ASTM G180-23 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Corrosion Inhibiting Admixtures for Steel in Concrete by Polarization Resistance in Cementitious Slurries — a short laboratory test procedure that uses polarization resistance measurements in cementitious slurries to screen and evaluate chemical admixtures for their effect on corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete. The method is intended primarily for initial screening and comparative evaluation of potential corrosion-inhibiting admixtures and for assessing whether an admixture is corrosive to steel.

Abstract

This standard specifies a procedure in which steel electrodes are embedded in filtered cementitious slurries containing test admixtures (with or without added chlorides) and the polarization resistance is measured using a potentiostat. Results are used to compare corrosion rates and to indicate whether an admixture reduces corrosion (often reported as a reduction in current or corrosion rate relative to a chloride-only control). The test is for screening and development and is not intended to predict long‑term in‑field performance.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition: 2023).
• Publication date: 2023 (approved/published June 2023; current designation G180‑23).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.140.15 — Steels for reinforcement of concrete (corrosion of metals in construction materials / admixtures testing).
• Edition / version: G180‑23 (2023 edition).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (concise test method document).

Key bibliographic and edition details are recorded in the ASTM listings and standards catalogs for G180 (current 2023 edition).

Scope

This test method covers a laboratory screening procedure to determine the effects of chemical admixtures on the corrosion of steel in cementitious environments. It can be used to evaluate materials formulated to inhibit chloride‑induced corrosion and to assess corrosivity of admixtures themselves or in chloride environments. The method uses polarization resistance measurements in filtered cementitious slurries and is not suitable for evaluating emulsions; it is intended for screening and development and shall not be used as a direct predictor of long‑term field performance. SI units are the standard for the procedure.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: initial screening of corrosion‑inhibiting admixtures and comparative evaluation versus controls (chloride only and no‑admixture controls).
• Measurement technique: polarization resistance (potentiostat/galvanostat) in cementitious slurries with embedded steel electrodes.
• Apparatus and electrodes: test cell arrangement and electrode preparation per referenced test methods (e.g., Reference Test Method G5 apparatus and electrode holders).
• Sample preparation: cementitious slurry preparation, filtering step (note: filtering means emulsions are not suitable for this test), chloride additions when specified for chloride‑induced corrosion screening.
• Acceptance / interpretation guidance: a reduction in polarization current or corrosion rate by roughly an order of magnitude versus chloride‑only control is a strong indication of inhibitory performance; poor or ambiguous results require further testing (laboratory or field) for confirmation.
• Limitations: not a field performance predictor; not suitable for emulsions; precision statements available from interlaboratory studies and research reports.

These requirements and interpretive notes are taken from the ASTM method text and supporting practice/research documents for G180.

Typical use and users

Typical users include admixture manufacturers (R&D and quality screening), independent testing laboratories, materials research organizations, concrete technologists, specifiers and consultants evaluating inhibitor candidates, and academic researchers studying corrosion mitigation in reinforced concrete. The test is commonly used during early‑stage formulation and comparative benchmarking of inhibitor chemistries prior to more extensive performance testing (e.g., concrete specimen exposure tests or field trials).

Related standards

G180 is part of the ASTM portfolio on corrosion of metals in construction materials. Relevant related documents include ASTM G109 (tests for effects of chemical admixtures on embedded steel exposed to chloride environments), ASTM C876 (corrosion potentials of uncoated reinforcing steel in concrete), Reference Test Method G5 (potentiostat/electrochemical equipment practices), and related cement and material specifications (C150, C595) and test practices referenced for precision and sampling (E691, C670). Use of G180 is commonly coordinated with these related standards when producing validation or qualification test programs.

Keywords

corrosion inhibiting admixtures, polarization resistance, cementitious slurry, reinforcing steel, chloride-induced corrosion, potentiostat, screening test, ASTM G180, admixture corrosivity, concrete reinforcement.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM G180‑23 is a laboratory test method that uses polarization resistance measurements in filtered cementitious slurries to screen and evaluate corrosion‑inhibiting admixtures for steel reinforcement in concrete.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, test cell and electrode arrangements, use of a potentiostat to measure polarization resistance/current, recommended controls (including chloride‑only controls), data interpretation guidance for screening, and limitations of the method (not suitable for emulsions and not a field performance predictor).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Admixture manufacturers (research & development and QC screening), independent corrosion and materials laboratories, concrete technologists, standards committees, and academic researchers evaluating inhibitor chemistries.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The method is current as the 2023 edition (G180‑23). Earlier editions and revisions exist (examples: 2021 edition and earlier), but G180‑23 is the active ASTM edition used for screening per current ASTM records.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: G180 is part of ASTM Committee G01 (Corrosion of Metals) test methods addressing corrosion of metals in construction materials and is commonly used alongside standards such as G109 and C876 and other cement/concrete test methods and specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: corrosion inhibiting admixtures, polarization resistance, cementitious slurry, reinforcing steel, potentiostat, chloride‑induced corrosion, screening test.