Determination of Permeability of Concrete to Chloride Ions by Rapid Test Procedures

Methods which can be used to assess the chloride permeability of various types of concrete in a relatively short time are described. An electrical potential from 60-80 volt DC is applied either between a chloride solution ponded on a slab surface and the top of rebar mat, or between two faces at a core taken from a structure. The amount of chloride and sum of the electrical current which passes through the specimen during the test period are used to predict the permeability of the concrete. Results compare favorably with values determined in long-term ponding on similar concretes.