Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Intramuros, Manila
Philippines
To be presented to
In partial fulfillment of
Submitted by
BUNGAG, Jediann M.
MADALANG, Kyle Marron A.
SANCHEZ, Joshua Edward L.
December 2016
Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Several studies have shown that the service life of concrete is affected by the rate of carbonation
(Saetta 2004, Liang 2013, Niu et al 2013). Carbonation is the result of the interaction of carbon
dioxide gas in the atmosphere alongside with alkaline hydroxides in the concrete. Like the other
gases, carbon dioxide disperses in water to form an acid. The carbonic acid does not take
aggressive action against the cement paste but rendering the alkalis ineffective in the pore water
that is mainly forming calcium carbonate. There is a lot more calcium hydroxide in the concrete
pores that can be dissolved in the pore water wherein it can help maintain the corresponding
measure of the acidity and alkalinity, pH, at its usual level around 12 or 13 as the case of
carbonation reaction occurs. Water is one of the factors that commences the process of carbonation
when there is an absence of carbon dioxide which happens in the underwater columns and
submerged foundations. Since the amount of carbonates is smaller in water than in the atmosphere,
Chi et al (2002) suggested that the reliability of a concrete structure diminishes when the
carbonation reaches the reinforcing steel of the structural element. Luckily, it does not deal great
damage to the concrete itself. The process of carbonation starts immediately when the concrete
structure is exposed to air wherein the carbon dioxide penetrates the concrete through the pores
where it reacts with the calcium hydroxide and moisture in the pores to form calcium carbonate.
The factors that are affecting the rate of carbonation encompass physical characteristics of
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Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures
present in the atmosphere enclosing the concrete structure. Moreover, it reduces the alkalinity of
the concrete which leads to the corrosion of the reinforcement steel and failure of the concrete
structure. In addition, the corrosion of the reinforcement steel is not only caused by carbonation
between the carbonation depth and compressive strength depending on the service life of the
Most of todays reinforced concrete structure are subject to carbonation while ageing (Sanchez et
al, 2015). According to Sagues et al (1997), Carbonation of the concrete is a process that caused
steel passivity breakdown due to chemical reaction with atmospheric carbon dioxide. Carbonation
is a symptom commonly associated with concrete of decades old, particularly in the humid
environments. Furthermore, studies have recognized that carbon dioxide can penetrate into our
concrete structures, react with cement hydration elements, and eventually with the right pH level,
set the environment for the reinforcing steel to corrode. Carbonation is the process wherein carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere diffuses in gaseous form to the concrete pores that dissolves and forms
This naturally occurring process poses a greater risk, in Metro Manila for example where
most of the structures are decades old. Reinforced concrete structures ranging from government
buildings, institutions, and infrastructures, collectively as a city with urban history spanning a
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Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures
amongst reinforced concrete structures. Having said, many large infrastructural works requiring
long service life encounters high costs related to the damage due to corrosion that may arise after
a high volume of carbon emissions. Carbonation, however is a natural process that utilizes the
presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide, it cannot be prevented. Moreover, Metro Manila is also
characterized as a humid environment. Most of the structures in here in Metro Manila are exposed
to parameters that initiates the carbonation of concrete. To these effect, reinforced concrete
A. Main Objective
To discuss the effect of concrete strength on the rate of carbonation among aged reinforced
B. Specific Objective
through characterization
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Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures
Reinforced concrete structures are the prevalent type of structures here in the Philippines due to
its stability. As these structures gets old, they become susceptible carbonation by having the
service life of the reinforced concrete structures affected. Buildings, bridges, dams, ports, and
other infrastructural projects are required to have long service life. It is important to know the
parameters/factors involved with the rate of carbonation in order to lessen the deterioration
mechanism of the structures. Knowing the rate of carbonation depth penetration among reinforced
concrete structures will benefit engineers and owners as it can now provide a gage for timely
maintenance of structures.
The study will mainly focus on compressive strength versus rate of carbonation among reinforced
concrete structures. This will involve characterization of concrete samples in terms of the
structures current and original design compressive strength, exposure environment, type of
surface treatment or cover, and type of binder. These parameters shall then be the basis for deriving
the rate of carbonation. It will also involve phenolphthalein test for the determination of
carbonation depth. The reinforced concrete sample will be limited to old structures, with ages
varying from 10 years and above. The location however shall be limited to Metro Manila only to
exploit consistency in relative humidity and carbon exposure which are important parameters of
carbonation. Reinforced concrete samples will be of varying structural element but limited to dry
samples only.
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Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures
Definition of Terms
Alite the primary ingredient of the Portland cement clinker. It reacts quickly with water
Belite also considered as one of the primary ingredients of Portland cement clinker but
it is less reactive at early ages but can contribute noticeably at later ages.
Bi-carbonation possible occurrence in the concrete with very high water to cement ratio
due to the formation of hydrogen carbonate ions resulting to an increase in porosity that
Carbonation the result of the interaction of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere
Carbonic Acid the product of carbon dioxide when dissolved with water.
Cement Clinker a lump or ball of the blended clay and limestone formed by applying
Concrete a heavy building material made by the mixture of cement, sand, gravel and
water.
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Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures
Rate of Carbonation the degree on how carbonation has spread in the concrete and
Reinforced Concrete concrete in which metal or steel bars are embedded so that the two
Shear a form of deformation or rupture in which the parallel planes in a body slide over
one another.
Soundness a certain property of a material in which it will not undergo any noticeable
Water-cement Ratio the ratio of water of the weight of water to the weight of cement