Carbonation-Induced Corrosion: A Brief Review on Prediction Models

Abstract

This paper presents a brief review on carbonation depth prediction models. The prediction models are classified into different ways, namely empirical and physical models; and probabilistic and deterministic models. In this paper, empirical and physical models for natural carbonation depth prediction have been reviewed. As a parametric study, carbonation depths are predicted using empirical and physical models for buildings within CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai campus. From the parametric study, Fib model code, Ekolu’s model, Kokubu’s and Hakkinen’s models showed good correlation (R2 = 0.94) with the measured carbonation depths. Carbonation depths are predicted using Ekolu’s model for ordinary, standard and high-strength concretes for exposure periods of 25, 50 and 100 years at various key locations such as rural areas, sea coast regions, urban settings, industrial areas and tunnels. Carbonation depth is higher in tunnels than coastal region due to increased CO2 concentration and low relative humidity. Therefore, the cover depth required to be provided for corrosion against carbonation is more for tunnels, followed by industrial sites and urban areas.