ASTM prepares concrete test standard

by mbuckstein | March 6, 2013 8:56 am

Concrete mix spread[1]
ASTM International has proposed a new test method to determine the surface resistivity of hardened concrete. Photo © BigStockPhoto/Roman Milert.

An ASTM International test method has been proposed to calculate concrete resistivity, or to what degree the material prevents an electrical current.

ASTM WK37880, New Test Method for Measuring the Surface Resistivity of Hardened Concrete Using the Wenner Four-electrode Method, is being developed by ASTM Subcommittee C09.66, Concrete’s Resistance to Fluid Penetration—a part of ASTM International Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates.

Solid concrete’s has high resistivity, but pores can contain a low-resistivity alkaline solution. This can result in inaccurate measurements. The Wenner test method measures hardened concrete cylinders’ surface electrical resistivity.

ASTM WK37880 will be used by those in the concrete industry for specifications, material qualification, and development.

“The resistivity could be used as an economical quality control tool to monitor production, construction, and exposure processes that might influence the ultimate durability of the concrete,” said Kenneth A. Snyder, a member of Subcommittee C09.66.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bigstock-Concrete-Mix-Spread-3653404.jpg

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