SIST-TS CEN/TS 12390-9:2006

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST-TS CEN/TS 12390-9:2006
01-september-2006
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Testing hardened concrete - Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance - Scaling
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 9: Frost- und Frost-Tausalz-Widerstand - Abwitterung
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 12390-9:2006
ICS:
91.100.30 Beton in betonski izdelki Concrete and concrete
products
SIST-TS CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
CEN/TS 12390-9
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
May 2006
ICS 91.100.30

English Version
Testing hardened concrete - Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance -
Scaling
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 9: Frost- und Frost-Tausalz-
Widerstand - Abwitterung
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 25 June 2005 for provisional application.
The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS available
promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the CEN/TS)
until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2006 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 12390-9:2006: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
Contents
Foreword.3
Introduction.4
1 Scope.5
2 Normative references.5
3 Terms and definitions .5
4 Making of test specimens .6
5 Slab test (reference method) .6
5.1 Principle.6
5.2 Equipment.6
5.3 Preparation of test specimens .7
5.4 Test procedure.9
5.5 Expression of results .10
5.6 Test report.11
5.7 Alternative applications.11
6 Cube test (alternative method).12
6.1 Principle.12
6.2 Equipment.12
6.3 Preparation of test specimen .13
6.4 Test procedure.14
6.5 Expression of the results.15
6.6 Test report.16
6.7 Alternative applications.16
7 CF/CDF-test (alternative method).17
7.1 Principle.17
7.2 Equipment.17
7.3 Preparation of test specimens .19
7.4 Test procedure.19
7.5 Expression of test results.21
7.6 Test report.21
7.7 Alternative applications.22
8 Precision data.22
Bibliography.24


