ASTM G162-23

Standard Practice for Conducting and Evaluating Laboratory Corrosion Tests in Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice provides a controlled corrosive environment that has been utilized to produce relative corrosion information.  
4.2 The primary application of the data from this practice is to evaluate the performance of metallic materials for use in soil environments.  
4.3 This practice may not duplicate all field conditions and variables such as stray currents, microbiologically influenced corrosion, non-homogeneous conditions, pollutants in the soil, and long cell corrosion. The reproducibility of results in the practice is highly dependent on the type of specimen tested and the evaluation criteria selected as well as the control of the operating variables. In any testing program, sufficient replicates should be included to establish the variability of the results.  
4.4 Structures and components may be made of several different metals; therefore, the practice may be used to evaluate galvanic corrosion effects in soils (see Guide G71).  
4.5 Structures and components may be coated with sacrificial or noble metal coatings, which may be scratched or otherwise rendered discontinuous (for example, no coating on the edges of metal strips cut from a wide sheet). This test is useful to evaluate the effect of defective metallic coatings.  
4.6 Structures and components may be coated or jacketed with organic materials (for example, paints and plastics), and these coatings and jackets may be rendered discontinuous. The test is useful to evaluate the effect of defective or incompletely covering coatings and jackets.
Note 1: The corrosivity of soils strongly depends on soluble salt content (related parameters are chemistry and soil resistivity, see Test Methods G57 and G187), acidity or alkalinity (measured by soil pH, see Test Method G51), Temperature, and oxygen content (loose, for example, sand, or compact, for example, clay, soils are extreme examples, see Test Method G200 – oxidation-reduction potential). The manufacturer, supplier, or user, or combination the...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for conducting laboratory corrosion tests in soils to evaluate the potential for corrosion attack on engineering materials in soils. The test is conducted under laboratory ambient temperature unless the effect of temperature is being evaluated. This practice does not include provisions for microbiological influenced corrosion (MIC) testing, nor its influence on results.  
1.2 This practice covers specimen selection and preparation, test environments, evaluation, and reporting of test results.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 91.100.01 - Construction materials in general
• Technical Committee: G01 - Corrosion of Metals
• Drafting Committee: G01.10 - Corrosion in Soils

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM G162-18 - Standard Practice for Conducting and Evaluating Laboratory Corrosion Tests in Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM G187-23 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using the Two-Electrode Soil Box Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM G51-23 - Standard Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion Evaluations
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM G51-18 - Standard Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM G187-18 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using the Two-Electrode Soil Box Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018

Overview

ASTM G162-23: Standard Practice for Conducting and Evaluating Laboratory Corrosion Tests in Soils establishes procedures for evaluating the corrosion resistance of engineering materials when buried in soil. Developed by ASTM International, this standard details the methodology for laboratory soil corrosion testing, specimen preparation, testing environments, data collection, and reporting. The practice is intended to provide relative corrosion information under controlled laboratory conditions, supporting engineers and researchers in comparing materials’ performance for underground applications.

Laboratory soil corrosion tests are vital for any project involving materials exposed to soil, helping to predict long-term durability, assess protective coatings, and inform material selection. However, it is important to recognize that these laboratory results may not account for all site-specific field variables, such as stray currents, non-homogeneous soil, pollutants, or microbiologically influenced corrosion.

Key Topics

• Controlled Soil Corrosion Testing: Procedures for creating a reproducible corrosive soil environment, including container selection, soil preparation, and environmental controls. Laboratory tests are typically conducted at ambient temperature, unless temperature effects are specifically studied.

• Specimen Selection & Preparation: Guidelines for choosing representative test specimens, including size, shape, alloy composition, and surface condition. Uniform preparation ensures comparability of corrosion rate measurements.

• Testing for Coated and Uncoated Metals: Assessing the corrosion performance of both bare metals and metals with protective coatings (metallic or organic). The standard addresses evaluation of defects in coatings to simulate real-world imperfections.

• Evaluation of Galvanic Corrosion: Procedures for testing and assessing galvanic effects between dissimilar metals buried in soil, using control specimens for valid comparison.

• Soil Environment Variables: Consideration of soil chemistry, pH, resistivity, oxygen content, compaction, and moisture, which significantly impact corrosion behavior.

• Statistical Analysis and Reporting: Importance of using replicates to gauge test variability and employing statistical analysis for predictive reliability. Detailed reporting guidelines ensure consistency, traceability, and relevance of results.

