International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Title: Estimation of Carbonation Depth Based on Hygrothermal Calculations

Author(s): Christina Giarma

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 108

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 209-218

Keywords: carbonation; hygrothermal analysis; modeling

Date: 3/1/2011

Abstract:
In this paper, a method for the estimation of concrete carbonation depth is presented. The basis of this method’s calculations is on the results of hygrothermal performance analysis of concrete components. The essential components of this method are: a function through which relative humidity conditions inside concrete components are assessed with regard to whether and to what degree they favor the progress of carbonation in the components (a function quantifying the influence of relative humidity on concrete carbonation); and a simplified equation calculating carbonation depth as proportional to the square root of time. Based on these two components, the formulation of which is presented in the paper, the results of hygrothermal calculations are used for the estimation of carbonation depth in concrete components. The accuracy of the results derived from this method is verified through their comparison with experimentally derived carbonation depth values; the latter are cited in the references.