This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C1876 − 19

Standard Test Method for

Bulk Electrical Resistivity or Bulk Conductivity of Concrete1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1876; 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 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the bulk
electrical resistivity or conductivity of molded specimens or
cored sections of hardened concrete after immersion in water
saturated with a simulated pore solution in order to provide a
rapid indication of its resistance to the penetration of fluids and
dissolved aggressive ions.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. If required results obtained from another standard are
not reported in the same system of units as used by this
standard, it is permitted to convert those results using the
conversion factors found in the SI Quick Reference Guide.2
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
as requirements of this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic
and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon
prolonged exposure.)3 For specific warning statement see
8.1.2.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.1 ASTM Standards:4
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Field
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
drical Concrete Specimens
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled
Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
gregates
C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Laboratory
C1202 Test Method for Electrical Indication of Concrete’s
Ability to Resist Chloride Ion Penetration
C1556 Test Method for Determining the Apparent Chloride
Diffusion Coefficient of Cementitious Mixtures by Bulk
Diffusion
C1760 Test Method for Bulk Electrical Conductivity of
Hardened Concrete
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
Terminology C125.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 bulk electrical resistivity, n—material property that
quantifies how strongly the material opposes the flow of
electrical charge when an electric field is applied using
electrodes placed on opposite faces of a test specimen; mea-
sured in units of ohm-meter.
3.2.2 bulk electrical conductivity, n—material property that
quantifies how strongly the material permits the flow of
electrical charge when an electric field is applied using
electrodes placed on opposite faces of a test specimen; mea-
sured in units of milli-siemens per meter (mS/m).

1
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Bulk electrical conductivity is the re-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee ciprocal of bulk electrical resistivity.
C09.66 on Concrete’s Resistance to Fluid Penetration.
Current edition approved June 15, 2019. Published Aug. 2019. DOI: 10.1520/
C1876-19
2 4
Annex A in Form and Style for ASTM Standards, www.astm.org/COMMIT/ For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Blue_Book.pdf. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02. the ASTM website.

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

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 C1876 − 19
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The electrical resistance or conductance of a hardened
concrete cylindrical specimen conditioned in accordance with
this test method is determined on at least two specimens
obtained from cores or cast in cylindrical molds, the ends are
prepared, the dimensions measured, and then submerged in a
simulated pore solution for at least 6 days, or from time of
demolding in the case of molded cylinders. While the specimen
is in the solution, the bulk resistivity or conductivity test device
is verified over the expected range of resistivity or conductiv-
ity. Then the specimen is placed in the test device. In some
testing apparatus, the voltage and current are measured such
that the resistivity or conductivity can then be calculated. In
other testing apparatus, the resistivity or conductivity is calcu-
lated directly once specimen dimensions are input.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The electrical resistivity of a concrete is the opposition
to the movement of ions under an applied electric field. The
electrical conductivity of a concrete is a measure of how
readily the ions in the pore solution can be transported through
the concrete under an applied electric field (the higher the
conductivity, the greater the rate of transport). The electrical
resistivity or conductivity is a material property that depends
upon the pore volume, the pore structure (size and
connectivity), the pore solution composition, the degree of
saturation of the concrete specimen, and the specimen’s tem-
perature. Concrete mixture characteristics that are known to
affect concrete electrical resistivity, as well as resistance to
chloride ion penetration, include water-cementitious materials
ratio, pozzolans, slag cement, the presence of polymeric
admixtures, air-entrainment, aggregate type, aggregate volume
fraction, degree of consolidation, curing method, and age.
5.2 The bulk electrical resistivity of concrete is the inverse
of its bulk electrical conductivity. Bulk electrical conductivity
can also be measured by Test Method C1760, which uses the
apparatus described in Test Method C1202. This test method,
however, uses apparatus specifically designed to measure bulk
conductivity or bulk resistivity.
5.3 The purpose of conditioning in a simulated pore solution
is to bring the specimen to a level of near complete saturation
of the capillary and gel pores. When comparing two different
concrete specimens, it is important to condition both specimens
as close as possible to a comparable saturation state, using the
same solution for conditioning, so that values can be compared
in a meaningful way. This is particularly true for using the
measured resistivity or conductivity, along with other
information, to estimate the diffusivity.
5.4 The bulk electrical resistivity or conductivity of con-
crete can provide a rapid indication of its resistance to chloride
ion penetration and resistance to penetration of other fluids.
