Designation: C 876 – 91 (Reapproved 1999)

Standard Test Method for

Half-Cell Potentials of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in
Concrete1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 876; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 3.5 The potential measurements should be interpreted by

1.1 This test method covers the estimation of the electrical engineers or technical specialists experienced in the fields of
half-cell potential of uncoated reinforcing steel in field and concrete materials and corrosion testing. It is often necessary to
laboratory concrete, for the purpose of determining the corro- use other data such as chloride contents, depth of carbonation,
sion activity of the reinforcing steel. delamination survey findings, rate of corrosion results, and
1.2 This test method is limited by electrical circuitry. A environmental exposure conditions, in addition to half-cell
concrete surface that has dried to the extent that it is a dielectric potential measurements, to formulate conclusions concerning
and surfaces that are coated with a dielectric material will not corrosion activity of embedded steel and its probable effect on
provide an acceptable electrical circuit. The basic configuration the service life of a structure.
of the electrical circuit is shown in Fig. 1. 4. Apparatus
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. 4.1 The testing apparatus consists of the following:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address the safety- 4.1.1 Half Cell:
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility 4.1.1.1 A copper-copper sulfate half cell (Note 1) is shown
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and in Fig. 2. It consists of a rigid tube or container composed of
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory a dielectric material that is nonreactive with copper or copper
limitations prior to use. sulfate, a porous wooden or plastic plug that remains wet by
capillary action, and a copper rod that is immersed within the
2. Referenced Documents tube in a saturated solution of copper sulfate. The solution shall
2.1 ASTM Standards: be prepared with reagent grade copper sulfate crystals dis-
G 3 Practice for Conventions Applicable to Electrochemical solved in distilled or deionized water. The solution may be
Measurements in Corrosion Testing2 considered saturated when an excess of crystals (undissolved)
lies at the bottom of the solution.
3. Significance and Use 4.1.1.2 The rigid tube or container shall have an inside
3.1 This test method is suitable for in-service evaluation and diameter of not less than 1 in. (25 mm); the diameter of the
for use in research and development work. porous plug shall not be less than 1⁄2 in. (13 mm); the diameter
3.2 This test method is applicable to members regardless of of the immersed copper rod shall not be less than 1⁄4 in. (6 mm),
their size or the depth of concrete cover over the reinforcing and the length shall not be less than 2 in. (50 mm).
steel. 4.1.1.3 Present criteria based upon the half-cell reaction of
3.3 This test method may be used at any time during the life Cu → Cu++ + 2e indicate that the potential of the saturated
of a concrete member. copper-copper sulfate half cell as referenced to the hydrogen
3.4 The results obtained by the use of this test method shall electrode is −0.316 V at 72°F (22.2°C). The cell has a
not be considered as a means for estimating the structural temperature coefficient of about 0.0005 V more negative per°
properties of the steel or of the reinforced concrete member. F for the temperature range from 32 to 120°F (0 to 49°C).
NOTE 1—While this test method specifies only one type of half cell, that
1
is, the copper-copper sulfate half cell, others having similar measurement
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G01 on range, accuracy, and precision characteristics may also be used. In
Corrosion of Metals and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G01.14 on
addition to copper-copper sulfate cells, calomel cells have been used in
Corrosion of Reinforcing Steel.
Current edition approved March 11, 1991. Published May 1991. Originally
laboratory studies. Potentials measured by other than copper-copper
published as C 876 – 77. Last previous edition C 876 – 87. sulfate half cells should be converted to the copper-copper sulfate
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.02.

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

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 C 876 – 91 (1999)

FIG. 1 Copper-Copper Sulfate Half Cell Circuitry

equivalent potential. The conversion technique can be found in Practice

G 3 and it is also described in most physical chemistry or half-cell
technology text books.

4.1.2 Electrical Junction Device—An electrical junction

device shall be used to provide a low electrical resistance liquid
bridge between the surface of the concrete and the half cell. It
shall consist of a sponge or several sponges pre-wetted with a
low electrical resistance contact solution. The sponge may be
folded around and attached to the tip of the half cell so that it
provides electrical continuity between the porous plug and the
concrete member.
4.1.3 Electrical Contact Solution—In order to standardize
the potential drop through the concrete portion of the circuit, an
electrical contact solution shall be used to wet the electrical
junction device. One such solution is composed of a mixture of
95 mL of wetting agent (commercially available wetting agent)
or a liquid household detergent thoroughly mixed with 5 gal
(19 L) of potable water. Under working temperatures of less
than about 50°F (10°C), approximately 15 % by volume of
FIG. 2 Sectional View of a Copper-Copper Sulfate Half Cell
either isopropyl or denatured alcohol must be added to prevent

