Acid, alkali, and chloride resistance of concrete composed of low-carbonated fly ash

Abstract

This research investigates the effect of carbonated fly ash inclusion in concrete as partial replacement of cement on the durability performance when exposed to salt, sulfate, and acid solution. The effect of chemical exposure periods (30, 60, 90, and 120 days) on compressive strength and weight of concrete with low volume (25%) replacement of cement was investigated for various water curing ages (28, 56, 90, and 180 days). A comparative assessment with low volume (25% cement replacement) fly ash concrete and control concrete was also conducted. It was observed from the results that low volume carbonated fly ash concrete demonstrated a significant increase in resistance to loss in compressive strength and weight against salt, sulfate, and acid attack. Gray relation-based analysis was performed to determine suitable parameters for simultaneous minimization of strength loss and weight loss under chemical exposure. It can be recommended that, due to its cost-effectiveness, easy processing, and environmental friendly nature, carbonated fly ash can be adopted in construction as a partial replacement of cement in concrete. © 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.