Resistivity or conductivity measurements have shown good
correlations with other electrical indication tests including Test
Method C1202 (1, 2, 3).5 Bulk electrical resistivity results have
5
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this standard.
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shown good correlation with bulk diffusion determined using
Test Method C1556 on companion molded cylinders from the
same concrete mixtures (4).
6. Interferences
6.1 If this test method is used to compare different concrete
mixtures, the results can be misleading if certain admixtures
containing water-soluble ionic compounds, such as calcium
nitrite and calcium nitrate, are present in one of the concrete
mixtures. Chemical admixtures such as calcium nitrite can
contribute to a lower electrical resistivity because they increase
the conductivity of the pore solution (Note 1). This effect can
be independent of the overall quality of the concrete because it
has been shown in long-term bulk diffusion tests that concretes
with calcium nitrite can perform as well as control mixtures
without the admixture and lower conductivity.
NOTE 1—Similarly, other admixtures containing water-soluble ionic
compounds might affect the results of this test method. Long-term
chloride ion diffusion tests are recommended if an admixture effect is
suspected. Alternately, this interference can be minimized by expressing
results as a formation factor (see Appendix X1).
6.2 Because the test results are a function of the electrical
resistance or conductance of the specimen, the presence of
reinforcing steel, metal fibers, or other embedded electrically
conductive materials, including some types of aggregates, may
yield unrepresentative results, as these will result in higher
conductivity than a concrete of similar quality but with no
embedded conductive material. The test is not applicable to
specimens containing reinforcing steel positioned longitudi-
nally that provide a continuous electrical path between the two
ends of the specimen, and it is not applicable to specimens
containing discrete metallic fibers.
6.3 Leaching of ions from the pore solution of concrete is
known to affect measured resistivity or conductivity values.
Even standard curing in water saturated with calcium hydrox-
ide can influence the resistivity of the solution inside the pores
of the concrete as potassium and sodium hydroxides are
leached out. As such, concrete cylinders and cores are im-
mersed in simulated pore solution for at least 6 days prior to
testing.
6.4 The level of saturation of the concrete has a major
impact on resistivity or conductivity because the electric
current is mainly conducted through the liquid in the pores.
Achieving full saturation is difficult, so while not perfect, the
conditioning procedures used in this test method provide a
methodology for achieving a high and reproducible level of
saturation without allowing excessive leaching of alkalis.
6.5 Because concrete has a capacitive component, its elec-
trical response is characterized by a magnitude and a phase
difference that is a function of the AC frequency. This may
have an effect on the measured test result. The desired quantity
is the magnitude of the impedance that is measured at the
frequency that yields the minimum phase difference between
the applied voltage and the measured current; that is, the
system is behaving most like a resistor. A number of commer-
cial devices operate at a single fixed frequency, typically
 C1876 − 19
between 10 Hz and 1 kHz. The degree to which a limited
frequency range impacts the result has been found to be no
more than 5 % (5).
6.6 Electrical resistivity or conductivity is temperature
dependent, so perform all tests on concrete specimens condi-
tioned within 62 ºC (5, 6).
6.7 The thin sponges, saturated with conductive fluid, that
connect the test specimen to the plate electrodes, can provide a
small amount of resistance (7). However, if both electrodes are
clamped tightly to the test specimen, the resistance is minimal
and can be neglected.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Bulk Resistivity or Conductivity Test Device, capable of
supplying an ac voltage across the entire cross-section of the
specimen, measuring the current passing through the specimen
to three significant digits, and measuring the voltage drop
across the ends of the specimen to three significant digits. The
test device shall meet the verification requirements in Section
11.
NOTE 2—Several test devices are commercially available, but the
voltage, frequency, and wave form used are different with each device.
Some devices display resistivity or conductivity based directly on speci-
men geometry while others may display the electrical resistance of the
specimen. In this test method, different devices may be used as long as
they meet the verification requirements in Section 11.
7.2 Stainless Steel Electrically Conductive Plate Electrodes,
made with at least the same nominal diameter (Note 3) as the
ends of the specimens to be tested and between 6 and 8 mm
thick. Plate electrodes shall be fitted with connectors that allow
connection to the electrical cables. Plate electrodes are permit-
ted to be larger than the specimen diameter or cross-section.
NOTE 3—Rectangular specimens, such as cubes or prisms, may also be
measured using electrodes of at least the same size as the cross-section to
be tested.
