Performances of eco-fine-grained concrete containing saline sand as partial fine aggregate replacement

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nowadays, to reduce CO2 emission and depletion of natural resources, the partial replacement of cement by ground granulated blast furnace slag (hereafter GGBFS) and fly ash (hereafter FA) in concrete has been paid much attention. This study focused on an experimental examination of the mechanical properties of eco-fine-grained concrete using saline sand replacement of fine aggregate with a high percentage replacement of cement by GGBFS. Experimental tests were conducted to examine compressive, tensile, flexural strength, chloride penetration, and water absorption. The results indicate that the compressive and tensile strength decreased with the increasing amount of GGBFS replacement for cement (from 0 to 50%). On the other hand, the flexural strength of the mixture comprising 30% GGBFS was almost equal to that of the mixture without GGBFS. At 28 days, values of compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths of this fine-grained concrete were greater than those of conventional concrete. The values of chloride penetration decreased from 219.0 to 1531.5 coulombs when the amount of GGBFS replacement for cement increased from 0% to 50%. This fine-grained concrete containing 30% to 50% GGBFS replacement for cement was classified into the low chloride penetration concrete. The increase in GGBFS content led to a reduction in chloride penetration and water absorption. The results of this study indicated that fine-grained concrete containing FA and GGBFS, where GGBFS used as a partial cement replacement up to 50% could be satisfied with the requirement of conventional concrete concerning durability and mechanical properties.