| The surface absorption property of dried concrete cores was examined as a durability index for the quality of hardened concrete. The apparent diffusion coefficient of chloride ions and the coefficient of the rate of carbonation of concrete were estimated from investigation data obtained from 152 existing structures. The results showed that there is a good relationship between the amount of surface absorption after 6h and the apparent diffusion coefficient of chloride ions, while the apparent coefficient can vary widely even in concrete whose compressive strength is within a certain range. Surface absorption properties, therefore, can be a better durability index for the concrete in structures than the conventional compressive strength of concrete cores. The relationship between the amount of surface absorption after 6h and the coefficient of the rate of carbonation of cores was not significant, while the average coefficient of the rate of carbonation varied widely because of difference in local climates in Japan. |
