Probabilistic Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Carbonation Depth

Abstract

Concrete carbonation relates to the diffusion of CO2 inthe atmosphere through the concrete pores and to the dissolution of the hydrates. A great deal of uncertainty still remains in this subject as a result of the random nature of the infiltration of these aggressive agents as well as the material and structural properties of reinforced concrete. Consequently, in order to determine the degradation of these structures with time, it is necessary to approach the subject from a probabilistic point of view that it considers the uncertainties involved with the geometrical dimensions of these structures, with the material characteristics and with the environment and the subsequent deterioration that it provokes. The aim of this paper is the evaluation of carbonation depth (Xc) from a probabilistic analysis, focusing specifically on the study of the randomness of the most influential parameters on the reinforced concrete carbonation.