Sources of Variations When Comparing Concrete Carbonation Results

• Published in: Journal of materials in civil engineering Vol. 21; no. 7; pp. 333 - 342
• Main Authors: da Silva, F. G, Helene, P, Castro-Borges, P, Liborio, J. B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 01.07.2009
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Durability of constructions; Durability. Pathology. Repairing. Maintenance; Exact sciences and technology; General (composition, classification, performance, standards, patents, etc.); Materials; TECHNICAL PAPERS; Relative humidity; Temperature; Construction materials; Carbonation; Durability; Properties of materials; Concrete; Experimental study; Comparative study; Accelerated test; Material properties
• ISSN: 0899-1561; 1943-5533
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2009)21:7(333)

Carbonation is one of the main concerns for concrete service life in tropical countries. The mechanism and materials that produce it have been widely studied as well as natural and accelerated methods to report and analyze it. In spite of reported investigations, there is a need for information that could allow an adequate interpretation of the results of the standardization process. This lack of information can produce variations not only in the interpretation but also in the predictions of service life. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and discuss variables that could be sources of error, especially when performing accelerated tests. As a result, a methodologies to minimize variations when interpreting and comparing results is proposed, such as specimen geometry and preconditioning, spacing, relative humidity, and C O2 concentration.