Improved performance of concrete incorporated with natural zeolite powder as supplementary cementitious material

Abstract

Blended cement containing natural zeolite powder exhibits improved performance & resistance to concrete against aggressive environmental attacks. Concrete structures when exposed to aggressive environments possess several negative impacts due to migration of chloride & sulphate ions, carbonation, acid attack, etc. Due to these, exposures the concrete structure lose their strength gradually, which results in the decreased life span. At present, research work focused on the influence of lower w/b ratios on higher replacement levels of zeolite on the performance of concrete in mechanical & durability aspects. And this study also attempts to generate quantitative data & understand the relationship between lower water-binder ratios 0.30 & 0.40 and higher replacement levels 30%, 40% of zeolite & compressive strength. Mechanical aspects such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength tests. Durability aspects like chloride attack through Rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT), Sulphuric acid attack. Magnesium sulphate attack, tests were carried out. Altogether, in the practical point of view test results revealed that concrete incorporating natural zeolite powder gets substantial compressive strength beyond the 28-day period, i.e., strength increases gradually with respect to time. Improvement is noticed at a low water-binder ratio. Increases resistance against chloride, sulphate attacks.