A spacing of 4 ft (1.2 m) has been found satisfactory for evaluation of bridge decks.

Generally, larger spacings increase the

probability that localized corrosion areas will not be detected. Measurements may be taken in either a grid or a random
pattern. Spacing between measurements should generally be reduced where adjacent readings exhibit algebraic Reading
differences exceeding 150 mV (areas of high corrosion activity). Minimum spacing generally should provide at least a 100-
mV difference between readings.

Electrical Connection to the Steel:

6.2.1 Make a direct electrical connection to the reinforcing steel by means of a compression-type ground
clamp, or by brazing or welding a protruding rod. To ensure a low electrical resistance connection, scrape
the bar or brush the wire before connecting to the reinforcing steel. In certain cases, this technique may
require removal of some concrete to expose the reinforcing steel. Electrically connect the reinforcing steel
to the positive terminal of the voltmeter.

Conexo eltrica ao ao: 6.2.1 Faa uma conexo eltrica direta ao ao de reforo por
meio de uma braadeira de aterramento tipo compresso, ou por soldadura forte ou
soldagem de uma haste saliente. Para garantir uma baixa conexo de resistncia
eltrica, raspe a barra ou escove o fio antes de se conectar ao ao de reforo. Em
certos casos, esta tcnica pode exigir a remoo de algum concreto para expor o ao
de reforo. Conecte eletricamente o ao de reforo ao terminal positivo do voltmetro.

Attachment must be made directly to the reinforcing steel except in cases where it can be documented that
na exposed steel member is directly attached to the reinforcing steel. Certain members, such as expansion
dams, date plates, lift works, and parapet rails may not be attached directly to the reinforcing steel and,
therefore, may yield invalid readings. Electrical continuity of steel components with the reinforcing steel
can be established by measuring the resistance between widely separated steel components on the deck.
Where duplicate test measurements are continued over a long period of time, identical connection points
should be used each time for a given measurement.

Electrically connect one end of the lead wire to the half cell and the other end of this same lead wire to
the negative (ground) terminal of the voltmeter.

Conexo eltrica meia clula: conecte eletricamente uma extremidade do fio

condutor meia-clula e a outra extremidade deste mesmo fio condutor ao terminal
negativo (terra) do voltmetro

Under certain conditions, the concrete surface or na overlaying material, or both, must be pre-wetted by
either of the two methods described in 6.4.3 or 6.4.4 with the solution described in 4.1.3 to decrease the
electrical resistance of the circuit.

If condition (a) is observed, pre-wetting the concrete surface is not necessary. However, if condition (b) is
observed, pre-wetting is required for an amount of time such that the voltage reading is stable (60.02 V)
when observed for at least 5 min. If pre-wetting cannot obtain condition ( a), either the electrical
resistance of the circuit is too great to obtain valid half-cell potential measurements of the steel, or stray
current from a nearby direct current traction system or other fluctuating direct-current, such as arc
welding, is affecting the readings. In either case, the half-cell method should not be used.

Um teste para determinar a necessidade de pr-molhagem pode ser feito da seguinte maneira:

Coloque a meia clula na superfcie do concreto e no se mova.

Observe o voltmetro por uma das seguintes condies:

(a)O valor medido do potencial de meia-clula no muda ou flutua com o tempo.

(b)O valor medido do potencial de meia-clula muda ou flutua com o tempo.

Se a condio (a) for observada, no necessrio pr-molhar a superfcie do concreto. No

entanto, se a condio (b) for observada, necessria uma pr-molhagem durante um perodo
de tempo, de modo que a leitura da tenso seja estvel (60,02 V) quando observada durante
pelo menos 5 min. Se a pr-molhagem no pode obter a condio (a), a resistncia eltrica do
circuito muito grande para obter medies de potencial de meia-clula vlidas do ao ou
corrente dispersa de um sistema de trao de corrente contnua prximo ou outra corrente
contnua flutuante, Como a soldagem por arco, est afetando as leituras. Em ambos os casos,
o mtodo de meia-clula no deve ser usado.

Method A for Pre-Wetting Concrete SurfacesUse Method A for those conditions where a minimal
amount of pre-wetting is required to obtain condition (a) as described in 6.4.2.2. Accomplish this by
spraying or otherwise wetting either the entire concrete surface or only the points of measurement as
described in 6.1 with the solution described in 4.1.3. No free surface water should remain between grid
points when potential measurements are initiated.

Mtodo A para superfcies de concreto pr-molhantes - Use o Mtodo A para as condies em que
necessria uma quantidade mnima de pr-molhagem para obter a condio (a) conforme descrito
em 6.4.2.2. Realize isso pulverizando ou molhando de qualquer forma a superfcie de concreto
inteira ou apenas os pontos de medida conforme descrito em 6.1 com a soluo descrita em 4.1.3.
Nenhuma gua de superfcie livre deve permanecer entre os pontos da grade quando as medidas
potenciais so iniciadas.

6.4.4 Method B for Pre-Wetting Concrete SurfacesIn this method, saturate sponges with the solution
described in 4.1.3 and place on the concrete surface at locations described in 6.1. Leave the sponges in
place for the period of time necessary to obtain condition (a) described in 6.4.2.2. Do not remove the
sponges from the concrete surface until after the half-cell potential reading is made. In making the half-
cell potentialmeasurements, place the electrical junction device described in 4.1.2 firmly on top of the
pre-wetting sponges for the duration of the measurement.

Mtodo B para Superfcies de concreto pr-molhantes - Neste mtodo, saturar esponjas com a
soluo descrita em 4.1.3 e colocar na superfcie do concreto em locais descritos em 6.1. Deixe as
esponjas no lugar durante o perodo necessrio para obter a condio (a) descrita em 6.4.2.2. No
remova as esponjas da superfcie do concreto at que a leitura do potencial da meia-clula seja
feita. Ao fazer as medidas de potencial de meia-clula, coloque o dispositivo de juno eltrica
descrito em 4.1.2 firmemente sobre as esponjas pr-molhantes durante a durao da medio.