Hard-drawn steel wire as used in prestressing concrete pipe may be exposed to elemental hydrogen favorable to hydrogen induced embrittlement and cracking. Resistance to hydrogen embrittlement is necessary for prestressing wire to provide long-term performance to installed pipe.

The length of time that a stressed wire specimen resists failure while exposed to a heated solution of NH₄SCN, is an indication of the specimen’resistance to hydrogen embrittlement.

1.1 This test method describes procedures to determine the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) resistance of hard drawn steel wire used for prestressing concrete pipe.

1.2 HE resistance is reported as time-to-failure of specimens tested in a laboratory.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.