Microstructural investigations of naturally and artificially weathered autoclaved aerated concrete

The microstructural changes in autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), particularly due to chemical degradation, have been investigated. The carbonation process has been studied on naturally and artificially weathered AAC by spectrographic and microscopic analysis. Visual inspections of unexposed and aged AAC were made by means of light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while chemical and structural analysis were based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results obtained from two different experimental exposure set-ups, i.e., natural and artificial weathering, are presented. Thin-section images clearly indicate leaching out of the surface layer resulting in open larger air voids. Both naturally and artificially weathered samples displayed similar ageing characteristics in terms of mineralogical changes. The XRD patterns confirm that tobermorite were gradually transforming into calcium carbonate with exposure time. Calcite and gypsum were the two main crystal structures growing during weathering as detected in the SEM+EDS examinations.