Effect of MgSO4 Exposure on Cementitious Blends

Abstract

This paper investigated the effect of the exposure of 5 % and 10 % magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) solution on the blended cement mortar made of sugarcane biomass ash (SCBA) and rice husk ash (RHA). Blending of ashes may be more beneficial than utilizing only ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as a binder. The SCBA and RHA were mineralogically, chemically, and physically characterized. The control/ conventional mix and six other mix blends were cast. The control mix was made using the binder having 100 % of OPC. The binary blend prepared with 65 % of OPC and 35 % of SCBA, while the ternary blend prepared with 65 % of OPC and 35 % mix of both the ashes SCBA and RHA. The samples were cured with normal water, and 5 % & 10 % of MgSO4 solution. The 7, 28, & 56 days compressive strength [CS], and the durability properties were studied. The results of the experimental analysis reflected that the ternary blends show better resistance against the exposure of MgSO4 as compared to the conventionally cured samples as well as binary blends.