Durability Design of Concrete Subjecting to Carbonation

Abstract

Problems on durability of existing concrete structures can be caused by ill-conditioned analysis and design, improper concrete proportion and material selection, low construction quality, ignorance of protection and maintenance of the structure, or their combination. In this paper, the performance-based durability design charts for conventional fly ash concrete subjected to carbonation are proposed as an example of solution to the problem of improper concrete proportion and material selection. Concrete structures can be durable for a long time when materials, mixes, covers, and environment are selected properly. The design charts are constructed based on several semi-microscopic performance prediction models, i.e. compressive strength prediction model, workability prediction model, and carbonation simulation model of fly ash concrete. These models are also introduced briefly in this paper.