The experimental investigation of concrete carbonation depth

Phenolphthalein indicator has traditionally been used to determine the depth of carbonation in concrete. This investigation uses the thermalgravimetric analysis (TGA) method, which tests the concentration distribution of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3, while the X-ray diffraction analysis (XRDA) tests the intensity distribution of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3. The Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test method detects the presence of C–O in concrete samples as a basis for determining the presence of CaCO3. Concrete specimens were prepared and subjected to accelerated carbonation under conditions of 23 °C temperature, 70% RH and 20% concentration of CO2. The test results of TGA and XRDA indicate that there exist a sharp carbonation front. Three zones of carbonation were identified according to the degree of carbonation and pH in the pore solutions. The TGA, XRDA and FTIR results showed the depth of carbonation front is twice of that determined from phenolphthalein indicator.