PD CEN/TS 12390-9:2016

BSI Standards Publication

Testing hardened concrete

Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance with de-icing
salts — Scaling
PD CEN/TS 12390-9:2016 PUBLISHED DOCUMENT

National foreword
This Published Document is the UK implementation of CEN/TS
12390-9:2016. It supersedes DD CEN/TS 12390-9:2006 which is
withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee B/516/12, Sampling & Testing.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2016.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2016
ISBN 978 0 580 92163 6
ICS 91.100.30
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This Published Document was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 December 2016.
Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date Text affected
 PD CEN/TS 12390-9:2016

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION CEN/TS 12390-9

SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION December 2016

ICS 91.100.30 Supersedes CEN/TS 12390-9:2006

English Version

Testing hardened concrete - Part 9: Freeze-thaw

resistance with de-icing salts - Scaling
Essais sur béton durci - Partie 9: Résistance au gel Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 9: Frost- und Frost-
dégel-dégel en présence de sels de déverglaçage Tausalz-Widerstand - Abwitterung
(écaillage)

This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 25 April 2016 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, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 12390-9:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
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Contents Page

European 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 .............................................................................................................................................. 10
5.5 Expression of results................................................................................................................................... 12
5.6 Test report ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
6 Cube test (alternative method) ............................................................................................................... 13
6.1 Principle .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
6.2 Equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
6.3 Preparation of test specimen ................................................................................................................... 15
6.4 Test procedure .............................................................................................................................................. 15
6.5 Expression of the results ........................................................................................................................... 17
6.6 Test report ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
7 CF/CDF-test (alternative method) ......................................................................................................... 19
7.1 Principle .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
7.2 Equipment ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
7.3 Preparation of test specimens ................................................................................................................. 21
7.4 Test procedure .............................................................................................................................................. 22
7.5 Expression of test results .......................................................................................................................... 24
7.6 Test report ...................................................................................................................................................... 24
8 Precision data ................................................................................................................................................ 25
Annex A (informative) Alternative applications ............................................................................................ 27
Annex B (informative) Guideline for selection of brush ............................................................................. 30
B.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
B.2 Construction data and characteristics of the brush ........................................................................ 30
B.2.1 Nature of the materials of hair, shore hardness, tip form ............................................................. 30
B.2.2 Body dimensions .......................................................................................................................................... 30
B.2.3 Number of holes per brush, number of hairs per hole ................................................................... 30
B.2.4 Shape................................................................................................................................................................. 31
B.2.5 Wear indicator (recommended, not mandatory) ............................................................................. 31
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 32

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European foreword

This document (CEN/TS 12390-9:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 51
“Cement and building limes”, the secretariat of which is held by NBN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.

This document supersedes CEN/TS 12390-9:2006.

The following technical modifications have been made in this new edition:

— In Clause 2, the normative references have been updated;

— In Clauses 5, 6 and 7,(for all test methods), a prescription measuring the CO2 content of the air in
the storage room has been introduced;

— In Annex A, the alternative applications have been strictly specified;

— In Annex B, a technical specification has been introduced;

— In the Bibliography, the references have been updated.

EN 12390, Testing hardened concrete, is currently composed with the following parts:

— Part 1: Shape, dimensions and other requirements for specimens and moulds;
— Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests;
— Part 3: Compressive strength of test specimens;
— Part 4: Compressive strength — Specification for testing machines;
— Part 5: Flexural strength of test specimens;
— Part 6: Tensile splitting strength of test specimens;
— Part 7: Density of hardened concrete;
— Part 8: Depth of penetration of water under pressure;
— Part 9: Freeze-thaw resistance — Scaling — Complementary element [Technical Specification];
— Part 10: Determination of the relative carbonation resistance of concrete [Technical Specification];
— Part 11: Determination of the chloride resistance of concrete, unidirectional diffusion;
— Part 13: Determination of secant modulus of elasticity in compression.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

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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.
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 the CEN Technical
Report CEN/TR 15177, Testing the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete — Internal structural damage.
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 testing methods may be used for comparative testing or for assessment against fixed acceptance
criteria. 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, reflected in the national application
documents.

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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 needs to be treated with caution. Also, the testing
methods included in this document 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. The
application of different acceptance limits for test results enables assessment for different degrees of
exposure severity. In case of justified modifications of the test parameters, precautions might apply.
Some alternative applications are described in Annex A.

2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. 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

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, 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 testing 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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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 pre-storage conditions concerning temperature and moisture are documented.
The maximum aggregate size Dupper is restricted to one third of the mould length. Dupper is the upper
permitted value of D for the coarsest fraction of aggregates in the concrete.

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-ionized water or 3 % sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. The freeze–
thaw resistance is evaluated by the measurement of mass scaled from the testing surface 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, a relative humidity of
(65 ± 5) % and an evaporation rate from a free water surface of (45 ± 15) g/(m2 h) 1).

Normally this evaporation rate is obtained with a wind velocity ≤ 0,1 m/s. The evaporation rate is
measured from a bowl with a depth of approximately 40 mm and a cross section area of (225 ± 25) cm2.
The bowl is filled up with water to (10 ± 1) mm from the brim.
The CO2 content level shall be measured, recorded and kept at a daily average in the range of (300 –
1 000) ppmv to allow for carbonation 2)
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, or any alternative moisture retaining lining arrangement.

