Understanding the Process of Carbonation in Concrete using Numerical Modeling

Abstract

The objective of the study is to develop a model that will help in understanding the process of carbonation. This study investigates the influence of different physical, chemical and environmental parameters on the carbonation process in concrete. The model incorporates the influence of change in porosity on carbonation and the variations in the internal relative humidity of concrete due to drying on the rate of carbonation. The pore saturation and porosity were found to control the rate of carbonation in concrete. The model demonstrates the preconditioning duration and amount of water released on carbonation have an insignificant effect on the extent of carbonation in the long-term. Increased tortuosity and higher alkalinity could help in improving the carbonation resistance of system.