Durability of Ternary Blended Cement Concrete in Sulphuric Acid

Abstract

This study investigated the durability of concrete made of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), bamboo leaf ash (BLA) and pulverized burnt clay waste (PBCW) as binders in sulphate environment. Ternary blending of OPC, BLA and PBCW at ten (10) levels (100:0:0; 90:5:5; 90:10:0; 90:0:10; 80:5:15; 80:10:10; 80:15:5; 70:10:20; 70:15:15; 70:20:10) were used in producing 480 concrete cubes of size 100 mm and cured for 28 days in water. Further exposure to sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) of 0, 1, 3 and 5% concentrations was done for a maximum of 120 days. Strength deterioration factors were thereafter calculated as a measure of acid attack resistance for the blended cement concrete. Results show that concrete containing PBCW and BLA performed better in H₂SO₄ than that of the control. Therefore, it can be concluded that the incorporation of BLA and PBCW in concrete improved its durability in sulphate laden environment.

Keywords:durability, sulphuric acid, bamboo leaf ash, pulverized burnt clay waste, strength deterioration