This paper reviews documents referenced by ASTM C1202, "Electrical Indication of Concrete's Ability to Resist Chloride /on Penetration," and explores the correlation of ASTM C1202 to AASHTO T259, "Resistance of Concrete to Chloride Ion Penetration." The procedure outlined in ASTM C1202 is based on the AASHTO Test Method T277, "Rapid Determination of the Chloride Permeability of Concrete," initially developed in 1981. Chloride penetration in both ASTM C1202 and AASHTO T277 is expressed as charge passed, or coulombs. The scope of ASTM C1202 states that this method is applicable to concretes in which a correlation has been established between the coulomb value and the amount of chloride ingress. This correlation testing is rarely performed by specifiers or researchers. Thus, selection or rejection of concrete based solely on ASTM C1202 can result in improper decisions and the rejection of concrete known to be durable. Based on the review of the documents referenced in ASTM C1202, it is concluded that reliable and proper correlations do not exist between the rapid test procedure results and 90-day ponding test results. The ASTM C1202 or . AASHTO T277 test procedures should not be used in specifications without proper correlation to long-term tests. It is recommended that the table relating chloride penetration to coulomb values in these test procedures be removed since it is inaccurate and can be misleading.
