Accelerated carbonation test of concrete

Embedded steel in reinforced concrete members is protected from corrosion by alkaline composition of the concrete which is provided mainly by the dissolution in the pore water of the Ca(OH)2. However, this positive property of the concrete may be lost in time due to carbonation of hydrated components of cement especially, Ca(OH)2 which is converted to CaC03 with diffusion of C02 from the environment into the concrete pore system during carbonation process. This phenomenon is accepted one of the main factors determining the service life of the reinforced concrete members. This study includes comprehensive research on carbonation process, factors affecting carbonation rate, its modifications on micro-structure and behaviour of the cement paste and concrete. Furthermore, an elementary Accelerated Carbonation Test Apparatus (ACTA) was developed and some preliminary tests were conducted on various types of cement mortar or concrete specimens.