Carbonation is a chemical process where atmospheric carbon dioxide reacts with compounds in concrete, like calcium hydroxide, to form calcium carbonate, reducing the pH of concrete. This reaction exposes the reinforcing steel to corrosion. The depth of carbonation depends on factors like CO2 concentration, concrete pore structure, and relative humidity. Carbonation can be tested by using phenolphthalein solution, which changes color at pH 9.2, indicating the boundary between carbonated and uncarbonated concrete. Protective coatings can prevent further carbonation by providing a barrier to water and CO2 ingress.
5. Carbonation
Associated with the corrosion of
steel reinforcement and with
shrinkage.
The dissolution of CO2 in the
concrete pore fluid.
CO2 reacts with calcium from
calcium hydroxide and calcium
silicate hydrate to form calcite
(CaCO3).
6. Reaction involves
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 CaCO3 + H2O
A Physiochemical Reaction.
Reaction between atmospheric carbon dioxide and
the calcium hydroxide generated in cement
hydration.
The precipitation of calcium carbonate reduces
the pH level of concrete.
7. Mechanism of Carbonation
Step 1:
H20+C02 HC03
-+ H+
HC03
- H++ C03
2 -
Step 2:
Ca(0H)2+ 2H++ C03
2 - CaC03 +2H20
This neutralisation reaction penetrates gradually in to the concrete
surface.
Penetration Rate =k time
8. Effect of carbonation on concrete
Compressive strength of carbonated concretes slightly
Increases in comparison with non-carbonated concretes.
Carbonation depth increases with an in- crease of carbonation
time and higher CO2 concentration has a higher carbonation
depth.
The splitting strength of carbonated concretes slightly increases
compared to the non-carbonated concretes.
Electrical resistivity increases with an increase of carbonation
time.
Carbonation leads to a significant reduction in the permeability
and porosity of concrete.
9. Relationship between carbonation
depth and compressive strength
The depth of carbonation
decreases with an increase in
compressive strength.
Very logical, since both
carbonation and compressive
strength are significantly
controlled by the pore structure
of concrete.
10. Factors affecting Carbonation
Concentration of C0 2 gas in atmosphere Normally 3% but
increasing annually Higher in cities, due to motor vehicles
and fossil fuel burning.
Pore system of Hardened Concrete.
Relative humidity (for dissolution of Ca(0H)2 ).
Lower humidity , C0 2 can not dissolve.
But in higher humidity, C0 2 can easily dissolve.
11. Change in Ph value
The pH of the fresh cement paste is at least 12.5.
The atmospheric carbon dioxide diffuses into the
hardened concrete through pores and when
carbonation reaction takes place, the alkalinity of the
concrete reduces.
The pH of a fully carbonated paste is about 7.
Means in carbonated zone the Ph range below 9.2.
12. Test of Carbonation
The measurement of carbonation depth using the
phenolphthalein solution.
Spraying the indicator on the split surface of the concrete
cylinder .
The solution became a pink colour in the carbonated concrete.
It can be differentiated from the uncarbonated concrete.
Carbonation depth upto an accuracy of 5mm can be identified
with the naked eye.
13. Mechanism- phenolphthalein solution
The colourless acid-base indicator (phenolphthalein solution)
monitoring the carbonation depth is by capturing the depth at which
the pH is about 9.2.
It indicates the boundary at which the carbonated front meets with
the uncarbonated concrete, where concrete is alkaline .
There is a partially carbonated zone where the pH value is not
easily detected using phenolphthalein indicator.
For find partially carbonated zone
we use FT-IR spectrum analysis……
14. Compare in phenolphthalein indicator
method and FT-IR spectrum analysis
FT-IR
spectroscopic test
can identify a
partial carbonation
front more readily
than a
phenolphthalein
indicator
FT-IR Fourier-
transform infrared
spectroscopy
15. Carbonation Depth
Carbonation depth is assessed using a solution of
phenolphthalein indicator.
Carbonation is slight and eventually comes to a stop, with
the depth reached being known as the maximum
carbonation depth.
1. Carbonation depth amounts to only a few millimetres
and cannot extend as far as the reinforcement.
Carbonation protection (CO2-proofing) is not
necessary.
2. Carbonation has nearly reached the reinforcement
layer. Carbonation protection is necessary in order to
stop further progress.
3. The majority of the reinforcement is located in the
already carbonated zone of the concrete. In this case,
carbonation protection would be too late
16. Bi-carbonation
Bi-carbonation may occur in concrete with very
high water to cement ratio.
Due to formation of hydrogen carbonate ions at pH
lower than 10.
Bi-carbonation results in an increase in porosity
making the concrete soft and friable.
Bi-carbonation may be recognized by the
presence of large "pop-corn" like calcite crystals
and the highly porous paste.
19. References
Department of Building & Construction, City University of Hong Kong,
Hong Kong. http://www.elsevier.com/locate/buildenv
Journal of Marine Science and Technology, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 14-20
(2002).
Fattuhi N.J., “Carbonation of Concrete as Affected by Mix Constituents
and Initial Water Curing Period,” Materials of Constructions, Vol. 19, No.
110, pp. 131- 136 (1986).
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