ASTM C1202-22e1

Standard Test Method for Electrical Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride Ion Penetration

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of the electrical conductance of concrete samples to provide a rapid indication of their resistance to chloride ion penetration. In most cases the electrical conductance results have shown good correlation with chloride ponding tests, such as AASHTO T259, on companion slabs cast from the same concrete mixtures (Refs 1-5).  
4.2 This test method is suitable for evaluation of materials and material proportions for design purposes and research and development.  
4.3 Sample age has significant effects on the test results, depending on the type of concrete and the curing procedure. Most concretes, if properly cured, become progressively and significantly less permeable with time.  
4.4 This test method was developed originally for evaluations of alternative materials, but in practice its use has evolved to applications such as quality control and acceptance testing. Factors such as ingredient materials used in concrete mixtures and the method and duration of curing test specimens affect the results of this test (see Note 1). When this method is used for mixture qualification and acceptance testing, it is imperative that the curing procedures and the age at time of testing be clearly specified.
Note 1: When using this test for determining acceptability of concrete mixtures, statistically-based criteria and test age for prequalification, or for acceptance based on jobsite samples, should be stated in project specifications. Acceptance criteria for this test should consider the sources of variability affecting the results and ensure balanced risk between supplier 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).  
4.5 Table X1.1 in Appendix X1 provides a qualitative relationship between the results of this test and the chloride ion penetrability of concrete.  
4.6 Care should b...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the electrical conductance of concrete to provide a rapid indication of its resistance to the penetration of chloride ions. This test method is applicable to types of concrete where correlations have been established between this test procedure and long-term chloride ponding procedures such as those described in AASHTO T 259. Examples of such correlations are discussed in Refs (1-5).2  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the 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-Mar-2022
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.66 - Concrete's Resistance to Fluid Penetration

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24a - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1542/C1542M-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Length of Concrete Cores
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C42/C42M-18 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-18 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C42/C42M-16 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM C1542/C1542M-16a - Standard Test Method for Measuring Length of Concrete Cores
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM C192/C192M-16 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM C1542/C1542M-16 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Length of Concrete Cores
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-15ae1 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM C192/C192M-14 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM C1542/C1542M-14 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Length of Concrete Cores
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM C670-13 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013

Overview

ASTM C1202-22e1: Standard Test Method for Electrical Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride Ion Penetration is an internationally recognized test developed by ASTM International. This standard provides a laboratory method for rapidly evaluating the resistance of concrete against chloride ion penetration by measuring electrical conductance. The ability of concrete to resist chloride ions is a critical factor in determining its durability and long-term performance, especially in environments exposed to deicing salts, marine conditions, or chemical exposure. The procedure offers a fast, reliable indication of chloride ion penetrability, supporting both research and practical quality control in concrete construction.

Key Topics

• Chloride Ion Penetration Resistance: This standard assesses how effectively concrete blocks the movement of chloride ions, which are notorious for causing corrosion in steel reinforcement and subsequent structural damage.
• Electrical Conductance Testing: By monitoring the total electrical charge passed through concrete samples, the method provides a quantitative measure related to the material’s permeability.
• Correlation with Long-Term Ponding Tests: Results from ASTM C1202 show good correlation with extended exposure tests like AASHTO T259, affirming its reliability for rapid laboratory evaluation.
• Sample Preparation and Curing: The test outcome is influenced by variables such as concrete mixture components, sample age, and curing procedure, underscoring the need for standardized specimen preparation.
• Acceptance and Quality Control: ASTM C1202 is widely used not only in research and development but also for quality control, mixture qualification, and acceptance testing on job sites.

Applications

• Design Evaluation: Engineers and researchers use ASTM C1202 to compare material proportions and evaluate alternative binders, admixtures, and supplementary cementitious materials for improved durability.
• Quality Assurance in Construction: The standard is an essential part of durability testing protocols for new construction projects, supporting prequalification, submittals review, and acceptance of fresh concrete.
• Concrete Mixture Qualification: Producers and specifiers rely on this method to establish statistically based criteria for mixture acceptance, ensuring performance in aggressive environments.
• Performance Assessment for Infrastructure: State agencies, transportation departments, and infrastructure owners implement ASTM C1202 in maintenance and repair decision-making, especially for structures exposed to chlorides, like bridges and parking decks.
• Research & Development: Laboratories utilize the method to study the effects of admixtures, curing regimes, and concrete aging on chloride permeability.

Related Standards

• AASHTO T259 - Resistance of Concrete to Chloride Ion Penetration: A long-term ponding test often referenced for verifying correlation with ASTM C1202 results.
• ASTM C31/C31M - Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• ASTM C42/C42M - Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
• ASTM C192/C192M - Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
• ASTM C670 - Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• ASTM C802 - Conducting Interlaboratory Test Programs to Determine the Precision of Test Methods
• ASTM C1542/C1542M - Measuring Length of Concrete Cores

Practical Value

The ASTM C1202 test method for chloride ion penetrability plays a vital role in concrete durability assessment by providing:

• Rapid results that facilitate timely decision-making in construction and material selection.
• Cost-effective testing compared to long-term immersion or ponding methods.
• Standardization in evaluating concrete performance, simplifying project specifications and supplier agreements.
• Risk reduction for infrastructure owners by ensuring that concrete structures are resilient against chloride-induced corrosion.

When implemented correctly-with specified curing, age, and acceptance criteria-this test method helps optimize concrete durability, extend service life, and control maintenance costs for high-performance construction projects.

