This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C1202 − 22´1

Standard Test Method for

Electrical Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride
Ion Penetration1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1202; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

ε1 NOTE—Equation 2’s legend was editorially corrected in June 2022.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the elec- 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
trical conductance of concrete to provide a rapid indication of C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
its resistance to the penetration of chloride ions. This test Specimens in the Field
method is applicable to types of concrete where correlations C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
have been established between this test procedure and long- Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
term chloride ponding procedures such as those described in C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
AASHTO T 259. Examples of such correlations are discussed Specimens in the Laboratory
in Refs (1-5).2 C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements

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1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
C802 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Test Pro-

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standard. gram to Determine the Precision of Test Methods for
Construction Materials
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes C1542/C1542M Test Method for Measuring Length of Con-

(excluding those in tables and figures)Document

shall not be considered Preview
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes crete Cores
as requirements of the standard. 2.2 AASHTO Standard:
T 259 Method of Test for Resistance of Concrete to Chlo-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address ASTM
all ofC1202-22e1
the ride Ion Penetration4
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
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responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3. Summary of Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1 This test method consists of monitoring the amount of
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- electrical current passed through 50 mm thick slices of 100 mm
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- nominal diameter cores or cylinders during a 6 h period. A
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the potential difference of 60 V dc is maintained across the ends of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- the specimen, one of which is immersed in a sodium chloride
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical solution, the other in a sodium hydroxide solution. The total
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. charge passed, in coulombs, has been found to be related to the
resistance of the specimen to chloride ion penetration.

1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
3
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
C09.66 on Concrete’s Resistance to Fluid Penetration. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved April 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C1202 – 19. DOI: the ASTM website.
4
10.1520/C1202-22E01. Methods of Sampling and Testing, 1986, available from American Association
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW,
this standard. Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001, http://www.transportation.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 C1202 − 22´1
4. Significance and Use values, that is, lower resistance to chloride ion penetration,
4.1 This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of the than from tests on identical concrete mixtures (controls)
electrical conductance of concrete samples to provide a rapid without calcium nitrite. However, long-term chloride ponding
indication of their resistance to chloride ion penetration. In tests indicate the concretes with calcium nitrite were at least as
most cases the electrical conductance results have shown good resistant to chloride ion penetration as the control mixtures.
correlation with chloride ponding tests, such as AASHTO NOTE 2—Other admixtures might affect results of this test similarly.
T259, on companion slabs cast from the same concrete Long term ponding tests are recommended if an admixture effect is
mixtures (Refs 1-5). suspected.
5.2 Since the test results are a function of the electrical
4.2 This test method is suitable for evaluation of materials
resistance of the specimen, the presence of reinforcing steel or
and material proportions for design purposes and research and
other embedded electrically conductive materials may have a
development.
significant effect. The test is not valid for specimens containing
4.3 Sample age has significant effects on the test results, reinforcing steel positioned longitudinally, that is, providing a
depending on the type of concrete and the curing procedure. continuous electrical path between the two ends of the speci-
Most concretes, if properly cured, become progressively and men.
significantly less permeable with time.
6. Apparatus
4.4 This test method was developed originally for evalua-
6.1 Vacuum Saturation Apparatus (see Fig. 2 for example):
tions of alternative materials, but in practice its use has evolved
6.1.1 Separatory Funnel, or other sealable, bottom-draining
to applications such as quality control and acceptance testing.
container with a minimum capacity of 500 mL.
Factors such as ingredient materials used in concrete mixtures
6.1.2 Beaker (1000 mL or larger) or other container—
and the method and duration of curing test specimens affect the
Capable of holding concrete specimen(s) and water and of
results of this test (see Note 1). When this method is used for
fitting into vacuum desiccator (see 6.1.3).
mixture qualification and acceptance testing, it is imperative
6.1.3 Vacuum Desiccator—The volume of desiccator shall
that the curing procedures and the age at time of testing be
be large enough to maintain sample immersion throughout the
iTeh Standards
clearly specified.
NOTE 1—When using this test for determining acceptability of concrete
saturation process. Desiccator must allow two hose connec-
mixtures, statistically-based criteria and test age for prequalification, or for tions through a rubber stopper and sleeve or through a rubber

