AASHTO T 374M/T 374-17 (2021) PDF Download

AASHTO T 374M/T 374-17 (2021), also known as the tombstone test, is a standard method used to qualitatively assess the corrosion characteristics of uncoated chromium-alloyed steel bars used for concrete reinforcement. The test is performed to compare the corrosion resistance of different types of steel reinforcement, particularly chromium-alloyed bars with carbon steel bars or other specified reference bars, as required by the purchaser.

The tombstone test evaluates the relative corrosion resistance by subjecting the steel bars to an aggressive corrosion environment in a specified test solution. The test measures the extent of corrosion by examining the appearance of the steel bars before and after the exposure. The method provides a comparative assessment, allowing users to determine the degree of protection offered by chromium-alloyed steel bars compared to other types of reinforcement.