The standard DIN EN 206 assumes concrete structural components to have a service life of at least 50 years. Corrosion of the steel reinforcement in ferroconcrete caused by its exposure to CO2 (carbonation) can shorten the service life. Holcim HüttenZement GmbH is using a Memmert ICH C climate chamber with CO2 control to find out which characteristics concrete needs to have to minimise carbonation.
Carbonation - briefly explained Amazingly, concrete and beer have quite a lot in common: Both have just a few ingredients, there are a lot of formulations and recipes for them, and both concrete as well as beer age when exposed to the elements. While the shelf life of the Germans’ favourite bever