Designation: A 882/A882M – 04a

Standard Specification for

Filled Epoxy-Coated Seven-Wire Prestressing Steel Strand1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 882/A882M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* Coatings by Falling Abrasive

1.1 This specification covers ASTM Specification A 416 G 12 Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Film
low-relaxation Grade 250 and Grade 270 seven-wire prestress- Thickness of Pipeline Coatings on Steel
ing steel strand with protective fusion-bonded epoxy coating G 14 Test Method for Impact Resistance of Pipeline Coat-
applied by the electrostatic deposition method or other method ings (Falling Weight Test)
that will meet the coating requirements in Section 8, and, G 20 Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Pipeline
except as allowed by 1.2, with the interstices of the seven wires Coatings
filled with epoxy to minimize migration of corrosive media, 2.2 Federal Highway Administration Report:
either by capillary action or other hydrostatic forces. FHWA-RD-74-18 Nonmetallic Coatings for Concrete Rein-
forcing Bars (February 1974)3
NOTE 1—The manufacturer as identified throughout this specification is
the coating applicator. 3. Terminology
1.2 Upon special request by the purchaser, the interstices are 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
left unfilled. 3.1.1 disbonding—loss of adhesion between the fusion-
NOTE 2—Unfilled strand can corrode from the inside and its application bonded epoxy coating and the steel strand wires.
for prestressing tendons in concrete or for rock and soil anchors is not 3.1.2 fusion-bonded epoxy coating—a product containing
recommended. pigments, thermo-setting epoxy resins, cross-linking agents,
1.3 This specification is applicable for orders in either and other substances, which is applied in the form of powder
inch-pound units (as Specification A 882) or SI units [as onto a clean, heated metallic substrate and fuses to form a
Specification A 882M]. continuous barrier coating.
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to 3.1.3 grit—inert particles impregnated on the outer surface
be regarded as standard. Within the test, the SI units are shown of the epoxy coating for improving bond with cement grout.
in brackets. The values stated in each system must be used 3.1.4 holiday—a discontinuity in the coating that is not
independently of the other. Combining values from the two discernible to a person with normal or corrected vision.
systems may result in nonconformance with this specification. 3.1.5 patching material—a liquid coating used to repair
damaged or uncoated areas.
2. Referenced Documents
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4. Ordering Information
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4.1 The purchaser should specify:
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing 4.1.1 Diameter, grade, and type of uncoated strand in
of Steel Products accordance with Specification A 416/A 416M (latest edition).
A 416/A 416M Specification for Steel Strand, Uncoated 4.1.2 Smooth or grit impregnated coating (see 7.3).
Seven-Wire for Prestressed Concrete 4.1.3 Quantity (in feet [metres]).
B 117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus 4.1.4 Requirements for certification (see Section A1.2.3).
D 968 Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Organic 4.1.5 Requirements for material samples (see 5.3).
4.1.6 Requirements for patching material (see 5.4).
4.1.7 Number of pullout tests to be performed, if any.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, NOTE 3—A typical ordering description for epoxy-coated strand is as
Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee follows: 84 000 feet [2560 m] of grit-impregnated epoxy-coated strand,
1⁄2-in. [12.7-mm] diameter, Grade 270 K low-relaxation on wooden reels
A01.05 on Steel Reinforcement.
Current edition approved March 1, 2004. Published April 2004. Originally to ASTM Specification A 882 – [A 882M – ].
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as A 882/A 882M – 04.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal
the ASTM website. Rd., Springfield, VA 22161.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 A 882/A882M – 04a
5. Materials NOTE 4—Warning: At temperatures above 165°F [74°C], currently
available epoxy begins to soften and lose its ability to transfer load from
5.1 Prestressing steel strand to be coated shall meet the strand to concrete by bond. At 200°F [93°C] practically all transfer
requirements of Specification A 416/A 416M as specified by capacity will be lost.
the purchaser and shall be free of contaminants such as oil,
grease, or paint. 8. Requirements for Coated Strands
5.1.1 Filled epoxy-coated strand shall have relaxation losses 8.1 Thickness of Coating:
of not more than 6.5 % after 1,000 hours, when initially loaded 8.1.1 The coating thickness after curing shall be 15 to 45
to 70 % of the specified minimum breaking strength of the mils [380 to 1140 µm].
strand when tested under conditions of Specification A 416 / 8.1.2 The thickness of the coating film shall be determined
A 416M. using a magnetic gauge or other method. The gauge shall be