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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
Foreword
This Technical specification (CEN/TS 12390-9:2006) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 51
"Cement and building limes", the secretariat of which is held by IBN.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this CEN Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
Introduction
Concrete structures exposed to the effects of freezing and thawing need to be durable, to have an adequate
resistance to this action and, in cases such as road construction, to freezing and thawing in the presence of de-
icing agents. It is desirable, especially in the case of new constituents or new concrete compositions, to test for
such properties. This also applies to concrete mixes, concrete products, precast concrete, concrete members or
concrete in situ.
Many different test methods have been developed. No single test method can completely reproduce the conditions
in the field in all individual cases. Nevertheless, any method should at least correlate to the practical situation and
give consistent results. Such a test method may not be suitable for deciding whether the resistance is adequate in
a specific instance but will provide data of the resistance of the concrete to freeze-thaw-attack and freeze-thaw-
attack in the presence of de-icing agents.
If the concrete has inadequate resistance then the freeze-thaw attack can lead to two different types of damage,
namely to scaling (surface weathering) and to internal structural damage. This part of this standard covers only
testing for scaling resistance.
This Technical Specification has one reference method and two alternative methods. For routine testing either the
reference method or one of the two alternative methods may be used with the agreement of the parties involved. In
case of doubt, and if there is no such agreement, the reference method is used.
The application of limiting values will require the establishment of the correlation between laboratory results and
field experience. Due to the nature of the freeze-thaw action, such correlation would have to be established in
accordance with local conditions.
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
1 Scope
This Technical Specification describes the testing of the freeze-thaw scaling resistance of concrete both with water
and with sodium chloride solution. It can be used either to compare new constituents or new concrete compositions
against a constituent or a concrete composition that is known to give adequate performance in the local
environment or to assess the test results against some absolute numerical values based on local experiences.
Extrapolation of test results to assess different concretes i.e. new constituents or new concrete compositions,
requires an expert evaluation.
NOTE In some cases the test methods may not be suitable for testing special concretes e.g. high strength concrete or
permeable concrete. In these cases the result is to be treated with caution. These tests may not identify aggregates that are
subject to occasional ‘pop-outs’.
There is no established correlation between the results obtained by the three test methods. All tests will clearly
identify poor and good behaviour, but they differ in their assessment of marginal behaviour
There are two types of concrete deterioration when a freeze-thaw attack occurs, scaling and internal structural
damage. Test methods on internal structural damage are described in a CEN Technical Report CEN/TR 15177
"Testing the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete - Internal structural damage".
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
EN 12390-2, Testing hardened concrete — Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests.
ISO 5725 (all parts), Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results.
EN 60751, Industrial platinum resistance thermometer sensors (IEC 60751:1983 + A1:1986).
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this Technical Specification, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
Freeze-thaw resistance
resistance against alternating freezing and thawing in the presence of water alone
3.2
Freeze-thaw resistance with de-icing salt
resistance against alternating freezing and thawing in the presence of de-icing salt
3.3
Scaling
loss of material at the surface of concrete due to freeze-thaw attack
3.4
Internal structural damage
cracks inside concrete which cannot be seen on the surface, but which lead to an alteration of concrete properties,
e. g. reduction of the dynamic modulus of elasticity
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
4 Making of test specimens
Except where details are specified in Clauses 5, 6 and 7 (e. g. the curing) prepare the test specimens in
accordance with EN 12390-2. Concrete that requires vibrating for compaction is compacted on a vibrating table.
The prestorage conditions concerning temperature and moisture are documented.
The maximum aggregate size Dmax is restricted to one third of the mould length.
5 Slab test (reference method)
5.1 Principle
Slab specimens, sawn from concrete test specimens (Figure 1), are subjected to freeze-thaw attack in presence of
a 3 mm deep layer of de-ionised water or 3% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The freeze-thaw resistance is
