Designation: C876 − 15

Standard Test Method for

Corrosion Potentials of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in
Concrete1

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This standard is issued under the fixed designation C876; 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 Scope ing (Withdrawn 2010)3

G16 Guide for Applying Statistics to Analysis of Corrosion
1.1 This test method covers the estimation of the electrical
Data
corrosion potential of uncoated reinforcing steel in field and
laboratory concrete, for the purpose of determining the corro- 3. Terminology
sion activity of the reinforcing steel.
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to
1.2 This test method is limited by electrical circuitry. Terminology G15.
Concrete surface in building interiors and desert environments
lose sufficient moisture so that the concrete resistivity becomes 4. Significance and Use
so high that special testing techniques not covered in this test
4.1 This test method is suitable for in-service evaluation and
method may be required (see 5.1.4.1). Concrete surfaces that
for use in research and development work.
are coated or treated with sealers may not provide an accept-
able electrical circuit. The basic configuration of the electrical 4.2 This test method is applicable to members regardless of
circuit is shown in Fig. 1. their size or the depth of concrete cover over the reinforcing
steel. Concrete cover in excess of 3 in. (75 mm) can result in
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded an averaging of adjacent reinforcement corrosion potentials
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical that can result in a loss of the ability to discriminate variation
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only in relative corrosion activity.
and are not considered standard.
4.3 This test method may be used at any time during the life
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the of a concrete member.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4.4 The results obtained by the use of this test method shall
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- not be considered as a means for estimating the structural
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. properties of the steel or of the reinforced concrete member.
4.5 The potential measurements should be interpreted by
2. Referenced Documents engineers or technical specialists experienced in the fields of
concrete materials and corrosion testing. It is often necessary to
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 use other data such as chloride contents, depth of carbonation,
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to delamination survey findings, rate of corrosion results, and
Determine the Precision of a Test Method environmental exposure conditions, in addition to corrosion
G3 Practice for Conventions Applicable to Electrochemical potential measurements, to formulate conclusions concerning
Measurements in Corrosion Testing corrosion activity of embedded steel and its probable effect on
G15 Terminology Relating to Corrosion and Corrosion Test- the service life of a structure.

5. Apparatus
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G01 on 5.1 The testing apparatus consists of the following:
Corrosion of Metalsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G01.14 on
Corrosion of Metals in Construction Materials. 5.1.1 Reference Electrode:
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015. Published April 2016. Originally 5.1.1.1 The reference electrode selected shall provide a
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as C876–09. DOI: stable and reproducible potential for the measurement of the
10.1520/C0876-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
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

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 C876 − 15

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FIG. 1 Reference Electrode Circuitry

corrosion potential of reinforcing steel embedded in concrete

over the temperature range from 32 to 120°F (0 to 49°C).
5.1.1.2 For the purposes of this standard, corrosion poten-
tials shall be based upon the half-cell reaction Cu→ Cu++ +
2e- corresponding to the potential of the saturated copper-
copper sulfate reference electrode as referenced to the hydro-
gen electrode being –0.30 V at 72°F (22.2°C).4 The copper-
copper sulfate reference electrode has a temperature coefficient
of approximately 0.0005 V more negative per °F for the
temperature range from 32 to 120°F (0 to 49°C).
5.1.1.3 Other reference electrodes having similar measure-
ment range, accuracy, and precision characteristics to the
copper-copper sulfate electrode may also be used. Calomel
reference electrodes have been used in laboratory studies. For
concrete submerged in seawater, using silver-silver chloride
reference electrodes avoids chloride contamination problems
that may occur with copper-copper sulfate electrodes. Silver/
silver chloride/potassium chloride reference electrodes are also
applied to atmospherically exposed concrete. Potentials mea-
sured by reference electrodes other than saturated copper-
copper sulfate should be converted to the copper-copper sulfate

4
FIG. 2 Sectional View of a Copper-Copper Sulfate Reference
Hampel, C. A., The Encyclopedia of Electrochemistry, Reinhold Publishing
Electrode
Co., New York, 1964, p. 433.