5.2 The coating material shall meet the requirements listed used and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s
in Annex A1 of this specification. The coating material shall be recommendations and Section 5 of Test Method G 12, except
of organic composition except for the pigment, or grit if that in 5.2.1 of Test Method G 12, the foil shall be placed on
applicable, which may be inorganic if used. the surface of the bare strand instead of the steel plate. The
5.2.1 If specified in the order, a written certification shall be gauge shall be capable of measuring the coating thickness of a
furnished to the purchaser that properly identifies the number coated wire of circular cross-section with a diameter in the
of each batch of coating material used in the order, material, range of 0.1 to 0.3 in. [2.5 to 7.5 mm]. The allowable error on
quantity represented, date of manufacture, name and address of a single measurement of the coating thickness on the coated
manufacturer, a statement that the supplied coating material crown of an outer wire of the strand shall be 65 %.
meets the requirements of Annex A1, and a statement that the 8.1.3 The coating thickness shall be measured on the crown
coating material used in each batch is the same material as that of each of the six outer wires at least every 2000 ft [600 m] of
which was qualified under the requirements of Annex A1. continuous strand. The average of the coating thickness mea-
5.3 If specified in the order, a representative 8-oz. [0.23-kg] surements for each set of six outer wires shall be supplied to
sample of coating material shall be packaged in an airtight the purchaser upon request. Records of inspection during
container and identified by batch number, and supplied to the manufacture shall also be made available when requested.
purchaser. 8.2 Continuity of Coating:
5.4 If specified in the order, patching material compatible 8.2.1 After application of the coating, a continuous in-line
with the coating material and inert in concrete, and meeting the holiday detection procedure shall be employed using an
requirements of Annex A1 shall be supplied to the purchaser. aqueous electrolyte and a holiday detector with a minimum
voltage setting of 67.5 V DC, following the procedure fur-
6. Surface Preparation nished by its manufacturer. The approximate location of
6.1 The surface of the steel strand to be coated shall be holidays shall be recorded using automatic devices or markings
cleaned chemically or by another method that will impart the on the strand for later patching.
same cleanliness to ensure that the coated strand meets the 8.2.2 The coated strand shall only be required to meet the
requirements of Section 8. holiday requirements of this specification with the in-line
holiday detector, but shall not be required to pass holiday
7. Application of Coating inspection performed on stationary strand for residence times
exceeding 3 seconds.
7.1 The coating shall be applied to the cleaned surface as
8.2.3 During the continuous holiday detection procedure,
soon as possible after cleaning and before reoxidation of the
coated strand containing more than two holidays per hundred
surface discernible to the unaided eye occurs. However, in no
feet [30 m] shall be rejected and corrective action for the
case shall application of the coating be delayed more than 10
epoxy-coating process shall be instituted. Coated strand with
minutes after cleaning, unless otherwise permitted by the
two holidays or less per hundred feet [30 m] shall be patched
purchaser.
in accordance with the patching material manufacturer’s rec-
7.2 The coating shall be applied by the electrostatic depo-
ommendation. Patching of holidays shall be performed such
sition method, or other method that will meet the coating
that the total of the thicknesses of the coating and the patch
requirements in Section 8, and fully cured in accordance with
does not exceed 1.1 mm [45 mils].
the recommendations of the manufacturer of the coating
material. NOTE 5—Hand-held holiday detector checks should be performed
7.3 The coating may be smooth or grit-impregnated. regularly to verify the accuracy of the in-line system.
7.3.1 Inert particles (grit) shall be impregnated into the 8.3 Adhesion of Coating:
surface of the coating when grit-impregnated strand is ordered. 8.3.1 The adhesion and shear strength of the coating shall be
Such particles shall not cause the coating to fail the require- evaluated by bending a sample from a finished reel of coated
ments of Section 8. The particles shall be inert in concrete and strand 180° around a mandrel diameter equal to 32 times the
non-reactive with concrete additives and soluble salts. nominal diameter of the strand. Test specimens shall be at
7.3.2 The epoxy on the surface of grit-impregnated strand thermal equilibrium between 68 and 86°F [20 and 30°C].
shall be capable of reaching a temperature of 150°F [66°C] 8.3.2 No cracking or disbonding of the coating shall be
without reducing the transfer of prestress by bond from the visible to the unaided eye on the outside radius of the bent
strand to the surrounding concrete. strand. Evidence of cracking or disbonding of the coating shall

