Understand the carbonation process.
Carbonation of concrete represents one of the main mechanisms of structural degradation. First, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere penetrates the pores of the concrete. Then, it reacts with the calcium hydroxide present in the cement paste. In this way, the pH of the material drops drastically, losing its natural alkalinity.
The direct impact on the steel reinforcement
Normally, concrete protects steel through a passivating layer formed by the alkaline environment. However, when carbonation reaches the depth of the reinforcement, this protection disappears completely. Therefore, the steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture. Furthermore, this phenomenon initiates an accelerated process of electrochemical corrosion. Consequently, the cross-sectional area of the steel is reduced, compromising the load-bearing capacity of the building.
Quality monitoring in large-scale construction projects
Many structures in dense urban centers suffer from increased pollution. For example, when inspecting construction sites near the iconic... Museum of Tomorrow, In Rio de Janeiro, we've noticed that high salinity and humidity enhance carbonation. For this reason, we conduct rigorous carbonation depth tests during our inspections. This ensures that the project's lifespan is preserved.
Prevention and control strategies
Prevention requires rigorous control of the water-cement ratio. Therefore, the concrete must have low porosity to hinder CO2 diffusion. Additionally, the nominal concrete cover thickness of the reinforcement must be respected according to NBR 6118. On the other hand, if carbonation is already advanced, interventions are necessary. Thus, structural repair should include cleaning the bars and applying corrosion inhibitors. Consequently, the integrity of the structure is successfully restored.
Technical conclusion
Carbonation is not an immediate process, but its late diagnosis is costly. Therefore, preventive monitoring is essential to avoid structural collapses. From this perspective, our team uses cutting-edge technology to detect pathologies before the damage becomes irreversible. After all, the safety of those occupying the building depends on the quality of the engineering applied. To guarantee a durable and safe structure, access here And speak with our expert engineers to schedule a detailed technical assessment.
