Advanced NDT & Laboratory Testing: Frequently Asked Questions

iCOR is a non-destructive testing (NDT) device that detects and measures the rate of rebar corrosion in concrete structures.

Yes, iCOR integrates resistivity testing alongside corrosion-rate measurement in a single device.

Yes, standard half-cell potential testing requires an electrical connection to the reinforcing steel.

There’s no fixed maximum range specified. Spacing depends on rebar layout, cover depth (iCOR works best at 10 to 90mm cover), and project requirements. In practice, most projects follow a grid pattern based on ASTM C876 and adapt it to the structure; your applications team can help set that grid for your specific project.

By combining resistivity/potential readings at multiple grid points, the software maps variations to highlight likely corrosion zones.

Yes. The surface should be brought to a saturated-surface-dry (SSD) condition: wet the test area thoroughly for ionic conductivity, then let it drain for about 15 to 20 minutes so it’s damp with no standing water at the electrodes. Testing on a surface that’s too wet can cause unstable readings and errors.

iCOR reads reliably with concrete cover of roughly 10 to 90mm over the reinforcement. Outside that range, measurement reliability drops. Readings are temperature-corrected for standardized conditions.

Yes, mix composition affects the resistivity signature, so interpretation should account for your specific mix.

Yes, rebar diameter and other parameters can be pre-configured to improve interpretation.

iCOR is primarily designed for conventional reinforcing steel; confirm applicability for post-tensioned cables with Giatec’s team.

Yes, iCOR’s software supports contour mapping of corrosion risk plus both raw data and interpreted results output.

Yes, iCOR’s reporting output is commonly used to support research documentation and funding proposals.

Consumables, including conductive gel or contact sponges for good electrical contact, are available through Giatec or authorized distributors.

In most cases yes. Check current OS/device compatibility with your rep.

Yes. Calibration is available as a service; turnaround is roughly a few weeks depending on standard and backlog.

Calibration is generally infrequent for the device itself; baseline readings should be re-established if key conditions change.

This depends on local procurement rules. If equivalent equipment is available locally, Giatec will connect you with an authorized reseller.

Yes, Giatec can provide preliminary quotes and documentation to support budgeting before final procurement.

Training sessions covering device operation and data interpretation are available on request.

iCOR combines several of these capabilities into a single device, reducing the need for multiple standalone tools.

Pricing is quoted per device/configuration; standard academic discounts (commonly around 10%) are generally available.

Yes, iCOR is commonly used in forensic and condition-assessment work to identify and map corrosion risk.

Perma is a 4-channel laboratory instrument that measures the rapid chloride permeability of concrete. It quantifies the total electrical charge passed through a concrete specimen under 60V DC over 6 hours, which indicates the material’s resistance to chloride ion penetration, a key concrete durability parameter.

Perma is designed to comply with ASTM C1202, Standard Test Method for Electrical Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride Ion Penetration. This standard is also equivalent to AASHTO T277.

The test itself runs for 6 hours. Specimens must also be vacuum-saturated beforehand per ASTM C1202 requirements: 3 hours of vacuum, 1 hour vacuum with water, then an 18-hour soak, approximately 22 hours of prep total before the test begins.

ASTM C1202 requires a 50mm thick disc cut from a 100mm diameter concrete core or cylinder.

Yes. ASTM C1202 is widely referenced in project specifications and codes for low-permeability concrete. Results reported in coulombs are classified against the standard’s penetrability table: High (greater than 4000 C), Moderate (2000 to 4000 C), Low (1000 to 2000 C), Very Low (100 to 1000 C), and Negligible (less than 100 C).

Both. Perma operates as a standalone bench instrument displaying live readings on its screen, but it has no onboard data storage. For data logging and reporting, it connects via USB to a PC running Giatec’s Data Monitor software, which records current, temperature, and cumulative charge passed in real time.

Perma ships with a device verification kit for routine checks.

Yes, training is available upon request. Contact your Giatec representative to arrange a session.

The only consumables required per test are the two chemical solutions specified by ASTM C1202: a 3.0% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution and a 0.3N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Both are standard lab reagents available from any chemistry supplier. The test cells and hardware are reusable and will last for many tests with proper handling and cleaning.

Owning a Perma unit allows you to run up to 4 specimens simultaneously in-house, eliminating shipping time and third-party lab turnaround. You maintain full control over sample handling and test scheduling, which is particularly valuable for time-sensitive QC programs or accelerated curing protocols.

Yes. When connected to a PC via USB, Giatec’s Data Monitor software logs the full test record including current readings, specimen temperature, and total charge passed (coulombs). This data can be saved and used for QC records, submittal packages, or regulatory documentation.

Pricing is available upon request. Contact your Giatec sales representative for a quote and ask specifically about institutional and academic pricing.

RCON2 measures bulk electrical resistivity of concrete using AC impedance spectroscopy. It applies an alternating current across the full cross-section of a specimen via plate electrodes and measures the impedance, giving a bulk resistivity value in kilo-ohm-cm. This reflects the concrete’s pore structure and is used to assess durability and resistance to chloride ion penetration.

RCON2 is designed to comply with ASTM C1876-19, the standard test method for bulk electrical resistivity of concrete. It also supports testing beyond the standard, including fresh concrete resistivity and a frequency sweep from 1 Hz to 30 kHz for more detailed material characterization.