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.

5.2.6 Expanded Polystyrene cellular plastic, (20 ± 1) mm thick with a density of (18 ± 2) kg/m3 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-ionized water only (for test without de-icing salt).

1) Increased rate of surface evaporation and carbonation influences the microstructure. Different types of concrete will be
affected in different ways and to a different extent, having impact on moisture exchange and ranking of the performance.
2) Under ambient (indoor/outdoor) and normal working conditions, adequate CO2 level will automatically be maintained.
For smaller, separate rooms or cabinets, the CO2 level may drop significantly, and the level needs to be re-established by
introducing fresh air or by other means adding of CO2.

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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 obtained in specimen,
regardless of its position in the chamber.

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 Synthetic brush, resembling a cloth brush, with semi- soft polyamide (nylon) hairs (see
specification in Annex B).

5.2.14 Spray bottle, containing tap water for washing off scaled material.

5.2.15 Drying cabinet, controlled at a temperature of (110 ± 10) °C.

5.2.16 Balance, with accuracy within ± 0,05 g.

5.2.17 Vernier callipers, with accuracy within ± 0,1 mm.

5.2.18 CO2 measurement apparatus.

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 d 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 ±1) d 3) (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 variation in
thickness within a specimen shall not exceed 2 mm.

3) If for any reason (e.g. difficulties in delivery of samples, …), the cutting date is not strictly 21 d, it is vital to strictly keep the
following step for pre-conditioning in the seven days and the re-saturation in the consecutive three days. As a consequence, the
final age of the sample may vary accordingly.

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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 vertical with a
space between the specimens of at least 50 mm.
When the concrete is (25 ± 1) d 4) old, rubber sheet, or any alternative moisture retaining lining
arrangement, is glued to all surfaces of the specimen except the test surface (the bottom surface rubber
does not necessarily need to be glued, see 5.5) 5). Place a string of glue or silicone rubber around the test
surface in the joint between the concrete and the rubber. The edge of the rubber sheet reaches
(20 ± 1) mm above the test surface. After fixing the rubber sheet the specimen shall be returned to the
climate chamber.
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 d old, pour a layer about 3 mm deep of de-ionized water at a temperature of
(20 ± 2) °C on the top surface. This re- saturation continues for (72 ± 2) h at (20 ± 2) °C during which
time the liquid layer shall be maintained at about 3 mm.
NOTE 2 For a specimen with the test area of 150 mm x 150 mm, 67 ml de-ionized water gives an approximately
3 mm thick layer.

During the freeze-thaw cycling, 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.

4) If for any reason (e.g. difficulties in delivery of samples, …), the cutting date is not strictly 21 d, it is vital to strictly keep the
following step for pre-conditioning in the seven days and the re-saturation in the consecutive three days. As a consequence, the
final age of the sample may vary accordingly.
5) The objective of the glued rubber sheet is to ensure one-dimensional moisture exchange of the specimen prior to and
during the freeze-thaw exposure.

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Key
(top view)
1 overlap
2 test surface
3 rubber sheet

Figure 2 — Sealing the test specimen

Start the test when the specimens are 31 d old, including 3 d of re-saturation. Not earlier than 15 min
before the specimens are placed in the freezing chamber (5.2.9), replace the de-ionized water on the
test surface with 3 mm of the freezing medium (5.2.8), at a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C.
Dimensions in millimetres

Key
(side view)
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

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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 cycles of 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 — Time (t) -temperature (T) cycle in the freezing medium at the centre of the test
surface

The points specifying the shaded area in Figure 4 are given in Table 1 below:

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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

To obtain the correct temperature cycle for all the specimens it is necessary to have a good air
circulation in the freezing chamber.
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 dummies, 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, depending on the duration of the test, 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) Check the thickness of the remaining freezing medium. If the testing surface, partly or completely,
is no longer covered by at least 1 mm of the freezing medium due to evaporation, leaking or
permeation, this shall be noted for the report and the test specimen shall be discarded from further
testing.

b) Collect the material which has scaled from the test surface by rinsing the test surface using the
spray bottle (5.2.14) and brushing it with the brush (5.2.13). Ensure that both the liquid and the
scaled material are collected in the vessel (5.2.11).

c) Apply 3 mm of fresh freezing medium to the test surface (67 ml are required for 150 mm x 150 mm
testing area).

d) Return the specimen to the freezer.

e) Carefully pour out the liquid in the vessel. It is recommended to pour the liquid through a suitable
paper filter, especially where small amounts of scaled material are concerned.

f) The vessel containing the scaled material and the filter, if used, are 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 Formula (1). Record the value rounded to the nearest
0,1 g:

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m s ,n =m s ,before + (mv + s( + f ) − mv( + f ) ) (1)

where

ms, n is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze–thaw cycles rounded to the
nearest 0,1 g;
ms, before is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material calculated at the previous measuring
occasion;
mv+s(+f) is the mass of the vessel containing the dried scaled material and of the paper filter, if
used, rounded to the nearest 0,1 g;
mv(+f) is the mass of the empty vessel and the clean dry paper filter, if used, rounded to the
nearest 0,1 g.

g) Assess the specimens visually with regard to cracks, scaling from aggregate particles, evaporation
or drying of the testing surface, leakage or water or salt solution.

