Field Research for the Durability Assessment Factor for deriving the Carbonation of Concrete Bridges in the Marine Environment

Abstract

In this study, on the basis of the results of the field survey and the theoretical consideration for Korean Standard Specification for concrete durability and maintenance, the following conclusions are derived. From the survey, the prediction equation of carbonation depth for the southwest region in Korea is experimentally proposed,       , which predicts about 60mm of the carbonation depth for the concrete structures of 100 years, a 1st class of target endurance period, under a combined deterioration environment like a marine environment. Considering that the marginal value for a carbonation depth limitation under very severely marine environment is 25mm, in accordance with the Specification, it is found that the predicting carbonation depth for the concrete cover depths, 100mm and 60mm are 63mm and 29.4mm, respectively. In conclusion, according to the equation and the Specification, it is strongly required that the reinforced concrete structures with the cover depth under 100mm have to make a protection from combined deterioration factors by any methods like a surface coating, an increment of cover depth or an application of a special concrete.