Resumen

Accelerated carbonation chamber for concrete durability studies in Cuba. RCTU [online]. 2025, vol.12, n.2, pp.133-146. ISSN 1390-7697.  https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26423/detwn014.

Carbonation is one of the leading causes of premature deterioration in reinforced concrete structures. As it progresses, the process reduces the material’s alkalinity and destroys the protective passive layer around the steel reinforcement, initiating corrosion and compromising structural durability. Accelerated carbonation chambers provide an effective means to simulate this phenomenon under controlled conditions, producing results equivalent to long-term natural exposure tests in a significantly shorter period. This study presents the design, construction, and validation of an accelerated carbonation chamber developed in Cuba, following the specifications of standard PNE 83993-2. The article describes the materials used, the assembly process, and the environmental control system, as well as tests performed on concretes with varying water-to-cement ratios and cement types. The results were statistically compared with data from seven commercial chambers and theoretical models, confirming the efficiency and reliability of the new system. No statistically significant differences were observed at a 99 % confidence level, demonstrating the chamber’s viability as a cost-effective alternative for durability testing in environments with high CO₂ concentrations.

Palabras clave : concrete carbonation; steel corrosion; experimental chamber; durability; carbon dioxide.