Applications

ASTM G162-23 is widely used throughout industries where underground corrosion is a concern. Typical applications include:

• Pipeline and Utility Infrastructure: Selecting and validating materials for water, oil, gas, and sewer pipelines and associated fittings.
• Buried Storage Tanks: Assessing corrosion risk and protective coatings for underground tanks.
• Civil Engineering Structures: Evaluating longevity of reinforcing bars, pilings, and structural metals exposed to soil.
• Cable and Wire Protection: Testing metallic and coated electrical wires and communication lines designed for direct burial.
• Protective Coating Evaluation: Validating the performance of sacrificial and noble metal coatings as well as organic jackets intended for corrosion resistance.

The standard informs both preventative design (material selection, coating choice) and maintenance decisions by predicting possible corrosion rates and types of attack under anticipated soil conditions.

Related Standards

ASTM G162-23 frequently references and complements other ASTM corrosion and soil testing standards, including:

• ASTM G1 ‒ Practice for Preparing, Cleaning, and Evaluating Corrosion Test Specimens
• ASTM G31 ‒ Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals
• ASTM G51 ‒ Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion Evaluations
• ASTM G57 / G187 ‒ Test Methods for Measuring Soil Resistivity
• ASTM G71 ‒ Guide for Conducting and Evaluating Galvanic Corrosion Tests in Electrolytes
• ASTM G46 ‒ Guide for Examination and Evaluation of Pitting Corrosion

By following ASTM G162-23 and related standards, organizations achieve robust, reproducible laboratory corrosion testing in soils-critical for infrastructure longevity, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Keywords: soil corrosion testing, laboratory corrosion test, underground corrosion, ASTM G162, metallic materials, corrosion rate, soil environment, galvanic corrosion, protective coatings, pitting evaluation.

Standards Content (Sample)

