scope:

This test method covers the laboratory determination for the minimum resistivity of a soil.

The principal use of this test method is to determine a soil's corrosivity and thereby identify the conditions under which the corrosion of metals in soil may be sharply accentuated. This standard is divided into two parts. The first part involves obtaining and preparing the sample to size for testing, and the second part describes the test method for determining the minimum laboratory soil resistivity.

Note 1-When less than 5 percent of a material passes the No.10 sieve, this test method may not be indicative of the corrosion potential of the material.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

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.