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 A 882/A882M – 04a
be considered cause for rejection of the coated strand repre- requirements, two retest samples adjacent to the first sample
sented by the bend test sample. Retests shall be conducted in from the same reel shall be conducted for each failed test. If the
accordance with 10.1. results of both retests meet the specified requirements, the reels
8.3.3 Fracture of the steel wire or strand in the bend test for represented by the samples shall be accepted.
adhesion of coating shall not be considered as an adhesion
failure of the coating, and another specimen from the same 11. Inspection
production shift may be substituted. 11.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have
8.3.4 The adhesion of coating shall also be evaluated by a free entry while work on the contract of the purchaser is being
tension test in accordance with Section 6 of Specification performed. The manufacturer shall afford the inspector all
A 416. The coated strand shall satisfy the requirements for reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the material is being
breaking strength, yield strength (1 % extension), and ultimate furnished in accordance with this specification. All tests and
elongation described in Specification A 416/A 416M. No inspection shall be made at the place of manufacture prior to
cracks visible to the unaided eye shall occur in the coating up shipment, unless otherwise specified, and shall be conducted so
to an elongation of 1 % (yield strength). there is no unnecessary interference with the manufacturer’s
8.3.5 Sample length for the bend test shall be at least 5 ft, 0 operation.
in. long [1500 mm]. Sample length for the tension test shall
follow the requirements of Test Methods and Definitions 12. Rejection
A 370.
8.4 Bond with Concrete or Grout: 12.1 Except as specified in 10.1, coated strand reels repre-
8.4.1 Pull-out tests shall be conducted on grit-impregnated sented by test samples that do not meet the requirements of this
coated strand to ensure proper bond properties. Pull-out speci- specification shall be rejected.
mens shall be cast in concrete cylinders with dimensions 12.2 A reel of coated strand that is rejected for thickness or
shown in Table 1. The untensioned strand shall be embedded continuity of coating shall be accepted if the non-conforming
concentrically along the longitudinal axis of the specimen. The sections are removed and the remaining material meets the
minimum force at 0.001 in. [0.025 mm] slip shall be applied as coating requirements of this specification.
shown in Fig. 1, by a hydraulic or mechanical jack when
concrete reaches a compressive strength between 4000 and 13. Certification
5000 psi [30 and 35 MPa], and measured with a calibrated load 13.1 If outside inspection is waived, a manufacturer’s cer-
indicator at a slip of 0.001 in. [0.025 mm]. A dial gage shall be tification that the material has been tested in accordance with
used at the unloaded end to indicate slip. Minimum force at and meets the requirements of this specification shall be the
0.001 in. [0.025 mm] slip shall be at least equal to or greater basis of acceptance of the material. The certification shall
than the values shown in Table 1. include the specification number, year-date of issue, and
revision letter, if any.
9. Number of Tests 13.2 The manufacturer shall, when requested in the order,
9.1 Three pullout tests shall be performed annually as a furnish a representative load-elongation curve for each size and
minimum or repeated when a process change is made that grade of strand shipped and a copy of the manufacturer’s
could decrease the bond capacity of the epoxy-coated strand. quality control tests.
The purchaser shall have the right to request additional pullout
tests to be performed on the lot of epoxy-coated strand ordered. 14. Handling and Identification
10. Retests 14.1 All strapping bands shall be padded or suitable banding
shall be used to prevent damage to the coating. All reels of
10.1 If the specimen for coating thickness, continuity, ad- coated strand shall be handled in such a manner as not to
hesion of coating, and pull-out tests fail to meet the specified damage the coating on the strand.
TABLE 1 Requirements for Pull-Out Tests
14.2 Coating damage due to handling shall be repaired in
accordance with the recommendation of the manufacturer of
Minimum Force patching material. The repaired coating shall conform to the
Cylinder Embedment
Strand Diameter
Diameter Length
at 0.001 in. requirements of Section 8 of this specification.
[0.025 mm] Slip
14.3 The reel number shall be maintained throughout the
in. mm in. mm in. mm lbf kN fabrication and coating process to the point of shipment for
⁄ (0.250)
14 6.35 6 152 8.5 216 1700 7.56 traceability.
5⁄16 (0.313) 7.94 6 152 8.0 203 1960 8.72
3⁄8 (0.375) 9.53 6 152 7.5 190 2210 9.83
7⁄16 (0.438) 11.11 6 152 6.5 165 2230 9.92 15. Keywords
1⁄2 (0.500) 12.70 6 152 6.0 152 2350 10.45
(0.600) 15.25 6 152 5.5 140 2590 11.52 15.1 coating requirements; corrosion resistance; epoxy coat-
ing; prestressed concrete; steel wire; strand (tendons)