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: G162 − 23
Standard Practice for
Conducting and Evaluating Laboratory Corrosion Tests in
Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G162; 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.
1. Scope D1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated
Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
1.1 This practice covers procedures for conducting labora-
D2570 Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing
tory corrosion tests in soils to evaluate the potential for
of Engine Coolants
corrosion attack on engineering materials in soils. The test is
G1 Practice for Preparing, Cleaning, and Evaluating Corro-
conducted under laboratory ambient temperature unless the
sion Test Specimens
effect of temperature is being evaluated. This practice does not
G3 Practice for Conventions Applicable to Electrochemical
include provisions for microbiological influenced corrosion
Measurements in Corrosion Testing
(MIC) testing, nor its influence on results.
G4 Guide for Conducting Corrosion Tests in Field Applica-
1.2 This practice covers specimen selection and preparation,
tions (Withdrawn 2023)
test environments, evaluation, and reporting of test results.
G16 Guide for Applying Statistics to Analysis of Corrosion
Data
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this G31 Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of
Metals
standard.
G46 Guide for Examination and Evaluation of Pitting Cor-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
rosion
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
G51 Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Corrosion Evaluations
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
G57 Test Method for Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the Wenner Four-Electrode Method
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
G71 Guide for Conducting and Evaluating Galvanic Corro-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
sion Tests in Electrolytes
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
G102 Practice for Calculation of Corrosion Rates and Re-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
lated Information from Electrochemical Measurements
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
G187 Test Method for Measurement of Soil Resistivity
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Using the Two-Electrode Soil Box Method
G193 Terminology and Acronyms Relating to Corrosion
2. Referenced Documents
G200 Test Method for Measurement of Oxidation-Reduction
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Potential (ORP) of Soil
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
G215 Guide for Electrode Potential Measurement
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
kN-m/m ))
3. Terminology
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 purified water, n—water that meets Specification
D1193 Type IV requirements.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G01 on Corrosion
of Metals and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G01.10 on Corrosion in
3.2 For other definitions of terms used in this guide, refer to
Soils.
NACE/ASTM Terminology G193 (Standard Terminology and
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
Acronyms Relating to Corrosion).
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as G162 – 18. DOI:
10.1520/G0162-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
G162 − 23
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice provides a controlled corrosive environ-
ment that has been utilized to produce relative corrosion
information.
4.2 The primary application of the data from this practice is
to evaluate the performance of metallic materials for use in soil
environments.
4.3 This practice may not duplicate all field conditions and
variables such as stray currents, microbiologically influenced
corrosion, non-homogeneous conditions, pollutants in the soil,
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Conducting Laboratory Corrosion Tests in
and long cell corrosion. The reproducibility of results in the
Soils
practice is highly dependent on the type of specimen tested and
the evaluation criteria selected as well as the control of the
5.2.2 Laboratory soil samples may be prepared by using
operating variables. In any testing program, sufficient repli-
washed sand, (that is, No. 2 silica sand) clean clay (that is,
cates should be included to establish the variability of the
bentonite) or other uniform known media.
results.
5.2.3 Electrolyte—The field soil sample and the laboratory
4.4 Structures and components may be made of several
soil sample are saturated with a known electrolyte chosen for
different metals; therefore, the practice may be used to evaluate
the test. Typically, the electrolyte is added to the soil of choice
galvanic corrosion effects in soils (see Guide G71).
in the container. A typical electrolyte for use with washed sand
4.5 Structures and components may be coated with sacrifi-
is ASTM corrosive water (see Test Method D2570). With field
cial or noble metal coatings, which may be scratched or
soil samples, purified water is commonly used to saturate the
otherwise rendered discontinuous (for example, no coating on
soil and is added periodically to maintain the soil in a saturated
the edges of metal strips cut from a wide sheet). This test is
condition. A non-saturated condition can be maintained if
useful to evaluate the effect of defective metallic coatings.
desired.
5.2.4 Thermometer—A device for measuring temperature.
4.6 Structures and components may be coated or jacketed
with organic materials (for example, paints and plastics), and
NOTE 2—The test is conducted under laboratory ambient temperature
these coatings and jackets may be rendered discontinuous. The
unless the effect of temperature is being evaluated.
test is useful to evaluate the effect of defective or incompletely
5.2.5 Scales—Scales or balances are needed to determine
covering coatings and jackets.
mass loss of exposed samples. The capacity and accuracy of
NOTE 1—The corrosivity of soils strongly depends on soluble salt the scales will be determined by the configuration, size, and
content (related parameters are chemistry and soil resistivity, see Test
mass of the test specimen, and by the amount of mass loss
Methods G57 and G187), acidity or alkalinity (measured by soil pH, see
needing to be measured based on the exposure period. In
Test Method G51), Temperature, and oxygen content (loose, for example,
general, the more accurate the scale or balance, the lower the
sand, or compact, for example, clay, soils are extreme examples, see Test
total capacity of the device.
Method G200 – oxidation-reduction potential). The manufacturer,
