Parameters affecting the rate of carbonation: A survey of concrete in Ireland.

Carbonation of concrete is a factor which is increasingly being examined in instances where the durability of a building or structure has been affected by corrosion of reinforcement and spalling of concrete. Optimum conditions for carbonation and corrosion are not coincident and so geographical regions experience these phenomena to differing degrees. Important regional variables influencing carbonation include local materials and climate. While the quality of concrete greatly influences the rate of carbonation, other factors examined in this paper include exposure condition, local environment, orientation and surface characteristics. A range of carbonation rates encountered in 'good quality' concrete in Ireland are reported. In addition attention is drawn to carbonation rates in buildings and structures where premature deterioration has prompted investigation. Data for this paper is based on values measured in an extensive survey by the author together with values reported by consulting engineers and local authority engineers in Ireland. To facilitate international comparison an overview of concrete practice in Ireland and a note on the Irish climate is included. (A)