Carbonation of Reinforced Concrete Structures in Centre – East Region of Argentina: Influence of Urban Environmental Pollution

Abstract

This paper presents analysis of structural assessment performed between 1995 and 2005 by CECOVI and tests of exposition to environments with different levels of pollution for concretes with different qualities, with application of acrylic and polyurethanic protections.
Unlike other zones, centre – east region of Argentina presents reduced severity, being concrete reinforced corrosion due to concrete carbonation the most probable pathology.
Sites of exhibition are located in the city of Santa Fe. Concentration of pollutants is measured in the air and depth of carbonation, content of chlorides and speed of ultrasonic pulses are determined on concrete.
The obtained results indicate that depth of carbonatación correlates, with the quality of the concrete, the levels of environmental pollution and wetting conditions, demonstrating the efficiency of the acrylic and polyurethanic paints as anticarbonation protections.