Title:
Comparative Study of Natural and Accelerated Carbonation Tests of HPC with Pozzolans: A Preliminary Approach
Author(s):
G.C. Isaia, M. Vaghetti, and A.L.G. Gastaldini
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
207
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
467-488
Keywords:
carbonation; concrete; pozzolans; strength
DOI:
10.14359/12407
Date:
10/7/2002
Abstract:
Most of the carbonation studies are carried out by means of accelerated tests in conditioned chambers in order to obtain data in a shorter time, although the results are not always well correlated with field or laboratory data in natural tests. This work presents a comparative study between a reference portland cement concrete and pozzolanic mixtures with 10% to 50% fly ash, rice husk ash and silica fume in binary and ternary mixtures. Accelerated tests in a conditioned chamber with carbonation depth readings after 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks, and natural tests with similar specimens exposed to the lab air environment with readings after 0.5, 1 and 2 years, were performed. The calculated rate between the carbonation coefficient of accelerated and natural tests was approximately 1 mm.week0.5 = 1 mm.year0.5 for concrete with w/cm < 0.45 and pozzolan contents up to 25%. For higher w/cm rates and w/cm < 0.45 and pozzolan contents up to 25%. For higher w/cm rates and pozzolan contents, the accelerated tests showed coefftcients 2 to 6 times higher than those observed in the natural test. This work presents preliminary data and it will be continued for 5 years more, in order to obtain readings after exposure to lab air for 4 and 8 years, after casting.