evaluated by the measurement of mass scaled from slab after 56 freeze-thaw cycles.
5.2 Equipment
5.2.1 Equipment for making 150 mm concrete cubes according to EN 12390-2.
5.2.2 Climate controlled room or chamber with a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C and an evaporation of (45 ± 15)
g/(m² h). Normally this is obtained with a wind velocity < 0,1 m/s and a relative humidity of (65 ± 5) %. The
evaporation is measured from a bowl with a depth of approximately 40 mm and a cross section area of (225 ±
2
25) cm . The bowl is filled up to (10 ± 1) mm from the brim.
5.2.3 Diamond saw for concrete cutting.
5.2.4 Rubber sheet, (3 ± 0,5) mm thick which is resistant to the salt solution used and elastic down to a
temperature of –27 °C.
5.2.5 Adhesive for gluing the rubber sheet to the concrete specimen. The adhesive is resistant to the
environment in question.
NOTE Contact adhesive has proved to be suitable.
3
5.2.6 Expanded Polystyrene cellular plastic, (20 ± 1) mm thick with a density of (18 ± 2) kg/m or alternative
thermal insulation with at least a heat conductivity of 0,036 W/(m⋅K).
5.2.7 Polyethylene sheet, 0,1 mm to 0,2 mm thick.
5.2.8 Freezing medium, consisting either of 97 % by mass of tap water and 3 % by mass of NaCl (for test with
de-icing salt) or of de-ionised water only (for test without de-icing salt).
5.2.9 Freezing chamber with temperature and time controlled refrigerating and heating system with a capacity
such that the time-temperature curve presented in Figure 4 can be followed for every position where a specimen is
placed. The freezer has a good air circulation. The open-mesh shelves in the freezer are level. No deviation from
the horizontal plane shall exceed 3 mm per metre in any direction.
5.2.10 Thermocouples, or an equivalent temperature measuring device, for measuring the temperature in the
freezing medium on the test surface (see Figure 3) with an accuracy within ± 0,5 K.
5.2.11 Vessel for collecting scaled material. The vessel is suitable for use at temperatures up to 120 °C without
mass loss and is resistant to attack by sodium chloride.
5.2.12 Suitable paper filter for collecting scaled material, optional.
5.2.13 Brush, with short (about 20 mm), stiff bristles for brushing off material that has scaled.
5.2.14 Spray bottle, containing tap water for washing off scaled material.
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
5.2.15 Drying cabinet, controlled at a temperature of (110 ± 10) °C.
5.2.16 Balance, with an accuracy within ± 0,05 g.
6.2.17 Vernier callipers, with an accuracy within ± 0,1 mm.
5.3 Preparation of test specimens
The test requires four specimens, one from each of four cubes.
During the first day after casting the cubes are stored in the moulds and protected against drying by use of a
polyethylene sheet. The air temperature is (20 ± 2) °C.
After (24 ± 2) h, the cubes are removed from the moulds and placed in a bath with tap water having a temperature
of (20 ± 2) °C.
When the cubes are 7 days old, they are removed from the water bath and placed in the climate chamber (5.2.2),
where they are stored until the freeze-thaw testing starts.
At 21 days a (50 ± 2) mm thick specimen is sawn from each cube perpendicular to the top surface so that the saw
cut for the test surface is located in the centre of the cube, see Figure 1. The range in mean thickness of a
specimen shall not exceed 2 mm.
Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 Top surface at casting
2 Test surface
Figure 1 — Location of test specimen and test surface in sawn cube
Directly after sawing, wash the specimen in tap water and wipe off the excess water with a moist sponge. Measure
all dimensions of the specimen to an accuracy of ± 0,5 mm by using vernier callipers (5.2.17). Without delay, return
it to the climate chamber ensuring that the test surface is vertically with a space between the specimens of at least
50 mm.
When the concrete is (25 ± 1) days old, rubber sheet is glued to all surfaces of the specimen except the test
surface. Place a string of glue or silicone rubber around the test surface in the join between the concrete and the
rubber. The surface area remaining after the application of the glue string shall be not less than 90 % of the original
surface area of the specimen. The edge of the rubber sheet reaches (20 ± 1) mm above the test surface. After
fixing the rubber sheet the specimen is returned to climate chamber.
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
NOTE 1 The adhesive is normally spread on the concrete surfaces as well as on the rubber surfaces. The manner of gluing
the rubber sheet illustrated in Figure 2 has been proved suitable.
When the concrete is 28 days old, pour a layer about 3 mm deep of de-ionised water at a temperature of
(20 ± 2) °C on the top surface. This resaturation continues for (72 ± 2) h at (20 ± 2) °C during which time the layer
is to be maintained at about 3 mm.
NOTE 2 For a specimen with the test area of 150 mm x 150 mm, 67 ml de-ionised water gives an approximately 3 mm thick
layer.
Before the test, all surfaces of the specimen except the test surface are thermally insulated with (20 ± 1) mm thick
polystyrene cellular plastic (5.2.6) according to the test set-up in Figure 3. Another material or thickness providing
equivalent thermal insulation can be used instead.

