ABSTRACT
Carbonation induced corrosion of the rebars is the main decay mechanism of historical buildings made of reinforced concrete. Due to a decrease of pH linked to a reaction between cement portandite and atmospheric carbon dioxide, in carbonated concrete, the passive layer of oxides covering carbon steel rebars in sound concrete is destroyed and a uniform corrosion can develop if enough water and oxygen are available. As the volume of the oxides formed can vary from two to six times higher than that of steel, stress develops in the
treatments such as migrating corrosion inhibitors or realkalisation, which generate a perturbation of the electrochemical equilibrium of the concrete, evidencing the need for alternative techniques.
