CEN/TS 12390-9:2016

Testing hardened concrete - Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance with de-icing salts - Scaling

This Technical Specification describes the testing of the freeze-thaw scaling resistance of concrete both with water and with sodium chloride solution. It can be used either to compare new constituents or new concrete compositions against a constituent or a concrete composition that is known to give adequate performance in the local environment or to assess the test results against some absolute numerical values based on local experiences.
Extrapolation of test results to assess different concretes, i.e. new constituents or new concrete compositions, requires an expert evaluation.
NOTE   In some cases the test methods may not be suitable for testing special concretes e.g. high strength concrete or permeable concrete. In these cases the result needs to be treated with caution. Also, the testing methods included in this document may not identify aggregates that are subject to occasional ‘pop-outs’.
There is no established correlation between the results obtained by the three test methods. All tests will clearly identify poor and good behaviour, but they differ in their assessment of marginal behaviour. The application of different acceptance limits for test results enables assessment for different degrees of exposure severity. Change of parameters of the testing procedure may have artefacts, some of which explained in Annex A.

Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 9: Frost- und Frost-Tausalz-Widerstand - Abwitterung

Diese Technische Spezifikation beschreibt die Prüfung der Abwitterungsbeständigkeit von Beton unter Einwirkung von Frost-Tau-Wechseln mit Wasser bzw. mit Natriumchloridlösung. Sie kann angewendet werden, um entweder neue Ausgangsstoffe oder neue Betonzusammensetzungen mit bekannten Ausgangsstoffen oder Betonzusammensetzungen, mit denen in der örtlichen Umgebung ein ausreichendes Verhalten sichergestellt wird, zu vergleichen oder um die Prüfergebnisse mit Grenzwerten, die auf örtlichen Erfahrungen basieren, zu vergleichen und zu beurteilen.
Die Extrapolation der Prüfergebnisse zur Beurteilung verschiedener Betonarten, d. h. neue Ausgangsstoffe oder neue Betonzusammensetzungen, erfordert die Bewertung durch einen Sachverständigen.
ANMERKUNG   In einigen Fällen kann es vorkommen, dass die Prüfverfahren zur Prüfung besonderer Betonarten, z. B. hochfester Beton oder durchlässiger Beton, nicht geeignet sind. In diesen Fällen sind die Ergebnisse mit Vorsicht zu behandeln. Ferner geben die in diesem Dokument beschriebenen Prüfverfahren unter Umständen keinen Hinweis auf Schäden — so genannte „Pop-outs“ —, die gelegentlich durch das Abplatzen von oberflächennahen Gesteinskörnungen entstehen.
Es gibt keine feststehende Korrelation zwischen den Ergebnissen aus den drei Prüfverfahren. Alle Prüfverfahren ermöglichen die deutliche Unterscheidung zwischen schlechtem und gutem Verhalten; sie unterscheiden sich jedoch in der Beurteilung des Verhaltens in Grenzfällen. Die Anwendung verschiedener Zulässigkeitsgrenzen für die Prüfergebnisse ermöglicht die Beurteilung für unterschiedliche Schweregrade des Angriffs. Im Falle einer gerechtfertigten Anpassung der Prüfparameter können Vorsichtsmaßnahmen bestehen. In Anhang A werden einige alternative Anwendungen beschrieben.

Essais sur béton durci - Partie 9: Résistance au gel dégel-dégel en présence de sels de déverglaçage (écaillage)

Preskušanje strjenega betona - 9. del: Odpornost proti zmrzovanju/tajanju s soljo za tajanje - Luščenje

Ta osnutek tehnične specifikacije opisuje preskušanje odpornosti betona na luščenje pri zmrzovanju ali tajanju z vodo in raztopino natrijevega klorida. Uporablja se lahko za primerjanje novih sestavnih elementov ali novih sestavov betona s sestavnimi elementi ali sestavom betona, ki dokazano dobro deluje v lokalnem okolju, ali za ocenjevanje rezultatov preskusa v primerjavi z nekaterimi absolutnimi številskimi vrednostmi na podlagi lokalnih izkušenj.
Pri ekstrapolaciji rezultatov preskusa za ocenjevanje različnih vrst betona, tj. novih sestavnih delov ali novih sestavov betona, je potrebna ocena strokovnjaka.
OPOMBA:   V nekaterih primerih preskusne metode morda niso primerne za preskušanje posebnih vrst betona, npr. betona visoke trdnosti ali prepustnega betona. V teh primerih je treba rezultate previdno uporabljati. Poleg tega s preskusnimi metodami, vključenimi v tem dokumentu, morda ne bo mogoče prepoznati skupkov, ki so podvrženi občasnemu nabrekanju.
Med rezultati treh preskusnih metod ni vzpostavljena nobena korelacija. Vsi preskusi jasno prikažejo slabo in dobro obnašanje betona, vendar se razlikujejo pri oceni mejnega obnašanja. Uporaba različnih omejitev sprejemljivosti za rezultate preskusa omogoča ocenjevanje v okviru različnih stopenj izpostavljenosti. Pri spremembi parametrov preskusnega postopka se lahko pojavijo artefakti. Nekateri so obrazloženi v Dodatku A.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 06-Dec-2016
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 51 - Cement and building limes
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 51/WG 12 - Special performance criteria
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Dec-2023
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Ref Project: SIST-TS CEN/TS 12390-9:2017 - Testing hardened concrete - Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance with de-icing salts - Scaling