Key
1 Overlap   4 Glue string
2 Test surface  5 Specimen
3 Rubber sheet
Figure 2 — Sealing the test specimen
Start the test when the specimens are 31 days old. Not earlier than 15 min before the specimens are placed in the
freezing chamber (5.2.9), replace the de-ionised water on the test surface with 67 ml of the freezing medium (5.2.8),
to obtain an average thickness of 3 mm, at a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C.
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 Polyethylene sheet 4 Temperature measuring device in contact with the test surface
2 Glue string 5 Specimen
3 Rubber sheet 6 Thermal insulation 7 Freezing medium
Figure 3 — The test set-up used for the freeze-thaw test
The freezing medium is prevented from evaporating by applying a nearly flat, horizontal polyethylene sheet (5.2.7)
as shown in Figure 3. The polyethylene sheet remains flat throughout the test so that the distance between the
sheet and the surface of the freezing medium is at least 15 mm.
5.4 Test procedure
To begin the test, place the specimens in the freezing chamber at the cycle phase time (0 ± 30) min according to
Figure 4. After the specimens have been placed in the freezing chamber, subject them to repeated freezing and
thawing. Monitor the temperature continuously in the freezing medium at the centre of the test surface for at least
one specimen in the freezing chamber. During the test, the temperature in the freezing medium shall fall within the
shaded area shown in Figure 4. The temperature shall exceed 0 °C during each cycle for at least 7 h but not more
than 9 h. The air temperature in the freezer shall never fall below –27 °C.