7.3 Electrical Cables, for connecting the plate electrodes to
the test device. Two insulated cables or one insulated cable
FIG. 1 Schematic of electric circuit inside verification cylinder. Precision resistors are labeled R1 to R5. The switch is labeled S1. The
circuit is connected to plate electrodes at each end.
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with two conductors made of 18 AWG stranded copper wire
have been found to be satisfactory. The ends of the cables shall
be suitable for connecting to the test device and the plate
electrodes.
7.4 Verification Cylinder, composed of a hollow tube with a
diameter of 100 mm and length of 200 mm, made of electri-
cally non-conductive, rigid material and fitted with electrically
conductive stainless steel plates at each end. Inside the hollow
cylinder, at least five precision resistors with tolerances no
greater than 60.1 % of their nominal value shall be connected
in parallel between the two end plates and provided with a
switch so that only one resistor is connected at any one time
(Fig. 1). The resistors shall be distributed over the range of 10
ohm to 100 kohm in order to cover the potential range of
resistivity values for various concrete mixtures.
NOTE 4—It is recommended that at least one precision resistor is used
per decade, such as 12 ohm, 120 ohm, 1.2 kohm, 12 kohm, and 120 kohm
resistors or using other resistors that cover the expected range of concrete
mixtures to be evaluated.
7.5 Sponges, or other alkali-resistant absorbent material
with at least the same dimensions as the cross-sections of the
ends of the test specimen.
7.6 Specimen Holder, for tests to be conducted horizontally,
sufficiently large enough to support the cylindrical specimen
during testing. The specimen holder shall be made of rigid
plastic or other similar electrically non-conductive material.
NOTE 5—Two vertically oriented V-notch plates fixed to a base plate
provides a suitable specimen holder.
7.7 Non-Electrically Conductive Surface, for tests to be
conducted vertically, such as a rubber or plastic base or mat of
at least 3 mm thickness and having a cross-sectional area larger
than that of the plate electrodes. The test device is placed on
top of this non-conductive mat or base.
7.8 Ruler, 300 mm to 380 mm in length divided into 1 mm
graduations.
 C1876 − 19
7.9 Saw, for trimming ends of cores. The saw shall have a
diamond or silicon-carbide cutting edge and shall be capable of
cutting cores without introducing cracks or dislodging aggre-
gate particles.
8. Reagents and Materials
8.1 Simulated Pore Solution Saturated with Calcium
Hydroxide—Add 7.6 g of dry NaOH, 10.64 g of dry KOH, and
2.0 g of dry Ca(OH)2 to a 1 L container and add deionized
water to the 1 L mark. Use reagent grade chemicals conforming
to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents
of the American Chemical Society where such specifications
are available.6
NOTE 6—Sufficient solution can be made in an 18 to 20 L bucket using
13 250 g deionized water, 102.6 g NaOH, 143.9 g KOH, and 27 g
Ca(OH)2. No correction for purity of reagents is made.
NOTE 7—This simulated pore solution has been found to minimize the
potential for leaching of alkalis and calcium hydroxide from the test
specimens and minimize changes to the electrical conductivity of the pore
solution. The conductivity and resistivity of this pore solution has been
found to be 7874 mS/m and 0.127 ohm-m, respectively. Compositions and
conductivities of pore solutions in different concretes and at different ages
will vary but it is not practical to match pore solution compositions to
those of each concrete being tested.
8.1.1 Bring the simulated pore solution to room temperature
prior to use.
8.1.2 Warning—Before using NaOH and KOH, review the
following: (1) the safety precautions for using NaOH and
KOH; (2) first aid for burns; and (3) the emergency response to
spills, as described in the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data
Sheets or other reliable safety literature. NaOH and KOH as
well as solutions made with them can cause very severe burns
and injury to unprotected skin and eyes. Suitable personal
protective equipment should always be used when making the
solution and when placing and removing specimens from the
pore solution. These should include full-face shields, rubber
aprons, and gloves impervious to NaOH and KOH. Gloves
should be checked periodically for pin holes.
8.2 Conductive Fluid—An electrically conductive liquid is
applied to sponges and each electrode to ensure electrical
contact with the surface of the concrete. Follow the apparatus
manufacturer’s instructions regarding the composition and use
of a conductive fluid.
NOTE 8—Water saturated with respect to calcium hydroxide has been
found to be a suitable conductive fluid for saturating the sponges.
Alternatively, the simulated pore solution described in 8.1, or a conductive
fluid supplied by the manufacturer of the equipment is also suitable. The
use of distilled or deionized water is not recommended due to its low
electrical conductivity. Tap water may be acceptable, if determined to be
sufficiently conductive, but its use is not recommended.