supplier, or user, or combination thereof, should establish the nature of the
5.2.6 High Impedance Voltmeter (Guide G215)—In general,
expected soil environment(s) and select the test environment(s) accord-
devices with input impedances greater than 10 ohms have
ingly. Multiple types of soil can be used to determine the effect of this
been found to be acceptable in most corrosion related mea-
variable.
surements.
5. Test Apparatus and Soil Sample
5.2.7 Current Measuring Device—Capability and accuracy
of the device needed will vary depending on the amount of
5.1 Container—The container for the soil shall be made
current generated by the specific type of galvanic couple being
from a material that is not affected by the soil environment and
evaluated.
that does not affect the soil. Container materials, such as glass,
5.2.8 Camera—For photographically documenting the test
plastic, or corrosion-resistant metal or alloy can be used;
specimen before and after exposure, prior to cleaning, type and
however, electrically conductive containers must be electro-
extent of corrosion, etc.
chemically isolated from the specimens. The minimum con-
tainer volume is determined by the volume of soil required for
3 2 6. Test Specimen
the test. A minimum of 40 cm should be used for each 1 cm
6.1 Material—Prepare the test specimens from the same
of exposed metal surface area (see Fig. 1).
material as that used in the structures or components being
5.2 Soil Environment—The container is filled with a soil
studied. Alternatively, use test specimens from the actual
sample of choice. A soil sample from a specific field location
structure or component.
may be retrieved for the test, or a soil sample may be prepared
with a specific property and chemistry. If necessary, physical 6.2 Size and Shape:
and chemical characteristics of the soil may be determined. 6.2.1 The size and shape of test specimens are dependent on
5.2.1 A field soil sample may be utilized for purposes of several factors and cannot be rigidly defined. When determin-
conducting a soil corrosion test in a specific environment or ing corrosion behavior of metals in the laboratory, it is
site location. advisable to use the largest specimens permissible within the
G162 − 23
constraints of the test equipment. In general, the ratio of (without coupling) for comparison. These specimens should be
surface area to metal volume should be large in order to obtain of the same alloys, shapes, sizes, surface, and metallurgical
maximum corrosion loss per specimen mass. However, suffi- condition as the materials in the couple.
cient thickness should be employed to minimize the possibility
7. Test Procedure
of perforation of the specimen during the test exposure unless
an evaluation of perforation susceptibility is of interest. When
7.1 Weigh Specimen—When the objective of the test is to
modeling large structures or components, the size of the
determine mass loss, the pre-exposure initial mass of the
specimens should be as large as practical. When modeling specimen shall be taken and recorded.
small components, the specimen size should be as close as
7.2 Test Assembly—Introduce the test soil into the container
possible to that of the component modeled. When the structure
no less than 2 cm from the top of the container. Bury the
or component is made of two or more metals, the surface area
specimen (or specimens) within the soil. The specimen sh
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: G162 − 18 G162 − 23
Standard Practice for
Conducting and Evaluating Laboratory Corrosion Tests in
Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G162; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers procedures for conducting laboratory corrosion tests in soils to evaluate the corrosive potential for
corrosion attack on engineering materials. materials in soils. The test is conducted under laboratory ambient temperature unless
the effect of temperature is being evaluated. This practice does not include provisions for microbiological influenced corrosion
(MIC) testing, nor its influence on results.
1.2 This practice covers specimen selection and preparation, test environments, evaluation, and reporting of test results.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3 3
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600 kN-m/m ))
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
D2570 Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion Testing of Engine Coolants
G1 Practice for Preparing, Cleaning, and Evaluating Corrosion Test Specimens
G3 Practice for Conventions Applicable to Electrochemical Measurements in Corrosion Testing
G4 Guide for Conducting Corrosion Tests in Field Applications (Withdrawn 2023)
G16 Guide for Applying Statistics to Analysis of Corrosion Data
G31 Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals
G46 Guide for Examination and Evaluation of Pitting Corrosion
G51 Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion Evaluations
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G01 on Corrosion of Metals and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G01.10 on Corrosion in Soils.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2018November 2023. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 20102018
as G162 – 99 (2010).G162 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/G0162-18.10.1520/G0162-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
G162 − 23
G57 Test Method for Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using the Wenner Four-Electrode Method
G71 Guide for Conducting and Evaluating Galvanic Corrosion Tests in Electrolytes
G102 Practice for Calculation of Corrosion Rates and Related Information from Electrochemical Measurements
G187 Test Method for Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using the Two-Electrode Soil Box Method
G193 Terminology and Acronyms Relating to Corrosion
G200 Test Method for Measurement of Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) of Soil
G215 Guide for Electrode Potential Measurement
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 purified water, n—water that meets Specification D1193 Type IV requirements.
3.2 For other definitions of terms used in this guide, refer to NACE/ASTM Terminology G193 (Standard Terminology and
Acronyms Relating to Corrosion).
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice provides a controlled corrosive environment that has been utilized to produce relative corrosion information.
4.2 The primary application of the data from this practice is to evaluate the performance of metallic materials for use in soil
environments.
4.3 This practice may not duplicate all field conditions and variables such as stray currents, microbiologically influenced
