Effect of relative humidity and air permeability on prediction of the rate of carbonation of concrete

The effect of relative humidity on both air permeability and rate of carbonation is investigated. Descriptive models, based on data from an accelerated carbonation test, were developed to quantify the effects of the relative humidity and the air permeability on the rate of carbonation. The relationships between the rate of carbonation and physical properties, such as the permeation properties and compressive strength were established. It was found that the permeation measurements should only be used to estimate the likely rate of carbonation when the relative humidity of the concrete specimen is known.