After completion of the test, inspection of the test specimen bottom, with or without removal of the
rubber, may prove useful for assessing cracks or permeation of the freezing medium, causing
inadequate scaling test results.
5.5 Expression of results

For each measurement and each specimen calculate Sn, the cumulative amount of scaled material per
unit area after n cycles, in kilograms per square metre, by the formula:
m s ,n
Sn
= ⋅ 103 (2)
A

where
Sn is the mass of scaled material related to the test surface after the n-th cycle in kg/m2,
ms, n is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze–thaw cycle determined by
Formula (1);
A is the effective area of the testing surface, calculated from the length measurements after
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. The bottom surface of the test specimen, i.e. the opposite one of that subjected to
exposure to the freezing medium, shall be inspected for damages e.g. by removing the bottom rubber
sheet - and the observations reported.
Some concrete qualities are vulnerable to permeation of moisture that may accumulate at the bottom.
This may lead to dry top surface and inadequate scaling test result, bottom surface damage and/or
internal cracking. Observations of this phenomenon shall be reported. The test specimen should be
discarded in such cases when calculating the average scaling value.
5.6 Test report

The test report shall contain at least the following information:

a) reference to this Technical Specification;

b) any deviations from the reference test procedure;

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c) origin and marking of the specimens;

d) concrete identification;

e) composition of the freezing medium (5.2.8);

f) 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;

g) visual assessment: (cracks, scaling from aggregate particles, evaporation or drying of the testing
surface, leakage of water or salt solution) before the start and after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1),
(42 ± 1) and 56 cycles, bottom surface damages after completion of the test;

h) optional: Composition of the concrete.

6 Cube test (alternative method)

6.1 Principle

Cube specimens, immersed in de-ionized 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
rate of (45 ± 15) g/(m2 h) 6).

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) cm2. The bowl is filled up to (10 ± 1) mm from the brim. CO2 content level to allow for
carbonation7), the level shall be measured, recorded and kept at a daily average in the range of (300 –
1 100) ppmv.
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.

6) Increased rate of surface evaporation and carbonation influences the microstructure. Different types of concrete will be
affected in different ways and to a different extent, having impact on moisture exchange and ranking of the performance.
7) Under ambient (indoor/outdoor) and normal working conditions, adequate CO2 level will automatically be maintained.
For smaller, separate rooms or cabinets, the CO2 level may drop significantly, and the level needs to be re-established by
introducing fresh air or by other means adding of CO2.

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Dimensions in millimetres

Key
(side view)
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-ionized water only (for test without de-icing salt).

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 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.

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Figure 6 — Container with cubes and temperature sensor

6.2.8 Suitable paper filter for collecting scaled material, optional.

6.2.9 Semi- soft rush, as specified in Annex B.

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 test requires four 100 mm cubes (2 containers with 2 cubes each).
Lightly apply a demoulding agent to the internal surfaces of the cube moulds and wipe them with a dry
sheet directly before they are filled with concrete so that the test results are not affected by excessive
residues of the release agent.
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 d old, they are removed from the water bath and placed in the climate chamber
(6.2.2), where they are stored for 20 d.
6.4 Test procedure

At 27 d, 1 d before the start of freezing test, determine the mass of the four cubes to an accuracy of 1 g.
Then place the four cubes provided for the freezing test in two containers (6.2.3) so that the faces which
were uppermost during casting are perpendicular to the base of the container and that there is about
10 mm distance between the cubes. Pour in freezing medium (6.2.4) until it covers the cubes by
(25 ± 5) mm.

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After 24 h, determine the mass of each cube to an accuracy of 1 g and calculate the quantity of freezing
medium absorbed in 24 h from the increase in mass.
At 28 d place the containers with closed lids containing the cubes immersed in the freezing medium,
evenly distributed, in the freeze–thaw chest (6.2.6) or the freezer. Start the freeze–thaw cycle. Change
the containers around once a week; turn them through 180° and inter-change them on a cyclic basis.
Control the temperature of the freeze–thaw chest so that the temperature at the centre of the cube
corresponds to the solid line in Figure 7 and shall not leave the shaded area in the diagram. The air
temperature in the cooling chest should not fall below –25 °C. Table 2 contains the mean value, the
upper and the lower limit of the temperature curve as function of time.
The number of containers in the chest or freezer should always be the same. If only a few cubes are to
be tested, containers with blanks (cubes) are put in for this purpose. The containers are not stacked on
top of one another.

