Laboratory Test Procedures for Evaluating Concrete Treated with Sealers

Test methods used to assess the performance of concrete treated with sealers vary widely among agencies. This paper examines performance of a single sealer, silane, as measured by two different test series: a test series specified by a state department of transportation and the NCHRP 244 Series II test method. Visible depth of silane penetration, absorption, and chloride ion permeability were studied using mixes with three different water cement ratios. Results indicate that different tests examining the same behavioral parameter do not necessarily predict similar performance. Users should be aware of the differences in the test procedures, what they measure, and how the results and their interpretations could affect decisions concerning use of silane and other sealers.