ASTM C1723-16(2022) PDF
Standard Guide for Examination of Hardened Concrete Using Scanning Electron Microscopy
Standard Guide for Examination of Hardened Concrete Using Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Статус документа:
- Действующий
- Формат:
- Электронный (PDF)
- Количество страниц:
- 9
- Дата публикации:
- 1 октября 2022 г.
- Издание:
- C1723
- ICS:
- 91.100.30
SCOPE 1.1 This guide provides information for the examination of hardened concrete using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX or EDS). Since the 1960s, SEM has been used for the examination of concrete and has proved to be an insightful tool for the microstructural analysis of concrete and its components. There are no standardized procedures for the SEM analysis of concrete. SEM supplements techniques of light microscopy, which are described in Practice C856/C856M, and, when applicable, techniques described in Practice C856/C856M should be consulted for SEM analysis. For further study, see the bibliography at the end of this guide. 1.2 This guide is intended to provide a general introduction to the application of SEM/EDS analytical techniques for the examination and analysis of concrete. It is meant to be useful to engineers and scientists who want to study concrete and who are familiar with, but not expert in, the operation and application of SEM/EDS technology. The guide is not intended to provide explicit instructions concerning the operation of this technology or interpretation of information obtained through SEM/EDS. 1.3 It is critical that petrographer or operator or both be familiar with the SEM/EDX (EDS) equipment, specimen preparation procedures, and the use of other appropriate procedures for this purpose. This guide does not discuss data interpretation. Proper data interpretation is best done by individuals knowledgeable about the significance and limitations of SEM/EDX (EDS) and the materials being evaluated. 1.4 The SEM provides images that can range in scale from a low magnification (for example, 15×) to a high magnification (for example, 50 000× or greater) of concrete specimens such as fragments, polished surfaces, or powders. These images can provide information indicating compositional or topographical variations in the observed specimen. The EDX (EDS) system can be used to qualitatively or quantitatively determine the elemental composition of very small volumes intersecting the surface of the observed specimen (for example, 1-10 cubic microns) and those measured compositional determinations can be correlated with specific features observed in the SEM image. See Note 1. Note 1: An electronic document consisting of electron micrographs and EDX (EDS) spectra illustrating the materials, reaction products, and phenomena discussed below is available at http://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dlange/www/CML/index.html. 1.5 Performance of SEM and EDX (EDS) analyses on hardened concrete specimens can, in some cases, present unique challenges not normally encountered with other materials analyzed using the same techniques. 1.6 This guide can be used to assist a concrete petrographer in performing or interpreting SEM and EDX (EDS) analyses in a manner that maximizes the usefulness of these techniques in conducting petrographic examinations of concrete and other cementitious materials, such as mortar and stucco. For a more in-depth, comprehensive tutorial on scanning electron microscopy or the petrographic examination of concrete and concrete-related materials, the reader is directed to the additional publications referenced in the bibliography section of this guide. 1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with the use of electron microscopes, X-ray spectrometers, chemicals, and equipment used to prepare samples for electron microscopy. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in ...
Abstract
Overview
ASTM C1723-16(2022), Standard Guide for Examination of Hardened Concrete Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, is a crucial international ASTM standard that provides comprehensive guidance for examining hardened concrete through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX/EDS). Developed by ASTM Committee C09, this standard serves as an introduction and reference point for engineers, scientists, and petrographers familiar with, but not expert in, the operation of SEM/EDS. SEM has been employed in concrete analysis since the 1960s and continues to be a powerful tool for microstructural evaluation of concrete and its components.
The guide aims to maximize the usefulness of SEM/EDS analytical techniques in studying the composition, microstructure, and related properties of concrete, mortar, and stucco, supplementing practices such as ASTM C856/C856M. While it does not provide step-by-step operational instructions or data interpretation, it covers essential aspects of sample preparation, SEM/EDS examination, and specimen handling to support quality petrographic investigations.
Key Topics
- Microstructural Characterization The guide covers identification of important concrete phases such as hydrated cement, supplementary cementitious materials, aggregates, and reaction products using SEM imaging and EDS analysis.
- Specimen Preparation Provides recommendations for selecting, drying, cleaning, sectioning, impregnating, and polishing samples to ensure optimal imaging and reliable microanalysis.
- Imaging and Analysis Describes the use of SEM for topographical images and BSE (backscattered electron) images, which reveal compositional variations within concrete specimens.
- Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX) Introduces qualitative and semi-quantitative methods for determining elemental composition, supporting identification of constituents and reaction products.
- Challenges in Concrete Analysis Highlights unique challenges presented by concrete specimens, such as porosity, hydration state, and susceptibility to microcracking during sample preparation.
- Safety and Best Practices Emphasizes the importance of safety, health, and environmental considerations when using SEM, EDS, chemicals, and associated equipment.
Applications
Implementing ASTM C1723-16(2022) brings several practical benefits to construction materials laboratories, research institutions, and quality assurance processes in the concrete industry:
- Microstructural Evaluation Enables detailed analysis of the pore structure, phase composition, and interfacial zones in hardened concrete, supporting assessments of durability, strength, and potential deterioration mechanisms.
- Troubleshooting Concrete Performance SEM/EDS aids in investigating causes of distress, such as alkali-silica reaction, sulfate attack, or delayed ettringite formation, by identifying microstructural features and elemental distributions.
- Forensic Analysis Supports service life assessments and failure investigations by revealing details of cracks, voids, secondary products, and interactions between aggregates and paste.
- Quality Control and Research Facilitates benchmarking of concrete ingredients, blending of supplementary materials, and evaluation of the effectiveness of admixtures or new concrete formulations.
Related Standards
For effective application of SEM/EDS in concrete analysis, ASTM C1723-16(2022) should be used alongside related standards and practices:
- ASTM C856/C856M – Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete
- ASTM C125 – Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
- ASTM C294 – Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Concrete Aggregates
- ASTM C295/C295M – Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete
- ASTM C457/C457M – Test Method for Microscopical Determination of Parameters of the Air-Void System in Hardened Concrete
- ASTM C1356 – Test Method for Quantitative Determination of Phases in Portland Cement Clinker by Microscopical Point-Count Procedure
Summary
ASTM C1723-16(2022) is a valuable reference for laboratories and professionals seeking reliable, standardized guidance for using SEM/EDS in the examination of hardened concrete. This guide strengthens the analytical capabilities in concrete petrography, enhances understanding of concrete microstructure, and supports improved material performance and durability assessments. For seamless integration into laboratory workflows and investigations, consulting related ASTM standards is strongly recommended.
Технические детали
- Технический комитет
- C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
- SKU
- ASTM C1723-16(2022)
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