Effects of Water-to-Binder Ratios on the Workability, Durability and Strength Development of In-Situ Carbonated Concrete

Melaku N. Seifu; Jemal Kedir Adem; Hammad R. Khalid; G. M. Kim; Solmoi Park

doi:10.1186/s40069-025-00827-8

Effects of Water-to-Binder Ratios on the Workability, Durability and Strength Development of In-Situ Carbonated Concrete

Melaku N. Seifu, Jemal Kedir Adem, Hammad R. Khalid, G. M. Kim^*, Solmoi Park^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

School of Engineering Physics and Mathematics

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Enhancing the performance and sustainability of concrete is critical in modern construction, and in-situ carbonation offers a promising approach by introducing CO2 directly during mixing. This study investigates the influence of CO2 dosage on the workability, durability, and strength of concrete with varying water-to-binder ratios. Gaseous CO2 was injected during mixing, leading to the immediate formation of amorphous calcium carbonate and a noticeable reduction in slump within 10 min. Experimental results showed that CO2 addition improved pore structure and chloride resistance, with reductions of up to 18% in total charge and 13% in migration coefficient. However, a decrease in 28-day compressive strength was observed, varying with mix design. These findings highlight the importance of carefully balancing CO2 dosage and water-to-binder ratio to enhance durability without compromising long-term strength.

Original language	English
Article number	96
Number of pages	15
Journal	International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
Volume	19
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1186/s40069-025-00827-8
Publication status	Published - 16 Oct 2025

Keywords

Fly ash
In-situ carbonation
Concrete
Portland cement

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Cite this

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abstract = "Enhancing the performance and sustainability of concrete is critical in modern construction, and in-situ carbonation offers a promising approach by introducing CO2 directly during mixing. This study investigates the influence of CO2 dosage on the workability, durability, and strength of concrete with varying water-to-binder ratios. Gaseous CO2 was injected during mixing, leading to the immediate formation of amorphous calcium carbonate and a noticeable reduction in slump within 10 min. Experimental results showed that CO2 addition improved pore structure and chloride resistance, with reductions of up to 18\% in total charge and 13\% in migration coefficient. However, a decrease in 28-day compressive strength was observed, varying with mix design. These findings highlight the importance of carefully balancing CO2 dosage and water-to-binder ratio to enhance durability without compromising long-term strength.",

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AU - Adem, Jemal Kedir

AU - Khalid, Hammad R.

AU - Kim, G. M.

AU - Park, Solmoi

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AB - Enhancing the performance and sustainability of concrete is critical in modern construction, and in-situ carbonation offers a promising approach by introducing CO2 directly during mixing. This study investigates the influence of CO2 dosage on the workability, durability, and strength of concrete with varying water-to-binder ratios. Gaseous CO2 was injected during mixing, leading to the immediate formation of amorphous calcium carbonate and a noticeable reduction in slump within 10 min. Experimental results showed that CO2 addition improved pore structure and chloride resistance, with reductions of up to 18% in total charge and 13% in migration coefficient. However, a decrease in 28-day compressive strength was observed, varying with mix design. These findings highlight the importance of carefully balancing CO2 dosage and water-to-binder ratio to enhance durability without compromising long-term strength.

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KW - Portland cement

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