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FIG. 1 Recommended Arrangement for Pull-Out Testing

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. PREQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ORGANIC COATINGS

A1.1 Coating Requirements: The resistance of strand coating to mechanical damage shall
A1.1.1 Chemical Resistance be determined by the falling weight test. A test apparatus
similar to that described in Test Method G 14 shall be used
The chemical resistance of coatings shall be evaluated in
along with a 4-lb. [1.8 kg] tup. Impact shall occur on the crown
accordance with Test Method G 20 by immersing coated
areas on the coated strand. The test shall be performed at room
strands in each of the following: Distilled water, a 3 M aqueous
temperature. With an impact of 80 in.·lbf. [9 N·m], no
solution of CaCl2, a 3 M aqueous solution of NaOH, and a
shattering, cracking, or bond loss of the coating shall occur
solution saturated with Ca(OH)2. Specimens without holidays
except at the impact area; that is, the area permanently
and specimens with intentional holes drilled through the
deformed by the tup.
coating 0.25 in. [6.35 mm] in diameter shall be tested. The
temperature of the test solutions shall be 24 6 2°C. Minimum A1.1.5 Salt Spray (Fog) Test
test time shall be 45 days. The coating must not blister, soften, Coated strand specimens shall be tensioned to 70 % of the
lose bond, or develop holidays during this period. The minimum ultimate tensile strength and exposed to salt fog for
intentionally-made holes shall exhibit no undercutting during 3000 h in accordance with Practice B 117. Care shall be taken
the 45-day period. to protect the end anchorages used from salt fog or corrosion so
A1.1.2 Chloride Permeability as not to influence the test results. Observations for signs of
The chloride permeability characteristics of the films of corrosion shall be made and recorded every 250 h. After 3000
cured coatings having the minimum thickness as proposed for h of exposure, no evidence of rust shall be present, and the
use shall be measured by the methods outlined in FHWA-RD- specimens shall be holiday-free.
74-18. The test shall be performed at 24 6 2°C for 45 days. A1.1.6 Elevated Temperature Test:
The cumulative concentration of chloride ions permeating A1.1.6.1 Fabrication of Test Specimen:
through the film shall be less than 1 3 10−4M. (a) Pretension the coated strand to 75 % of its specified
A1.1.3 Abrasion Resistance minimum breaking strength and anchor it in the form. Add
The resistance of the strand coating to abrasion shall be shims under anchor if needed to return to 75 % of minimum
determined by the falling sand method of Test Methods D 968 breaking strength after anchor seating loss.
adapted for testing coated strand. The volume of sand required (b) Attach 10 thermocouples to the strand in pairs at a
to remove 10 mils (0.25 mm) of coating shall be greater than distance from end of 6 in. [0.15 m], 2 ft [0.61 m], 4 ft [1.22 m],
1000 litres. 6 ft [1.83 m], and 7 ft 6 in. [2.29 m]. Place pairs with one on
A1.1.4 Impact Test each side of strand.