Relations

• Replaces: CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 - Testing hardened concrete - Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance - Scaling
• Effective Date: 14-Dec-2016

Overview

CEN/TS 12390-9:2016 - Testing hardened concrete: Freeze‑thaw resistance with de‑icing salts (Scaling) specifies laboratory procedures to evaluate the surface scaling resistance of hardened concrete when exposed to freeze–thaw cycles in the presence of water or a sodium‑chloride (de‑icing) solution. The document defines a reference slab method and two alternative methods (cube and CF/CDF), describes specimen preparation and environmental controls, and gives guidance on interpreting results for comparative testing or assessment against locally derived acceptance criteria.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Tests scaling (surface material loss) under alternating freezing and thawing with water or 3% NaCl solution.
• Test methods: One reference slab test and two alternative methods (cube test and CF/CDF). Any method may be used for routine testing by agreement; the slab test is the reference if no agreement exists.
• Specimens & preparation: Specimens made per EN 12390‑2 (making and curing) with limits on maximum aggregate size and specific cutting/curing instructions for slab specimens.
• Exposure conditions: Slabs are exposed to a 3 mm layer of de‑ionized water or 3% NaCl; scaling is measured by mass loss after 56 freeze–thaw cycles (slab reference).
• Environmental control: Climate room/chamber requirements include temperature (approximately 20 ± 2 °C), relative humidity (65 ± 5 %), and an evaporation rate from a free water surface of (45 ± 15) g/(m2·h). The CO2 concentration in storage is recorded and maintained in the range ~300–1 000 ppmv to allow for carbonation.
• Result expression & limits: Results expressed as mass scaled; different acceptance limits may be applied depending on exposure severity. No single method fully reproduces field conditions and there is no established correlation between the three test methods for marginal behavior.
• Limitations: Methods may be unsuitable or need cautious interpretation for special concretes (e.g., high‑strength or highly permeable concretes) and may not identify occasional aggregate “pop‑outs.”

Practical applications / who uses it

• Concrete technologists and R&D - to compare new materials, admixtures or mixes against known references.
• Quality control laboratories and precast manufacturers - routine verification of concrete resistance to de‑icing salt scaling.
• Specifiers, bridge/road engineers, and asset owners - to support material selection for pavements, bridges, kerbs and other surfaces exposed to freeze–thaw and de‑icing salts.
• Standards bodies and consultants - to develop local acceptance criteria and correlate laboratory results with field performance (requires expert evaluation).

Related standards

• EN 12390‑2 (Making and curing specimens) - normative reference for specimen production.
• CEN/TR 15177 - methods for internal structural damage from freeze–thaw (complements this TS).
• Other parts of EN 12390 series cover mechanical and durability test methods for hardened concrete.

Keywords: CEN/TS 12390‑9:2016, freeze‑thaw resistance, de‑icing salts, scaling, concrete testing, slab test, cube test, CF/CDF test, sodium chloride, concrete durability.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2017
1DGRPHãþD
SIST-TS CEN/TS 12390-9:2006
3UHVNXãDQMHVWUMHQHJDEHWRQDGHO2GSRUQRVWSURWL]PU]RYDQMXWDMDQMXVVROMR
]DWDMDQMH/XãþHQMH
Testing hardened concrete - Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance with de-icing salts - Scaling
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 9: Frost- und Frost-Tausalz-Widerstand - Abwitterung
Essais sur béton durci - Partie 9: Résistance au gel dégel-dégel en présence de sels de
déverglaçage (écaillage)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 12390-9:2016
ICS:
91.100.30 Beton in betonski izdelki Concrete and concrete
products
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

CEN/TS 12390-9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
December 2016
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
ICS 91.100.30 Supersedes CEN/TS 12390-9:2006
English Version
Testing hardened concrete - Part 9: Freeze-thaw
resistance with de-icing salts - Scaling
Essais sur béton durci - Partie 9: Résistance au gel Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 9: Frost- und Frost-
dégel-dégel en présence de sels de déverglaçage Tausalz-Widerstand - Abwitterung
(écaillage)
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 25 April 2016 for provisional application.

The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to
submit their comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.

CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS
available promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in
parallel to the CEN/TS) until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 12390-9:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Making of test specimens . 6
5 Slab test (reference method) . 6
5.1 Principle . 6
5.2 Equipment . 6
5.3 Preparation of test specimens . 7
5.4 Test procedure . 10
5.5 Expression of results . 12
5.6 Test report . 12
6 Cube test (alternative method) . 13
6.1 Principle . 13
6.2 Equipment . 13
6.3 Preparation of test specimen . 15
6.4 Test procedure . 15
6.5 Expression of the results . 17
6.6 Test report . 18
7 CF/CDF-test (alternative method) . 19
7.1 Principle . 19
7.2 Equipment . 19
7.3 Preparation of test specimens . 21
7.4 Test procedure . 22
7.5 Expression of test results . 24
7.6 Test report . 24
8 Precision data . 25
Annex A (informative) Alternative applications . 27
Annex B (informative) Guideline for selection of brush . 30
B.1 General . 30
B.2 Construction data and characteristics of the brush . 30
B.2.1 Nature of the materials of hair, shore hardness, tip form . 30
B.2.2 Body dimensions . 30
B.2.3 Number of holes per brush, number of hairs per hole . 30
B.2.4 Shape. 31
B.2.5 Wear indicator (recommended, not mandatory) . 31
Bibliography . 32

European foreword
This document (CEN/TS 12390-9:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 51
“Cement and building limes”, the secretariat of which is held by NBN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document supersedes CEN/TS 12390-9:2006.
The following technical modifications have been made in this new edition:
— In Clause 2, the normative references have been updated;
— In Clauses 5, 6 and 7,(for all test methods), a prescription measuring the CO content of the air in
the storage room has been introduced;
— In Annex A, the alternative applications have been strictly specified;
— In Annex B, a technical specification has been introduced;
— In the Bibliography, the references have been updated.
EN 12390, Testing hardened concrete, is currently composed with the following parts:
— Part 1: Shape, dimensions and other requirements for specimens and moulds;
— Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests;
— Part 3: Compressive strength of test specimens;
— Part 4: Compressive strength — Specification for testing machines;
— Part 5: Flexural strength of test specimens;
— Part 6: Tensile splitting strength of test specimens;
— Part 7: Density of hardened concrete;
— Part 8: Depth of penetration of water under pressure;
— Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance — Scaling — Complementary element [Technical Specification];
— Part 10: Determination of the relative carbonation resistance of concrete [Technical Specification];
— Part 11: Determination of the chloride resistance of concrete, unidirectional diffusion;
— Part 13: Determination of secant modulus of elasticity in compression.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
Concrete structures exposed to the effects of freezing and thawing need to be durable to have an
adequate resistance to this action and, in cases such as road construction, to freezing and thawing in the
presence of de-icing agents. It is desirable, especially in the case of new constituents or new concrete
compositions, to test for such properties. This also applies to concrete mixes, concrete products, precast
concrete, concrete members or concrete in situ.
There are two types of concrete deterioration when a freeze–thaw attack occurs, scaling and internal
structural damage. Test methods on internal structural damage are described in the CEN Technical
Report CEN/TR 15177, Testing the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete — Internal structural damage.
Many different test methods have been developed. No single test method can completely reproduce the
conditions in the field in all individual cases. Nevertheless, any method should at least correlate to the
practical situation and give consistent results. Such a test method may not be suitable for deciding
whether the resistance is adequate in a specific instance but will provide data of the resistance of the
concrete to freeze–thaw-attack and freeze–thaw-attack in the presence of de-icing agents.
If the concrete has inadequate resistance then the freeze–thaw attack can lead to two different types of
damage, namely to scaling (surface weathering) and to internal structural damage. This part of this
standard covers only testing for scaling resistance.
This Technical Specification has one reference method and two alternative methods. For routine testing
either the reference method or one of the two alternative methods may be used with the agreement of
the parties involved. In case of doubt, and if there is no such agreement, the reference method is used.
The testing methods may be used for comparative testing or for assessment against fixed acceptance
criteria. The application of limiting values will require the establishment of the correlation between
laboratory results and field experience. Due to the nature of the freeze–thaw action, such correlation
would have to be established in accordance with local conditions, reflected in the national application
documents.
1 Scope
This Technical Specification describes the testing of the freeze–thaw scaling resistance of concrete both
with water and with sodium chloride solution. It can be used either to compare new constituents or
new concrete compositions against a constituent or a concrete composition that is known to give
adequate performance in the local environment or to assess the test results against some absolute
numerical values based on local experiences.
Extrapolation of test results to assess different concretes, i.e. new constituents or new concrete
compositions, requires an expert evaluation.
NOTE In some cases the test methods may not be suitable for testing special concretes e.g. high strength
concrete or permeable concrete. In these cases the result needs to be treated with caution. Also, the testing
methods included in this document may not identify aggregates that are subject to occasional ‘pop-outs’.
There is no established correlation between the results obtained by the three test methods. All tests will
clearly identify poor and good behaviour, but they differ in their assessment of marginal behaviour. The
application of different acceptance limits for test results enables assessment for different degrees of
exposure severity. In case of justified modifications of the test parameters, precautions might apply.
Some alternative applications are described in Annex A.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 12390-2, Testing hardened concrete - Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests
ISO 5725 (all parts), Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
freeze-thaw resistance
resistance against alternating freezing and thawing in the presence of water alone
3.2
freeze-thaw resistance with de-icing salt
resistance against alternating freezing and thawing in the presence of de-icing salt
3.3
scaling
loss of material at the testing surface of concrete due to freeze-thaw attack
3.4
internal structural damage
cracks inside concrete which cannot be seen on the surface, but which lead to an alteration of concrete
properties, e. g. reduction of the dynamic modulus of elasticity
4 Making of test specimens
Except where details are specified in Clauses 5, 6 and 7 (e.g. the curing) prepare the test specimens in
accordance with EN 12390-2. Concrete that requires vibrating for compaction is compacted on a
vibrating table. The pre-storage conditions concerning temperature and moisture are documented.
The maximum aggregate size D is restricted to one third of the mould length. D is the upper
upper upper
permitted value of D for the coarsest fraction of aggregates in the concrete.
5 Slab test (reference method)
5.1 Principle
Slab specimens, sawn from concrete test specimens (Figure 1), are subjected to freeze–thaw attack in
presence of a 3 mm deep layer of de-ionized water or 3 % sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The freeze–
thaw resistance is evaluated by the measurement of mass scaled from the testing surface after 56
freeze–thaw cycles.
5.2 Equipment
5.2.1 Equipment for making 150 mm concrete cubes according to EN 12390-2.
5.2.2 Climate controlled room or chamber with a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C, a relative humidity of
1)
(65 ± 5) % and an evaporation rate from a free water surface of (45 ± 15) g/(m h) .
Normally this evaporation rate is obtained with a wind velocity ≤ 0,1 m/s. The evaporation rate is
measured from a bowl with a depth of approximately 40 mm and a cross section area of (225 ± 25) cm .
The bowl is filled up with water to (10 ± 1) mm from the brim.
The CO content level shall be measured, recorded and kept at a daily average in the range of (300 –
2)
1 000) ppmv to allow for carbonation
5.2.3 Diamond saw for concrete cutting.
5.2.4 Rubber sheet, (3 ± 0,5) mm thick which is resistant to the salt solution used and elastic down
to a temperature of –27 °C, or any alternative moisture retaining lining arrangement.
5.2.5 Adhesive for gluing the rubber sheet to the concrete specimen.
The adhesive is resistant to the environment in question.
NOTE Contact adhesive has proved to be suitable.
5.2.6 Expanded Polystyrene cellular plastic, (20 ± 1) mm thick with a density of (18 ± 2) kg/m or
alternative thermal insulation with at least a heat conductivity of 0,036 W/(m⋅K).
5.2.7 Polyethylene sheet, 0,1 mm to 0,2 mm thick.
5.2.8 Freezing medium, consisting either of 97 % by mass of tap water and 3 % by mass of NaCl (for
test with de-icing salt) or of de-ionized water only (for test without de-icing salt).