Key
1 temperature of the water bath
2 temperature in the centre of a 100 mm cube

Figure 7 — Temperature behaviour pattern in the centre of a cube

The points specifying the shaded area in Figure 7 are given in Table 2.
Immediately after the 16 h cooling phase if a freeze–thaw chest with air cooling is used, flood the chest
with water or put the containers into a water bath at (20 ± 2) °C so that the water stands (20 ± 5) mm
below the brims of the containers. The thawing phase lasts a total of 8 h. Keep the water moving at all
times, and heat or cool so that the water temperature at all points in the chest or water bath is
(20 ± 2) °C during the entire thawing process. If a freeze–thaw chest with secondary cooling is used, the
freezing and the thawing of the specimens will be carried out by the cooling liquid.
Check the water temperature during the thawing process when first using the chest or the water bath
and after approximately every 56 freeze–thaw cycles. Fifteen minutes before the end of the 8 h thawing
phase, pump the water out of the chest over a maximum time of 15 min. Where a water bath is used,
remove the containers from the bath.

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Table 2 — Points specifying the shaded area in Figure 7

T in °C
t in h
Upper limit Nominal value lower limit
0 + 22,0 + 20,0 + 18,0
2 + 2,0 0,0 - 2,0
4 + 2,0 0,0 - 2,0
14 - 13,0 - 15,0 - 17,0
16 - 13,0 - 15,0 - 17,0

If, in exceptional cases, it is necessary to interrupt the test or during the weekend, if non-automatic test
equipment is used, the containers with the cubes remain in frozen state at (−15 ± 2) °C.
After (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 freeze–thaw cycles, carry out the following procedure
during the thawed state of the specimens:
a) Check the cubes visually to determine whether cracks or other substantial changes have occurred
and whether the loss is on the surfaces or has occurred at the edges.

b) Brush the cubes with the brush (6.2.9) using a light pressure in such a way that the pieces which
have already been loosened are detached and can be collected. Pour the liquid carefully out of the
container (and through a suitable filter).

c) Before the start of the next cooling phase, fill the container with the cubes with fresh freezing
medium (6.2.4) at (20 ± 2) °C. Return the container to the chest.

d) Dry all the pieces which have been detached by the freezing action (from the container, from the
filter and the above-mentioned brushings) to a constant mass at (110 ± 10) °C. The cumulative
mass of dried scaled material is determined to an accuracy of 0,1 g by Formula (3):

m s ,n m s ,before + mc + f +b
= (3)

where
ms, n is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze–thaw cycle rounded to the
nearest 0,1 g;
ms, before is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material calculated by the measuring occasion
before;
mc+f+b is the mass of dried scaled material in the container, filter and obtained by brushing
rounded to the nearest 0,1 g.

6.5 Expression of the results

Calculate the liquid absorption L for each cube before the start of the freeze–thaw cycles as a
percentage by mass to the nearest 0,1 % by the formula:

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m28d − m27d
=L ⋅ 100 (4)
m27d

where
m27d is the mass of the air dry cube at 27 d, in grams;
m28d is the mass of the saturated cube at 28 d, in grams

and determine the mean value of the four cubes to the nearest 0,1 %.
For each measurement calculate the loss P of two cubes in each container as a percentage by mass to
the nearest 0,1 % by the formula:
ms,n
=P ⋅ 100 % (5)
mo

where
mo is the mass of two air dry cubes (for one container) at 27 d, in grams;
ms, n is the cumulative mass of the dried scaled material calculated by Formula (3)

and determine the mean value for the two containers to the nearest 0,1 %.
The mean value and the individual values for loss in mass after 56 cycles are used for evaluating the
scaling resistance.
6.6 Test report

The test report shall contain at least the following information:

a) reference to this Technical Specification;

b) any deviations from this alternative test procedure;

c) origin and marking of the specimens;

d) concrete identification;

e) composition of the freezing medium (6.2.4);

f) loss of mass of the cubes for each container as well as the mean value in percentage by mass to the
nearest 0,1 %, after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 freeze–thaw cycles;

g) visual assessment (notes on cracks, substantial changes in the cube and type of loss - loss of
material at the surfaces or edges) after (7 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 freeze–thaw
cycles. Unevenly distributed deterioration of the cubes should be mentioned;

h) optional: Liquid absorption by the cubes (mean) during the 24 h water or NaCl-solution storage
before the start of the freezing test in percentage by mass to the nearest 0,1 %;

i) optional: Composition of the concrete.

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7 CF/CDF-test (alternative method)

7.1 Principle

CF/CDF specimens, obtained by splitting a 150 mm cube mould with a centralized PTFE plate, are
subjected to freeze–thaw attack in presence of de-ionized water (CF-test) or 3 % sodium chloride
(NaCl) solution (CDF-test). The freeze–thaw scaling resistance is evaluated by the measurement of mass
scaled from specimens after 28 freeze–thaw cycles (CDF test using 3 % sodium chloride (NaCl)
solution) or after 56 freeze–thaw cycles (CF test using de-ionized water).
7.2 Equipment

7.2.1 Equipment for making 150 mm concrete cubes according to EN 12390-2.

7.2.2 PTFE plate (Polytetrafluorethylene) or other materials with an equivalent hydrophobic

surface serving as mould for the test surface.

The geometry of the plate is adapted to the 150 mm cube mould and the thickness is less than 5 mm.
7.2.3 Climate controlled room or chamber with a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C and an evaporation
rate of (45 ± 15) g/(m2 h) 8).