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 A 882/A882M – 04a
(c) Cast concrete around the pretensioned strand to make (c) Apply heat so that temperature measured by thermo-
a square concrete bar 8-ft [2.44-m] long with the strand at the couples around strand increases as steadily as possible. Rate of
center of the concrete cross section. Refer to Table A1.1 for increase should be between 1.0°F/min [0.5°C/min] and 2.5°F/
concrete cross section dimensions. Use moist cure, heat cure, min [1.4°C/min]. Increase rate as steadily and uniformly as
or steam cure. possible along the square concrete bar.
(d) Release strand from anchors by gentle release or flame ( d) At intervals of approximately 7°F [3.8°C], record
cut when concrete strength reaches approximately 4000 psi temperature and simultaneous readings of both LVDTs.
[27.58 MPa] (see Note A1.1). Do not release if temperature in (e) Continue heating to at least 190°F [88°C].
concrete around strand exceeds 150°F [65.5°C]. (f) For each temperature recorded, plot average of the two
NOTE A1.1—Strength of concrete at time of test will not affect test LVDT readings against corresponding temperature. The tem-
results as long as it is at least 4000 psi [27.58 MPa]. perature at which this plot crosses the 0.01-in. [0.25-mm] line
A1.1.6.2 Test Procedures: is the temperature rating of the strand being tested for
(a) Trim ends of strand so that motion of strand into comparison to the requirements of 7.3.2.
concrete can be measured with a Linear Variable Differential
Transformer (LVDT) or similar device. A1.2 Acceptance Testing:
(b) Mount specimen in heating chamber, connect thermo- A1.2.1 Testing Agency
couples that are placed in the concrete at the surface of the Acceptance tests shall be performed by an agency acceptable
strand, and mount the LVDT at each end. to the purchaser and manufacturer.
A1.2.2 Tests for chemical resistance, chloride permeability,
TABLE A1.1 Cross-Section Dimensions of 8-ft [2.44-m] Long
abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and salt spray shall be
Square Concrete Bar
conducted as specified in A1.1, whenever the coating formu-
Strand Diameter, in. [mm] Bar Cross Section, in. [mm] lation or supplier is changed.
⁄ [9.53]
38 31⁄2 3 31⁄2 [89 3 89] A1.2.3 Certification
7⁄16 [11.11] 41⁄2 3 41⁄2 [114 3 114] Reports summarizing the results of all tests and bearing the
1⁄2 [12.70] 41⁄2 3 41⁄2 [114 3 114]
0.600 [15.24] 51⁄2 3 51⁄2 [140 3 140] signature of the testing laboratory shall be furnished to the
manufacturer.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (A 882/A
882M – 04) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved March 1, 2004.)

(1) 8.2 was revised.

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (A 882/A 882M – 02a) that
may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Jan. 1, 2004.)

(1) 4.1.7 was added. (2) 9.1 was revised.

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