1) Increased rate of surface evaporation and carbonation influences the microstructure. Different types of concrete will be
affected in different ways and to a different extent, having impact on moisture exchange and ranking of the performance.
2) Under ambient (indoor/outdoor) and normal working conditions, adequate CO2 level will automatically be maintained.
For smaller, separate rooms or cabinets, the CO level may drop significantly, and the level needs to be re-established by
introducing fresh air or by other means adding of CO2.
5.2.9 Freezing chamber with temperature and time controlled refrigerating and heating system with
a capacity such that the time-temperature curve presented in Figure 4 can be obtained in specimen,
regardless of its position in the chamber.
The freezer has a good air circulation. The open-mesh shelves in the freezer are level. No deviation from
the horizontal plane shall exceed 3 mm per metre in any direction.
5.2.10 Thermocouples, or an equivalent temperature measuring device, for measuring the
temperature in the freezing medium on the test surface (see Figure 3) with an accuracy within ± 0,5 K.
5.2.11 Vessel for collecting scaled material.
The vessel is suitable for use at temperatures up to 120 °C without mass loss and is resistant to attack
by sodium chloride.
5.2.12 Suitable paper filter for collecting scaled material, optional.
5.2.13 Synthetic brush, resembling a cloth brush, with semi- soft polyamide (nylon) hairs (see
specification in Annex B).
5.2.14 Spray bottle, containing tap water for washing off scaled material.
5.2.15 Drying cabinet, controlled at a temperature of (110 ± 10) °C.
5.2.16 Balance, with accuracy within ± 0,05 g.
5.2.17 Vernier callipers, with accuracy within ± 0,1 mm.
5.2.18 CO measurement apparatus.
5.3 Preparation of test specimens
The test requires four specimens, one from each of four cubes.
During the first day after casting the cubes are stored in the moulds and protected against drying by use
of a polyethylene sheet. The air temperature is (20 ± 2) °C.
After (24 ± 2) h, the cubes are removed from the moulds and placed in a bath with tap water having a
temperature of (20 ± 2) °C.
When the cubes are 7 d old, they are removed from the water bath and placed in the climate chamber
(5.2.2), where they are stored until the freeze–thaw testing starts.
)
At (21 ±1) d (50 ± 2) mm thick specimen is sawn from each cube perpendicular to the top surface so
that the saw cut for the test surface is located in the centre of the cube, see Figure 1. The variation in
thickness within a specimen shall not exceed 2 mm.