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) cm2. The bowl is filled up to (10 ± 1) mm from the brim. CO2 content level to allow for
carbonation9), the level shall be measured, recorded and kept at a daily average in the range of (300 –
1 100) ppmv.
7.2.4 Lateral sealing which consists of solvent-free epoxy resin or aluminium foil with butyl rubber,
durable to temperatures of −20 °C and resistant against the attack of the de-icing solution.

7.2.5 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-ionized water only (for test without de-icing salt).

7.2.6 Unit for adjusting liquid level, i.e. by suction device.

The suction device may consist of a capillary tube with a spacer of (10 ± 1) mm that is connected with
e.g. a water jet pump to suck up the excessive liquid in the test containers.
7.2.7 Test containers (see Figure 8).

The specimens are stored in stainless steel containers during the freeze–thaw cycles. The stainless
sheet metal is (0,7 ± 0,01) mm thick. The size of the test container is selected in such a way that the
thickness of the air layer between the vertical side of the specimen and the test container is restricted to
(30 ± 20) mm.
The same test containers can be used for capillary suction. Other containers can be used if they ensure
an equivalent arrangement for capillary suction. During the capillary suction the test container is closed
with a cover. The cover has an incline to prevent any possible condensation water from dripping onto
the specimens.

8) Increased rate of surface evaporation and carbonation influences the microstructure. Different types of concrete will be
affected in different ways and to a different extent, having impact on moisture exchange and ranking of the performance.
9) Under ambient (indoor/outdoor) and normal working conditions, adequate CO2 level will automatically be maintained.
For smaller, separate rooms or cabinets, the CO2 level may drop significantly, and the level needs to be re-established by
introducing fresh air or by other means adding of CO2.

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7.2.8 Spacer (5 ± 0,1) 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 8).

7.2.9 Temperature controlled chest (see Figure 8).

For temperature control during the freeze–thaw cycle, a chest with a liquid cooling bath is used. The
temperature of the cooling bath is controlled by an appropriate device. The heating and cooling capacity
and the control unit is capable of maintaining the temperature regime at the reference point
within ± 0,5 K with full loading by the test containers with the test specimens. The temperature
deviation of the cooling liquid is limited at ± 0,5 K at the minimum temperature and at ± 1 K at other
temperatures. A constant time shift between the test containers is acceptable.
Dimensions in millimetres

Key
(side view)
1 lid of the chest 6 reference point under the centre of the median container in the chest
2 test container 7 specimen
3 lateral sealing 8 spacer 5 mm high
4 freezing medium 9 supports for adjusting the containers
5 cooling liquid

Figure 8 — Principle arrangement of the CF/CDF-test during the freeze–thaw cycles

The chest is equipped with supports for the test containers above the cooling bath to ensure an
immersion depth of the bottom of the test containers of approximately (20 ± 5) mm.
7.2.10 Temperature gauge with an accuracy of ± 0,05 K at 0 °C, which is recommended for the
measurement.

The reference temperature is measured in the cooling bath liquid below the bottom of the test
container. The temperature gauge is in the form of a rectangular container with dimensions
((40 ± 0,2) mm x (5 ± 0,2) mm x (5 ± 0,2) mm). A surface (5 mm x 40 mm) of the temperature gauge is
secured so that the long side of the probe lies in the direction flow. The time constant (t –90 %) of the
probe (without securing device), determined according to EN 60751 in a flow water bath, should be
(6,3 ± 0,8) s. The minimum temperature of –20 °C is used for calibration.

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7.2.11 Ultrasonic bath.

The size of the ultrasonic bath is sufficiently large. The test container does not have a mechanical
contact to the ultrasonic bath. The minimum distance between the test container and the lower surface
of the bath amounts to 15 mm. The bath should provide the following power data: ERS power in the
range of 180 W to 250 W; HF peak power under double half-wave operation in the range of 360 W to
500 W; frequency in the range of 35 kHz to 41 kHz.
7.2.12 Suitable paper filter for collecting scaled material, optional.

7.2.13 Drying cabinet, controlled at a temperature of (110 ± 10) °C.

7.2.14 Balance, with an accuracy within ± 0,05 g.

7.2.15 Vernier callipers, with an accuracy within ± 0,1 mm.

7.3 Preparation of test specimens

The test requires five specimens. The test surface of each specimen is approx. 140 mm x 150 mm.
The PTFE plate (7.2.2) is centred in the mould in order to divide the mould into halves. The vertical
PTFE plate serves as a mould surface. The centred plate can be fixed by two other plates which are
placed vertically (see Figure 9). The concrete surface at the PTFE plate is the test surface. The PTFE
plate is not treated with any demoulding agent.

Key
1 form work 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm
2 centred PTFE disk
3 lateral PTFE disk

Figure 9 — Arrangement of PTFE plates

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.

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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 d old they are removed from the water bath and placed in the climate chamber
(7.2.3), where they are stored for surface drying for 21 d until the freeze–thaw testing starts.
Between 21st and 26th day after casting the specimens the lateral surfaces are either covered with
aluminium foil glued with butyl rubber or sealed with a solvent-free epoxy resin. Immediately after this
treatment the specimens are returned to the climate chamber.
7.4 Test procedure

The freeze–thaw test starts after 28 d with the re- saturation of the specimens.
Following dry storage, the specimens are placed in the test containers on the (5 ± 0,1) mm high spacers
with the test surface downwards (see Figure 8). Subsequently, the freezing medium is poured into the
container to a height of (10 ± 1) mm without wetting the specimen’s top.
NOTE This can be achieved by filling to approx. 13 mm and removing the surplus solution by means of
suction device (7.2.6).