9. Test Specimens
9.1 Specimen preparation and selection depends on the
purpose of the test. For evaluation of concrete-making mate-
6
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention,Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
MD.
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rials or their proportions, specimens are permitted to be either
100 mm diameter by 200 mm long molded cylinders or cores
with length to diameter ratio of at least 1. The minimum
specimen dimension shall be at least three times the nominal
maximum aggregate size. Obtain two molded cylinders or
cores for each test.
9.1.1 If testing molded cylinders, prepare specimens in
accordance with Practice C192/C192M or Practice C31/C31M,
whichever is applicable.
9.1.1.1 Transport field-molded specimens to the laboratory
in their molds, capped with lids and sealed in plastic bags. If
specimens must be shipped, protect them from freezing and
from damage in transit or storage.
9.1.2 If testing cores, obtain them in accordance with Test
Method C42/C42M.
9.1.2.1 After drilling, place cores in separate plastic bags or
non-absorbent containers and seal to prevent moisture loss.
Maintain cores at ambient temperature. Transport the cores to
the testing laboratory as soon as possible.
10. Specimen Preparation and Conditioning
10.1 Specimen Preparation:
10.1.1 Remove the molds from molded cylinders, or remove
transported field-molded specimens from plastic bags, and if
necessary, saw cut or grind cylinder ends so that they are plane
and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for measurement of
length.
10.1.2 Remove core specimens from plastic bags and saw
cut to obtain specimens with ends plane and perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis in accordance with Test Method C39/
C39M.
10.1.3 After end preparation, use a ruler to measure and
record two cross-sectional diameters at each end of each
specimen, and four specimen lengths taken at 90° to each other.
Calculate and record the average diameter (D) and length (L)
values in meters to the nearest 0.001 m. Calculate and record
the cross-sectional area in m2. Use the average diameter for
calculating the circular cross-sectional area perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis, to three significant digits.
10.2 Specimen Conditioning:
10.2.1 After obtaining dimensions, submerge two core or
molded cylindrical specimens in an 18 to 20 L bucket with
sufficient simulated pore solution to cover the specimens with
35 to 40 mm of solution (Note 9). The simulated pore solution
shall be maintained at a temperature of 23.0 6 2.0 °C. Keep
the specimens submerged for at least 6 days and until time of
testing.
10.2.2 If more than two specimens are to be conditioned in
one bucket, maintain the same range of volume of solution to
volume of specimens as used in 10.2.1.
NOTE 9—The volume of solution surrounding the specimens should
range from two and up to three times the volume of the specimens.
11. Verification
11.1 Prior to testing concrete specimens on a given day,
verify the accuracy of measurements made by the test device
over the range of expected values of resistivity or conductivity
using the verification cylinder described in 7.4.
 C1876 − 19
NOTE 10—Use of a verification cylinder allows checking of the bulk
resistivity device together with electrodes and sponges saturated with
conductive fluid.
11.2 Apply conductive fluid to saturate the sponges at each
electrode of the test device and connect to the end plates of the
verification cylinder using the same procedure as that used for
testing concrete specimens. Measure the resistance, calculated
resistivity, or conductivity values across each of the five
resistors sequentially. Each of the five measured values shall be
within 2 % of the certified values provided with the verification
test device except as allowed in 11.2.2.
11.2.1 If verification is not initially achieved, remove the
verification cylinder, apply more conductive fluid to the
sponges, and re-insert the verification cylinder into the test
device, using the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. If
the instrument does not read within 2 % of the known values,
it shall not be used except as allowed in 11.2.2.
11.2.2 In cases where not all five verification values are
within 2 % of the certified values, the test device may be used
if the range of values obtained on test specimens is between
two verification values that are within 2 % of the certified
values.
12. Procedure
12.1 Remove the test specimen from the container of pore
solution, blot off excess liquid, and transfer to the specimen
holder (see 7.6) or place into a test device designed to hold
specimens vertically. To minimize drying of the concrete
surface, do not leave the specimen exposed to air for longer
than 5 min before performing tests.
12.2 Saturate the sponges with conductive fluid and place
between the plate electrodes and end surfaces of the specimen.
