This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of the electrical conductance of concrete samples to provide a rapid indication of their resistance to chloride ion penetration. In most cases the electrical conductance results have shown good correlation with chloride ponding tests, such as AASHTO T259, on companion slabs cast from the same concrete mixtures (Refs 1-5).

This test method is suitable for evaluation of materials and material proportions for design purposes and research and development.

Sample age has significant effects on the test results, depending on the type of concrete and the curing procedure. Most concretes, if properly cured, become progressively and significantly less permeable with time.

This test method was developed originally for evaluations of alternative materials, but in practice its use has evolved to applications such as quality control and acceptance testing. In such cases it is imperative that the curing procedures and the age at time of testing be clearly specified.

Table 1 provides a qualitative relationship between the results of this test and the chloride ion penetrability of concrete.

Numerical results of this test (total charge passed, in coulombs) can be used as a basis for determining the acceptability of a concrete mixture. Factors such as the ingredient materials used and method and duration of curing of test specimens affect results of this test. (See Note 1)

Note 1—When using this test for determining acceptability of concrete mixtures, statistically-based criteria and test age for prequalification, or for acceptance based on jobsite samples, should be stated in project specifications. Acceptance criteria for this test should consider the sources of variability affecting the results and ensure balanced risk between supplier and purchaser. The anticipated exposure conditions and time before a structure will be put into service should be considered. One approach to establishing criteria is discussed in Ref 6.

Care should be taken in interpreting results of this test when it is used on surface-treated concretes, for example, concretes treated with penetrating sealers. The results from this test on some such concretes indicate low resistance to chloride ion penetration, while 90-day chloride ponding tests on companion slabs show a higher resistance.

The details of the test method apply to 4-in. (102-mm) nominal diameter specimens. This includes specimens with actual diameters ranging from 3.75 in. (95 mm) to 4.0 in. (102 mm). Other specimen diameters may be tested with appropriate changes in the applied voltage cell design (see 7.5 and Fig. 1).

For specimen diameters other than 3.75 in. (95 mm), the test result value for total charge passed must be adjusted following the procedure in 11.2. For specimens with diameters less than 3.75 in. (95 mm), particular care must be taken in coating and mounting the specimens to ensure that the conductive solutions are able to contact the entire end areas during the test.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the electrical conductance of concrete to provide a rapid indication of its resistance to the penetration of chloride ions. This test method is applicable to types of concrete where correlations have been established between this test procedure and long-term chloride ponding procedures such as those described in AASHTO T 259. Examples of such correlations are discussed in Refs 1-5.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard, except where SI units are given first followed by inch-pound units in parentheses. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 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.