ASTM Developing Better Test for Concrete Conductivity
An ASTM International subcommittee is seeking volunteers to work on a new standard that will make it easier to test concrete conductivity non-destructively in only five minutes, possibly enabling concrete specifiers and users of concrete to replace a destructive, six-hour test.
The proposed ASTM WK22233, Test Method for Indication of Concrete’s Ionic Conductivity, describes the non-destructive test. The proposed standard is being developed by Subcommittee C09.66 on Concrete's Resistance to Fluid Penetration, which is part of Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates.
"On a practical basis, the proposed test method is a quick non-destructive means to get an idea how permeable a concrete is to chloride ingress," said Dr. Neal Berke, a research and development fellow for Grace Construction Products in Cambridge, Mass., and a longtime ASTM member. "The impetus behind the development of ASTM WK22233 is a growing set of data indicating that concrete conductivity is related to the diffusion of chloride and movement of water through concrete."
He said bulk conductivity is useful for the design of cathodic protection systems and for concrete used in stray voltage applications. Testing laboratories and researchers also would be primary users of the standard, according to ASTM.
Subcommittee C09.66 seeks interested volunteers to participate in the activity, including an upcoming inter-laboratory test for ASTM WK2233. For technical Information, contact Berke at 617-498-4827 or [email protected]. Committee C09 will meet June 14-17 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.