A state-of-the-art review on the carbonation process in cementitious materials : Fundamentals and characterization techniques

Carbonation of cementitious materials can greatly shorten the length of lifetime for steel-reinforced concrete structures constructed in atmospheric environment, due to steel corrosion issue. Notwithstanding the physical and chemical reactions of carbonation in cementitious materials are well known, the carbonation process is still not comprehensively understood since it is affected by many complicated factors including curing treatment, material composition and environmental exposure. On the other hand, it is generally recognized that a deeper scientific understanding of carbonation process relies on the development of advanced techniques for material characterization. From current literatures on cementitious carbonation, the present article shows the state-of-the-art research findings on (1) fundamental of carbonation reaction, (2) factors of influencing and modelling the carbonation process, and (3) development of techniques for carbonation characterization. This review also provides the future research perspectives to enhance the understanding of concrete carbonation and to improve the application of techniques for carbonation characterization.