Studies about the initial curing conditions on the carbonation resistance of fly-ash concrete

Studies about the resistance of carbonation capability of fly-ash (FA) concrete at different initial curing regimes and exposure time through accelerated carbonation experiments were made. Firstly, 30% replacement ratio fly-ash concrete specimens were fabricated and cured in 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C and 40 degrees C water for 3d, 7d, 14d and 28d respectively, and cured in a standard air environment (20 +/- 2 degrees C, relative humidity >= 95%) for 28d. As a comparison, ordinary Portland concrete (OPC) specimens were also made and cured in 30 degrees C water for 7d, and standard curing for 28d. After the initial curing, all the specimens were taken out and placed indoor natural environment. When specimen age reach 30d, 60d and 120d, 2 weeks accelerated carbonation experiments were made and concrete carbonation depth were measured. In addition to this, hydration degrees of fly ash at different initial curing conditions were measured using the selective dissolve method. Results show that the initial curing conditions play an important role in the carbonation resistance of FA concrete. Initial water curing is beneficial to the development of carbonation resistance of FA and OPC concrete. Prolonging initial curing time and increasing curing temperature is beneficial for the carbonation resistance of FA concrete. For the same curing conditions, carbonation rate of FA concrete is usually higher than OPC concrete, but with the increase of initial curing temperature, the difference can be reduced.