Evaluación del avance de la carbonatación en concreto bajo condiciones de alto trafico urbano: Caso Tunja, Colombia.

Abstract

Carbonation in concrete is a progressive phenomenon that compromises the durability of structures, especially in urban environments exposed to high levels of vehicular pollution. This study focused on evaluating the impact of traffic on the advancement of carbonation in concrete by exposing cylindrical specimens in ten strategic locations in the city of Tunja, selected based on their varying levels of traffic congestion. The main objective was to identify whether urban environmental conditions significantly influence concrete performance over time. A four-phase methodology was developed: traffic analysis, specimen fabrication, six-month exposure in the field, and evaluation of carbonation depth. Results showed that although all specimens exhibited structural behavior within expected parameters, the depth of carbonation varied significantly between zones. This confirmed that the urban environment directly influences the rate of concrete deterioration. As a conclusion, a general zoning was established, identifying the areas most affected by this phenomenon in Tunja, providing a useful foundation for future decisions regarding the design, maintenance, and preservation of structures in the city.

Keywords— Carbonation, Concrete, Carbon Monoxide, Traffic