Effect of the Mechanical Load on the Carbonation of Concrete: A Review of the Underlying Mechanisms, Test Methods, and Results

As one of the major causes of concrete deterioration, the carbonation of concrete has been widely investigated over recent decades. In recent years, the effect of mechanical load on carbonation has started to attract more attention. The load-induced variations in crack pattern and pore structure have a significant influence on CO2 transport which determines the carbonation rate. With different types of load, the number, orientation, and position of the induced cracks can be different, which will lead to different carbonation patterns. In this review paper, the carbonation in cracked and stress-damaged concrete is discussed first. Then, literature about the effect of sustained load during carbonation is compared in terms of load type and load level. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of possible test methods for investigating the effect of sustained load on carbonation are discussed with respect to loading devices, load compensation, and specimen size.