Carbonation test Principle of the test

Carbonation is the result of the interaction of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere with the alkaline hydroxides in the concrete. CO2 + H2O H2CO3
Gas Water Carbonic acid

H2CO3
Carbonic Acid

Ca(OH)2
Pore solution

CaCO3

+ 2H2O

Principle of the test

There is a lot more calcium hydroxide in the concrete pores than can be dissolved in the pore water. This helps maintain the pH at its usual level of around 12 or 13 as the carbonation reaction occurs.
However, eventually all the locally available calcium hydroxide reacts, precipitating the calcium carbonate and allowing the pH to fall to a level where steel will corrode.

Principle of the test

The carbonation rate is a function of concrete cover over reinforcing steel, time and diffusion constant. Diffusion constant is determined by the concrete quality. Poor concrete quality, e.g. low cement content, high w/c ratio and open pore structure, will enhance carbonation rate.

Steel reinforcement in concrete may be at risk of corrosion if the cover is carbonated.

Application
Assess durability of concrete by comparing carbonation depth with concrete cover.

Determining the cause of corrosion activity.

Design effective repair solution.

Equipment
Phenolphthalein indicator dissolving 1g of phenolphthalein into 50ml of alcohol and then dilute with water to 100ml.

Other indicators such as thymolphthalein and Alizarin

yellow.

Equipment

Equipment

Equipment

Relevant standards
BRE IP6/ 81 BS EN 14630 : 2006

Test procedures
Prepare a freshly broken concrete surface: by chiseling from the structure under investigation, on surface of core with diameter not less than 50mm, on core sample splitting into two halves, by drilling a series of holes and breaking between them.
Clean the concrete surface by removing dust from drilling, coring or cutting.

Test procedures
Spray the phenolphthalein indicator onto the surface.
When concrete is carbonated, the phenolphthalein solution will remain clear (colourless). When concrete is still alkaline, the phenolphthalein solution will turn pink. Measure the depth of colourless zone from concrete surface.

Reporting
Type of indicator being used. Thickness of finishing covering the concrete surface. The depth of carbonation, whether it includes the depth of finishing. Maximum and mean of carbonation depth.

Reporting

Reporting

Advantages
Easy to understand Quick and inexpensive.

Limitations
Some aggregates can confuse phenolphthalein readings. Some concrete mixes are dark in colour and seeing the colour change can be difficult. Care must be taken that no contamination of the surface occurs from dust and the phenolphthalein sprayed surface must be freshly exposed or it may be carbonated before testing.