Performance of Periwinkle Shell Ash Blended Cement Concrete Exposed to Magnesium Sulphate

Umoh A.A,Olusola K.O

doi:10.9744/ced.15.2.96-101

Abstract

The study examined the compressive strength of periwinkle shell ash (PSA) blended cement concrete in magnesium sulphate medium. Specimens were prepared from designed characteristics strength of 25 MPa. The cement replacement with PSA ranged between 0 and 40% by volume. A total of 180 cube specimens were cast and cured in water. At 28 days curing, 45 specimens each were transferred into magnesium sulphate of 1%, 3%, and 5% solution, while others were continuously cured in water and tested at 62, 92, and 152 days. The results revealed a higher loss in compressive strength with the control mix, and that it increases with increased in MgSO4 concentration and exposure period, whereas, the attack on the PSA blended cement concrete was less and the least value recorded by 10% PSA content. Therefore, the study concluded that the optimum percentage replacement of cement with 10% PSA could mitigate magnesium sulphate attack.

Highlights

The compressive strength of concrete is considered one of the most important properties in the hardened state
The concrete was designed to attain a characteristic strength of 25 MPa for normal concrete using the mix design published by the British Department of the Environment (DOE) [29]
From the results of compressive strength test performed, the following conclusions can be drawn: The effect of magnesium sulphate attack on the compressive strength increases with increase in exposure period and concentration

Summary

Introduction

The compressive strength of concrete is considered one of the most important properties in the hardened state. The design of concrete structures is based primarily on resistance to compressive stresses. The compressive strength is the criterion of quality [1]; the compressive strength performance and the service life of concrete may be inhibited by its exposure condition. It is expected that concrete produced at any given instance should, among other qualities, have satisfactory performance in compressive strength requirements as well as satisfactory durability in the environment in which the structure is placed. The ability of concrete to resist weathering action, chemical attack, abrasion, or any other process of deterioration is called durability [2]. Inadequate durability manifests itself by deterioration, which can be caused by external or internal factors within the concrete

Methods

Results

Conclusion