The influence of the mineral additives on the carbonation of cement composites

Abstract

In practice, it is usually assumed that the durability of basic structural elements should not be less than the expected durability of the building. Reinforced concrete constructions, designed and made with quality requirements, are durable. However, each reinforced concrete structure, from the moment it is made, is gradually degraded, and one of the reasons for its destruction is often the corrosion of the concrete and hence the reinforcement. For the long-term use of reinforced concrete constructions, the most important thing is that a thin protective layer on the steel surface protects the reinforcing steel from rusting. One of the most common causes of corrosion in the reinforcement is the damage of this layer as a result of the carbonation of the concrete cover. The rate of carbonation depends on many factors, such as concrete compactness, concentration of CO2, concrete moisture, content of free calcium dioxide, content of mineral additives, etc. When the carbonated layer reaches the steel reinforcement layer, protection of steel from corrosion ceases to exist. The aim of the presented research was to determine the influence of mineral additives used as a compound of concrete on the carbonation of concrete and polymer-cement composites.