Current practice sheet no.

131: Measuring
the depth of carbonation

Introduction

The measurement of carbonation depth and of chloride ion concentration in the cover zone are
two standard procedures in assessing reinforced concrete deterioration, particularly in respect of
reinforcement corrosion problems. This Current Practice Sheet considers carbonation depth;
chloride ion concentration is considered in a forthcoming Current Practice Sheet.

Carbonation

Carbonation is the progressive neutralisation of the alkali in the concrete cover by acidic gases
from external sources - mainly carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This reacts with the alkaline
calcium hydroxide present in the cement matrix. In sound alkaline concrete, a protective layer, or
passive film, forms on the reinforcement, protecting it from corrosion. Once this protective layer
is lost, the reinforcement may start to corrode and the concrete cover will subsequently spall").

To establish whether there is a sufficient depth of uncarbonated concrete to protect the

reinforcement for the remainder of the design life of the structure, the total cover and depth of
carbonation must be determined. The total cover depth can be determined by physical
measurement or by a cover meter.

The method for determining carbonation depth described below is the most widely used. It
reveals the level at which the pH of the concrete is approximately 9 - close to the boundary
between concretes that are and are not sufficiently alkaline to provide passivity for steel. This
means that the depth at which corrosion can initiate is slightly deeper than the depth indicated by
the phenolphthalein test, as illustrated by a typical alkalinity profile for concrete in Figure 1.

It is important to note that, in carbonated concrete, reinforcement will only corrode if there is
sufficient moisture in the concrete, and an appropriate elastomeric anti-carbonation coating can
often significantly retard further deterioration.

Taking samples of concrete

Sampling should be undertaken in accordance with an assessment plan prepared by a suitably

qualified person. When specifying the locations from which concrete is to be removed, care must
be taken rep-arding the loadbearing capacity and reinforcement of the elements to be sampled.
The plan should take into account the size, form, location, age and structural design, the results
of visual surveys and any other available information about possible deterioration, aggregate size
and the heterogeneous nature of the concrete. All samples should be marked to indicate their
location and orientation. All holes or damage to the structure from sampling should be repaired
immediately to prevent further deterioration.

Determining the depth of carbonation

The carbonation test is normally carried out in-situ on a freshly broken section of concrete during
the site testing and sampling process. Alternatively, it may be done in the laboratory, on test
specimens, cores or fragments removed from the structure. The freshly exposed concrete surface
is carefully sprayed with an aqueous alcoholic solution of phenolphthalein. The surface should
only be lightly sprayed as transport of dissolved alkalis may obscure the location of the true
carbonation front. Where the concrete is no longer alkaline, the phenolphthalein remains
colourless, changing to pink where the concrete is alkaline. It is important to note the speed of
colour change; a slow change may indicate partial carbonation. The location of the test and the
average and maximum depth of carbonation should be recorded on drawings.

The phenolphthalein test method is not suitable for concrete made with high-alumina cement.

Several aspects of the in-situ carbon-- ation test should he noted:

The instantaneous colour change to vivid pink should be measured and recorded within 30
seconds. If the change is slow and/or the boundary is diffuse, the method will not always give
accurate enough results and may indicate partial carbonation zones. An alternative test method
such as petrographic examination should be adopted to confirm site test results. With dry
concrete, a light mist of water may be applied to the broken surface immediately before
phenolphthalein solution is applied.

Cut or drilled surfaces may give misleading results because they can expose and reactivate
unhydrated cement particles in otherwise fully carbonated concrete.

Care must be taken on concrete containing or treated with hydrophobic materials, e.g. silanes,
siloxanes, polymeric additives or water-resisting admixtures. These may inhibit development of
the characteristic colour, even in uncarbonated concrete. Under these conditions, there may be a
delay of several minutes before the colour develops, and it may appear to be patchy when
compared with untreated or unmodified concretes. Petrographic examination can be used to
clarify results where interference is suspected.

The method cannot distinguish between loss of alkalinity caused by carbonation or by other
causes such as exposure to acids. Where other causes may be present, their effects may be
determined by laboratory analysis. Concrete, which has been treated by realkalisation by
diffusion or by electrochemical means, may show a high pH. The pH around the reinforcement
may be high enough for the phenolphthalein to temporarily remain colourless. This effect wears
off after a few hours. It should be noted that although the pH may be characteristic of
uncarbonated concrete, the realkalisation process does not reverse the carbonation reaction.
 To carry out carbonation study, cubes of 100mmx100mmx100mm
for each mix were prepared. After 28 days of curing, they were
stored in a proper way. Then, each cube was splitted in to four
samples of 100mm length and 50mm width and then these samples
were stored in oven at 60-700C for 2 weeks. These oven dried
samples were then coated with two coats of epoxy paint on their
longitudinal sides.
 Then these samples were dried for next 48 hours and after proper
marking these samples were placed in carbonation chamber
(Figure 3.6) at RH (50-65%), carbon dioxide concentration 5±0.2%
and temperature 27±20C. From each mix 2 pieces were observed at
an interval of 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days. These specimens
were broken into two halves (Figure 3.7) and pH indicator was
sprayed on broken face. Indicator comprised of a standard
 solution containing 1% phenolphthalein in 70% ethyl alcohol.
Phenolphthalein indicator remains colourless in carbonated
portion with ph values below 9.2 and it turns purple-red (Figure
3.8); and in the non carbonated area with pH greater than 9.2.
Immediately after breaking the concrete specimen indicator
solution was applied over it. The mean depth of carbonation was
reported for each specimen at aforesaid time intervals.