Influence of chloride contamination on carbonation of cement-based materials

Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted to understand the effect of the presence of chloride on the carbonation front. Microstructural analysis was conducted to verify the carbonation development in material previously contaminated by chlorides. Accelerated tests were combined to understand how the presence of chlorides influences carbonation front and how chloride test method influences in these results. The results indicate that the presence of chloride decreases the carbonation front in cement-based materials. This behaviour is related to the pore refinement and humidity retention caused by chloride. The impact on carbonation reduction occurs at different levels, according to the testing method used.