As noted in the scope, the two procedures described in this test method are intended to determine the effects of variations in both properties and conditioning of concrete in the resistance to freezing and thawing cycles specified in the particular procedure. Specific applications include specified use in Specification C 494/C 494M, Test Method C 233, and ranking of coarse aggregates as to their effect on concrete freeze-thaw durability, especially where soundness of the aggregate is questionable.

It is assumed that the procedures will have no significantly damaging effects on frost-resistant concrete which may be defined as (1) any concrete not critically saturated with water (that is, not sufficiently saturated to be damaged by freezing) and (2) concrete made with frost-resistant aggregates and having an adequate air-void system that has achieved appropriate maturity and thus will prevent critical saturation by water under common conditions.

If as a result of performance tests as described in this test method concrete is found to be relatively unaffected, it can be assumed that it was either not critically saturated, or was made with “sound” aggregates, a proper air-void system, and allowed to mature properly.

No relationship has been established between the resistance to cycles of freezing and thawing of specimens cut from hardened concrete and specimens prepared in the laboratory.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of concrete specimens to rapidly repeated cycles of freezing and thawing in the laboratory by two different procedures: Procedure A, Rapid Freezing and Thawing in Water, and Procedure B, Rapid Freezing in Air and Thawing in Water. Both procedures are intended for use in determining the effects of variations in the properties of concrete on the resistance of the concrete to the freezing-and-thawing cycles specified in the particular procedure. Neither procedure is intended to provide a quantitative measure of the length of service that may be expected from a specific type of concrete.

1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units shall be regarded separately as standard. The SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two units may result in nonconformance.

1.3 All material in this test method not specifically designated as belonging to Procedure A or Procedure B applies to either procedure.

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.