Test methods for durability

Common test methods for concrete durability problems

are presented below. The ASTM designations for these
tests (wherever applicable) have also been mentioned.
Freezing and thawing
1. Tests on concrete
(a) ASTM C666 Measurement of durability factor from
dynamic modulus of concrete subjected to freezing and
thawing cycles.
(b) ASTM C671 Measurement of length change of
concrete subjected to F/T cycles; not as harsh as ASTM C666.
(c) ASTM C672 Visual assessment of concrete surface
ponded with CaCl2 solution and subjected to F/T cycles.
(d) ASTM C457 Petrographic analysis of concrete;
determination of air content, spacing factor of bubbles,
etc.
2. Tests on aggregate
(a) Specific gravity and absorption ASTM C127
(b) ASTM C88 - Sulfate soundness test; mass loss of
aggregates subjected to alternate drying and wetting in
sodium sulfate solution; can be combined with F/T cycles
too
(c) ASTM C295 - Petrographic evaluation of aggregates
Corrosion of steel
1. Mass loss of concrete due to scaling or delamination
2. ASTM C876 - Corrosion potential; determination of halfcell potential of rebar with respect to a reference
electrode
3. Corrosion rate measurement (a) Polarization
resistance test, where a DC current is applied, and the
current response of the steel is measured, and (b)
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, where an AC
current is applied and the current response studied.
4. Cyclic polarization
5. Potentiostatic / galvanostatic measurements

6. Conductivity measurements for reinforced concrete

7. Conductivity / resistivity measurements for plain
concrete: (a) Rapid chloride permeability test ASTM
C1202, (b) chloride conductivity test, (c) migration test,
etc.
8. Scanning electron microscopy.
Sulfate Attack
1. ASTM C452 and C1012: Length change of mortar prisms
immersed in sodium and/or magnesium sulfate solutions.
2. Mass, compressive strength, and dynamic modulus
measurements of cement mortar and concrete immersed
in sulfate solutions.
3. Thermal analysis, or X-ray diffraction to detect and
quantify reaction products.
4. Scanning electron microscopy.
Techniques 2, 3, and 4 are also applicable to acid attack
and DEF. Length measurements on mortar prisms can also
be conducted on steam cured cement mortar specimens
for evaluation of DEF.
Alkali silica reaction
1. ASTM C227 Cement mortar prepared with expansive
aggregate (crushed to sand size) and high alkali cement,
and stored at 38 oC and 100% RH. Length change is
measured.
2. ASTM C1260 (P214) Cement mortars prepared with
ordinary cement and reactive aggregate (crushed to sand
size) stored at 80 oC in 1 N NaOH solution. The results
from this test can be obtained within two weeks.
3. ASTM C289 Finely ground aggregate is immersed in 1
N NaOH solution at 80 oC for 24 hours. The amount of
dissolved silica ad reduction in the OH- concentration of
the solution is measured.
4. ASTM C295 Petrographic evaluation of aggregates.