Center the electrodes and sponges on the ends of the specimen
and press the sponges against the end faces of the specimen in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE 11—To obtain repeatable measurements, sufficient pressure
should be applied to provide firm contact between the electrodes and the
specimen. This can be provided using a clamping device, bolts, or use of
a weight of at least 3 kg on top of the top electrode of a vertically oriented
test setup. The mass of a concrete cylinder of 100 × 200 mm nominal
dimensions is typically sufficient for use as a weight.
12.3 Make measurements on the test specimen in accor-
dance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
12.3.1 For test devices with capabilities to measure ac
current at variable frequency, perform tests at 1 kHz, unless
otherwise specified.
12.3.2 If the test device is designed to display resistivity or
conductivity, enter the average specimen dimensions into the
device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
12.4 Record the values after allowing the readings stabilize
for 2 to 5 s. For devices that perform the calculations internally,
record the displayed resistivity or conductivity. For devices
that display electrical resistance, record the value of resistance
in ohms. For other devices, record the voltage in volts, V, and
current, I, in amperes. Remove the electrodes from the
specimen, reapply the electrodes, and repeat the measurement.
Make at least two repeat measurements.
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12.4.1 For devices that display conductivity, the difference
between two successive readings on the same specimen shall
not exceed 0.10 mS/m for conductivity equal to or greater than
10 mS/m and shall not exceed 0.05 mS/m for conductivity
lower than 10 mS/m.
12.4.2 For devices that display resistivity, the difference
between two successive readings on the same specimen shall
not exceed 0.5 ohm-m for readings lower than 100 ohm-m, and
1.0 ohm-m for readings equal to or higher than 100 ohm-m.
Record the average of the final two measurements.
12.4.3 If the difference between two successive measure-
ments exceed the values listed in 12.4.1 or 12.4.2, repeat
measurements until two consecutive measurements do not
differ by more than these values.
13. Calculations
13.1 Determine the bulk electrical resistivity in accordance
with the type of test device used:
13.1.1 For devices that measure the current and voltage,
calculate the bulk electrical resistivity in units of ohm-m using
Eq 1:
V A
ρ5 · (1)
I L
where:
L = average specimen length, m to the nearest 0.001 m,
A = specimen cross-sectional area, m2, to three significant
digits,
V = voltage, V, and
I = current, A.
13.1.2 For devices that display the electrical resistance of
the specimen, calculate the bulk electrical resistivity using Eq
2:
ρ 5 RA⁄L (2)
where:
R = electrical resistance of specimen, ohms, and
A and L = as defined for Eq 1.
13.1.3 For devices that calculate bulk electrical resistivity
using Eq 1, no additional calculation is needed.
13.2 Calculate the average resistivity for the set of replicate
specimens tested in ohm-m and report to the nearest 0.1
ohm-m.
13.3 If required by the specifier of the tests, calculate the
bulk electrical conductivity by taking the inverse of Eq 1 or Eq
2 and multiplying by 1000 to obtain values in units of mS/m.
14. Report
14.1 Report the following information:
14.1.1 Source of the core; if removed from a structure,
report the location from within the structure,
14.1.2 Identification number of the core or cylinder
specimen,
14.1.3 Type of concrete, including binder type, water-
cementitious materials ratio, and other relevant data supplied
with specimens, if known,
 C1876 − 19
14.1.4 Description of the specimen, including the average
diameter and length to the nearest 0.001 m and the cross-
sectional area to three significant digits,
14.1.5 Curing history and age of the specimen, if known,
14.1.6 If the average of two or more companion cylinders or
cores tested at the same age is reported, calculate the average
bulk electrical resistivity and report to the nearest 0.1 ohm-m
or calculate the average bulk electrical conductivity and report
to the nearest 0.01 mS/m, and
14.1.7 The type of test device used, including the operating
frequency for devices with variable frequency.
15. Precision and Bias
15.1 Precision—A test program was completed with 12
laboratories using one of the commercially available devices.
Tests were conducted on concrete cylinders of 100 × 200 mm
nominal dimensions stored in saturated lime water and using
thin sponges also saturated with lime water to connect the
electrodes to the concrete specimen. Tests were conducted on
seven 28-day old concrete mixtures and twelve 56-day and
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1.1 FORMATION FACTOR
X1.1.1 Electrical tests of concrete, including Test Method
C1202 and Test Method C1760, are also influenced by the
conductivity of the pore fluid in addition to the porosity and
pore connectivity. Only the latter factors, however, are indica-
tive of the resistance of concrete to fluid penetration. This
interference can be removed by use of the formation factor.
