Performance of Green Concrete Comprising Waste Ceramic as a Fine Aggregate Replacement: Effect of Sulfuric Acid on Degradation Process

Abstract

This study investigated the durability performance of concrete exposed to Sulfuric acid, as well as assists to reduce the landfill and environmental pollution problems, by incorporating 30% ceramic waste powder as a replacement of fine aggregate. Concrete specimens of 100 × 100 × 100 mm in dimensions were cast with a 0.5 water/cement ratio, and 31.4 MPa compressive strength at age of 28-day. The durability of concrete cubes was periodically examined by means of measuring the change in mass, residual compressive strength, and visual inspection for a period of 14 weeks of exposure to 5% Sulfuric acid attack (H2SO4). The results showed that incorporated 30% of waste ceramic powder contributed to enhancing the resistance of concrete by improving the pore structure of concrete under sulphate attacks due to the formation of extra C-S-H gel through the chemical reaction between calcium hydroxide and silica. It can be concluded that the ceramic waste powder restricted the ability of sulphate ions to penetrate the concrete, which led to better performance in acidic solution.