ASTM C1646/C1646M-08

This practice provides standard requirements for evaluating frost-susceptible coarse aggregate in air-entrained concrete subjected to freezing and thawing in accordance with Test Method C 666/C 666M.

Concrete containing frost-resistant paste may not be resistant to freezing and thawing if it contains coarse aggregate that becomes critically saturated. An aggregate particle is considered to be critically saturated when there is insufficient unfilled pore space to accommodate the expansion of water that accompanies the freezing.

The potential of the coarse aggregate to cause damage due to cycles of freezing and thawing is evaluated by Test Method C 666/C 666M.

1.1 This practice covers procedures for making and curing test specimens for evaluating frost resistance of normal-weight coarse aggregates in air-entrained concrete in accordance with Test Method C 666/C 666M, Procedure A or B.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 This practice does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged use. )