Effect of Carbonation on Concrete Bridge Service Life

Abstract

An increase in the number of distressed bridges and the limited financial resources emphasize the need for an efficient bridge management system (BMS) for India. Assessment of the remaining life of bridges becomes an essential step in BMS, which involves modeling of complex deterioration mechanisms in concrete due to chemical attacks, such as carbonation, chloride, sulfate, and so on. Lack of information on material properties used in bridge construction, construction techniques, exposure condition, and maintenance quality adopted make the remaining life assessment of bridges more complicated. Therefore, a parametric study has been carried out to understand the deterioration of concrete bridges due to carbonation. Effect of carbonation on the initiation and propagation time of corrosion was also included in the study. Based on the study, modifications are suggested in the clauses of Indian concrete bridge design standard IRC: 21 (2000) so as to enhance the service life of bridges.