Durability performance of modified concrete incorporating fly ash and effective microorganism

Abstract

Environmentally sustainable construction materials with reduced carbon footprint have ever-growing demand worldwide. Based on this factor, some modified cement concrete mixtures incorporated with optimum ratio of fly ash (FA) and effective microorganism (EM) were produced. The strength performance, water absorption, resistance to aggressive environments (sulfuric acid and sulphate) and microstructures of the proposed concretes was evaluated. Four different ratios of FA replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were used to select the optimum composition. The water content was replaced with the EM solution of 5, 10, 15, and 20%. The FA and EM incorporating OPC in the concrete matrix were found to enhance the mechanical and durability characteristics of the modified concretes. The early compressive strength of proposed concrete was enhanced over 30% and the durability was improved against the harsh environment due to the incorporation of OPC with 10% of FA and EM. The optimum concrete obtained with the FA and EM of 10% was asserted to be environmentally beneficial towards less global warming.