Characterization of lime activated recycled aggregate concrete with high-volume ground granulated blast furnace slag

Abstract

The present paper explores the effect of inclusion of hydrated lime on the strength, durability, physical and non-destructive characteristics of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) containing high-volume ground granulated blast furnace slag (HV-GGBFS). For fulfilling this objective, seven numbers of concrete mixes inclusive of one control mix are considered. Three concrete mixes have 0%, 50% and 100% recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and 60% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) for each mix. Other three concrete mixes have RCA percentage of 0%, 50% and 100% and the combination of 7% lime and 60% GGBFS for each mix. The characterization of these concrete mixes includes the evaluation of compressive strength, durability, physical and non-destructive parameters after designated curing period. The durability study comprises of the evaluation of resistance to sulphate, acid and chloride attack as well as water sorptivity. The physical properties like density, water absorption, and volume of voids of the above concrete mixes are also evaluated. In addition, the non-destructive characteristics of mixes are accessed by performing rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests. The experimental results conclude that the above mentioned durability aspects show superior performance with inclusion of high-volume GGBFS with lime. Similarly, water absorption and volume of voids of NAC/RAC also reduce with the inclusion of high-volume GGBFS (60%) along with 7% lime. Further, the non-destructive parameters of designated concrete mixes investigated in this study confirm the strength variation of all the mixes.