Carbonation Example

A survey undertaken on a carbonation affected structure. A total of 6 locations were surveyed to determine
the cover depth to the reinforcing steel and the depth of carbonation. The data obtained is given in the table
below.

Location Cover Carbonation depth

(mm) (mm)
1 28 2
2 30 3
3 32 5
4 31 7
5 24 4
6 29 5

Based on this data determine the predicted time to corrosion using the average cover and average
carbonation depth. Also then calculate the worst case situation (ie lowest cover, highest carbonation depth)
and the best case situation.

The structure was 15 years old at the time of the survey.

Solution

Step 1 – determine the carbonation coefficient k

x = k.t1/2

k = x/t1/2

x = average depth carbonation at 15 years = 26/6 = 4.33

k = 4.33/151/2 = 4.33/3.87 = 1.12

Step 2- Determine time to carbonation at reinforcing bar

x = k.t1/2

t1/2= x/k

x = average cover depth = 29

t1/2= 29/1.12 = 672 years

Worst Case

Lowest cover = 24, highest carbonation = 7

k= 7/151/2 = 1.81

t1/2 = 24/1.81 = 176 years

Best Case

Highest cover = 32, highest carbonation = 2

k= 2/151/2 = 0.52

t1/2 = 32/0.52 = 3840 years