X1.1.2 The formation factor is a material property that
relates to the pore geometry and connectivity. The formation
factor can be calculated as the ratio of the resistivity of a bulk
body (ρ) to the resistivity of the pore solution in the body (ρo):
F5ρ⁄ρo . The resistivity of the pore fluid can be determined by
calculation using models based on (1) thermodynamics, (2) a
mathematical model (see X1.1.3) based on mixture
proportions, (3) the alkali content of the binder and assumed
REFERENCES
(1) Hooton, R.D., Charmchi, G., “Adoption of Resistivity Tests for
Concrete Acceptance,” ACI Special Publication SP-303, Proceedings,
Recent Advances in Concrete Technology and Sustainability Issues,
Ottawa, July 2015, pp. 269-279.
(2) Hooton, R.D., Charmchi, G. and Karkar, E., “Development and
Standardization of Rapid Methods for Assessing the Fluid Penetration
Resistance of Concrete,” Proceedings, XIII International Conference
on the Durability of Building Materials, Sao Paolo, Brazil, Sept. 2014,
pp.1111-1117.
(3) Gudimettla, J., and Crawford, G., “Resistivity tests for concrete –
recent field experience,” ACI Materials Journal, Vol. 113, No. 4,
2016.
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91-day old concrete mixtures with mean resistivity values
ranging from 66 to 380 ohm-m (7).
NOTE 12—The conditioning solution used in the interlaboratory test
program (7) was not the same as used in this test method. Unpublished
precision values for tests conducted with the simulated pore solution, as
used in this test method, were found not to be greatly affected. Precision
values will be revised when those results are published.
15.1.1 The single-operator coefficient of variation was
found to be 4.3 %. Therefore, the results of two properly
conducted tests by the same operator on the same concrete
material at the same age are not expected to differ by more than
12.0 % of their average.
15.1.2 The multi-laboratory coefficient of variation was
found to be 13.2 %. Therefore, the results of two properly
conducted tests by different laboratories on the same concrete
material at the same age are not expected to differ by more than
37.0 % of their average.
15.2 Bias—Because there is no accepted reference material
suitable for determining the bias in this test method, no
statement of bias is made.
degree of hydration, (4) by pore solution extraction and
conductivity measurement, or (5) by direct measurement of
conductivity with an embedded sensor (8).
X1.1.3 The resistivity of the pore solution (ρo) (ohm-m) is
the inverse of pore solution conductivity (S/m). Based on the
work reported by Snyder (9), pore solution conductivity can be
estimated using the on-line calculator by following the link:
https://www.nist.gov/el/materials-and-structural-systems-
division-73100/inorganic-materials-group-73103/estimation-
pore
X1.1.4 If resistivity is measured at a temperature other than
23.0 6 2.0°C, the measured resistivity must be divided by the
resistivity of the pore solution at the same temperature in order
to obtain the formation factor.
(4) Shahroodi A., Hooton R.D., “Development of Test Methods for
Assessment of Concrete Durability for Use in Performance-Based
Specifications,” Final Report Submitted to Ministry of Transportation
of Ontario and Department of Civil Engineering, University of
Toronto, 2010.
(5) Spragg, R., Villani, C. and Weiss, J., “Electrical Properties of
Cementitious Systems: Formation Factor Determination and the
Influence of Conditioning Procedures,” Advances in Civil Engineer-
ing Materials, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 24-48, 2016.
(6) Spragg, R., Villani, C., Snyder, K., Bentz, D., Bullard, J.W., and
Weiss, J., “Factors That Influence Electrical Resistivity Measurements
in Cementitious Systems,” Transportation Research Record: Journal
 C1876 − 19
of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2342, Transportation (8) Barrett, T., “Improving Service Life of Concrete Structures Through
Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C., 2013, the use of Internal Curing: Impact on Practice,” Ph.D. Thesis, Purdue
pp. 90-98. DOI: 10.3141/2342-11. University, West Lafayette, IN, 2015.
(7) Spragg, R. P., Castro, J., Nantung, T. E., Paredes, M. A., and Weiss, J., (9) Snyder, K.A., Feng, X., Keen, B.D., and Mason, T.O., “Estimating the
“Variability Analysis of the Uniaxial Resistivity Measured Using Electrical Conductivity of Cement Paste Pore Solutions from OH-,
Concrete Cylinders,” Advances in Civil Engineering Materials, Vol. 1, K+, and Na+ Concentrations,” Cement and Concrete Research, Vol.
No. 1, 1-17, 2012. 33, No. 6, 793-798, 2003.

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