Title: Measurement Techniques for Rapid Assessment of Carbonation in Concrete

Author(s): Ludovit Krajei and Ivan Janotka

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 97

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 168-171

Keywords: acidobasic indicator; carbonation process; degradation of concrete; potentiodynamic method; stage of carbonation; steel corrosion.

DOI: 10.14359/820

Date: 3/1/2000

Abstract:
Due to gradual aging of the prefabricated cement-based housing, the quality of these structures was reviewed. The carbonation stage of concrete specimens taken from outside walls of buildings exposed to the external climatic conditions was assessed. The depth of carbonation was determined by the set of four acidobasic indicators (nitramin, thymolphtalein, phenolphtalein, m-nitrophenol). The protective properties of concrete specimens against corrosion were tested using the potentiodynamic method. The pH values of concrete extracts were supplemented. The correlations between carbonation stage, alkalinity of concrete extract, and capability of concrete to protect steel against corrosion were ascertained. The reported investigation represents one way towards the evaluation of concrete degradation due to carbonation, and contributes to the prediction of service life of concrete structures.