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 C876 − 15
equivalent potential. The conversion technique can be found in capability to determine resolution of induced ac interference
Practice G3 and “Reference Electrodes, Theory and Practice” with successful application of this test method.
by Ives and Janz.5 5.1.5 Electrical Lead Wires—The electrical lead wire shall
5.1.2 Electrical Junction Device—An electrical junction be of such dimension that its electrical resistance for the length
device shall be used to provide a low electrical resistance liquid used will not disturb the electrical circuit by more than 0.0001
bridge between the surface of the concrete and the reference V. This has been accomplished by using no more than a total of
electrode. It shall consist of a sponge or several sponges 500 linear ft (150 m) of at least AWG No. 24 wire. The wire
pre-wetted with a low electrical resistance contact solution. shall be coated with a suitable insulation such as direct burial
The sponge may be folded around and attached to the tip of the type of insulation.
reference electrode so that it provides electrical continuity 5.1.6 In addition to single reference electrodes connected to
between the porous plug and the concrete member. The a voltmeter, multiple electrode arrays, reference electrodes
minimum contact area of the electrochemical junction device with a wheel junction device and logging voltmeters that
shall be the area equivalent of a circle with 3× the nominal record distance and potential may also be used.
diameter of the concrete coarse aggregate to a maximum of 16
in.2 (0.01 m2). 6. Calibration and Standardization
5.1.3 Electrical Contact Solution—In order to standardize 6.1 Care of the Reference Electrode—Follow the manufac-
the potential drop through the concrete portion of the circuit, an turer’s instructions for storage, calibration, and maintenance.
electrical contact solution shall be used to wet the electrical Electrodes should not be allowed to dry out or become
junction device. One such solution is composed of a mixture of contaminated. The porous plug (salt bridge) shall be covered
95 mL of wetting agent (commercially available wetting agent) when not in use for long periods to ensure that it does not
or a liquid household detergent thoroughly mixed with 5 gal become dried to the point that it becomes a dielectric (upon
(19 L) of potable water. Under working temperatures of less drying, pores may become occluded with crystalline filling
than about 50°F (10°C), approximately 15 % by volume of solution).
either isopropyl or denatured alcohol must be added to prevent
clouding of the electrical contact solution, since clouding may 6.2 Calibration of the Reference Electrode—Reference elec-
inhibit penetration of water into the concrete to be tested. trodes shall be calibrated against an approved standard trace-
Conductive gels may be employed to reduce drift in the able to a national standard at regular intervals. If cells do not
measured corrosion potential that can derive from dynamic produce the reproducibility or agreement between cells de-
liquid junction potentials. On large horizontal reinforced scribed in Section 12, cleaning may rectify the problem. If
concrete, such as bridges, preliminary cleaning of the concrete reproducible and stable readings are not achieved the reference
surface with “street sweepers” has proven successful. electrode should be replaced.
5.1.4 Voltmeter—The voltmeter shall allow dc voltage 6.3 Calibration of the Voltmeter—The voltmeter shall be
readings, have the capacity to be battery operated, and provide calibrated against an approved standard traceable to a national
adequate input impedance and ac rejection capability for the standard at regular intervals.
environment where this test method is applied.
5.1.4.1 Prior to commencing testing, a digital voltmeter 7. Procedure
with a variable input impedance ranging from 10 to 200 MΩ 7.1 Spacing Between Measurements—While there is no
may be used to determine the input impedance required to pre-defined minimum spacing between measurements on the
obtain precision readings. The use of a meter with variable surface of the concrete member, it is of little value to take two
input impedance avoids meter loading errors from high con- measurements from virtually the same point. Conversely,
crete resistivity. An initial reading is taken in the 10 MΩ measurements taken with very wide spacing may neither detect
position and then switching to successively higher impedances corrosion activity that is present nor result in the appropriate
while watching the meter display until the reading remains accumulation of data for evaluation. The spacing shall there-
constant through two successive increases. Then decrease the fore be consistent with the member being investigated and the
impedance on setting to reduce noise and provide the most intended end use of the measurements (Note 1).
precise readings. If the voltmeter does not display a constant
reading through 200 MΩ, then the use of galvanometer with NOTE 1—A spacing of 4 ft (1.2 m) has been found satisfactory for rapid
input impedance of 1 or 2 GΩ should be considered. Logging evaluation of structures with large horizontal surfaces like bridge decks.
Generally, larger spacings increase the probability that localized corrosion
voltmeters may also be used. areas will not be detected. Measurements may be taken in either a grid or
5.1.4.2 Electromagnetic interference or induction resulting a random pattern. Spacing between measurements should generally be
from nearby ac power lines or radio frequency transmitters can reduced where adjacent readings exhibit reading differences exceeding 50
produce error. When in the proximity of such interference mV (areas of high corrosion activity). Cracks, cold joints, and areas with
dynamic structural activity can produce areas of localized corrosion
sources, the readings may fluctuate. An oscilloscope can be
activity where the corrosion potential can change several hundred milli-
used to define the extent of the problem and be coupled with volts in less than 1 ft (300 mm) and care must be given that relatively large
the dc voltmeter manufacturer’s specification for ac rejection spacing between readings does not miss areas of localized corrosion
activity. For small, lightly reinforced members, it may be advantageous to
map the reinforcement locations with a cover meter and place the
5
reference electrode over the bars on a suitable grid.
Ives, D. J. G., and Janz, G. J., Reference Electrodes Theory and Practice,
Academy Press, NY, 1961. 7.2 Electrical Connection to the Steel:
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 C876 − 15
7.2.1 The type of connection used will depend on whether a 5 min. If pre-wetting cannot obtain condition (1), either the
temporary or permanent connection is required. Make a direct electrical resistance of the circuit is too great to obtain valid
electrical connection to the reinforcing steel by means of a corrosion potential measurements of the steel, or stray current
compression-type ground clamp, by brazing or welding a from a nearby direct current traction system or other fluctuating
protruding rod, or by using a self tapping screw in a hole direct-current, such as arc welding, is affecting the readings. In
drilled in the bar. To ensure a low electrical resistance either case, the reference electrode method should not be used.
connection, scrape the bar or brush the wire before connecting 7.4.3 Method A for Pre-Wetting Concrete Surfaces—Use
to the reinforcing steel to ensure a bright metal to bright metal Method A for those conditions where a minimal amount of
contact. In certain cases, this technique may require removal of pre-wetting is required to obtain condition (1) as described in
some concrete to expose the reinforcing steel. Electrically 7.4.2.2. Accomplish this by spraying or otherwise wetting
connect the reinforcing steel to the positive terminal of the either the entire concrete surface or only the points of mea-
voltmeter. Special care should be exercised with prestressing surement as described in 7.1 with the solution described in
steels to avoid serious injury and only mechanical connections 5.1.3. No free surface water should remain between grid points
should be made. Where welding is employed to make connec- when potential measurements are initiated.
tions to conventional reinforcing steel, preheating will be 7.4.4 Method B for Pre-Wetting Concrete Surfaces—In this
necessary to avoid forming a brittle area in the rebar adjacent method, saturate sponges with the solution described in 5.1.3
to the weld and such welding should be performed by certified and place on the concrete surface at locations described in 7.1.
welders. Leave the sponges in place for the period of time necessary to
7.2.2 Attachment must be made directly to the reinforcing obtain condition (1) described in 7.4.2.2. Do not remove the
steel except in cases where it can be documented that an sponges from the concrete surface until after the reference
exposed steel member is directly attached to the reinforcing electrode potential reading is made. In making the corrosion
steel. Certain members, such as expansion dams, date plates, potential measurements, place the electrical junction device
lift works, scuppers, drains, and parapet rails may not be described in 5.1.2 firmly on top of the pre-wetting sponges for
attached directly to the reinforcing steel and, therefore, may the duration of the measurement.
yield invalid readings. Electrical continuity of steel compo-
nents with the reinforcing steel can be established by measur- 7.5 Underwater, Horizontal, and Vertical Measurements:
ing the resistance between widely separated steel components 7.5.1 Potential measurements detect corrosion activity, but
on the deck. Where duplicate test measurements are continued not necessarily the location of corrosion activity. The precise
over a long period of time, identical connection points should location of corrosion activity requires knowledge of the elec-
be used each time for a given measurement. trical resistance of the material between the reference electrode
7.2.3 Care should be taken that the whole area of reinforcing and the corroding steel. While underwater measurements are
mat being measured is electrically continuous by checking possible, results regarding the location of corrosion must be
electrical continuity between diagonally opposite ends of the interpreted very carefully. Underwater, or other situations
area surveyed. where the concrete is saturated with water such as tunnels,
7.3 Electrical Connection to the Reference Electrode— often have very low oxygen concentrations at the surface of the
Electrically connect one end of the lead wire to the reference reinforcement. Reduction of oxygen availability will shift the
electrode and the other end of this same lead wire to the rebar corrosion potential significantly in the electronegative
negative (ground) terminal of the voltmeter. direction. Often it is not possible to precisely locate points of
underwater corrosion activity in salt water environments be-
7.4 Pre-Wetting of the Concrete Surface: cause potential readings along the member appear uniform.
7.4.1 Under most conditions, the concrete surface or an Take care during all underwater measurements that the refer-
overlaying material, or both, must be pre-wetted by either of ence electrode does not become contaminated with salt water

