3.1. What is Carbonation?

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does carbonation in concrete refer to?

   Hint

   Think about gas exposure and chemical reactions.

2. 2.

   What happens to the pH of concrete during carbonation?

   Hint

   Consider how acidity affects alkalinity.

3. 3.

   What is the primary reaction involved in carbonation?

   • CaO + CO₂ → CaCO₃
   • Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O
   • CaCO₃ + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂

   Hint

   Consider what compounds are created during this reaction.

4. 4.

   True or False: Carbonation increases the pH of concrete.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about what happens to alkalinity in chemical reactions.

5. 5.

   Given a concrete structure with varying carbonation depths, devise a maintenance strategy to address potential issues stemming from carbonation.

   Hint

   Think about how to monitor and mitigate the effects of carbonation.

6. 6.

   Analyze how environmental changes might influence carbonation rates over decades in a coastal region versus a dry desert area.

   Hint

   Consider how moisture levels and CO₂ availability affect chemical reactions.