Report of RILEM TC 281-CCC: A critical review of the standardised testing methods to determine carbonation resistance of concrete.

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Abstract

The chemical reaction between CO2 and a blended Portland cement concrete, referred to as carbonation, can lead to reduced performance, particularly when concrete is exposed to elevated levels of CO2 (i.e., accelerated carbonation conditions). When slight changes in concrete mix designs or testing conditions are adopted, conflicting carbonation results are often reported. The RILEM TC 281-CCC ‘Carbonation of Concrete with Supplementary Cementitious Materials’ has conducted a critical analysis of the standardised testing methodologies that are currently applied to determine carbonation resistance of concrete in different regions. There are at least 17 different standards or recommendations being actively used for this purpose, with significant differences in sample curing, pre-conditioning, carbonation exposure conditions, and methods used for determination of carbonation depth after exposure. These differences strongly influence the carbonation depths recorded and the carbonation coefficient values calculated. Considering the importance of accurately determining carbonation potential of concrete, not just for predicting their durability performance, but also for determining the amount of CO2 that concrete can re-absorb during or after its service life, it is imperative to recognise the applicability and limitations of the results obtained from different tests. This will enable researchers and practitioners to adopt the most appropriate testing methodologies to evaluate carbonation resistance, depending on the purpose of the conclusions derived from such testing (e. g. materials selection, service life prediction, CO2 capture potential).
Original languageEnglish
Article number173
JournalMaterials and Structures
Volume57
Early online date3 Sept 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Sept 2024

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all members of RILEM TC 281-CCC, for the valuable discussions regarding carbonation of concrete with SCMs, and their insight and valuable discussions during the preparation and review of this paper. The valuable discussions and comments on the paper by A.T.M. Marsh are greatly acknowledged.

Funding

Participation of S.A. Bernal was sponsored by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through the Early Career Fellowship EP/R001642/1. The participation of Y. Dhandapani, J.L. Provis and M.C.G. Juenger was sponsored by EPSRC through grant EP/T008407/1 and by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through award 1903457. P. Van den Heede and N. De Belie acknowledge the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) for the financial support through grant G062720N.

FundersFunder number
EPSRCEP/R001642/1, EP/T008407/1

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