Numerical Experiments with Self-Adaptive Finite Element Simulations in 2D for the Carbonation of Concrete

Chemical processes like carbonation of concrete structures are driven by slow diffusion processes and fast reactions. This leads to the formation of relatively sharp reaction fronts, which move slowly through the material. Self-adaptive finite element methods provide a tool to automatically generate meshes locally fine enough to capture the reaction, while coarser meshes are sufficient in the bulk. We demonstrate here the applicability of self-adaptive methods for 2D concrete carbonation problems.