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the two methods described in 7.4.3 or 7.4.4 with the solution and that no electrically conductive part other than the porous
described in 5.1.3 to decrease the electrical resistance of the tip of the copper-copper sulfate electrode reference electrode
circuit. comes in contact with water including use of cable connectors
7.4.2 A test to determine the need for pre-wetting shall be specifically designed for use with submerged reference elec-
made as follows: trodes.
7.4.2.1 Place the reference electrode on the concrete surface
7.5.2 Perform horizontal and vertically upward measure-
and do not move.
ments exactly as vertically downward measurements.
7.4.2.2 Observe the voltmeter for one of the following
However, additionally ensure that when using a copper/copper
conditions:
sulfate electrode that the solution in the reference electrode
(1) The measured value of the corrosion potential does not
makes simultaneous electrical contact with the porous plug and
change or fluctuate with time.
the copper rod at all times.
(2) The measured value of the corrosion potential changes
or fluctuates with time.
8. Recording Corrosion Potential Values
7.4.2.3 If condition (1) is observed, pre-wetting the concrete
surface is not necessary. However, if condition (2) is observed, 8.1 Record the electrical corrosion potentials to the nearest
pre-wetting is required for an amount of time such that the 0.01 V. Report all corrosion potential values in volts and
voltage reading is stable (60.02 V) when observed for at least correct for temperature if the reference electrode temperature is

