Comparative study of white and ordinary concretes with respect of carbonation and water absorption

•Degree of carbonation and water absorption of concretes are evaluated.•Concretes with white cement are compared to ordinary Portland cement.•Results were analyzed statistically.•Results show that the type of cement plays a major role.•Water permeability or surface water absorption tests presented a good correlation with carbonation.

This research compares the degree of carbonation and water absorption of concretes with white cement versus ordinary Portland cement. For this, four types of white concrete (WPC1–4), ordinary Portland concrete (OPC) as control, and three water/cement (w/c) levels. Results were analyzed statistically. Compressive strength was used as control for the durability tests. Results show no carbonation in concretes with w/c ratio 0.4. Concretes WPC1, WPC2, and OPC with w/c 0.6 showed the highest carbonation level. The best performance was with WPC3, demonstrating that the type of cement plays a major role. Water permeability or surface water absorption tests presented a good correlation with carbonation.