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 C 876 – 91 (1999)
clouding of the electrical contact solution, since clouding may Electrical continuity of steel components with the reinforcing
inhibit penetration of water into the concrete to be tested. steel can be established by measuring the resistance between
4.1.4 Voltmeter—The voltmeter shall have the capacity of widely separated steel components on the deck. Where dupli-
being battery operated and have 63 % end-of-scale accuracy at cate test measurements are continued over a long period of
the voltage ranges in use. The input impedance shall be no less
than 10 MV when operated at a full scale of 100 mV. The divisions on the scale used shall be such that a potential difference of 0.02 V or less can be read without interpolation.
time, identical connection points should be used each time for
4.1.5 Electrical Lead Wires—The electrical lead wire shall a given measurement.
be of such dimension that its electrical resistance for the length 6.3 Electrical Connection to the Half Cell—Electrically
used will not disturb the electrical circuit by more than 0.0001 connect one end of the lead wire to the half cell and the other
V. This has been accomplished by using no more than a total of end of this same lead wire to the negative (ground) terminal of
500 linear ft (150 m) of at least AWG No. 24 wire. The wire the voltmeter.
shall be suitably coated with direct burial type of insulation. 6.4 Pre-Wetting of the Concrete Surface:
5. Calibration and Standardization 6.4.1 Under certain conditions, the concrete surface or an
overlaying material, or both, must be pre-wetted by either of
5.1 Care of the Half Cell—The porous plug shall be covered the two methods described in 6.4.3 or 6.4.4 with the solution
when not in use for long periods to ensure that it does not described in 4.1.3 to decrease the electrical resistance of the
become dried to the point that it becomes a dielectric (upon circuit.
drying, pores may become occluded with crystalline copper
6.4.2 A test to determine the need for pre-wetting may be
sulfate). If cells do not produce the reproducibility or agree-
made as follows:
ment between cells described in Section 11, cleaning the
copper rod in the half cell may rectify the problem. The rod 6.4.2.1 Place the half cell on the concrete surface and do not
may be cleaned by wiping it with a dilute solution of move.
hydrochloric acid. The copper sulfate solution shall be renewed 6.4.2.2 Observe the voltmeter for one of the following
either monthly or before each use, whichever is the longer conditions:
period. At no time shall steel wool or any other contaminant be (a) The measured value of the half-cell potential does not
used to clean the copper rod or half-cell tube. change or fluctuate with time.
(b) The measured value of the half-cell potential changes or
6. Procedure fluctuates with time.
6.1 Spacing Between Measurements—While there is no 6.4.2.3 If condition (a) is observed, pre-wetting the concrete
pre-defined minimum spacing between measurements on the surface is not necessary. However, if condition (b) is observed,
surface of the concrete member, it is of little value to take two pre-wetting is required for an amount of time such that the
measurements from virtually the same point. Conversely, voltage reading is stable (60.02 V) when observed for at least
measurements taken with very wide spacing may neither detect 5 min. If pre-wetting cannot obtain condition ( a), either the
corrosion activity that is present nor result in the appropriate electrical resistance of the circuit is too great to obtain valid
accumulation of data for evaluation. The spacing shall there- half-cell potential measurements of the steel, or stray current
fore be consistent with the member being investigated and the from a nearby direct current traction system or other fluctuating
intended end use of the measurements (Note 2). direct-current, such as arc welding, is affecting the readings. In
NOTE 2—A spacing of 4 ft (1.2 m) has been found satisfactory for either case, the half-cell method should not be used.
evaluation of bridge decks. Generally, larger spacings increase the 6.4.3 Method A for Pre-Wetting Concrete Surfaces—Use
probability that localized corrosion areas will not be detected. Measure- Method A for those conditions where a minimal amount of
ments may be taken in either a grid or a random pattern. Spacing between pre-wetting is required to obtain condition (a) as described in
measurements should generally be reduced where adjacent readings
exhibit algebraic reading differences exceeding 150 mV (areas of high
6.4.2.2. Accomplish this by spraying or otherwise wetting
corrosion activity). Minimum spacing generally should provide at least a either the entire concrete surface or only the points of mea-
100-mV difference between readings. surement as described in 6.1 with the solution described in
4.1.3. No free surface water should remain between grid points
6.2 Electrical Connection to the Steel:
when potential measurements are initiated.
6.2.1 Make a direct electrical connection to the reinforcing
steel by means of a compression-type ground clamp, or by 6.4.4 Method B for Pre-Wetting Concrete Surfaces—In this
brazing or welding a protruding rod. To ensure a low electrical method, saturate sponges with the solution described in 4.1.3
resistance connection, scrape the bar or brush the wire before and place on the concrete surface at locations described in 6.1.
connecting to the reinforcing steel. In certain cases, this Leave the sponges in place for the period of time necessary to
technique may require removal of some concrete to expose the obtain condition (a) described in 6.4.2.2. Do not remove the
reinforcing steel. Electrically connect the reinforcing steel to sponges from the concrete surface until after the half-cell
the positive terminal of the voltmeter. potential reading is made. In making the half-cell potential
6.2.2 Attachment must be made directly to the reinforcing measurements, place the electrical junction device described in
steel except in cases where it can be documented that an 4.1.2 firmly on top of the pre-wetting sponges for the duration
exposed steel member is directly attached to the reinforcing of the measurement.
steel. Certain members, such as expansion dams, date plates, 6.5 Underwater, Horizontal, and Vertical Measurements:
lift works, and parapet rails may not be attached directly to the 6.5.1 Potential measurements detect corrosion activity, but
reinforcing steel and, therefore, may yield invalid readings. not necessarily the location of corrosion activity. The precise