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 C876 − 15
outside the range of 72 6 10°F (22.2 6 5.5°C). The tempera- electrode tip, provided that the steel does not have a metallic
ture coefficient for the correction is given in 5.1.1.3. coating, for example, is not galvanized. The numeric magni-
tude does not indicate the corrosion rate of the steel. The
9. Data Presentation Numeric Magnitude Technique is not applicable to concrete
9.1 Test measurements may be presented by one or both of structures that are water-saturated or in near-saturated condi-
two methods. The first, an equipotential contour map, provides tions as may be found in tunnels, basements, water tanks, and
a graphical delineation of areas in the member where corrosion submerged situations.
activity may be occurring. The second method, the cumulative 10.3 Potential Difference Technique can provide a sense of
frequency diagram, provides an indication of the magnitude of the magnitude of the corrosion problem and the presence of
affected area of the concrete member. localized corrosion, which may not be identifiable by tradi-
9.1.1 Equipotential Contour Map—On a suitably scaled tional techniques like sounding. Localized corrosion typically
plan view of the concrete member, plot the locations of the manifests considerable change in potential over relatively short
corrosion potential values of the steel in concrete and draw distances (hundreds of millivolts over a few hundred millime-
contours of equal potential through points of equal or interpo- tres). Relatively negative potentials with little deviation may
lated equal values. The maximum contour interval shall be indicate corrosion is possible, but that oxygen availability is
0.10 V. An example is shown in Fig. 3. very limited and that absence of oxygen significantly impedes
9.1.2 Cumulative Frequency Distribution—To determine the corrosion rate.
the distribution of the measured corrosion potentials for the
concrete member, follow the procedures outlined in Guide 10.4 The interpretations of corrosion potentials under con-
G16. ditions where the concrete is saturated with water, where it is
carbonated at the depth of the reinforcing steel, where the steel
10. Interpretation of Results (See Refs 1-86 and is coated, and under many other conditions, requires an
Appendix X1) experienced corrosion engineer or specialist, and may require
10.1 Corrosion potentials are normally interpreted using a analyses for carbonation, metallic coatings, halides such as
Numeric Magnitude Technique, or a Potential Difference chloride or bromide, and other factors. Guidelines and test
Technique, or a combination of the two. Information on these methods issued by ASTM Committee G01 and NACE Inter-
techniques is presented in Appendix X1. national can be very useful in investigations involving corro-
sion potential determinations.
10.2 The numeric magnitude of the potential usually pro-
vides an indication of the presence or absence of corrosion of 10.5 Corrosion potentials may or may not be an indication
steel embedded in uncarbonated and atmospherically exposed of corrosion current. Corrosion potentials may in part or in
portland cement mortar or concrete, and near the reference whole reflect the chemistry of the electrode environment. For
example, increasing concentrations of chloride can reduce the
ferrous ion concentration at a steel anode, thus lowering
6
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
(making more negative) the potential. Unless such chemistry,
this standard. and the presence or absence of competing electrode reactions,
is known, a reference electrode potential should not be inter-

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preted as indicative of corrosion rate, or even as indicative of
a corrosion reaction.

