A review of sample preparation and its influence on pH determination in concrete samples

Abstract

SUMMARY:If we are to monitor the chemical processes in cementitious materials, then pH assays in the pore solutions of cement pastes, mortars, and concretes are of key importance. However, there is no standard method that regulates the sample-preparation method for pH determination. The state-of-the-art of different methods for pH determination in cementitious materials is presented in this paper and the influence of sample preparation in each case. Moreover, an experimental campaign compares three different techniques for pH determination. Its results contribute to establishing a basic criterion to help researchers select the most suitable method, depending on the purpose of the research. A simple tool is described for selecting the easiest and the most economic pH determination method, depending on the objective; especially for researchers and those with limited experience in this field. RESUMEN:Revisión sobre la preparación de muestras de hormigón y su influencia sobre la determinación del pH. Determinar el pH de la fase acuosa de los poros de pastas de cemento, morteros y hormigones tiene gran importancia en el monitoreo de los procesos químicos que tienen lugar en los materiales cementiceos. Sin embargo, no existe una normativa que regule el método de preparación de la muestra para la determinación de su pH. Este artículo presenta un estado del conocimiento de diferentes metodologías para la determinación del pH de materiales cementiceos y la influencia del método de preparación según el objetivo. Además, se presenta una campaña experimental comparando tres técnicas diferentes. Dicha campaña contribuye a establecer un criterio simple que ayude al investigador en la selección del método más adecuado dependiendo del objeto de studio. Este artículo tiene por objetivo ser una herramienta sencilla para seleccionar la metodología más fácil y económica para determiner el pH dependiendo del objetivo, especialmente para investigadores noveles o aquellos con escasa experiencia.

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