Mapua Institute of Technology

Intramuros, Manila
Philippines

Investigations on the Effect of Concrete

Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among
Aged Reinforced Concrete Structures

To be presented to

Engr. John Paul D. Carreon

School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering

In partial fulfillment of

The requirements to be complied

for CE200L/B1 and prerequisites for
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

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

I. Background of the Study

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,

the carbonation rate is significantly lower (Gode and Paeglitis, 2013).

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

concrete, degree of exposure to contaminants and other environmental factors.

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Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures

Carbonation is an occurrence that cannot be prevented since carbon dioxide is always

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

but also by chloride induction according to Puatatson (2005).

Chloride-induction reinforcement corrosion is one of the mechanism that causes premature

deterioration of reinforced concrete structures. Theoretically, there is an inverse relationship

between the carbonation depth and compressive strength depending on the service life of the

concrete (Brecolotti et al, 2013).

II. Statement of the Problem

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

acid with the cement paste (Collado et al, 2015).

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

century is subjected to deterioration. Carbonation is one of the important degradation mechanisms

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

carbonation (Visser, 2012).

In addition, Metro Manila accounts to a large number vehicular population resulting to

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

structures in Metro Manila is of greater risk of carbonation mechanisms.

III. Objectives of the Study

A. Main Objective

To discuss the effect of concrete strength on the rate of carbonation among aged reinforced

concrete structures in Metro Manila

B. Specific Objective

To discuss operationally the concrete strength and carbonation of concrete

To explore the parameters involved relating the concrete strength vs rate of

carbonation through a sample reinforced concrete structure

To determine the rate of carbonation of aged reinforced concrete samples

through characterization

To determine the carbonation depth of aged reinforced concrete samples

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Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures

IV. Significance of The Study

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.

V. Scope and Limitation

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

and responsible for the early strength development of the concrete.

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

makes the concrete soft and friable.

Carbonation the result of the interaction of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere

alongside with alkaline hydroxides in the concrete

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

heat on the cement slurry in the kiln.

Chloride-induction Corrosion it is a type of deterioration that starts with the loss of

protection provided by the concrete cover as the result of chloride ingress.

Compression the condition of being compressed or act of pressing together.

Concrete a heavy building material made by the mixture of cement, sand, gravel and

water.

Corrosion the process of ruination or breaking down of a material, especially metal or

steel bar, through chemical reactions.

Flexure the condition of being curved or bent.

Humidity Content the water content of air at a given temperature.

pH a figure representing the acidity or alkalinity of water soluble substances.

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Investigations on the Effect of Concrete Strength on the Rate of Carbonation among Aged Reinforced Concrete
Structures

Porosity the measure of void spaces in a material.

Rate of Carbonation the degree on how carbonation has spread in the concrete and

influenced by both its physical properties and exposure conditions.

Reinforced Concrete concrete in which metal or steel bars are embedded so that the two

materials can act together as resisting forces.

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

expansion or any change in volume.

Tension the condition of being stretched to rigidity.

Torsion the condition of being twisted or turned.

Water-cement Ratio the ratio of water of the weight of water to the weight of cement

that is used in concrete mix.

Water Content the quantity of water contained in a material.