Durability of self-consolidating concrete and mortar mixtures containing ternary and quaternary cement blends exposed to simulated marine environment

Abstract

Concrete durability enhancement plays a crucial role in the function of structures located in the Persian Gulf environment. In this study, the durability performance of self-consolidating samples (concretes and mortars) blended with Silica fume, natural zeolite, and limestone powder in the form of ternary or quaternary mixtures located in the simulated marine environment is investigated. The durability performance was examined in every exposure (splash, tidal, and submerged) and control condition. To determine the performance of mixtures, strength, and durability properties such as compressive strength, electrical resistivity, sorptivity, porosity, chloride ion permeability, and expansion tests of mortar prisms were performed. Also, the SEM analysis was used to clarify the results. The results indicated that when durability properties were considered, the quaternary NZ and SF mixtures showed foremost functioning in every test environment. Furthermore, the performance of plain vibrated concrete and mortars were also compared with plain self-consolidating mixtures, and generally, the latter resulted in a better performance than the former.