Title: Carbonation-Induced Corrosion in Buildings Under Tropical Environments

Author(s): E.I. Moreno and R. Solis-Carcano

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 229

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 195-206

Keywords: buildings; carbonation; compressive strength; concrete; corrosion; durability; inspection

DOI: 10.14359/14737

Date: 9/1/2005

Abstract:
During the 70’s and 80’s, University buildings in southern Mexico were made using 20 MPa compressive strength concrete, based only on strength criteria, thus, using a very high water to cement ratio. Nowadays, some of those buildings are showing problems associated with concrete durability. In this work, two concrete buildings from the College of Economy were evaluated. The College is located in an urban zone 40 km away from the coast in a region with a hot sub humid climate. Visual inspection showed concrete cracks and delaminations. Results from the evaluation showed that steel corrosion was damaging the structure, the measured carbonation front was already beyond the concrete cover, and the superficial hardness tests suggested that low quality concrete was the main cause of the problem.