One Stop Solution for Construction Materials Testing
At A & S Laboratories, Inc., we specialize in chloride testing and corrosion materials testing with prompt, accurate results.
Chloride Testing
Acid-Soluble[~lander] and Water-Soluble[~lander] tests are the two most common forms of chloride testing.
Chloride ions are one of the most common pollutants in concrete and can cause reinforcement corrosion thus, quality chloride testing is first line of defense against corrosion.
ASTM C-1152 Acid-Soluble Chlorides Test
The Acid Soluble is a complete extraction method for construction materials. The results of this test can be used to assess the degree of corrosion that may occur in concrete or mortar containing chloride ions.
ASTM C-1218 Water-Soluble Chlorides Test
ASTM C-1218 is an essential tool for ensuring the quality of water-soluble chlorides. Water-Soluble chlorides (ASTM C1218) requires an extra day of testing.
The presence of a large number of chlorides will degrade structures and drastically reduce their lifespan.
Corrosion
The corrosion of steel in concrete has received a lot of attention because of the high cost of repairs. As a result of the vast study into the components that contribute to steel corrosion, we now have a better knowledge of corrosion, particularly the involvement of chloride ions. Chloride ions are abundant in nature, and minor quantities are frequently found in concrete mix materials.
Chloride ions can be the primary cause of steel reinforcement corrosion. That is why research has shown the need for high-quality concrete, as well as meticulous testing and reasonable limits on chloride in concrete and the concrete components used to make it.
Carbonation
Carbonation is a slow process in concrete with a low water-cement ratio, and it is less prevalent than corrosion caused by chloride ions. Environmental conditions have a significant impact on the rate of corrosion of steel reinforcement implanted in concrete. If electrochemical corrosion occurs, both oxygen and moisture must be present. Dissolved chloride ions can penetrate unprotected hardened concrete in structures open to marine environments or deicing salts.
Macrocell Corrosion
Macrocell corrosion can occur in reinforced concrete with a high chloride ion concentration, especially when subjected to wetting and drying cycles. Corrosion causes concrete to deteriorate because the corrosion products, such as rust, occupy a larger volume than the steel and, as a result, put significant loads on the surrounding concrete. The corrosion's visible impacts include concrete discoloration, cracking, and spalling.
Useful Options
To date, no corrosion research has yielded a steel or other form of reinforcement that will not corrode in concrete that is both cost-effective and technically possible. Other options being considered include corrosion inhibitors, steel protective coatings, and cathodic protection. Although there has been considerable progress in each area, issues originating from embedded metal corrosion have not been completely removed.
Concrete, Mortar, and Grout
Aggregates
Concrete Water Testing ASTM C1602