3) If for any reason (e.g. difficulties in delivery of samples, …), the cutting date is not strictly 21 d, it is vital to strictly keep the
following step for pre-conditioning in the seven days and the re-saturation in the consecutive three days. As a consequence, the
final age of the sample may vary accordingly.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 top surface at casting
2 test surface
Figure 1 — Location of test specimen and test surface in sawn cube
Directly after sawing, wash the specimen in tap water and wipe off the excess water with a moist
sponge. Measure all dimensions of the specimen to an accuracy of ± 0,5 mm by using vernier callipers
(5.2.17). Without delay, return it to the climate chamber ensuring that the test surface is vertical with a
space between the specimens of at least 50 mm.
4)
When the concrete is (25 ± 1) d old, rubber sheet, or any alternative moisture retaining lining
arrangement, is glued to all surfaces of the specimen except the test surface (the bottom surface rubber
5)
does not necessarily need to be glued, see 5.5) . Place a string of glue or silicone rubber around the test
surface in the joint between the concrete and the rubber. The edge of the rubber sheet reaches
(20 ± 1) mm above the test surface. After fixing the rubber sheet the specimen shall be returned to the
climate chamber.
NOTE 1 The adhesive is normally spread on the concrete surfaces as well as on the rubber surfaces. The
manner of gluing the rubber sheet illustrated in Figure 2 has been proved suitable.
When the concrete is 28 d old, pour a layer about 3 mm deep of de-ionized water at a temperature of
(20 ± 2) °C on the top surface. This re- saturation continues for (72 ± 2) h at (20 ± 2) °C during which
time the liquid layer shall be maintained at about 3 mm.
NOTE 2 For a specimen with the test area of 150 mm x 150 mm, 67 ml de-ionized water gives an approximately
3 mm thick layer.
During the freeze-thaw cycling, all surfaces of the specimen except the test surface are thermally
insulated with (20 ± 1) mm thick polystyrene cellular plastic (5.2.6) according to the test set-up in
Figure 3. Another material or thickness providing equivalent thermal insulation can be used instead.

4) If for any reason (e.g. difficulties in delivery of samples, …), the cutting date is not strictly 21 d, it is vital to strictly keep the
following step for pre-conditioning in the seven days and the re-saturation in the consecutive three days. As a consequence, the
final age of the sample may vary accordingly.
5) The objective of the glued rubber sheet is to ensure one-dimensional moisture exchange of the specimen prior to and
during the freeze-thaw exposure.
Key
(top view)
1 overlap
2 test surface
3 rubber sheet
Figure 2 — Sealing the test specimen
Start the test when the specimens are 31 d old, including 3 d of re-saturation. Not earlier than 15 min
before the specimens are placed in the freezing chamber (5.2.9), replace the de-ionized water on the
test surface with 3 mm of the freezing medium (5.2.8), at a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
(side view)
1 polyethylene sheet 4 temperature measuring device in contact with the test surface
2 glue string 5 specimen
3 rubber sheet 6 thermal insulation
7 freezing medium
Figure 3 — The test set-up used for the freeze–thaw test
The freezing medium is prevented from evaporating by applying a nearly flat, horizontal polyethylene
sheet (5.2.7) as shown in Figure 3. The polyethylene sheet remains flat throughout the test so that the
distance between the sheet and the surface of the freezing medium is at least 15 mm.
5.4 Test procedure
To begin the test, place the specimens in the freezing chamber at the cycle phase time (0 ± 30) min
according to Figure 4. After the specimens have been placed in the freezing chamber, subject them to
repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. Monitor the temperature continuously in the freezing medium
at the centre of the test surface for at least one specimen in the freezing chamber. During the test, the
temperature in the freezing medium shall fall within the shaded area shown in Figure 4. The
temperature shall exceed 0 °C during each cycle for at least 7 h but not more than 9 h. The air
temperature in the freezer shall never fall below –27 °C.