11. Report
11.1 Report the following information:
11.1.1 Type of cell, used including calibration details and
KCl solution concentration for Ag/AgCl/KCl reference
electrodes,
11.1.2 The estimated average temperature of the reference
electrode during the test,
11.1.3 The method for pre-wetting the concrete member and
the method of attaching the voltmeter lead to the reinforcing
steel,
11.1.4 An equipotential contour map, showing the location
of reinforcing steel contact, or a plot of the cumulative
frequency distribution of the corrosion potentials, or both,
11.1.5 The percentage of the total corrosion potentials that
are more negative than −0.35 V or other suitable lower
threshold, and
11.1.6 The percentage of the total corrosion potentials that
are less negative than −0.20 V or other suitable lower thresh-
FIG. 3 Equipotential Contour Map old.

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12. Precision and Bias7 chloride reference electrode are shown in Table 2. The varia-
12.1 Precision—Precision is the closeness of agreement tions are not significantly different so a pooled repeatability
between the test results obtained under prescribed conditions. standard deviation was calculated representing the result for
In the discussion below two types of precision are discussed: the program of 15.9 mV. The repeatability limit for the
repeatability and reproducibility. Repeatability is within labo- program was also calculated as 2.8 sr, 45 mV.
ratory variability when the same operator uses the same 12.1.3 Reproducibility—The reproducibility standard devia-
equipment on identical specimens in sequential runs. Repro- tions for each slab using the copper/copper sulfate reference
ducibility is the variability that occurs when identical speci- electrode are shown in Table 1. The reproducibility standard
mens are run in different laboratories. deviations for these slabs using the saturated KCl silver/silver
12.1.1 The precision of Test Method C876 was evaluated by chloride reference electrode are shown in Table 2. The varia-
means of an interlaboratory test program in which the corro- tions were not significantly different so a pooled standard
sion potential of five slabs of concrete with embedded steel deviation was calculated representing the result of this program
rods were each measured at twelve points in a three by four of 20 mV. The reproducibility limit for the program was also

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grid patter. Six laboratories collected data using the saturated calculated as 2.8 sR, 57 mV.
copper/copper sulfate reference electrode. In addition, four NOTE 2—The saturated KCl silver/silver chloride reference electrode
laboratories also used the saturated KCl silver/silver chloride has a standard potential of +196 mV versus the SHE while the saturated
reference electrode with the same procedure. The results of this copper/copper sulfate electrode has a standard potential of +300 mV
(Practice G3, Table X2.1). The average potential difference between the
program were analyzed according to the Practice E691 proce- copper/copper sulfate reference electrode and silver/silver chloride refer-
dure. ence electrode was 128 mV in this study rather than 104 mV as predicted
12.1.2 Repeatability—The repeatability standard deviations by Practice G3. The reason for this difference was not determined.
for each slab using the copper/copper sulfate reference elec- 12.2 Bias—There is no bias in the potentials measured by
trode are shown in Table 1. The repeatability standard devia- this method because the potentials measurements are defined
tions for these slabs using the KCl saturated silver/silver only in terms of this method.
13. Keywords
7
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:G01-1027. Contact ASTM Customer
13.1 concrete-corrosion activity; concrete-corrosion of rein-
Service at [email protected]. forcing steel; corrosion; corrosion activity; corrosion potentials

TABLE 1 Electrode Potentials and Standard Deviations of Steel Rods in Concrete Slabs Versus Saturated Copper/Copper Sulfate
Reference Electrode
NOTE 1—All values in mV.
Slab No. Ave. Electrode Potential Repeatability SD Reproducibility SD
sr sR
1 -520.3 19.3 20.8
2 -173.5 11.8 14.7
3 -461.0 15.6 26.1
4 -557.5 11.3 12.0
5 -535.0 21.7 21.7