Key
1 freeze–thaw cycle
2 temperature measured at the reference point

Figure 10 — Temperature curve

During the capillary suction the test container is closed. The capillary suction period is seven days at a
temperature of (20 ± 2) °C. Check and adjust the liquid level above at regular intervals, depending on
the suction capacity of the material during capillary suction. The weight gain of the specimens is
measured.
Before starting the freeze–thaw cycles, remove loosely adhering particles and dirt from the test surfaces
of the specimens by treatment in the ultrasonic bath (7.2.11) described in 7.4 a). The material removed
is discarded.

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A 12 h freeze–thaw cycle is applied (see Figure 10). The temperature cycle in the chest (7.2.10) is
monitored continuously at the reference point.
The points specifying the temperature curve in Figure 10 are given in Table 3.
Table 3 — Points specifying the shaded area in Figure 10

T in °C
t in h
upper limit nominal value lower limit
0 + 21,0 + 20,0 + 19,0
4 - 19,5 - 20,0 - 20,5
7 - 19,5 - 20,0 - 20,5
11 + 21,0 + 20,0 + 19,0
12 + 21,0 + 20,0 + 19,0

After (4 ± 1), (6 ± 1), (14 ± 1) and 28 freeze–thaw cycles (CDF-test) or (6 ± 1), (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1)
and 56 freeze–thaw cycles (CF-test), carry out the following procedure for each specimen while the
temperature is above 15 °C.
a) To remove loosely adhering scaled material from the test surface, the test container is dipped into
the contact liquid of an ultrasonic bath (7.2.11) and subjected to ultrasonic cleaning for three
minutes.

b) The solution comprising the scaled material is filtered. The suitable paper filter is subsequently
dried at (110 ± 10) °C for 24 h and cooled for (60 ± 5) min at a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C and a
relative humidity of (65 ± 5) %. The mass of the filter containing the dried scaled material ms+f is
weighed to 0,1 g. The mass of the empty filter mf is determined before with the same accuracy. The
mass of the dried scaled material ms, n is determined by Formula (6):

m s ,n= m s ,before + (m s + f − m f ) (6)

where

ms, n is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze–thaw cycle rounded to
the nearest 0,1 g;
ms, before is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material calculated by the measuring occasion
before;
ms+f is the mass of the dried filter with the scaled material rounded to the nearest 0,1 g;
mf is the mass of the dry filter rounded to the nearest 0,1 g.

c) Before the start of the next freeze–thaw cycle pour fresh freezing medium (7.2.5) into the container
to a height of (10 ± 1) mm without wetting the specimen’s top.

d) Return the container to the chest.

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7.5 Expression of test results

For each measurement and each specimen calculate Sn, the cumulative amount of scaled material per
unit area after n cycles, in kilograms per square metre, by Formula (7):
m s ,n
Sn
= ⋅ 103 (7)
A

where
Sn is the mass of scaled material related to the test surface after the n-th cycle in kg/m2,
ms, n is the cumulative mass of dried scaled material after n freeze–thaw cycle determined by
Formula (6),
A is the test surface in mm2, calculated on the basis of the linear dimensions as the average of
at least two measurements determined to the nearest 0,5 mm.

The mean value and the standard deviation of the scaled material are evaluated. The mean value and
the individual values for each specimen after 28 cycles (CDF-test) or 56 cycles (CF-test) are used for
evaluating the scaling resistance.
7.6 Test report

The test report shall contain at least the following information:

a) reference to this Technical Specification;

b) any deviations from this test procedure;

c) origin, size and marking of the specimens;

d) concrete identification

e) the composition of the freezing medium (7.2.5);

f) amount of cumulative scaled material for each specimen as well as the mean value and the standard
deviation in kilograms per square metre rounded to the nearest 0,001 kg/m2, after (4 ± 1), (6 ± 1),
(14 ± 1) and 28 cycles (CDF-test) or (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 cycles (CF-test);

g) visual assessment (cracks, scaling from aggregate particles) before the start and after (4 ± 1),
(6 ± 1), (14 ± 1) and 28 cycles (CDF-test) or (14 ± 1), (28 ± 1), (42 ± 1) and 56 cycles (CF-test);

h) optional: mass of solution sucked up during the capillary suction period for each specimen as well
as the mean value and the standard deviation;

i) optional: the composition of the concrete.

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8 Precision data
The precision estimates from each of the tests, given as coefficients of variation in Table 5:
a) are derived from data for repeatability and reproducibility determined from inter-laboratory trials
carried out in accordance with the ISO 5725- series;

NOTE This is published in: Breit, W.; Siebel, E.: Standard methods for testing the resistance of concrete to
freezing and thawing – Round robin test. Milestone Report Work Package 3, European Research Project
MAT1-CT94-0055, Forschungsinstitut der Zementindustrie, Report No. B1489/3, Düsseldorf, June 1998.

b) are based on the functional relationships between scaling (general mean m) and coefficients of
variation (Vr VR) given in Table 4 for each of the three test methods described in this document;

c) give an indication of the differences between test results for the reference method at one specific
scaling level;

d) apply only to scaling caused by the action of 3 % sodium chloride solution as the freezing medium”.

