The development of a field procedure for determining the chloride content of concrete and an analysis in the variability of the effective diffusion constant

Abstract

During the initial phase of the investigation, four methods were selected for investigation from a review of literature sources,the specific ion probe, spectrophotometer, digital titrator, and Quantab titrator strips.

The initial results from the laboratory testing procedure and evaluation based on cost, speed, accuracy, and level of expertise required indicated the specific ion probe was more suitable for use in the field when compared to the remaining methods selected.

Effects of cement content and reaction temperature on the results obtained for the specific ion probe were also investigated. Results of the tests for the effects of cement content were somewhat inconclusive, but indicated more variability in the results as the amount of chloride present in the specimens increased. However, correlation between the increase in variability and i cement content was not indicated. The specific ion probe is affected by differences in temperature and the appropriate correction factor for the variation was determined.

Field validation of the procedure was undertaken to substantiate the findings from the laboratory investigation. This was accomplished by subjecting the specific ion probe to testing specimens from bridges located in different exposure groups within the United States. Four bridges were tested for chloride content in Pennsylvania. Following this initial phase, three bridges were tested in Virginia, Florida, and Wisconsin respectively.

An analysis of the variability in the effective diffusion constant for the bridges tested was also performed to determine any relationships which exist between different exposure groups and to determine effects of time.