corrosion, non-homogeneous conditions, pollutants in the soil, and long cell corrosion. The reproducibility of results in the practice
is highly dependent on the type of specimen tested and the evaluation criteria selected as well as the control of the operating
variables. In any testing program, sufficient replicates should be included to establish the variability of the results.
4.4 Structures and components may be made of several different metals; therefore, the practice may be used to evaluate galvanic
corrosion effects in soils (see Guide G71).
4.5 Structures and components may be coated with sacrificial or noble metal coatings, which may be scratched or otherwise
rendered discontinuous (for example, no coating on the edges of metal strips cut from a wide sheet). This test is useful to evaluate
the effect of defective metallic coatings.
4.6 Structures and components may be coated or jacketed with organic materials (for example, paints and plastics), and these
coatings and jackets may be rendered discontinuous. The test is useful to evaluate the effect of defective or incompletely covering
coatings and jackets.
4.6 The corrosivity of soils strongly depends on soluble salt content (related parameters are chemistry and soil resistivity, see Test
Methods Structures and components may be coated or jacketed with organic materials (for example, paints and plastics), G57and
G187), acidity or alkalinity (measured by soil pH, see Test Method these coatings G51), and oxygen content (loose, for example,
sand, or compact, for example, clay, soils are extreme examples, see Test Method and jackets may be rendered discontinuous.
G200 – oxidation-reduction potential). The manufacturer, supplier, or user, or combination thereof, should establish the nature of
the expected soil environment(s) and select the test environment(s) accordingly. Multiple types of soil can be used to determineThe
test is useful to evaluate the effect of this variable.defective or incompletely covering coatings and jackets.
NOTE 1—The corrosivity of soils strongly depends on soluble salt content (related parameters are chemistry and soil resistivity, see Test Methods G57
and G187), acidity or alkalinity (measured by soil pH, see Test Method G51), Temperature, and oxygen content (loose, for example, sand, or compact,
for example, clay, soils are extreme examples, see Test Method G200 – oxidation-reduction potential). The manufacturer, supplier, or user, or combination
thereof, should establish the nature of the expected soil environment(s) and select the test environment(s) accordingly. Multiple types of soil can be used
to determine the effect of this variable.
5. Test Apparatus and Conditions Soil Sample
5.1 Container—The container for the soil shall be made from a material that is not affected by the soil environment and that does
G162 − 23
not affect the soil. Container materials, such as glass, plastic, or corrosion-resistant metal or alloy,alloy can be used; however,
electrically conductive containers must be electrochemically isolated from the specimens. The size of the container minimum
3 2
container volume is determined by the volume of soil required for the test. A minimum of 40 cm should be used for each 1 cm
of exposed metal surface area (see Fig. 1).
5.2 Soil Environment—The container is filled with a soil sample of choice. A soil sample from a specific outdoorfield location may
be retrieved for the test, or a soil sample may be prepared with a specific property and chemistry. If necessary, physical and
chemical characteristics of the soil may be determined.
5.2.1 A field soil sample may be utilized for purposes of conducting a soil corrosion test in a specific environment.environment
or site location.
5.2.2 Laboratory soil samples may be prepared by using washed sand, (that is, No. 2 silica sand) clean clay (that is, bentonite)
or other uniform known media.
5.2.3 Soil Chemistry—Electrolyte—The field soil sample and the laboratory soil sample are saturated with a known electrolyte
chosen for the test. Typically, the electrolyte is added to the soil of choice in the container. A typical electrolyte for use with washed
sand is ASTM corrosive water (see Test Method D2570). With field soil samples, purified water is commonly used to saturate the
soil and is added periodically to maintain the soil in a saturated condition. A non-saturated condition can be maintained if desired.
5.2.4 Temperature—Thermometer—The test is conducted under laboratory ambient temperature unless the effect of temperature
is being evaluated.A device for measuring temperature.
NOTE 2—The test is conducted under laboratory ambient temperature unless the effect of temperature is being evaluated.
5.2.5 Test Specimen—The test specimen is buried in the soil within the container and is prepared as discussed in Section 6.
5.2.5 Scales—Scales or balances are needed to determine mass loss of exposed samples. The capacity and accuracy of the scales
will be determined by the configuration, size, and weightmass of the test specimen, and by the amount of mass loss needing to
be measured based on the exposure period. In general, the more accurate the scale or balance, the lower the total capacity of the
device.
5.2.6 High Impedance Voltmeter (Guide G215)—In general, devices with input impedances greater than 10 ohms have been found
to be acceptable in most corrosion related measurements.
5.2.7 Current Measuring Device—Capability and accuracy of the device needed will vary depending on the amount of current
generated by the specific type of galvanic couple being evaluated.
5.2.8 Camera—For photographically documenting the test specimen before and after exposure, prior to cleaning, type and extent
of corrosion, etc.
6. Test Specimen
6.1 Material—Prepare the test specimens from the same material as that used in the structures or components being studied.
Alternatively, use test specimens from the actual products.structure or component.
FIG. 1 Apparatus for Conducting Laboratory Corrosion Tests in Soils
G162 − 23
6.2 Size and Shape:
6.2.1 The size and shape of test specimens are dependent on several factors and cannot be rigidly defined. When determining
corrosion behavior of metals in the laboratory, it is advisable to use the largest specimens permissible within the constraints of the
test equipment. In general, the ratio of surface area to metal volume should be large in order to obtain maximum corrosion loss
per specimen weight.mass. However, sufficient thickness should be employed to minimize the possibility of perforation of the
specimen during the test exposure unless an evaluation of perforation susceptibility is of interest. When modeling large structures
or components, the size of the specimens should be as large as practical. When m
...