Rapid Chloride Permeability Apparatus

The RCPT was developed by the FHA to evaluate chloride permeability characteristics in concrete structures; and it was later adopted by AASHTO as T 277. This test method subjects a 4 inch (102 mm) diameter by 2 inch (50.8 mm) thick concrete specimen to 60 VDC for six hours to determine electrical conductance of a saturated concrete specimen. One side of the specimen is immersed in a sodium chloride solution and the other side in a sodium hydroxide solution. The total charge passed through the specimen is measured in Coulombs as a measure of chloride permeability. Two models are available to test either four or eight specimens simultaneously. The display shows the current in milliamps, Coulombs for each selected cell, the test time in minutes and the test voltage. Individual cell tests can be aborted at any time. Test data may be printed during the test via a manual print switch; and final results can be printed until a new test is started. The LA-4615 test set includes the electronics and readout necessary for performing the chloride permeability test on up to four specimens. Included are the fan-cooled electronics enclosure and readout, an AC power supply cable and four color-coded test cables. Test Cells are sold separately - minimum of four are required. Enclosure dimensions are 17 in x 7 in x 19 in WHD (432 x 178 x 483) mm. Vacuum apparatus includes vacuum pump, electronic vacuum gauge, water trap, desiccator, stand, clamps, filter paper and vacuum hose.