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 C 876 – 91 (1999)
location of corrosion activity requires knowledge of the elec-
trical resistance of the material between the half cell and the
corroding steel. While underwater measurements are possible,
results regarding the location of corrosion must be interpreted
very carefully. Often it is not possible to precisely locate points
of underwater corrosion activity in salt water environments
because potential readings along the member appear uniform.
However, the magnitude of readings does serve to indicate
whether or not active corrosion is occurring. Take care during
all underwater measurements that the half cell does not become
contaminated and that no part other than the porous tip of the
copper-copper sulfate electrode half cell comes in contact with
water.
6.5.2 Perform horizontal and vertically upward measure-
ments exactly as vertically downward measurements. How-
ever, additionally ensure that the copper-copper sulfate solu-
tion in the half cell makes simultaneous electrical contact with
the porous plug and the copper rod at all times.

7. Recording Half-Cell Potential Values FIG. 3 Equipotential Contour Map

7.1 Record the electrical half-cell potentials to the nearest

0.01 V. Report all half-cell potential values in volts and correct probability paper “Cumulative Frequency (%).” Draw two
for temperature if the half-cell temperature is outside the range horizontal parallel lines intersecting the −0.20 and −0.35 V
of 72 6 10°F (22.2 6 5.5°C). The temperature coefficient for values on the ordinate, respectively, across the chart.
the correction is given in 4.1.1.3. 8.1.2.4 After plotting the half-cell potentials, draw a line of
best fit through the value (Note 3). An example of a completed
8. Data Presentation plot is shown in Fig. 4.
8.1 Test measurements may be presented by one or both of NOTE 3—It is not unusual to observe a break in the straight line. In
two methods. The first, an equipotential contour map, provides these cases, the line of best fit shall be two straight lines that intersect at
a graphical delineation of areas in the member where corrosion an angle.
activity may be occurring. The second method, the cumulative
frequency diagram, provides an indication of the magnitude of 9. Interpretation of Results (See Refs. 1-8 3 and
affected area of the concrete member. Appendix)
8.1.1 Equipotential Contour Map—On a suitably scaled 9.1 Half-cell potentials are normally interpreted using a
plan view of the concrete member, plot the locations of the Numeric Magnitude Technique, or a Potential Difference
half-cell potential values of the steel in concrete and draw Technique, or a combination of the two. Information on these
contours of equal potential through points of equal or interpo- techniques is presented in Appendix X1.
lated equal values. The maximum contour interval shall be 0.10 9.2 The numeric magnitude of the potential usually provides
V. An example is shown in Fig. 3. an indication of the presence or absence of corrosion of steel
8.1.2 Cumulative Frequency Distribution— To determine embedded in uncarbonated portland cement mortar or concrete,
the distribution of the measured half-cell potentials for the and near the half-cell tip, provided that the steel does not have
concrete member, make a plot of the data on normal probability a metallic coating, for example, is not galvanized. The numeric
paper in the following manner: magnitude does not indicate the corrosion rate of the steel
8.1.2.1 Arrange and consecutively number all half-cell po- except under certain specific conditions.
tentials by ranking from least negative potential to greatest 9.3 The interpretations of half-cell potentials under condi-
negative potential. tions where the concrete is saturated with water, where it is
8.1.2.2 Determine the plotting position of each numbered carbonated at the depth of the reinforcing steel, where the steel
half-cell potential in accordance with the following equation: is coated, and under many other conditions, requires an
r
experienced corrosion engineer or specialist, and may require
fx 5 (n 1 1 3 100 (1) analyses for carbonation, metallic coatings, halides such as
chloride or bromide, and other factors. Guidelines and test
where: methods issued by ASTM Committee G-1 and the National
fx = plotting position of total observations for the ob- Association of Corrosion Engineers can be very useful in
served value, %, investigations involving half-cell potential determinations.
r = rank of individual half-cell potential, and 9.4 Half-cell potentials may or may not be an indication of
( n = total number of observations. corrosion current. Half-cell potentials may in part or in whole
8.1.2.3 Label the ordinate of the probability paper “Half-
Cell Potential (Volts, CSE),” where CSE is the designation for
copper-copper sulfate electrode. Label the abscissa of the 3
References 1-8 are listed at the end of this test method.

