BS EN 12390-18:2021 - Testing Hardened Concrete: Determination of the Chloride Migration Coefficient

Discover the essential standard for testing hardened concrete with the BS EN 12390-18:2021. This comprehensive document provides detailed guidelines for determining the chloride migration coefficient, a critical factor in assessing the durability and longevity of concrete structures.

Overview

The BS EN 12390-18:2021 standard is a pivotal resource for professionals in the construction and civil engineering industries. Released on March 24, 2021, this standard is designed to ensure that concrete structures meet the necessary durability requirements by accurately measuring the chloride migration coefficient. This measurement is crucial for understanding how chloride ions penetrate concrete, which can lead to corrosion of steel reinforcement and ultimately compromise the structural integrity.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 12390-18:2021
• Pages: 22
• Release Date: March 24, 2021
• ISBN: 978 0 539 01814 1
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard is Important

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials due to its strength and versatility. However, its durability can be compromised by the ingress of chloride ions, which are often present in de-icing salts and marine environments. The BS EN 12390-18:2021 standard provides a reliable method for determining the chloride migration coefficient, helping engineers and construction professionals to:

• Assess the potential for chloride-induced corrosion in concrete structures.
• Design concrete mixes that are more resistant to chloride penetration.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Enhance the longevity and safety of concrete structures.

Comprehensive Guidance

This 22-page document offers comprehensive guidance on the procedures and equipment required to accurately measure the chloride migration coefficient. It includes detailed instructions on sample preparation, testing conditions, and data interpretation, ensuring that users can achieve consistent and reliable results.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 12390-18:2021 standard is an invaluable tool for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Civil Engineers
• Construction Managers
• Quality Control Technicians
• Materials Scientists
• Academic Researchers

Enhancing Concrete Durability

By utilizing the guidelines set forth in the BS EN 12390-18:2021 standard, professionals can significantly enhance the durability of concrete structures. This not only extends the lifespan of the structures but also reduces maintenance costs and improves safety for users.

Conclusion

Incorporating the BS EN 12390-18:2021 standard into your testing and quality assurance processes is a proactive step towards ensuring the durability and safety of concrete structures. With its detailed methodology and clear instructions, this standard is an essential resource for anyone involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of concrete infrastructure.

Invest in the future of your concrete projects by adhering to the BS EN 12390-18:2021 standard, and ensure that your structures stand the test of time against the challenges posed by chloride ingress.

BS EN 12390-18:2021

This standard BS EN 12390-18:2021 Testing hardened concrete is classified in these ICS categories:

• 91.100.30 Concrete and concrete products

This document specifies the procedure for obtaining the non-steady-state chloride migration coefficient of specimens of hardened concrete at a specified age (See Annex A). The test procedure does not take into account any interaction of concrete with the saline solution over time. The test result is a durability indicator with respect to the resistance of the concrete investigated against chloride penetration.

The test procedure does not apply to concrete specimens with surface treatments such as silanes.

If the aggregate or any other embedded elements (such as metallic fibres or conducting particles) are electrically conductive, this will influence the magnitude of chloride migration. This fact is taken into account when establishing threshold values. It prevents comparison of chloride migration values between concretes if the aggregates induce a difference of half an order of magnitude (higher or lower) of chloride migration.