concretebasics.org: your guide to cement & concrete

Carbonation occurs when cement paste in the hardened concrete reacts with moisture and carbon dioxide in the air. This results in slight shrinkage and a reduction in the pH of the concrete. This lowering of pH may lead to other forms of deterioration, primarily corrosion of reinforcing steel. The corrosive rust can cause expansion, cracking and spalling of concrete.

The amount of carbonation is dependent on the concrete density and quality but is usually limited to 2 cm (0.8 in) of depth on the exposed surface. The amount is dependent on the age and the surrounding environmental conditions.

Carbonation is generally considered to be a durability issue that takes a long time, in the order of many years, to affect a concrete structure.

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