Relationship Between the Carbonation Depth and Microstructure of Concrete Under Freeze-Thaw Conditions

Concrete structures in cold regions are affected by freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) and carbonation, which lead to the premature failure of concrete structures. The carbonation depth, relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), compressive strength, porosity, and pore size distribution of concrete under FTC conditions were tested through an accelerated carbonation experiment to study the carbonation performance evolution. The freeze-thaw effect mechanism on concrete carbonation was further analyzed via the obtained relationship between carbonation depth and pore structure. The results showed that the FTC, as a powerful source of concrete damage, accelerates the carbonation reaction. Carbonization products fill some microcracks caused by the freeze-thaw process, improve the compressive strength and dynamic elastic modulus, and alleviate the damage to concrete caused by the FTC. After carbonization under freeze-thaw damage conditions, the content of macropores with d > 1000 nm decreases, while the content of transition pores with d ≤ 10 nm increases, which is the direct reason for the decrease in porosity and the improvement in strength. Therefore, the carbonation durability of concrete under freeze-thaw conditions can be improved by controlling the content of macropores with d > 1000 nm and increasing the content of transition pores with a pore size of 10 nm ≤ d < 100 nm. In addition, the relationship between carbonation depth and pore structure under freeze-thaw conditions was established, and the research results can provide a reference for the study of the carbonation performance of concrete under freeze-thaw conditions.