Key
1 temperature range at the centre of the test surface
Figure 4 — Time (t) -temperature (T) cycle in the freezing medium at the centre of the test
surface
The points specifying the shaded area in Figure 4 are given in Table 1 below:
Table 1 — Points specifying the shaded area in Figure 4
Upper limit Lower limit
t in h T in °C t in h T in °C
0 + 24,0  0 + 16,0
5 - 3,0  3 - 5,0
12 - 15,0  12 - 22,0
16 - 18,0  16 - 22,0
18 - 1,0  20 - 1,0
22 + 24,0  24 + 16,0
To obtain the correct temperature cycle for all the specimens it is necessary to have a good air
circulation in the freezing chamber.
It is recommended that the number of specimens in the freezer is always the same. If only few
specimens are to be tested, the empty places in the freezer should be filled with dummies, unless it has
been shown that the correct temperature cycle is achieved without this precaution.
After (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 cycles, depending on the duration of the test, carry out
the following procedure for each specimen during the thawed phase of the solution between 20 h to
24 h according to Figure 4:
a) Check the thickness of the remaining freezing medium. If the testing surface, partly or completely,
is no longer covered by at least 1 mm of the freezing medium due to evaporation, leaking or
permeation, this shall be noted for the report and the test specimen shall be discarded from further
testing.
b) Collect the material which has scaled from the test surface by rinsing the test surface using the
spray bottle (5.2.14) and brushing it with the brush (5.2.13). Ensure that both the liquid and the
scaled material are collected in the vessel (5.2.11).
c) Apply 3 mm of fresh freezing medium to the test surface (67 ml are required for 150 mm x 150 mm
testing area).
d) Return the specimen to the freezer.
e) Carefully pour out the liquid in the vessel. It is recommended to pour the liquid through a suitable
paper filter, especially where small amounts of scaled material are concerned.
f) The vessel containing the scaled material and the filter, if used, are dried to constant mass at
(110 ± 10) °C and weighed to the nearest 0,1 g. The cumulative mass of the dried scaled material
after n freeze–thaw cycle is determined by Formula (1). Record the value rounded to the nearest
0,1 g:
mm= +−()m m (1)
s,n s,before v++sf( ) vf(+ )
where
m is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze–thaw cycles rounded to the
s, n
nearest 0,1 g;
m is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material calculated at the previous measuring
s, before
occasion;
m is the mass of the vessel containing the dried scaled material and of the paper filter, if
v+s(+f)
used, rounded to the nearest 0,1 g;
m is the mass of the empty vessel and the clean dry paper filter, if used, rounded to the
v(+f)
nearest 0,1 g.
g) Assess the specimens visually with regard to cracks, scaling from aggregate particles, evaporation
or drying of the testing surface, leakage or water or salt solution.
After completion of the test, inspection of the test specimen bottom, with or without removal of the
rubber, may prove useful for assessing cracks or permeation of the freezing medium, causing
inadequate scaling test results.
5.5 Expression of results
For each measurement and each specimen calculate S , the cumulative amount of scaled material per
n
unit area after n cycles, in kilograms per square metre, by the formula:
m
s,n
S ⋅10 (2)
n
A
where
S is the mass of scaled material related to the test surface after the n-th cycle in kg/m ,
n
m is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze–thaw cycle determined by
s, n
Formula (1);
A is the effective area of the testing surface, calculated from the length measurements after
the glue string is applied and rounded to the nearest 100 mm .

The mean value and the individual values for each specimen after 56 cycles are used for evaluating the
scaling resistance. The bottom surface of the test specimen, i.e. the opposite one of that subjected to
exposure to the freezing medium, shall be inspected for damages e.g. by removing the bottom rubber
sheet - and the observations reported.
Some concrete qualities are vulnerable to permeation of moisture that may accumulate at the bottom.
This may lead to dry top surface and inadequate scaling test result, bottom surface damage and/or
internal cracking. Observations of this phenomenon shall be reported. The test specimen should be
discarded in such cases when calculating the average scaling value.
5.6 Test report
The test report shall contain at least the following information:
a) reference to this Technical Specification;
b) any deviations from the reference test procedure;
=
c) origin and marking of the specimens;
d) concrete identification;
e) composition of the freezing medium (5.2.8);
f) amount of cumulative scaled material for each specimen as well as the mean value in kilograms per
square metre rounded to the nearest 0,02 kg/m , after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and
56 freeze–thaw cycles;
g) visual assessment: (cracks, scaling from aggregate particles, evaporation or drying of the testing
surface, leakage of water or salt solution) before the start and after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1),
(42 ± 1) and 56 cycles, bottom surface damages after completion of the test;
h) optional: Composition of the concrete.
6 Cube test (alternative method)
6.1 Principle
Cube specimens, immersed in de-ionized water or 3 % sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, are subjected to
freeze–thaw attack. The freeze–thaw resistance is evaluated by the measurement of mass loss of the
cubes after 56 freeze–thaw cycles.
6.2 Equipment
6.2.1 Equipment for making 100 mm concrete cubes according to EN 12390-2.
6.2.2 Climate controlled room or chamber with a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C and an evaporation
6)
rate of (45 ± 15) g/(m h) .
Normally this is obtained with a wind velocity ≤ 0,1 m/s and a relative humidity of (65 ± 5) %.
The evaporation is measured from a bowl with a depth of approximately 40 mm and a cross section
area of (225 ± 25) cm . The bowl is filled up to (10 ± 1) mm from the brim. CO content level to allow for
7)
carbonation , the level shall be measured, recorded and kept at a daily average in the range of (300 –
1 100) ppmv.
6.2.3 Containers for the freeze–thaw test: Brass (semi hard brass 63:37) or stainless steel
watertight containers with a width of (120 ± 15) mm, a length of (260 ± 15) mm and a height of
(150 ± 15) mm (see Figure 5).
The sheet metal is about 1 mm thick. The containers are closed with lids which are designed so that
they cannot be lifted off when the containers are flooded; containers with sliding lids as shown in
Figure 5 and Figure 6 have proved successful. The lid of one container has an opening which can be
closed (see Figure 6) for measuring the temperature in the centre of one cube.

