The performance of carbonation-cured concrete

Abstract

The research shows that carbonation-cured concrete has several mechanical and durability properties that are better than those of moisture-cured concrete. However, many properties of carbonation-cured concrete have not yet been studied. In this research, carbonation-cured concrete was prepared by pre-curing, carbonation curing, and then moisture curing. The compressive strength, CO2 uptake, pH value, chloride ion permeability and abrasion resistance of the carbonation-cured concrete were investigated. Results showed that the compressive strength of carbonation-cured concrete was more than 10% higher than that of moisture-cured concrete at the same age; a steel bar is stable in carbonation-cured concrete; and carbonation-cured concrete exhibited better abrasion resistance and chloride ion permeability than that of moisture-cured concrete. The optimization of pore structure and improvement in the micro-hardness are the reasons for the improved chloride ion permeability and abrasion resistance of carbonation-cured concrete.