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The aim of this work is to better understand the influence of drying conditions and moisture content of concrete on the carbonation kinetics during accelerated tests. Cylindrical specimens of a typical concrete formulation for buildings were dried, after 28 days wet curing, under three different conditions: 80°C, 45°C and 20°C and 50% RH. The carbonation depth and the height of water absorption were measured during 70 days testing under 3% CO2, 20°C and 65% RH. The results show that there is a significant difference in the drying behavior of cylindrical specimens between the lateral cast surface and their circular free surface. But, the drying cycle before accelerated carbonation tests has more influence on the carbonation rate than the type of exposed surface