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 C876 − 15
TABLE 2 Electrode Potentials and Standard Deviations of Steel Rods in Concrete Slabs Versus Saturated KCl Silver/Silver Chloride
Reference Electrode
NOTE 1—All values in mV.
Slab No. Ave. Electrode Potential Repeatability SD Reproducibility SD
sr sR
1 -393.9 20.2 24.8
2 -47.6 8.3 16.3
3 -334.0 14.1 24.8
4 -426.1 11.1 23.9
5 -405.6 22.6 33.2

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. NOTES ON THE CORROSION POTENTIAL TEST

X1.1 Numeric Magnitude Technique—Laboratory testing X1.1.4.1 To evaluate reinforcing steel in concrete that has
(partial immersion in chloride solutions) and outdoor exposure carbonated to the level of the embedded steel,
(including chloride exposure) of various reinforced concretes X1.1.4.2 To evaluate indoor concrete that has not been
aboveground in an area in which the precipitation rate ex- subjected to frequent wetting unless it has been protected from
ceeded the evaporation rate, indicate the following regarding drying after casting,
the significance of the numerical value of the potentials
measured. Voltages listed are referenced to the copper-copper X1.1.4.3 To compare corrosion activity in outdoor rein-
sulfate reference electrode. Other criteria may apply in other forced concretes of highly variable moisture or oxygen content,
situations (see, for instance, 10.2). or both, at the embedded steel, and
X1.1.1 If potentials over an area are more positive than X1.1.4.4 To formulate conclusions concerning changes in
−0.20 V CSE, there is a greater than 90 % probability that no corrosion activity with time on a rehabilitated structure in
reinforcing steel corrosion is occurring in that area at the time which the rehabilitation caused the moisture or oxygen content,
of measurement. or both, at the embedded steel to change with time (for
example, installation of a low permeability overlay or water-
X1.1.2 If potentials over an area are in the range of −0.20 to
proof membrane on a chloride-contaminated bridge or parking
−0.35 V CSE, corrosion activity of the reinforcing steel in that
deck).
area is uncertain.
X1.1.3 If potentials over an area are more negative than X1.2 Potential Difference Technique—Where large areas of
−0.35 V CSE, there is a greater than 90 % probability that electrically interconnected, embedded steel exist, for example,
reinforcing steel corrosion is occurring in that area at the time in bridge decks, reinforced columns, or beams, careful mea-
of measurement. surement of potentials in a closely spaced grid pattern and the
X1.1.4 These criteria should not normally be utilized under subsequent plotting of equipotential contour maps may allow
the following conditions unless either experience or destructive identification of high versus low corrosion rate areas (see Refs
examination of some areas, or both, suggest their applicability: 1-8).

REFERENCES

(1) Spellman, D. L., and Stratfull, R. F., “Concrete Variables and Administration, Washington, DC, 1981.
Corrosion Testing,” Highway Research Record 423, 1973. (5) Virmani, Y. P., Clear, K. C., and Pasko, T. J., Jr., “Time-to-Corrosion
(2) Stratfull, R. F., “Half-Cell Potentials and the Corrosion of Steel in of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete Slabs,” Vol. 5, Federal Highway
Concrete,” Highway Research Record 433, 1973. Administration Report FHWA/RD-83/012, Washington, DC, Septem-
(3) Clear, K. C., and Hay, R. E.,“ Time to Corrosion of Reinforcing Steel ber 1983.
in Concrete Slabs,” Vol. 1, Federal Highway Administration Report (6) ACI Committee 222, “Corrosion of Metals in Concrete,” ACI 222R-
--`,,`,,,,,,`,``,`,`,``,```,,``,-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

FHWA-RD-73-32, Washington, DC, April 1973. 85, American Concrete Institute, Detroit, MI, 1985.
(4) Clear, K.C., “FCP Annual Progress Report-Year Ending September (7) “Durability of Concrete Bridge Decks,” NCHRP Synthesis of High-
30, 1981, Project 4K: Cost Effective Rigid Concrete Construction and way Practice 57, Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC,
Rehabilitation in Adverse Environments,” Federal Highway May 1979.

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 C876 − 15
(8) Chamberlain, W. P., Irwin, R. J., and Amsler, D. E., “Waterproofing
Membranes for Bridge Deck Rehabilitation,” Report No. FHWA-NY-
77-59-1, FHWA, 1977.

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