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acceptance based on jobsite samples, should be stated in project specifi-
cations. Acceptance criteria for this test should consider the sources of
variability affecting the results and ensure balanced risk between supplier
stopper only. Each connection must be equipped with a
stopcock.
6.1.4 Vacuum Pump or Aspirator—Capable of maintaining
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and purchaser. The anticipated exposure conditions and time before a
structure will be put into service should be considered. One approach to
establishing criteria is discussed in Ref (6).
an absolute pressure of less than 50 mm Hg (6650 Pa) in
desiccator (see Note 4).
4.5 Table X1.1 in Appendix X1 provides a qualitative NOTE 3—Because vacuum will be drawn over water, a vacuum pump
relationship between the results of this test and theASTM
chlorideC1202-22e1
ion should be protected with a water trap, or pump oil should be changed after
each operation.
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penetrability of concrete. NOTE 4—Absolute pressure is zero-referenced against a perfect
4.6 Care should be taken in interpreting results of this test vacuum. At sea level, atmospheric pressure is an absolute pressure of
760 mm Hg. Gauge pressure is zero-referenced against atmospheric air
when it is used on surface-treated concretes, for example,
pressure, so it is equal to the absolute pressure minus atmospheric
concretes treated with penetrating sealers. The results from this pressure. An absolute pressure of 50 mm Hg will correspond to a gauge
test on some such concretes indicate low resistance to chloride pressure of -710 mm at sea level. Some gauges may display this value as
ion penetration, while 90 day chloride ponding tests on com- +710 mm.
panion slabs show a higher resistance. 6.1.5 Vacuum Gage or Manometer—Accurate to the nearest
4.7 The details of the test method apply to 100 mm nominal 65 mm Hg (6665 Pa) over the entire of measured pressure.
diameter specimens. This includes specimens with actual 6.2 Coating Apparatus and Materials:
diameters ranging from 95 mm to 100 mm. Other specimen 6.2.1 Coating—Rapid setting, electrically nonconductive,
diameters may be tested with appropriate changes in the capable of sealing side surface of concrete cores.
applied voltage cell design (see 7.5 and Fig. 1). 6.2.2 Balance or Scale, Paper Cups, Wooden Spatulas, and
4.7.1 For specimen diameters other than 95 mm, the test Disposable Brushes—For mixing and applying coating.
result value for total charge passed must be adjusted following 6.3 Specimen Sizing Equipment (not required if samples are
the procedure in 11.2. For specimens with diameters less than cast to final specimen size).
95 mm, particular care must be taken in coating and mounting 6.3.1 Movable Bed Water-Cooled Diamond Saw or Silicon
the specimens to ensure that the conductive solutions are able Carbide Saw.
to contact the entire end areas during the test.
6.4 Jaw caliper—meeting the requirements of Test Method
5. Interferences C1542/C1542M.

5.1 This test method can produce misleading results when 7. Reagents, Materials, and Test Cell
calcium nitrite has been admixed into a concrete. The results 7.1 Specimen-Cell Sealant—Capable of sealing concrete to
from this test on some such concretes indicate higher coulomb poly (methyl methacrylate), for example, Plexiglas, against

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 C1202 − 22´1

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ASTM C1202-22e1
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FIG. 1 Applied Voltage Cell (Construction Drawing)

water and dilute sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride emergency response to spills, as described in the manufactur-
solutions at temperatures up to 90 °C; examples include RTV er’s Material Safety Data Sheet or other reliable safety litera-
silicone rubbers, silicone rubber caulkings, other synthetic ture. NaOH can cause very severe burns and injury to unpro-
rubber sealants, silicone greases, and rubber gaskets. tected skin and eyes. Suitable personal protective equipment
7.2 Sodium Chloride Solution—3.0 % by mass (reagent should always be used. These should include full-face shields,
grade) in distilled water. rubber aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH. Gloves should
be checked periodically for pin holes.
7.3 Sodium Hydroxide Solution—0.3 N (reagent grade) in
distilled water. 7.4 Filter Papers—No. 2, 90-mm diameter (not required if
7.3.1 Bring the NaOH solution to room temperature prior to rubber gasket is used for sealant (see 7.1) or if sealant can be
use (Note 5). applied without overflowing from shim onto mesh).
NOTE 5—Mixing 0.3 N NaOH solution generates heat, affecting the 7.5 Applied Voltage Cell (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 3)—Two
conductivity of the solution and the results of the test. symmetric poly (methyl methacrylate) chambers, each contain-
7.3.2 Warning—Before using NaOH, review: (1) the safety ing electrically conductive mesh and external connectors. One
precautions for using NaOH; (2) first aid for burns; and (3) the design in common use is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. However,