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Table 4 — Functional relation between scaling and repeatability and reproducibility of

coefficient of variation (scaling with 3 %-sodium chloride solution)

Repeatability coefficient of Reproducibility coefficient of

variation variation
Test Units for
method m vr = a ⋅ mb vR = a ⋅ mb
a b R2 a b R2
Slab kg/m2 17,00 - 0,24 0,99 31,00 - 0,23 0,95
CDF kg/m2 15,00 - 0,12 0,91 31,00 - 0,18 0,94
% by
Cube 27,00 - 0,35 0,89 54,00 - 0,26 0,50
mass

Table 5 — Precision data for appropriate scaling level

Coefficient of variation [%]

Test method Scaling level reproducibility
repeatability vr
vR
Slab 1,0 kg/m2 17 31
CDF 1,5 kg/m2 14 29
cube 3 % by mass 18 38

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Annex A
(informative)

Alternative applications

The application of these test methods for the performance assessment of concrete under different
exposure severity is addressed in this annex. The applied testing conditions are sometimes considered
to be extreme compared to practical temperature conditions and degree of saturation. This may cause
confusion regarding setting of acceptance limits for local conditions. Also, some regions may experience
series of mild winters in a row and suddenly one with extensive use of de-icers, a situation for which it
is very difficult to establish a direct laboratory versus field correlation.
The test methods define a set of clearly defined exposure conditions, taking into account the need of
reproducibility, and deviating from the fixed procedure may influence test results in a most non-
predictable way. When deviations are made from the test methods reported in this Technical
Specification (TS), it is difficult to claim the conformity to specified test method. The results may
however be reported referring to the test procedure according to this TS and setting out the deviations
from its requirements.
However, application of the test methods for particularly mild climates may motivate the use of reduced
number of freeze–thaw cycles or of other adequately fixed acceptance criteria. Some motivated
applications and modifications are listed below but shall accompany adequate concerns with respect to
implications.
Alternative application may be used due to specific objectives, such as but not limited to:
1) adoption of the testing method for concrete product testing, on samples with different geometry

2) investigation of concrete qualities with differing developments of age dependant properties than
those for which the testing methods were originally developed;

3) adoption of the testing method for regional application of scaling acceptance limits, and in
particular;

4) such adoption with differentiation of severity of exposure conditions;

5) adoption of the basic principles of the testing method but for research on certain mechanistic
phenomena;

6) assessment of existing structures, e.g. with the objective of establishing acceptance criteria based
on the testing performance of samples from structures with service records and known mix design.

Such objectives leading to modifications of the testing procedure have raised some questions and
concerns that shall be considered. In general, sensitivity to ageing, moisture history and carbonation on
deterioration level and precision shall be carefully considered. Changes leading to change in scaling
level may also influence the precision data: The latter depends on total scaling level, see Clause 8.
Potential changes and related concerns:
a) Geometry and number of samples: The testing methods included in this document are restricted to
specimens with dimensions of approximately 50 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm (Slab test), 100 mm
(Cube test) and 70 mm x 140 mm x 150 mm (CF/CDF test). Other specimen geometries can be used
but the thickness should always be (50 ± 2) mm (Slab), (80 – 100) mm (Cube) or (70 ± 5) mm
(CF/CDF) due to the sample heat capacity and conductivity. Other dimensions may change the
actual temperature cycle of the testing sample. For example, the method is suitable for testing slices

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from cores drilled from structures or for testing precast units (see Point g) below). Note that
changing the total mass subjected to testing in a testing cabinet may also change the temperature
cycle if not sufficiently controlled. The use of dummy samples (e.g. long life samples of high F-T
resistance for re-use) – also with the same type and amount of freezing medium - may compensate
for the latter. Total number of specimens or total surface area should also be kept as in the basic
methods.

b) Top surfaces and surfaces cast against formwork can be tested instead of sawn surfaces. Their
specific binder content and properties compared to that of bulk concrete should be considered,
with reference to the – normally – increased damage potential of the surface skin.

c) Standard start of testing is at 31 (Slabs) or 28 (Cubes) d of age. Other curing conditions can be used
and the concrete age may differ from 31 d at the start of the freeze thaw testing. Change in moisture
history and level of carbonation may implicitly apply.

d) Other de-icing agents than NaCl can be used. Different mechanisms as well as different
relationships between temperature level and amount of freezeable moisture content may apply.

e) The number of freeze–thaw cycles may deviate from 56. In some cases, e.g. for testing paving
blocks, 28 cycles instead of 56 cycles may be used. The numbers of cycles should always be at least
14.

f) The temperature cycle: Changing the temperature cycle may strongly influence precision data due
to the nonlinear relationships between temperature level and amount of freezeable water. For mild
climate conditions, it may be overlooked that the application of de-icers on a frozen surface may
lead to substantially more severe temperature drops in the concrete surface than without
(temperature shock) or in the surrounding air. In order to simulate a defined and reproducible
temperature drop in the laboratory, a temperature change as already defined is required. The same
is valid for simulating the accumulative moisture pumping effect. Change of temperature cycle
should never be applied without extensive documentation and considering consequences of
impairment of precision.

g) Extraction of samples from larger blocks, in situ structures or concrete products:

1) For the slab test, the specimens are sawn to the correct thickness 10 d before the start of the
freeze–thaw test. During these 10 d the specimens are stored in the climate chamber for 7 d
and then re-saturated for 3 d as in the reference method, unless other curing conditions are of
special interest. A 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 method.

