BRE STUDY OF CARBONATION IN STRUCTURAL QUALITY CONCRETE.

The author identifies needs for research on methods of determining the carbonation susceptibility of as-cast concrete and on the time for corrosion to cause cracking in carbonated concrete under the environmental conditions obtaining in practice so that more accurate prognoses can be made for the life of components in existing structures. More research is advocated into the performance of coatings which inhibit carbonation thereby increasing the life of reinforced concrete components. For new construction, attention is drawn to the need for research into practice to improve compaction and to achieve more consistent standards of curing. The main conclusions presented in the report are given.