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 C 876 – 91 (1999)

FIG. 4 Cumulative Frequency Diagram

reflect the chemistry of the electrode environment. For ex- 10.1.5 The percentage of the total half-cell potentials that
ample, increasing concentrations of chloride can reduce the are more negative than −0.35 V, and
ferrous ion concentration at a steel anode, thus lowering 10.1.6 The percentage of the total half-cell potentials that
(making more negative) the potential. Unless such chemistry, are less negative than −0.20 V.
and the presence or absence of competing electrode reactions,
is known, a half-cell potential should not be interpreted as 11. Precision and Bias
indicative of corrosion rate, or even as indicative of a corrosion
reaction. 11.1 The difference between two half-cell readings taken at
the same location with the same cell should not exceed 10 mV
10. Report when the cell is disconnected and reconnected.
10.1 Report the following information: 11.2 The difference between two half-cell readings taken at
10.1.1 Type of cell used if other than copper-copper sulfate, the same location with two different cells should not exceed 20
10.1.2 The estimated average temperature of the half cell mV.
during the test,
10.1.3 The method for pre-wetting the concrete member and
12. Keywords
the method of attaching the voltmeter lead to the reinforcing
steel, 12.1 concrete-corrosion activity; concrete-corrosion of rein-
10.1.4 An equipotential contour map, showing the location forcing steel; corrosion; corrosion activity; electrical half-cell
of reinforcing steel contact, or a plot of the cumulative potentials; half-cell potentials
frequency distribution of the half-cell potentials, or both,

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 C 876 – 91 (1999)
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. NOTES ON THE HALF-CELL 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
above-ground in an area in which the precipitation rate subjected to frequent wetting unless it has been protected from
exceeded the evaporation rate, indicate the following regarding drying after casting,
the significance of the numerical value of the potentials X1.1.4.3 To compare corrosion activity in outdoor rein-
measured. Voltages listed are referenced to the copper-copper forced concretes of highly variable moisture or oxygen content,
sulfate half cell. or both, at the embedded steel, and
X1.1.1 If potentials over an area are more positive X1.1.4.4 To formulate conclusions concerning changes in
than −0.20 V CSE, there is a greater than 90 % probability that corrosion activity with time on a rehabilitated structure in
no reinforcing steel corrosion is occurring in that area at the which the rehabilitation caused the moisture or oxygen content,
time of measurement. or both, at the embedded steel to change with time (example:
X1.1.2 If potentials over an area are in the range of −0.20 installation of a low permeability overlay or waterproof mem-
to −0.35 V CSE, corrosion activity of the reinforcing steel in brane on a chloride-contaminated bridge or parking deck).
that area is uncertain.
X1.1.3 If potentials over an area are more negative X1.2 Potential Difference Technique—Where large areas of
than −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 Theses 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
examination of some areas, or both, suggest their applicability: References 1-8).

REFERENCES

(1) Spellman, D. L., and Stratfull, R. F., “Concrete Variables and Corro- of Reinforcing Steel in Concrete Slabs,” Vol. 5, Federal Highway
sion Testing,” Highway Research Record 423, 1973. Administration Report FHWA/RD-83/012, Washington, DC, Septem-
(2) Stratfull, R. F., “Half-Cell Potentials and the Corrosion of Steel in ber 1983.
Concrete,” Highway Research Record 433, 1973. (6) ACI Committee 222, “Corrosion of Metals in Concrete,” ACI 222R-
(3) Clear, K. C., and Hay, R. E.,“ Time to Corrosion of Reinforcing Steel 85, American Concrete Institute, Detroit, MI, 1985.
in Concrete Slabs,” Vol. 1, Federal Highway Administration Report
FHWA-RD-73-32, Washington, DC, April 1973. (7) “Durability of Concrete Bridge Decks,” NCHRP Synthesis of Highway
(4) Clear, K.C., “FCP Annual Progress Report-Year Ending September 30, Practice 57,” Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC, May
1981, Project 4K: Cost Effective Rigid Concrete Construction and 1979.
Rehabilitation in Adverse Environments,” Federal Highway Adminis- (8) Chamberlain, W. P., Irwin, R. J., and Amsler, D. E., “Waterproofing
tration, Washington, DC, 1981. Membranes for Bridge Deck Rehabilitation,” Report No. FHWA-NY-
(5) Virmani, Y. P., Clear, K. C., and Pasko, T. J., Jr., “Time-to-Corrosion 77-59-1, FHWA, 1977.

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