scope:

This method covers the procedures to be used to evaluate the sensitivity of stainless steel products in Table 1 of M 334M/M 334 to intergranular attack in austenitic or ferritic stainless steels or the formation of a detrimental intermetallic phase in a duplex stainless steel. It is important to note that these tests evaluate certain detrimental effects that can occur in stainless steels that could reduce the functional life of the steel. These tests are not designed for estimating the service life of stainless steel products in M 334M/M 334 Table 1 embedded in concrete.

This corrosion test shall be performed biannually or when requested by purchaser on reinforcing steel materials listed in M 334M/M 334 Table 1 with a chromium concentration greater than 12.5-wt %, with the results available to the customer on request. The tests listed in this specification shall apply only when specified in the purchase order.

The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units shall be regarded separately as standard. The inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated might not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other.

This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this procedure to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of R 18 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with R 18 alone does not completely assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of R 18 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.