Sustainability in Construction: A Comprehensive Review of Carbonation Resistance in Self-Compacting Concrete – Mechanisms and Influential Factors
Oral Presentation
Paper ID : 1178-ICASGE (R1)
Authors
1Structural Department, Faculty of Engineering ,Tanta University
2Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
Abstract
Self-compacting concrete (SCC), celebrated for its ability to flow and consolidate without external vibration, has become a cornerstone of modern, sustainable construction practices. Its unique material properties, including enhanced workability and reduced labor requirements, align with the growing emphasis on eco-efficient infrastructure. However, the long-term durability of SCC, particularly its resistance to carbonation, remains a critical area of study due to its implications for structural integrity and service life. Carbonation, a process where atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) reacts with calcium hydroxide in the concrete matrix to form calcium carbonate, reduces alkalinity and compromises the protective passivation layer around embedded steel reinforcement, accelerating corrosion.
This review synthesizes existing research on the carbonation resistance of SCC, focusing on the mechanisms, influential factors, and implications for durability. Key aspects such as binder composition, water-to-cement ratio, curing conditions, and the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are critically analyzed to understand their roles in carbonation kinetics. The dense microstructure of SCC, achieved through optimized particle packing and reduced permeability, is evaluated in the context of its dual role in enhancing durability while potentially introducing vulnerabilities to CO₂ ingress.
Based on the synthesis of previous studies, it is clear that SCMs like fly ash, slag, and silica fume improve SCC's durability and reduce permeability but may lower initial alkalinity, increasing carbonation vulnerability. Inadequate curing further exacerbates carbonation depth, highlighting the need for optimized mix design, binder selection, and curing practices to ensure SCC's durability in carbonation-prone environments while maintaining its sustainability and workability.
This review synthesizes existing research on the carbonation resistance of SCC, focusing on the mechanisms, influential factors, and implications for durability. Key aspects such as binder composition, water-to-cement ratio, curing conditions, and the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are critically analyzed to understand their roles in carbonation kinetics. The dense microstructure of SCC, achieved through optimized particle packing and reduced permeability, is evaluated in the context of its dual role in enhancing durability while potentially introducing vulnerabilities to CO₂ ingress.
Based on the synthesis of previous studies, it is clear that SCMs like fly ash, slag, and silica fume improve SCC's durability and reduce permeability but may lower initial alkalinity, increasing carbonation vulnerability. Inadequate curing further exacerbates carbonation depth, highlighting the need for optimized mix design, binder selection, and curing practices to ensure SCC's durability in carbonation-prone environments while maintaining its sustainability and workability.
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