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 C1202 − 22´1
8. Test Specimens
8.1 Sample preparation and selection depends on the pur-
pose of the test. For evaluation of materials or their
proportions, samples may be (a) cores from test slabs or from
large diameter cylinders or (b) 100 mm diameter cast cylinders.
For evaluation of structures, samples shall be cores from the
structure. Coring shall be done with a drilling rig equipped
with a 100 mm diameter diamond-dressed core bit. Select and
core samples following procedures in Test Method C42/C42M.
Cylinders cast in the laboratory shall be prepared following
procedures in Practice C192/C192M.
NOTE 6—The maximum allowable aggregate size has not been estab-
lished for this test. Users have indicated that test repeatability is
satisfactory on specimens from the same concrete batch for aggregates up
to 25.0 mm nominal maximum size.
FIG. 2 Vacuum Saturation Apparatus
8.2 When results of this test method are used for evaluation
of materials or mixture proportions based on cast specimens for
purposes of quality control, mixture submittals, or acceptance
of concrete, prepare at least two 100-mm diameter cylindrical
specimens in accordance with Practice C192/C192M for con-
crete mixtures prepared in the laboratory or Practice C31/
C31M from samples of fresh concrete obtained in the field.
Moist cure specimens in accordance with 8.2.1 for concrete
mixtures containing only portland cement. For concrete mix-
iTeh Standards tures containing supplementary cementitious materials use
extended moist curing in accordance with 8.2.2 (see Note 7)

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unless the accelerated moist curing method of 8.2.3 is specified
(see Note 8). Alternatives to these curing methods and dura-
tions are permitted when specified. Use the same method and
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FIG. 3 Applied Voltage Cell-Face View
duration of curing for preparing mixture submittals, for subse-
quent acceptance testing, and for comparing two or more
mixtures.
ASTM C1202-22e1 8.2.1 Moist Curing—Cure test specimens for 28 days in
other designs are acceptable, provided that overall dimensions accordance with Practice C192/C192M or in accordance with
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(including dimensions of the fluid reservoir) are the same as the standard curing procedure of Practice C31/C31M for
shown in Fig. 1 and width of the screen and shims are as specimens prepared in the field.
shown. 8.2.2 Extended Moist Curing—Cure test specimens for 56
7.6 Temperature Measuring Device (optional)—0 to 120°C days in accordance with Practice C192/C192M for specimens
range. prepared in the laboratory or in accordance with the standard
curing procedure of Practice C31/C31M for specimens pre-
7.7 Voltage Application and Data Readout Apparatus— pared in the field.
Capable of holding 60 V dc 6 0.1 V dc across applied voltage
8.2.3 Accelerated Moist Curing—Provide seven days of
cell over entire range of currents and of displaying voltage
moist curing in accordance with Practice C192/C192M for
accurate to 60.1 V and current to 61 mA. Apparatus listed in
specimens prepared in the laboratory or in accordance with the
7.7.1 – 7.7.5 is a possible system meeting this requirement.
standard curing procedure of Practice C31/C31M for speci-
7.7.1 Voltmeter—Digital (DVM), 3 digit, minimum 0–99.9
mens prepared in the field. After seven days of moist curing,
V range, rated accuracy 60.1 %.
immerse the specimens for 21 days in lime-saturated water at
7.7.2 Voltmeter—Digital (DVM), 4 ⁄2 digit, 0–200 mV
1
38.0 °C 6 2.0 °C.
range, rated accuracy 60.1 %.
NOTE 7—The 56 day moist curing period is to allow for some
7.7.3 Shunt Resistor—100 mV, 10A rating, tolerance supplementary cementitious materials to develop potential properties
6 0.1 %. Alternatively, a 0.01 Ω resistor, tolerance 6 0.1 %, because of their slower rate of hydration. Concrete containing supplemen-
may be used, but care must be taken to establish very low tary cementitious materials may continue to show reductions in results of
resistance connections. this test beyond 56 days, and in some cases, it may be appropriate to test
7.7.4 Constant Voltage Power Supply—0–80 V dc, 0–2 A, at later ages, such as three months.
capable of holding voltage constant at 60 V 6 0.1 V over entire NOTE 8—The accelerated moist curing procedure has been found useful
in providing an earlier indication of potential property development with
range of currents. slower hydrating supplementary cementitious materials (7). Because the
7.7.5 Cable—Two conductor, AWG No. 14 (1.6 mm), two different curing methods may not provide the same results, the
insulated, 600 V. specifier of the test may require a correlation between results for extended

