Carbonation of concretes in the Mexican Gulf

Carbon dioxide penetration into concrete leads to reinforcing depassivation and onset of the corrosion process. Thus, a deep knowledge on the parameters affecting such a process will allow definition of the most suitable mixture design to provide adequate durability. Experimental results show the effect of an exposed location in a coastal area on the carbonation process of five qualities of concrete. The carbonation depth was checked by spraying phenolphthalein. The results generally showed that the more distance from the coast, the greater the carbonation rate, The results also showed the greater the strength, the lower the carbonation coefficient when specimens are located at 50 m from the seaside. Whereas, in those located at 100 m and 780 m, such a trend is unclear for concretes of 28-day compressive strength higher than 22 MPa. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.