A multi-physics modelling based on coupled diffusion equations to simulate the carbonation process

Abstract

Carbonation is widely recognized as a cause of significant pathologies in reinforced concrete structures and different modelling strategies are presented in literature the simulate the phenomenon evolution. In opposition to the deleterious effect in reinforced concrete, for historical mortar made with aerial lime, the carbonation is essential for the hardening process. For both materials, carbonation process presents similarities. This work presents the background/implementation of an algorithm for a multi-physics simulation of the main fields associated with the carbonation process. This modelling was previously validated in literature. A 1D algorithm is implemented, using the Finite Difference Method. Its feasibility is demonstrated through the simulation of results presented in the literature. A parametric study is also shown considering the main parameters involved, important observation regarding the influence of the parameters on the carbonation depth are detailed.