Corrosion of concrete reinforcing steel in highway structures has traditionally been related to chloride ions. However, another cause of reinforcing steel corrosion is concrete carbonation which decreases the pH of the pore solution, Carbonation-induced corrosion tends to develop later and proceeds at slower rates than chloride-induced corrosion. Since very long service life goals are currently proposed for new highway structures, concrete carbonation is a likely concern when projecting durability. The objective of this investigation was to establish the prognosis for development of carbonation-induced corrosion of concrete mix designs proposed for new construction projects. Accelerated laboratory carbonation exposures to 60% relative humidity with 0.5% and 4% CO2 were conducted with concrete mix designs containing from 20% to 50% pozzolanic cement replacement, 2 different water-to-cementitious ratios, and with small levels...
Keywords: carbonation, concrete, corrosion, fly ash, rebar, silica fume