Carbonation depth predictions in concrete structures under changing climate condition in China

Significant changes have taken place in the global climate, especially in terms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration, temperature and humidity. The increase in CO₂ levels and temperature will increase the likelihood of concrete carbonation-induced corrosion. Based on the prediction of climate change trend in the 21st century by the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the climate observation records in different climatic areas, a modified carbonation model considering climate change is proposed. Then the carbonation depth was carried out through actual engineering examples in three typical Chinese cities (Harbin, Qingdao and Ningbo). The results showed that the model calculation was in good agreement with the situ results. It was concluded that climate change will result in much higher carbonation depths in the long term, effect of climate change on existing and new reinforced concrete structures should be considerable.