MAIN ROADS Western Australia Document 71/04/622.

1 Issue Date: 13 J anuary 2012

D10#280791
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RESISTIVITY OF CONCRETE



1 SCOPE

This method describes the procedure for determining
the electrical resistance (resistivity) of in situ concrete.

2 SAFETY

This method does not attempt to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this method to establish
appropriate occupational health and safety practices
that meet statutory regulations.

3 THEORY

The rate of corrosion of steel reinforcement embedded
in concrete is governed by the magnitude of the ionic
corrosion current which flows in the concrete between
the anodic and cathodic areas on the reinforcement.
The magnitude of this current is dependent on the
potential difference between the anode and the
cathode and the electrical resistance of the concrete.

The electrical resistance of the concrete is determined
using a four-probe resistivity meter (Wenner probe)
whereby an AC current is applied between the two
outer probes and the potential difference measured
across the two inner probes is determined.

4 APPARATUS

(a) A suitable soil resistance meter

NOTE: A modified 4 pin soil resistance meter, such as
the Nilsson Model 400 has been shown to be suitable.
See Figure 1.

(b) Four steel probe pins

NOTE: It is desirable for the probe pins to have a
maximum diameter of no more than 1/10
th
of the probe
spacing (a). Probe pins made of 6mm mild steel have
been found to give reasonable results. Pins should be
cylindrical in shape to ensure good electrical contact
with a slightly tapered end for the ease of insertion.

(c) 300 mm steel rule (1 mm graduations)

(d) Masonry drill and bit

(e) Hammer

(f) Marking pen

(g) Covermeter



5 PROCEDURE

(a) Locate a representative area of concrete, free of
major defects, such as cracking or spalling, within the
designated area for resistivity measurement.

(b) Measure and mark in an approximately straight
line, using a ruler and marking pen, the position of four
points of designated separation (a) (Fig 1). The line
joining these points shall be located centrally between
and parallel to the adjacent reinforcing bars.

The probe spacing (a) must be larger than the
maximum aggregate size but small enough to
prevent the steel reinforcing bars from influencing
the result. A 50 mm spacing has been found
appropriate in most situations

NOTES:

i. The designated separation (a) is normally specified
by the client.

ii. The line joining these points may cross a single
steel reinforcing bar at right angles without significant
effect. Measurements should not be taken within 2a of
the edge of the concrete element.

(c) Drill a hole using a suitable masonry drill and bit at
each marked point, of sufficient diameter to allow a
tight fit of each probe pin, to a depth of approximately
20 mm.

(d) Wet each hole and probe with water and insert a
probe into each hole. Secure the probes firmly by
tapping with a hammer to a depth of approximately
20 mm.

NOTE: An effective electrical contact between the
probe and the concrete is essential to prevent high
contact resistances from affecting the measurement.
The depth of hole may need to be increased in cases
of significant carbonation to beyond the carbonation
depth

(e) Check the calibration of the resistance meter using
a set of standard 10 , 100 and 1000 resistors at
the start and finish of each days readings or where
results are in doubt (Fig 2).

(f) Connect the resistivity meter to the installed probe
pins by means of lead wires (Fig 1).

(g) Set the sensitivity of the meter to low and adjust
the meter to null.


TEST METHOD WA 622.1 2012


MAIN ROADS Western Australia Document 71/04/622.1 Issue Date: 13 J anuary 2012
D10#280791
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TEST METHOD WA 622.1 2012

(h) Set the sensitivity to high and refine the null
adjustment.

(i) Record the resistance in ohms necessary to
achieve the null reading.

6 CALCULATONS

Calculate the Resistivity using the following formula:

= 2.a.

Where:

=Resistivity in ohm cm

a =Spacing between probes in cm

=Meter reading ohms

7 REPORTING

(a) Report the Resistivity in ohm cm to the nearest
100 cm

(b). The following information shall be recorded:

Structure identification
Position of structure
Date of Test
Surface condition of concrete
Location of steel reinforcements in the vicinity of
the probe pins
The probe separation (a)





8 FIGURES AND DRAWINGS


FIGURE 2:
Resistance Meter Test Plate
FIGURE 1:
Resistance Meter


MAIN ROADS Western Australia Document 71/04/622.1 Issue Date: 13 J anuary 2012
D10#280791
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TEST METHOD WA 622.1 2012


9 ISSUING AUTHORITY



10 REVISION STATUS RECORD

Page No. Section
Revision
Description / Reference
All All Complete Revision and Re-issue of Test Method


Document Owner:

Manager Materials Engineering
Delegated Custodian:

Pavements Manager