoint
A product-to-method matching matrix covering at least five flooring or coating product classes, plus a short written response to an ethical pressure scenario
Moisture in Concrete: Sources, Transport, and Effects & ASTM F2170 In-Situ Relative Humidity Testing & ASTM F1869 Calcium Chloride Moisture Vapor Emission Testing & ASTM F2420 and F2659 Surface-Based Moisture Measurement Methods & Test Method Selection, Scheduling, and Site Conditions & Documentation, Reporting, and Interpretation of Results & Flooring and Coating System Requirements and Moisture Limits & Safety, Ethics, and Professional Practice
Recite from memory the key parameters of F2170, F1869, F2420, and F2659 (depths, durations, units, sample counts)
Complete timed practice questions across all eight domains and score at least 80 percent
Review every missed question and write a corrected explanation for each
Re-derive the MVER calculation and the F2170 depth selection rule without notes
Your checkpoint
A timed 60-question practice exam with a scored answer sheet and a one-page correction log listing every missed item with the correct reasoning
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain without notes why in-situ RH is measured at a specific depth and how that depth is chosen for on-grade versus elevated slabs
Week 4: Can compute MVER from raw mass, area, and time data and correctly state the units, and can articulate the main limitation of the calcium chloride method
Week 6: Can produce a defensible test report from raw data, including method selection rationale and interpretation of a result near a threshold
Week 8: Scores at least 80 percent on a timed 60-question mixed-domain practice exam and has a written correction for every missed item