Half Cell Potential Measurement Testing (HCPM)

The Objectives of Concrete Testing Principle of Measurement & Equipment (HCPM) Nondestructive Vs Destructive Test Comparison with Other Tests Tips of Prevention for Corrosion Discussion

The Objectives of The Concrete Testing

Useful of Concrete Testing

Prediction of in-place concrete strength (relative strength comparison, unless correlated with laboratory strength tests, for example, core compressive strength tests); Location and extent of delaminations due to reinforcement corrosion; Location, size, and distribution of reinforcement bars; Location and extent of concrete cracking; Severity, location, and extent of fire and frost damage; Location and extent of void honeycombing; Determination of concrete thicknesses; and Evaluation of reinforcement corrosion activity and rate.

Concrete Condition Assessment

Testing data helps Engineer on assessing a building structure condition Testing data helps Owner to monitor and control their building structure condition Testing data helps Engineer to design suitable solutions on mitigating defects. Testing data helps Owner to budget their building maintenance cost, insuranceetc. Testing data provide a good trend record on building management

Example (1) A Building Ceiling

Example (2) Car Park

Principle of Measurement & Equipment

Useful Parameters
What kind of parameter is useful for concrete assessment? Temperature Humidity PH value Potential difference Polarization resistance Current density data HCPM method uses potential difference.

Corrosion in Concrete

Anode Reaction Fe 2e Fe2+

H2O O2

ClClCathode OH

Cathode Reaction 2H2O + O2 + 4e 4OH-

Cl

Cl-

O2 H2O

Cl ClClOHCathode
Cl-

rust rust Fe2+ Cl ee Anode

Concrete Resistivity
Alternating Current Supply

Testing Mechanism
Ammeter

Voltmeter

Electrodes

Current Flow Lines

Equipotential Surface

Corrosion Values

In ASTM C876 to determine possibility of corrosion for a Copper-Copper Sulfate Reference Electrode
mV Range 0 to -200 -200 to -350 Probability of Corrosion > 90% No Corrosion Uncertain Corrosion Activity

Less than -350

> 90% Corrosive Activity

Tips for using Half-cell

1. 2. 3. 4.

a) b) c) d)

Concrete cover less than 75mm Temperature range: 0 - 49 Steel does not have metallic coating Condition required experience corrosion engineer or specialist:

Concrete is saturated in water Carbonated at the depth of reinforcing steel Steel is coated Contains chloride or bromide

Instrument
Meter
Cell Holder

Meter Set
Wire Port to rebar

Nondestructive Test (NDT) Vs Destructive Test (DT)

Nondestructive Test Vs Destructive Test

Destructive Testing (DT) involves the physical destruction of a components. A variety of testing methods can be employed to evaluate the component's characteristics, it always refer to a sampling inspections. Destructive Testing (NDT) involves inspection of a components by subjecting them to the required service conditions to determine suitability. They will not break or alter the structure or appearance of the friction of a component.

Destructive Test for Concrete

Tensile Test Impact / Compression Test Hardness Test Fracture Test Bend Test Core Sample Test

Comparsion of Testing Method

Non-destructive Test On-site Simple & faster No damage to installation Cost effective Require usually handheld equipment Easy space allocation Usually outdoor and weather dependent

Destructive Test Workshop or Laboratory Heavy & time consuming Rebuilt the testing point Higher cost Require elaborate equipment Difficult to some locations Indoor and weather independent

Comparison with Other Tests

Comparison to Other Tests

Rebound Hammer ASTM C805 Penetrating Probe ASTM C803 Ultrasonic Wave Velocity Through transmission testing ASTM C597 Impact Echo testing ASTM C1383 Pullout Test ASTM C900

Rebound Hammer ASTM C805

Rebound Number Correlations

Penetrating Probe

ASTM C803

Penetrating Probe ASTM C803

Penetrating Probe Correlations

Ultrasonic Wave Evaluation

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

ASTM C597

Comparsion Table

Tips of Prevention for Corrosion in Concrete

Corrosion may be prevented or controlled by:

materials selection reducing the temperature applying physical barriers adding inhibitors cathodic protection using metals that form a protective oxide layer Painting/coating

Example of Applying Physical Barriers

History of Development of Physical Barriers

Now aday Special coating such as epoxy or silicate are used

Example of adding inhibitors

Spray-applied reactive penetrants combine with alkalis within the concrete, reducing the pH and permeability to moisture vapor

Discussion