Key
1 Temperature range at the centre of the test surface

Figure 4 — The time (t) -temperature (T) cycle in the freezing medium at the centre of the test surface
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
The points specifying the shaded area in Figure 4 are given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Points specifying the shaded area in Figure 4
upper limit lower limit
t in h T in °C t in h T in °C
0 + 24,0 0 + 16,0
5 - 3,0 3 - 5,0
12 - 15,0 12 - 22,0
16 - 18,0 16 - 22,0
18 - 1,0 20 - 1,0
22 + 24,0 24 + 16,0

NOTE 1 To obtain the correct temperature cycle for all the specimens it is necessary to have a good air circulation in the
freezing chamber.
NOTE 2 It is recommended that the number of specimens in the freezer is always the same. If only few specimens are to be
tested, the empty places in the freezer should be filled with blanks, unless it has been shown that the correct temperature cycle
is achieved without this precaution.
After (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 cycles, carry out the following procedure for each specimen during
the thawed phase of the solution between 20 h to 24 h according to Figure 4:
a) Collect material which has scaled from the test surface in the vessel (5.2.11). Rinse the surface using the spray
bottle (5.2.14) and brush it (5.2.13) to remove the scaled material.
b) Apply fresh freezing medium to the test surface. 67 ml are required for 150 mm x 150 mm test area.
c) Return the specimen to the freezer.
d) Carefully pour out the liquid in the vessel.
Note 3 It is recommended to pour the liquid through a suitable paper filter, especially where small amounts of scaled
material are concerned.
The vessel containing the scaled material and the filter if used is dried to constant mass at (110 ± 10) °C and
weighed to the nearest 0,1 g. The cumulative mass of the dried scaled material after n freeze-thaw cycle is
determined by equation 1. Record the value rounded to the nearest 0,1 g.
m = m + (m − m ) (1)
s,n s,before v+s(+f ) v(+f )
where
m is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze-thaw cycle rounded to the nearest 0,1 g;
s, n
m is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material calculated by the measuring occasion before
s, before
m is the mass of the vessel containing the dried scaled material and the filter if used rounded to the
v+s(+f)
nearest 0,1 g;
m is the mass of the empty vessel and the dry filter if used rounded to the nearest 0,1 g.
v(+f)
5.5 Expression of results
For each measurement and each specimen calculate S , the cumulative amount of scaled material per unit area
n
after n cycles, in kilograms per square metre, by the equation:
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
m
s,n
3
S = ⋅ 10 (2)
n
A
where
2
S is the mass of scaled material related to the test surface after the n-th cycle in kg/m ,
n
m is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze-thaw cycle determined by equation 1;
s, n
A is the total area of the test surface, calculated from the length measurements before the glue string is
applied and rounded to the nearest 100 mm².
The mean value and the individual values for each specimen after 56 cycles are used for evaluating the scaling
resistance.
5.6 Test report
The test report shall contain at least the following information:
a) Reference to this Technical Specification;
b) origin and marking of the specimens;
c) concrete identification;
d) composition of the freezing medium (5.2.8);
e) amount of cumulative scaled material for each specimen as well as the mean value in kilograms per square
metre rounded to the nearest 0,02 kg/m², after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 freeze-thaw cycles;
f) visual assessment (cracks, scaling from aggregate particles, leakage of water or salt solution) before the start
and after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 cycles;
g) any deviations from the reference test procedure (e. g. 5.7);
h) optional: Composition of the concrete.
5.7 Alternative applications
The reference test method is restricted to specimens with dimensions of approximately 50 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm,
where the test starts at an age of 31 days and where a sawn surface is tested. The same test principle can,
however, also be used for other conditions. It is normally the method of making and curing specimens that differs
from the reference test procedure. Examples of alternative applications are:
a) Other specimen geometries can be used but the thickness should always be (50 ± 2) mm. For example, the
method is suitable for testing slices from cores drilled from structures or for testing precast units.
b) Top surfaces and surfaces cast against formwork can be tested instead of sawn surfaces.
c) Other curing conditions can be used and the concrete age may differ from 31 days at the start of the freeze
thaw testing.
d) Other de-icing agents than NaCl can be used.
e) The number of freeze-thaw cycles may exceed 56. In some cases, e.g. for testing paving blocks, 28 cycles
instead of 56 cycles may be used.
When alternative applications are used, the specimens are sawn to a thickness of (50 ± 2) mm 10 days before the
start of the freeze-thaw test. During these 10 days the specimens are stored in the climate chamber for 7 days and
then resaturated for 3 days as in the reference method, unless other curing conditions are of special interest. A
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
3 mm thick layer of the freezing medium is poured on to the test surface before the start of the freeze-thaw test.
The test then continues according to the reference method.
All deviations from the reference method shall be noted in the test report.
6 Cube test (alternative method)
6.1 Principle
Cube specimens, immersed in de-ionised water or 3 % sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, are subjected to freeze-
thaw attack The freeze-thaw resistance is evaluated by the measurement of mass loss of the cubes after 56 freeze-
thaw cycles.
6.2 Equipment
6.2.1 Equipment for making 100 mm concrete cubes according to EN 12390-2.
6.2.2 Climate controlled room or chamber with a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C and an evaporation of (45 ± 15)
g/(m² h). Normally this is obtained with a wind velocity < 0,1 m/s and a relative humidity of (65 ± 5) %. The
evaporation is measured from a bowl with a depth of approximately 40 mm and a cross section area of (225 ± 25)
2
cm . The bowl is filled up to (10 ± 1) mm from the brim.
6.2.3 Containers for the freeze-thaw test: Brass (semi hard brass 63:37) or stainless steel watertight containers
with a width of (120 ± 15) mm, a length of (260 ± 15) mm and a height of (150 ± 15) mm (see Figure 5). The sheet
metal is about 1 mm thick. The containers are closed with lids which are designed so that they cannot be lifted off
when the containers are flooded; containers with sliding lids as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 have proved
successful. The lid of one container has an opening which can be closed (see Figure 6) for measuring the
temperature in the centre of one cube.
Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 Sliding lid 4 Temperature measuring device in the centre of a cube
2 Container for specimens 5 Specimen
3 Freezing medium 6 Spacers 10 mm high
Figure 5 — Container with specimens
6.2.4 Freezing medium, consisting either of 97 % by mass of tap water and 3 % by mass of NaCl (for test with
de-icing salt) or of de-ionised water only (for test without de-icing salt).
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CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 (E)
6.2.5 Spacer (10 ± 1) mm high placed on the container bottom to support the specimen and to guarantee a
defined thickness of the liquid layer between the test surface and the container (see Figure 5).
6.2.6 An automatically-controlled freeze-thaw chest with a flooding device. Instead of the automatically-controlled
chest a freezer and a water bath or a freeze-thaw chest with a secondary cooling circulation can be used.

The performance of the freeze-thaw chest or the freezer and the water bath is designed so that it is possible to
maintain the temperature cycle in Figure 7 for each of the cubes placed in it.
6.2.7 Thermocouples, or an equivalent temperature measuring device, for measuring the temperature in the
centre of the cube (see Figure 6) with an accuracy within 0,5 K.
NOTE A continuous recording device is particularly suitable for logging the temperature with which the temperature can be
measured and recorded at least every 10 min over a period of 24 h.

Figure 6 — Container with cubes and temperature sensor
6.2.8 Suitable paper filter for collecting scaled material, optional.
6.2.9 Brush, with short (about 20 mm), stiff bristles for brushing off material that has scaled.
6.2.10 Spray bottle, containing tap water for washing off scaled material.
6.2.11 Drying cabinet, controlled at a temperature of (110 ± 10) °C.
6.2.12 Balance, with an accuracy within ± 0,05 g.
6.3 Preparation of test specimen
The tes
...