This part of BS 1881 describes a method for ranking the potential carbonation resistance of concrete using an accelerated carbonation test.
NOTE I This test is an accelerated test because there is exposure to much higher than atmospheric levels of CO and is at a relative humidity conducive to a maximum rate of carbonation.
NOTE 2 The test under reference conditions takes a minimum of I12 days comprising a minimum age of the specimen prior to conditioning of 28 days, a minimum conditioning period of 14 days and a minimum exposure to increased CO levels of 70 days.
NOTE 3 The use of such test data in service-life modelling is still a matter of much academic debate and at present there is no consensus on an appropriate model.
It is not a method for the determination of carbonation depths in existing concrete structures.