Abstract
The carbonation of concrete is one of the major factors that cause durability problems in concrete structures. The rate of carbonation depends largely upon the diffusivity of carbon dioxide in concrete. The purpose of this study is to identify the diffusion coefficients of carbon dioxide for various concrete mixtures. To this end, several series of tests have been planned and conducted. The test results indicate that the diffusion coefficient increases with the increase of water-cement ratio. The diffusion coefficient decreases with the increase of relative humidity at the same water-cement ratio. The diffusion of carbon dioxide reached the steady state within about five hours after exposure. The content of aggregates also influences the diffusivity of carbon dioxide in concrete. It was found that the diffusion coefficient of cement paste is larger then that of concrete or mortar. The quantitative values of diffusivity of carbon dioxide in this study will allow more realistic assessment of carbonation depth in concrete structures.