Bulk resistivity (RCON2) measures the full cross-section of a specimen using plate electrodes on the flat ends of a cylinder. Surface resistivity uses a 4-probe Wenner array on the curved surface. The two methods measure related but distinct properties. ASTM C1876 covers bulk resistivity; AASHTO T 358 covers surface resistivity.

RCON2 accepts standard 4 by 8 and 6 by 12 cylinders and 100mm cubes. For non-standard geometries, a custom geometry factor can be entered. For cores, the length-to-diameter ratio should be at least 1:1, and the minimum specimen dimension must be at least three times the maximum aggregate size.

Per ASTM C1876-19, specimens should be submerged in simulated pore solution (NaOH + KOH + Ca(OH)2) for at least 6 days at 23 plus or minus 2 C before testing. This saturates the pore network and ensures consistent, comparable results.

ASTM C1876-19 requires a conductive fluid for the electrode sponges: Ca(OH)2-saturated water, simulated pore solution, or a manufacturer-supplied fluid. Distilled or deionized water is not recommended as it can affect result accuracy.

Bulk electrical resistivity is temperature dependent, so consistent specimen temperature before testing is important for comparable results. RCON2 measures at the specimen’s current temperature and does not apply automatic temperature correction. ASTM C1876-19 addresses this by requiring all specimens to be tested at 23 plus or minus 2 C. Check with your Giatec representative to confirm whether the current version of the Data Monitor software includes a temperature normalization function, as software features may have been updated.

RCON2 ships with a verification kit to validate accuracy across its operating range. If the device fails verification, it should be returned to Giatec for service.

RCON2 is designed as a bench instrument for lab use. The test requires a prepared specimen placed between electrode plates under controlled conditions, which is not practical on-site. For resistivity testing in the field, the 4-probe Wenner array (surface resistivity) is a more portable alternative. For in-situ concrete monitoring, SmartRock Pro is better suited for that application.

The primary consumable is the conductive gel or solution used with the electrode sponges. The sponges themselves are reusable hardware. If testing fresh concrete resistivity, the metal probe rods are also consumables.

RCON2 results in kilo-ohm-cm can be compared to chloride penetrability classifications that correlate to ASTM C1202 (RCP) categories: High (less than 4), Moderate (4 to 8), Low (8 to 16), Very Low (16 to 190), and Negligible (greater than 190), all in kilo-ohm-cm. These correlations are provided in the RCON2 user manual.

Yes. RCON2 includes a fresh concrete sample holder with steel probe rods that act as electrodes inserted directly into fresh concrete. This allows resistivity monitoring from early age, which is useful for tracking hydration and mix design development.

SURF is a laboratory instrument that measures the surface electrical resistivity of hardened concrete cylinders and cores. Using a 4-electrode Wenner array placed on the curved surface of the sample, it calculates resistivity in kilo-ohm-cm to assess concrete’s resistance to chloride ion penetration and overall durability. SURF’s sample holder is a sealed enclosure that positions four electrode sets simultaneously at 90 degree intervals, taking all required measurements at once without manual rotation.

RCON places plate electrodes on both flat ends of a cylinder and measures electrical resistance through the full cross-section of the sample (bulk resistivity). SURF uses a 4-pin Wenner probe placed on the curved longitudinal surface and measures resistivity near the surface layer. The two methods use different governing standards and have different chloride penetrability thresholds, so results are not directly comparable.

SURF complies with AASHTO T 358 (Standard Method of Test for Surface Resistivity Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride Ion Penetration). There is no finalized ASTM standard for surface resistivity yet.

SURF’s sample holder enclosure is designed for standard 4 by 8 (100mm by 200mm) concrete cylinders. The optional handheld probe extends testing to 6 by 12 cylinders, cores drilled from existing structures, and other non-standard geometries.

Yes, significantly. Samples must be kept at 100% relative humidity from demolding until the moment of testing, and the surface must be saturated at the time of measurement. Drier samples produce artificially high readings. SURF’s sealed sample holder enclosure is designed to help retain surface moisture throughout the test duration, reducing evaporation between readings.

Yes. SURF output maps to AASHTO T 358 chloride penetrability categories (High, Moderate, Low, Very Low, Negligible), which are widely accepted for durability specifications.

SURF ships with two verification dongles: one for the low range (below 100 kilo-ohm-cm) and one for the high range (100 to 1000 kilo-ohm-cm). Run both dongles across all four measurement channels to confirm the device is operating correctly. If any channel fails, contact Giatec for service.

SURF uses three consumables: conductive gel (to ensure good electrode contact in the sample holder), conductive pads (16 are included, used at the electrode contact points), and sponges (used with the optional handheld probe, wetted before each test). Replacement consumables are available from Giatec.

Yes. Mix composition affects the resistivity signature, so results should always be interpreted in the context of the specific mix design and any known admixture use.

SURF comes with the Data Monitor software, which guides users through sample setup and data entry, and the User Manual covers sample preparation, the full test procedure, and troubleshooting. For hands-on training, contact your Giatec representative.

Pricing depends on configuration and region. Contact Giatec or your authorized distributor for a quote. Academic and volume pricing options may be available.