ASTM C1646/C1646M-08 - 1.8.2008
 
Significance and Use

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. Scope

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. )

 
2. Referenced Documents

C666/C666M-26

Standard Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to Rapid Freezing and Thawing

C150-07

Standard Specification for Portland Cement

C125-26

Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

C39/C39M-26

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens

C33-07

Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates

211.1

D75-03

Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates

C494/C494M-24

Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete

C490-07

Standard Practice for Use of Apparatus for the Determination of Length Change of Hardened Cement Paste, Mortar, and Concrete

C231-09

Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method

C192/C192M-26b

Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory (Includes all amendments and changes 10/13/2026).

C143/C143M-26b

Standard Test Method for Slump of Concrete (Includes all amendments and changes 8/6/2026).

C173/C173M-26

Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method