Long term carbonation of UHPC

Abstract

The durability of a concrete structure is based on its capability to resist physical and chemical conditions to which it is exposed. Carbonation is one of the two processes aiming into reinforcement corrosion. The ease to carbonate depends on the accessible porosity and of the binding capacity of the cement phases towards the carbon dioxide gas. The use of a high performance concrete contributes to the two properties due to its reduced porosity and higher cement content proportion. This work presents medium term (16 years) performance of the UHPC called CRC ¿composite reinforced concrete¿ made originally by Aarlborg Portland with high content in cement, silica fume and low water/cement ratio. The behavior shows that the carbonation has been less than 1mm equally than the concrete was in a younger state. That is, the CRC seems almost immune to the advance of carbonation which supposes the maintenance of the passivity of the reinforcements and of the added