CO2 uptake potential due to concrete carbonation: A case study

- CO2 uptake of the Itaipu Dam due to concrete carbonation was studied.
- 155 concrete samples were extracted for carbonation depth measurement.
- The carbonation has tended to increase with the dam elevation.
- The results indicate the potentiality of CO2 uptake during the service life.
- This might be considered in the future as a compensatory measure to design buildings.

The cement manufacturing process accounts for about 5% CO2 (carbon dioxide) released into the atmosphere. However, during its life cycle, concrete may capture CO2 through carbonation, in order to, partially, offset the impact of its production. Thus, this paper aims at studying the CO2 uptake potential of the Itaipu Dam due to concrete carbonation of such material. So, 155 cores were extracted from the concrete dam in different points to measure carbonation depth. In order to evaluate its influence on carbonation, the measurement of internal moisture distribution in concrete was also carried out. The results have shown that carbonation takes part of the whole dam area, indicating CO2 uptake potential. Up to the present moment, 13,384 tons of CO2 have been absorbed by concrete carbonation of the Itaipu Dam.