Decide which quantitative concrete moisture test (ASTM F1869 vs. F2170) a given project spec should call for

Steps

1. Determine the concrete type: if lightweight aggregate concrete, rule out F1869 CaCl testing per its lightweight-concrete exclusion and default to F2170 RH probes
2. If normal-weight concrete, check whether the project spec or flooring manufacturer already mandates a specific method — many current manufacturer specs prefer or require F2170 RH testing as it captures moisture condition deeper in the slab, not just the surface
3. Note that F1869 (CaCl) measures surface-level moisture vapor emission while F2170 (RH probes) measures internal relative humidity at a specified depth — explain this as the core methodological difference rather than simply 'old vs new' test
4. Confirm slab age/thickness and drying-side conditions (one-side vs two-side drying) since these affect both which method is practical and how F2170 probe depth should be set
5. Recommend documenting the chosen method and its results carefully, since the choice of test method itself can become a point of dispute in a later warranty or defect claim if it diverges from what the flooring manufacturer's instructions specify
6. Direct the requester to the flooring/adhesive manufacturer's current written installation instructions as the deciding authority when the project spec is silent or ambiguous