Dynamic protection index factor of concrete substrate for anti carbonation coating protection systems subjected to accelerated environmental loading - part A: carbonation

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of accelerated environmental loading, i.e. humidity, solar radiation, wet/dry cycling, CO2 concentration and temperature on specimens being initially protected using four commercially available coating systems and to evaluate their degradation considering the results. Design/methodology/approach - For the purpose of the study, an accelerated environmental loading was performed in a highly sophisticated chamber able to replicate weather patterns representing the eight characteristic climate zones of Australia. Findings - The results in terms of degradation patterns can provide a qualitative classification leading to the development of a Dynamic Protection Index Factor which can be used as direct input in life cycle cost analysis appraisal. Originality/value - This paper is considered to be very important, since the degradation results of different environmental conditions constiture a major problem for structures life inspections and durability.