Abstract
In light of the scientific research, the corrosion of concrete structures is one of the main problems that may reduce their durability due to the negative impact of the natural environment. The paper analyzes the influence of the type of component on the selected properties of lightweight concrete subjected to the influence of aggressive liquids. Four concrete mixes were prepared with a granular aggregate made of foamed glass (GEGA) and aggregate made of sintered fly ash (GAA) with the use of a mineral additive: silica fly ash. The prepared lightweight concrete after one year was exposed for 60 days to the following environments: strong acid—HCl, 1% and 2% concentration, weak acid—CH3COOH, 1% and 2% concentration, and an aqueous salt solution of Na2SO4, 1% and 2% concentration. Then, the compressive strength was tested, and the microstructure analysis of the ready-made lightweight concrete (LWC) was performed. The degree of penetration of aggressive solutions into the cracks of the samples was assessed by means of applying 1% phenolphthalein solution. Changes in the weight of lightweight concrete samples after the test period were estimated. The obtained test results indicate that the decrease in the durability of lightweight concrete can be classified as a long-term process. Concrete with GEGA and GAA showed high resistance to aggressive environments. Moreover, the environment containing chlorides turned out to be the most aggressive, while the environment containing sulfates proved to be the least aggressive. The higher the concentration of the destructive factor was, the faster the corrosion process went. This has been proven by measuring the pH using phenolphthalein and carrying out microscopic examination. Concretes containing aggregates made of foamed glass and sintered fly ash are suitable for use both in traditional construction and in facilities exposed to an aggressive environment (e.g., in the chemical industry and at gas stations).
Highlights
Concrete is the most popular construction material all over the world, and its production and consumption are constantly increasing [1]
The appropriate durability of lightweight concrete (LWC) subjected to a corrosive environment depends on the composition of the concrete: the type and amount of cement, the value of water/cement ratio, the type of aggregate, the type and number of concrete additives, and water/binder ratio
The selection and the right proportion should ensure a tight matrix in the LWC
Summary
Concrete is the most popular construction material all over the world, and its production and consumption are constantly increasing [1] It has many advantages, the most important of which is relatively high durability and strength. The lightweight aggregates for lightweight concrete production are often obtained from recycled raw materials [5,6,7]. Besides numerous strengths, this kind of concrete has its disadvantages [8]: it may show susceptibility to the effects of physical, physicochemical, and chemical destructive factors [9,10]. Depending on the recycled components used for the production of the aggregates, the occurrence of the unfavorable alkaline reactivity is possible, as demonstrated by the researchers [11]
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