Cement‑carbonate rock interaction under saturated conditions: From laboratory to modeling

Interfaces between cementitious materials and host-rock are often found. Such interfaces might lead to chemical and structural alteration of both materials. In the case of carbonate rocks, cement carbonation can lead to structural failure. This study characterized the long-term performance of interfaces between Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and carbonate rocks (limestone and marl). Rocks and cement were studied for their solid phase characterization, pH dependence leaching test, and semi-dynamic mass transport tests. Experimental results were used in the development of a geochemical reactive transport model to simulate the evolution of OPC-rock interfaces. Simulations show the propagation of a carbonation front from the interface into the cementitious materials and the redistribution of phases accompanied with volume changes, with the rate and extent dependent on the rock type.