Effects of mineral and chemical admixtures on high-strength concrete in seawater

• Published in: Cement and concrete research 2002-03, Vol.32 (3), p.373-377
• Main Authors: Memon, A.H., Radin, S.S., Zain, M.F.M., Trottier, Jean-Francois
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Admixtures; Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Compressive strength; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Exact sciences and technology; High-strength concrete; Hydraulic constructions; Materials; Offshore structure (platforms, tanks, etc.); Other special applications (sand concrete, roller compacted concrete, heavy concrete, architectural concrete, etc.); Pore size distribution; Porosity
• ISSN: 0008-8846; 1873-3948
• DOI: 10.1016/S0008-8846(01)00687-1

The effects of mineral and chemical admixtures namely fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, silica fume and superplasticizers on the porosity, pore size distribution and compressive strength development of high-strength concrete in seawater curing condition exposed to tidal zone were investigated. In this study, three levels of cement replacement (0%, 30% and 70% by weight) were used. The total cementitious content used was 420 kg/m3. A water/binder ratio of 0.4 was used to produce concrete having a target compressive strength ranging between 54 and 63 MPa at the age of 28 days. At the age of 364 days, the compressive strength of the specimens produced ranged between 59 and 74 MPa. The pore size distribution of both high-strength concrete (MSS-0 and MSS-40) was significantly finer and the mean volume pore radii (MVPR) at the age of 6 months were reduced about three times compared to NPC concrete. Results of this study indicate that both concrete mixes (30% and 70%) exhibited better performance than the NPC concrete in seawater exposed to tidal zone. Hence, it is believed that both high-strength concrete produced would withstand severe seawater exposure without serious deterioration.