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 C1202 − 22´1
moist cured and accelerated moist cured specimens and establish appro- 9.7 Soak specimen under water (the water used in steps 9.4
priate acceptance criteria when the accelerated moist curing procedure is – 9.6) in the beaker for 18 h 6 2 h.
used or permitted. Comparisons between results of moist cured specimens
and field performance of concrete are documented in (8). 10. Procedure
8.3 Transport the cores to the laboratory in sealed (tied)
10.1 Remove specimen from water, blot off excess water,
plastic bags. If specimens must be shipped, they should be
and transfer specimen to a sealed can or other container which
packed so as to be properly protected from freezing and from
will maintain the specimen in 95 % or higher relative humidity.
damage in transit or storage.
10.2 Specimen mounting (all sealants other than rubber
8.4 Using the water-cooled diamond saw or silicon carbide
gaskets; use 10.2.2 or 10.2.3, as appropriate):
saw, cut a 50 mm 6 3 mm slice from the top of the core or
10.2.1 If using two-part specimen-cell sealant, prepare ap-
cylinder, with the cut parallel to the top of the core. This slice
proximately 20 g to 40 g.
will be the test specimen. Use a belt sander to remove any burrs
10.2.2 Low Viscosity Specimen-Cell Sealant—If filter paper
on the end of the specimen.
is necessary, center filter paper over one screen of the applied
8.5 Special processing is necessary for core samples where voltage cell. Trowel sealant over brass shims adjacent to
the surface has been modified, for example, by texturing or by applied voltage cell body. Carefully remove filter paper. Press
applying curing compounds, sealers, or other surface specimen onto screen; remove or smooth excess sealant which
treatments, and where the intent of the test is not to include the has flowed out of specimen-cell boundary.
effect of the modifications. In those cases, the modified portion 10.2.3 High Viscosity Specimen-Cell Sealant—Set specimen
of the core shall be removed and the adjacent 50 6 3 mm slice onto screen. Apply sealant around specimen-cell boundary.
shall be used for the test. 10.2.4 Cover exposed face of specimen with an imperme-
8.6 Using a jaw caliper, determine two diameters measured able material such as rubber or plastic sheeting. Place rubber
at right angles to each other at the approximate mid-height of stopper in cell filling hole to restrict moisture movement.
the test specimen. Average the two diameters and record the Allow sealant to cure in accordance with manufacturer’s
average diameter to the nearest 1 mm. instructions.

iTeh Standards
8.7 Using a jaw caliper, determine two lengths measured at 10.2.5 Repeat steps 10.2.2 (or 10.2.3) and 10.2.4 on second
right angles to each other. Average the two lengths and record half of cell. (Specimen in applied voltage cell now appears as
the average length to the nearest 1 mm. shown in Fig. 4.)

9. Conditioning (https://standards.iteh.ai) 10.3 Specimen mounting (rubber gasket alternative): Place

a 100 mm outside diameter by 75 mm inside diameter by 6 mm
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large sealable container. Remove container from heat, cap Preview
9.1 Bring a litre or more of tapwater to a vigorous boil in a

tightly, and allow water to cool to ambient temperature.

thick circular vulcanized rubber gasket in each half of the test
cell. Insert sample and clamp the two halves of the test cell
together to seal.
9.2 Allow specimen prepared in Section 8 to surface dry in
air for at least 1 h. Prepare approximately 10 g of ASTM C1202-22e1
10.4 Fill the side of the cell containing the top surface of the
rapid setting specimen with 3.0 % NaCl solution. (That side of the cell will
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coating and brush onto the side surface of specimen. Place the be connected to the negative terminal of the power supply in
sample on a suitable support while coating to ensure complete 10.5.) Fill the other side of the cell (which will be connected to
coating of sides. Allow coating to cure according to the the positive terminal of the power supply) with 0.3 N NaOH
manufacturer’s instructions. solution.
9.3 Allow the coating to cure until it is no longer sticky to 10.5 Attach lead wires to cell banana posts. Make electrical
the touch. Fill any apparent holes in the coating and allow connections to voltage application and data readout apparatus
additional curing time, as necessary. Place specimen into as appropriate; for example, for system listed in 7.7.1 – 7.7.5,
beaker or other container (see 6.1.2), then place container into connect as shown in Fig. 5. Turn power supply on, set to 60.0
vacuum desiccator. Alternatively, place specimen directly into
vacuum desiccator. Both end faces of specimen must be
exposed. Seal desiccator and start vacuum pump or aspirator.
The absolute pressure in the desiccator shall be less than
50 mm Hg (6650 Pa) (see Note 4). Maintain vacuum for 3 h.
9.4 Fill separatory funnel or other container (see 6.1.1) with
the de-aerated water prepared in 9.1. With vacuum pump still
running, open water stopcock and drain sufficient water into
beaker or container to cover specimen (do not allow air to enter
desiccator through this stopcock).
9.5 Close water stopcock and allow vacuum pump to run for
one additional hour.
9.6 Close vacuum line stopcock, then turn off pump.
(Change pump oil if a water trap is not being used.) Turn
vacuum line stopcock to allow air to re-enter desiccator. FIG. 4 Specimen Ready for Test