2) For the cube test, the specimens are stored in the climate chamber for 20 d and then re-
saturated for one day in the freezing medium. The test then continues according to the method.

3) For the CF/CDF test, the specimens are stored for surface drying in the climate chamber for
21 d and then re-saturated for 7 d in the freezing medium. The test then continues according to
the method.

h) If samples are extracted from in situ structures with the objective of comparing the test results to
those of freshly made test specimens for the setting of acceptance limits, it shall be taken into
consideration that the in situ concrete has undergone structural changes leading to alterations in
the pore structure, and thus does no longer exhibit the performance characteristics of that of a
corresponding freshly made mix of similar composition. The reasons for such alterations comprise,
but are not limited to differences in degree of hydration, carbonation, precipitation of substances,
leaching and deterioration - parameters that strongly influence moisture transport and degree of
saturation.

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i) Special features with the CF/CDF test:

1) It is permissible to insert two PTFE plates (7.2.2) at two opposed vertical sides. In this case, the
specimens are cut through the centre between the two test surfaces after storage under water.
For larger aggregate size the PTFE plate can be placed only at one side of the mould.

2) If the strength development of the specimens is low the curing time in the mould can be
increased. The storage time in tap water is then decreased by the same amount.

All deviations from the reference method shall be noted in the test report.

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Annex B
(informative)

Guideline for selection of brush

B.1 General
B.1.1 The brush type, in particular hardness and stiffness of hairs is recognized as an important factor
affecting the scattering of data coming from different laboratories.

B.1.2 Standardized criteria for quantitative specifications regarding stiffness and hardness of brush
hairs do not exist (EN, or any National Documents). These properties and characteristics are indirectly
defined through the specifications of the nature of the material, length and diameter of hairs, the
density of hairs by holes and number of holes per brush.

A brush fulfilling the following specification can be considered as semi-soft, as required in 5.2.13. This
can be used as a guidance.

B.2 Construction data and characteristics of the brush

B.2.1 Nature of the materials of hair, shore hardness, tip form

Synthetic fibres (Polyamide) with a shore hardness of 75 – 80 D and with rounded tip.
PA 6.12 ø 0,15 mm.
NOTE PA 6.12 is the technical- commercial reference of the requested synthetic fibre. PA means Poly Amide.
6.12 correspond to the number of different chemical groups to make the polymer.

B.2.2 Body dimensions

Polypropylene-body 62 mm × 50 mm × 20 mm
B.2.3 Number of holes per brush, number of hairs per hole

34 holes, 380 ± 6 hairs per hole

30 bundles with H1 = 24 mm
4 bundles with H2 = 20 mm (middle row) as wear indicator

30
 PD CEN/TS 12390-9:2016
CEN/TS 12390-9:2016 (E)

Dimensions in mm

Key
1 angles in degrees

Figure B.1 — Brush characteristics

B.2.4 Shape

The specific shape, which is not mandatory, has been designed in order for the brush to be as efficient
as possible in the corners of the specimen.
B.2.5 Wear indicator (recommended, not mandatory)

In order to ensure constant mechanical properties and homogeneous behaviour, the middle row is
composed with 4 bundles of hairs shorter than the other bundles. When the length of the longest hairs
has reached the length of those of the middle row, the brush shall be changed.

31
PD CEN/TS 12390-9:2016
CEN/TS 12390-9:2016 (E)

Bibliography

[1] EN 60751, Industrial platinum resistance thermometers and platinum temperature sensors
(IEC 60751)

[2]. TC 117-FDC - “Freeze-thaw and deicing resistance of concrete” - RILEM Draft Recommendation -.
Mater. Struct. 1995, (28) pp. 366–371

[3] N. Bunke - “Testing of Concrete - Freeze-thaw Resistance - Scaling of cubes in water and in 3%
NaCl solution - Recommendations and Commentary - Ausschuss fur Stahlbeton (DafStb)”, 1991,
(422) - as a supplement to DIN/ISO 1048

[4] SS 137244 - “Concrete testing - Hardened Concrete - Frost Resistance - (SlabTest)”, 2005

[5] UTGENANNT P. ‘The influence of ageing on the salt-frost resistance of concrete’, Division of
Building Materials, Lund Institute of Technology, Report TVBM-1021, Lund, Sweden, 2004. ISBN
91-628-6000-3

[6] Breit, W.; Siebel, E.: Standard methods for testing the resistance of concrete to freezing and
thawing – Round robin test. Milestone Report Work Package 3, European Research Project
MAT1-CT94-0055, Forschungsinstitut der Zementindustrie, Report No. B1489/3, Düsseldorf,
Juni 1998

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