A Study on Carbonation Depth Prediction for Concrete Made with GBFS Cement and Fa Addition

This paper presents the results of the examination of accelerated carbonation of concrete mixes made with CEM III / A blast furnace slag cement and the addition of fly ash. The test program was developed using an experiment design with two factors: a water-binder ratio and a fly-ash / cement ratio. Carbonation depth measurements were carried out according to FprCEN/TS 12390-12 (CO₂ concentration = 4%, T = 20°C, RH = 55%). Associated tests were also carried out, including compressive strength, porosity, depth of absorption, water penetration depth, and capillary suction.

Analysis of the test results allowed us to determine the influence of binder composition on concrete carbonization depth under standard test conditions. The results show that the carbonation depth increases along with the increase in the W/B ratio and as a result of the increase in the fly ash content in the binder.

A mathematical model was developed to describe the carbonation process over time, which can predict the depth and rate of concrete carbonation. Furthermore, it was found that there is no close relationship between other properties tested (e.g. strength) and the depth of the carbonated concrete.