ASTM C1876-25 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C1876-25 — Standard Test Method for Bulk Electrical Resistivity or Bulk Conductivity of Concrete. This test method specifies procedures to determine the bulk electrical resistivity or bulk electrical conductivity of molded specimens or cored sections of hardened concrete after conditioning (immersion in water saturated with a simulated pore solution) to provide a rapid indication of resistance to fluid and dissolved-ion penetration.

Abstract

This standard describes a laboratory procedure for measuring the ability of concrete to conduct ionic current (reported as electrical resistivity or conductivity). Results give a material property related to pore structure, pore solution chemistry, degree of saturation, and temperature; these properties are commonly used as a rapid indicator of concrete durability and resistance to ingress of aggressive ions such as chlorides.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: 15 September 2025 (ASTM C1876-25).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.10 (Cement; gypsum; lime; mortar).
• Edition / version: 2025 edition — designated ASTM C1876-25; replaces the prior edition.
• Number of pages: 8 pages (typical published PDF).

Scope

This test method covers determination of bulk electrical resistivity or conductivity of molded specimens or cores of hardened concrete after immersion in water saturated with a simulated pore solution. The procedure provides a comparative, rapid indication of concrete’s ability to resist penetration by fluids and dissolved aggressive ions; results depend on pore volume and connectivity, pore solution composition, saturation level, and specimen temperature. The standard specifies specimen conditioning, electrode arrangement, measurement procedures, and reporting requirements for resistivity or conductivity values in SI units.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen selection and preparation — molded specimens or cored sections, surface conditioning and coating as required.
• Conditioning in water saturated with a simulated pore solution to achieve consistent pore chemistry before testing.
• Electrode configuration and instrumentation requirements for accurate low-frequency electrical measurements.
• Temperature and saturation control during measurements (reporting conditions that affect ionic mobility).
• Data reduction and reporting — calculation and reporting of bulk electrical resistivity (Ω·m) or conductivity (S/m) and relevant test conditions.
• Interpretation guidance — resistivity/conductivity used as an indicator of durability and relative resistance to chloride/ion ingress (not a direct diffusion coefficient without correlation).

Typical use and users

Used by construction materials laboratories, concrete researchers, quality-control technicians, durability consultants, specification authors, and public-works agencies for comparative assessment of concrete mixtures, monitoring of curing or treatment effects, and screening for susceptibility to ionic ingress (for example chloride-related corrosion risk). The method is commonly used alongside other durability tests to inform materials selection and acceptance decisions.

Related standards

ASTM C1876 is frequently used in conjunction with other concrete durability and ionic ingress tests, for example ASTM C1202 (Electrical indication of concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration), ASTM C1556 (determination of apparent chloride diffusion by bulk diffusion), and electrochemical/monitoring methods such as ASTM C876 (corrosion potentials of reinforcing steel). These complementary methods help provide a fuller assessment of chloride ingress, diffusion, and reinforcement corrosion risk.

Keywords

bulk electrical resistivity, bulk conductivity, concrete, durability, chloride ingress, ionic transport, simulated pore solution, specimen conditioning, electrical measurement.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1876-25 is a standardized laboratory test method that defines how to measure the bulk electrical resistivity or bulk electrical conductivity of concrete specimens to provide a rapid indicator of the material’s resistance to fluid and ion penetration.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen conditioning (immersion in water saturated with a simulated pore solution), electrode and measurement arrangements, required testing conditions (temperature, saturation), calculations to report resistivity or conductivity, and reporting details. The results are used as comparative indicators of durability and resistance to aggressive-ion ingress.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, concrete product developers, university researchers, durability consultants, contractors performing quality control, and agencies specifying or verifying concrete performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation ASTM C1876-25 indicates the 2025 edition; as of this publication it is listed as the active edition and replaces the prior edition. Users should confirm they have the current edition from ASTM before formal use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the concrete test methods published in ASTM’s Concrete and Aggregates volume and is commonly referenced alongside other durability-related standards (for example ASTM C1202, C1556, C876). It is developed by the appropriate ASTM committee/subcommittee for concrete materials testing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Bulk electrical resistivity, bulk conductivity, concrete, chloride ingress, ionic transport, simulated pore solution, durability indicator, specimen conditioning.