6) Increased rate of surface evaporation and carbonation influences the microstructure. Different types of concrete will be
affected in different ways and to a different extent, having impact on moisture exchange and ranking of the performance.
7) Under ambient (indoor/outdoor) and normal working conditions, adequate CO2 level will automatically be maintained.
For smaller, separate rooms or cabinets, the CO level may drop significantly, and the level needs to be re-established by
introducing fresh air or by other means adding of CO2.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
(side view)
1 sliding lid 4 temperature measuring device in the centre of a cube
2 container for specimens 5 specimen
3 freezing medium 6 spacers 10 mm high
Figure 5 — Container with specimens
6.2.4 Freezing medium, consisting either of 97 % by mass of tap water and 3 % by mass of NaCl (for
test with de-icing salt) or of de-ionized water only (for test without de-icing salt).
6.2.5 Spacer (10 ± 1) mm high placed on the container bottom to support the specimen and to
guarantee a defined thickness of the liquid layer between the test surface and the container
(see Figure 5).
6.2.6 Automatically-controlled freeze–thaw chest with a flooding device.
Instead of the automatically-controlled chest a freezer and a water bath or a freeze–thaw chest with a
secondary cooling circulation can be used.
The performance of the freeze–thaw chest or the freezer and the water bath is designed so that it is
possible to maintain the temperature cycle in Figure 7 for each of the cubes placed in it.
6.2.7 Thermocouples, or an equivalent temperature measuring device, for measuring the
temperature in the centre of the cube (see Figure 6) with an accuracy within 0,5 K.
NOTE A continuous recording device is particularly suitable for logging the temperature with which the
temperature can be measured and recorded at least every 10 min over a period of 24 h.
Figure 6 — Container with cubes and temperature sensor
6.2.8 Suitable paper filter for collecting scaled material, optional.
6.2.9 Semi- soft rush, as specified in Annex B.
6.2.10 Spray bottle, containing tap water for washing off scaled material.
6.2.11 Drying cabinet, controlled at a temperature of (110 ± 10) °C.
6.2.12 Balance, with an accuracy within ± 0,05 g.
6.3 Preparation of test specimen
The test requires four 100 mm cubes (2 containers with 2 cubes each).
Lightly apply a demoulding agent to the internal surfaces of the cube moulds and wipe them with a dry
sheet directly before they are filled with concrete so that the test results are not affected by excessive
residues of the release agent.
During the first day after casting the cubes are stored in the moulds and protected against drying by use
of a polyethylene sheet. The air temperature is (20 ± 2) °C.
After (24 ± 2) h, the cubes are removed from the moulds and placed in a bath with tap water having a
temperature of (20 ± 2) °C.
When the cubes are 7 d old, they are removed from the water bath and placed in the climate chamber
(6.2.2), where they are stored for 20 d.
6.4 Test procedure
At 27 d, 1 d before the start of freezing test, determine the mass of the four cubes to an accuracy of 1 g.
Then place the four cubes provided for the freezing test in two containers (6.2.3) so that the faces which
were uppermost during casting are perpendicular to the base of the container and that there is about
10 mm distance between the cubes. Pour in freezing medium (6.2.4) until it covers the cubes by
(25 ± 5) mm.
After 24 h, determine the mass of each cube to an accuracy of 1 g and calculate the quantity of freezing
medium absorbed in 24 h from the increase in mass.
At 28 d place the containers with closed lids containing the cubes immersed in the freezing medium,
evenly distributed, in the freeze–thaw chest (6.2.6) or the freezer. Start the freeze–thaw cycle. Change
the containers around once a week; turn them through 180° and inter-change them on a cyclic basis.
Control the temperature of the freeze–thaw chest so that the temperature at the centre of the cube
corresponds to the solid line in Figure 7 and shall not leave the shaded area in the diagram. The air
temperature in the cooling chest should not fall below –25 °C. Table 2 contains the mean value, the
upper and the lower limit of the temperature curve as function of time.
The number of containers in the chest or freezer should always be the same. If only a few cubes are to
be tested, containers with blanks (cubes) are put in for this purpose. The containers are not stacked on
top of one another.
Key
1 temperature of the water bath
2 temperature in the centre of a 100 mm cube
Figure 7 — Temperature behaviour pattern in the centre of a cube
The points specifying the shaded area in Figure 7 are given in Table 2.
Immediately after the 16 h cooling phase if a freeze–thaw chest with air cooling is used, flood the chest
