Common test methods for concrete durability problemsare
presented below. The ASTM designations for thesetests (wherever
applicable) have also been mentioned.
Freeing and thawing
!. Tests on concrete
(a) ASTM C""" # Measurement of durability factor fromdynamic
modulus of concrete sub$ected to freeing andthawing cycles.
(b) ASTM C"%! # Measurement of length change ofconcrete
sub$ected to F&T cycles' not as harsh as ASTM C""".(c) ASTM C"%
# *isual assessment of concrete surfaceponded with CaCl solution
and sub$ected to F&T cycles.(d) ASTM C+,% # -etrographic
analysis of concrete'determination of air content spacing factor of
bubblesetc.
. Tests on aggregate
(a) Speci/c gravity and absorption # ASTM C!%(b) ASTM C00
Sulfate soundness test' mass loss ofaggregates sub$ected to
alternate drying and wetting insodium sulfate solution' can be
combined with F&T cyclestoo(c) ASTM C1, -etrographic evaluation
of aggregates
Corrosion of steel
!. Mass loss of concrete due to scaling or delamination. ASTM
C0%" Corrosion potential' determination of halfcell potential of
rebar with respect to a referenceelectrode2. Corrosion rate
measurement # (a) -olariationresistance test where a 3C current is
applied and thecurrent response of the steel is measured and
(b)4lectrochemical impedance spectroscopy where an ACcurrent is
applied and the current response studied.
". Conductivity measurements for reinforced concrete%.
Conductivity & resistivity measurements for plainconcrete5 (a)
6apid chloride permeability test ASTMC!7 (b) chloride conductivity
test (c) migration test
etc.0. Scanning electron microscopy.
Sulfate Attac8
!. ASTM C+, and C!7!5 9ength change of mortar prismsimmersed in
sodium and&or magnesium sulfate solutions.. Mass compressive
strength and dynamic modulusmeasurements of cement mortar and
concrete immersedin sulfate solutions.
2. Thermal analysis or :ray di;raction to detect and
