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Carbonation of concrete: the role of CO2 concentration, relative humidity and CO2 buffer capacity

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Abstract

In this study, the effect of CO2 concentration and ambient relative humidity (RH) on accelerated and natural carbonation of 18 concrete mixtures produced with nine different cement types is investigated. Increasing the CO2 concentration from 0.045 to 1 and 4 % at 57 % RH does not alter the relative carbonation resistance between the concrete mixtures. The increase of RH from 57 to 70 and 80 % RH at 4 % CO2 shows a water-to-cement ratio and cement-specific effect that affects the relative carbonation resistance between the concrete mixtures. The carbonation resistance at 4 % CO2 and 57 % RH allows assessing the carbonation resistance of concrete in sheltered and with restrictions in unsheltered outdoor exposure. The carbonation resistance below 70 % RH is mainly governed by the CO2 buffer capacity. However, in the accelerated tests at 80 % RH and in the unsheltered outdoor exposure capillary condensation is of increased importance.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank P. Lura for the careful review of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstr. 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland

    Andreas Leemann

  2. Holcim Technology Ltd., Schachen, 5113, Holderbank, Switzerland

    Fabrizio Moro

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  1. Andreas Leemann
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  2. Fabrizio Moro
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Correspondence to Andreas Leemann.

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Leemann, A., Moro, F. Carbonation of concrete: the role of CO2 concentration, relative humidity and CO2 buffer capacity. Mater Struct 50, 30 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-016-0917-2

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