with water or put the containers into a water bath at (20 ± 2) °C so that the water stands (20 ± 5) mm
below the brims of the containers. The thawing phase lasts a total of 8 h. Keep the water moving at all
times, and heat or cool so that the water temperature at all points in the chest or water bath is
(20 ± 2) °C during the entire thawing process. If a freeze–thaw chest with secondary cooling is used, the
freezing and the thawing of the specimens will be carried out by the cooling liquid.
Check the water temperature during the thawing process when first using the chest or the water bath
and after approximately every 56 freeze–thaw cycles. Fifteen minutes before the end of the 8 h thawing
phase, pump the water out of the chest over a maximum time of 15 min. Where a water bath is used,
remove the containers from the bath.
Table 2 — Points specifying the shaded area in Figure 7
T in °C
t in h
Upper limit Nominal value lower limit
0 + 22,0  + 20,0  + 18,0
2 + 2,0  0,0  - 2,0
4 + 2,0  0,0  - 2,0
14 - 13,0  - 15,0  - 17,0
16 - 13,0  - 15,0  - 17,0
If, in exceptional cases, it is necessary to interrupt the test or during the weekend, if non-automatic test
equipment is used, the containers with the cubes remain in frozen state at (−15 ± 2) °C.
After (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 freeze–thaw cycles, carry out the following procedure
during the thawed state of the specimens:
a) Check the cubes visually to determine whether cracks or other substantial changes have occurred
and whether the loss is on the surfaces or has occurred at the edges.
b) Brush the cubes with the brush (6.2.9) using a light pressure in such a way that the pieces which
have already been loosened are detached and can be collected. Pour the liquid carefully out of the
container (and through a suitable filter).
c) Before the start of the next cooling phase, fill the container with the cubes with fresh freezing
medium (6.2.4) at (20 ± 2) °C. Return the container to the chest.
d) Dry all the pieces which have been detached by the freezing action (from the container, from the
filter and the above-mentioned brushings) to a constant mass at (110 ± 10) °C. The cumulative
mass of dried scaled material is determined to an accuracy of 0,1 g by Formula (3):
mm + m (3)
s,,n s before c++f b
where
m is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze–thaw cycle rounded to the
s, n
nearest 0,1 g;
m is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material calculated by the measuring occasion
s, before
before;
m is the mass of dried scaled material in the container, filter and obtained by brushing
c+f+b
rounded to the nearest 0,1 g.
6.5 Expression of the results
Calculate the liquid absorption L for each cube before the start of the freeze–thaw cycles as a
percentage by mass to the nearest 0,1 % by the formula:
=
mm−
28d 27d
L ⋅100 (4)
m
27d
where
m is the mass of the air dry cube at 27 d, in grams;
27d
m is the mass of the saturated cube at 28 d, in grams
28d
and determine the mean value of the four cubes to the nearest 0,1 %.
For each measurement calculate the loss P of two cubes in each container as a percentage by mass to
the nearest 0,1 % by the formula:
m
s,n
P ⋅100 % (5)
m
o
where
m is the mass of two air dry cubes (for one container) at 27 d, in grams;
o
m is the cumulative mass of the dried scaled material calculated by Formula (3)
s, n
and determine the mean value for the two containers to the nearest 0,1 %.
The mean value and the individual values for loss in mass after 56 cycles are used for evaluating the
scaling resistance.
6.6 Test report
The test report shall contain at least the following information:
a) reference to this Technical Specification;
b) any deviations from this alternative test procedure;
c) origin and marking of the specimens;
d) concrete identification;
e) composition of the freezing medium (6.2.4);
f) loss of mass of the cubes for each container as well as the mean value in percentage by mass to the
nearest 0,1 %, after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 freeze–thaw cycles;
g) visual assessment (notes on cracks, substantial changes in the cube and type of loss - loss of
material at the surfaces or edges) after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 freeze–thaw
cycles. Unevenly distributed deterioration of the cubes should be mentioned;
h) optional: Liquid absorption by the cubes (mean) during the 24 h water or NaCl-solution storage
before the start of the freezing test in percentage by mass to the nearest 0,1 %;
i) optional: Composition of the concrete.
=
=
7 CF/CDF-test (alternative method)
7.1 Principle
CF/CDF specimens, obtained by splitting a 150 mm cube mould with a centralized PTFE plate, are
subjected to freeze–thaw attack in presence of de-ionized water (CF-test) or 3 % sodium chloride
(NaCl) solution (CDF-test). The freeze–thaw scaling resistance is evaluated by the measurement of mass
scaled from specimens after 28
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