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.
´1
Designation: C1202 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Electrical Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride
Ion Penetration
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.
ε 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:
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 ConcreteTest
AASHTO T 259. Examples of such correlations are discussed
Specimens in the Laboratory
in Refs (1-5).
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
C802 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Test Pro-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
gram to Determine the Precision of Test Methods for
standard.
Construction Materials
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
C1542/C1542M Test Method for Measuring Length of Con-
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
crete Cores
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
as requirements of the standard.
T 259 Method of Test for Resistance of Concrete to Chlo-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ride Ion Penetration
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Summary of Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 This test method consists of monitoring the amount of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
electricalcurrentpassedthrough50 mmthickslicesof100 mm
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
nominal diameter cores or cylinders during a 6 h period. A
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
potential difference of 60Vdc is maintained across the ends of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the specimen, one of which is immersed in a sodium chloride
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
solution, the other in a sodium hydroxide solution. The total
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
charge passed, in coulombs, has been found to be related to the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
resistance of the specimen to chloride ion penetration.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and ConcreteAggregates 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 [e-mail]. 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.
10.1520/C1202-22E01. Methods of Sampling and Testing, 1986, available from American Association
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
´1
C1202 − 22
4. Significance and Use values, that is, lower resistance to chloride ion penetration,
than from tests on identical concrete mixtures (controls)
4.1 This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of the
without calcium nitrite. However, long-term chloride ponding
electrical conductance of concrete samples to provide a rapid
tests indicate the concretes with calcium nitrite were at least as
indication of their resistance to chloride ion penetration. In
resistant to chloride ion penetration as the control mixtures.
most cases the electrical conductance results have shown good
correlation with chloride ponding tests, such as AASHTO NOTE 2—Other admixtures might affect results of this test similarly.
Long term ponding tests are recommended if an admixture effect is
T259, on companion slabs cast from the same concrete
suspected.
mixtures (Refs 1-5).
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.
significanteffect.Thetestisnotvalidforspecimenscontaining
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):
tionsofalternativematerials,butinpracticeitsusehasevolved
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—
andthemethodanddurationofcuringtestspecimensaffectthe
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
clearly specified.
saturation process. Desiccator must allow two hose connec-
NOTE 1—When using this test for determining acceptability of concrete
tions through a rubber stopper and sleeve or through a rubber
mixtures,statistically-basedcriteriaandtestageforprequalification,orfor
stopper only. Each connection must be equipped with a
acceptance based on jobsite samples, should be stated in project specifi-
cations. Acceptance criteria for this test should consider the sources of
stopcock.
variability affecting the results and ensure balanced risk between supplier
6.1.4 Vacuum Pump or Aspirator—Capable of maintaining
and purchaser. The anticipated exposure conditions and time before a
an absolute pressure of less than 50 mm Hg (6650 Pa) in
structure will be put into service should be considered. One approach to
desiccator (see Note 4).
establishing criteria is discussed in Ref (6).
NOTE 3—Because vacuum will be drawn over water, a vacuum pump
4.5 Table X1.1 in Appendix X1 provides a qualitative
should be protected with a water trap, or pump oil should be changed after
relationship between the results of this test and the chloride ion
each operation.
penetrability of concrete.
NOTE 4—Absolute pressure is zero-referenced against a perfect
vacuum. At sea level, atmospheric pressure is an absolute pressure of
4.6 Care should be taken in interpreting results of this test
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
+710 mm.
ion penetration, while 90 day chloride ponding tests on com-
panion slabs show a higher resistance.
6.1.5 Vacuum Gage or Manometer—Accurate to the nearest
65mmHg(6665 Pa) over the entire of measured pressure.
4.7 The details of the test method apply to 100 mm nominal
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
C1542/C1542M.
5. Interferences
7. Reagents, Materials, and Test Cell
5.1 This test method can produce misleading results when
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
´1
C1202 − 22
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
should always be used. These should include full-face shields,
7.2 Sodium Chloride Solution—3.0 % by mass (reagent
rubber aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH. Gloves should
grade) in distilled water.
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
rubber gasket is used for sealant (see 7.1) or if sealant can be
7.3.1 Bring the NaOH solution to room temperature prior to
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.
symmetricpoly(methylmethacrylate)chambers,eachcontain-
ing electrically conductive mesh and external connectors. One
7.3.2 Warning—Before using NaOH, review: (1) the safety
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,
´1
C1202 − 22
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
largediametercylindersor(b)100 mmdiametercastcylinders.
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 inTest 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
ofmaterialsormixtureproportionsbasedoncastspecimensfor
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-
tures containing supplementary cementitious materials use
extended moist curing in accordance with 8.2.2 (see Note 7)
unlesstheacceleratedmoistcuringmethodof8.2.3isspecified
(see Note 8). Alternatives to these curing methods and dura-
tions are permitted when specified. Use the same method and
duration of curing for preparing mixture submittals, for subse-
FIG. 3 Applied Voltage Cell-Face View
quent acceptance testing, and for comparing two or more
mixtures.
8.2.1 Moist Curing—Cure test specimens for 28 days in
accordance with Practice C192/C192M or in accordance with
other designs are acceptable, provided that overall dimensions
the standard curing procedure of Practice C31/C31M for
(including dimensions of the fluid reservoir) are the same as
specimens prepared in the field.
shown in Fig. 1 and width of the screen and shims are as
shown.
8.2.2 Extended Moist Curing—Cure test specimens for 56
days in accordance with Practice C192/C192M for specimens
7.6 Temperature Measuring Device (optional)—0 to 120°C
prepared in the laboratory or in accordance with the standard
range.
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
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
this test beyond 56 days, and in some cases, it may be appropriate to test
resistance connections.
at later ages, such as three months.
7.7.4 Constant Voltage Power Supply—0–80 V dc, 0–2 A,
NOTE 8—The accelerated moist curing procedure has been found useful
capableofholdingvoltageconstantat60V 60.1Voverentire
in providing an earlier indication of potential property development with
range of currents.
slower hydrating supplementary cementitious materials (7). Because
...