Beton Consulting Engineers

NT Build 492: Non-Steady State Chloride Migration

(Diffusion Coefficient )

The NT Build 492 test comes from the NordTest (Based in Finland) family of
test methods and is not yet widely used in the United States. This is an
alternative to ASTM C1202, and the result is a diffusion coef cient that can be
used to assess the quality of your concrete.

HOW WE CONDUCT THE NT BUILD 492 TEST

This test is an electrical method, very similar to the

rapid chloride (RCP) test. The sample for the test is
cut from a 4‑inch by 8‑inch cylinder. It does not
have to be coated with epoxy, but it goes through
24‑hour conditioning similar to the RCP samples.
During the exposure period, the sample is
sandwiched between a sodium chloride solution
and a sodium hydroxide solution. The test is run for
a time and at a voltage determined by the sample’s
initial current with an applied 30V. The time of Photo credit: Mary Vancura, 492 test cells

exposure ranges from 24 to 96 hours. After the test

is completed, the sample is split in half and a silver nitrate solution is sprayed on the fractured
surface. White silver nitrate precipitate forms on the part of the face where chloride ions are
present. The depth of chloride penetration is measured as the average of seven measurements
across the width of the sample. Diffusion coef cient is calculated from values of chloride
penetration, sample thickness, exposure time, voltage, and average sample temperature.

What works about the NT Build 492

test:

This takes slightly longer than the RCP test, but not
nearly as long as ASTM C 1556. The diffusion
coef cient it determines can be used to predict the
service life of the concrete or help us design a more
durable concrete
Photo credit: Mary Vancura, 492 sample evaluation
(https://www.betonconsultingeng.com/nt-build-
/
492-for-durable-concrete/)
492 for durable concrete/).

What doesn’t work about this test:

This test should not be used with steel ber reinforced concrete or concrete that contains
conductive solutions (i.e. corrosion inhibitor).

LEARN MORE ABOUT CONCRETE TESTING

ASTM C1556

ASTM C1202

ASTM C1760

NT Build 492

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