Evaluation of service life design assessment according to different chloride diffusion and carbonation models applied on Belgian concrete mixtures

This contribution presents the preliminary research outcomes of a pilot program for the validation of models and test methods for assessment of the durability related to Belgian concrete mixtures. The chloride diffusion and carbonation model offibbulletin 34 [1] and the recent outcomes reported infibbulletin 76 [2] are applied and evaluated. A sensitivity analysis is performed for both damage mechanisms. In addition there are certain parameters in the models which can be recalibrated to the Belgian concrete compositions or exposure conditions. Such a calibration will be performed for the common used types of cement in Belgium (CEM I, CEM III/A and CEM III/B). Preliminary research shows that for chloride ingress, the ageing exponent α, the diffusion- and migration coefficient Da(t) and DRCM,0(t0) can be recalibrated according to the Belgian situation. In case of carbonation the relationship between the natural RNAC-1 and accelerated RACC-1 inverse carbonation resistance can be determined.