Effect of stone dust on the mechanical and microstructural properties of opc based concrete subjected to acid exposure

Abstract

A separate approach of sustainable development is to make the structures durable. More durable structures need to be replaced less frequently and will reduce the need for cement. Such increase in durability can be achieved by choosing appropriate mix designs and selecting suitable aggregates and admixtures. In this experiment sand (fine aggregate) is partially replaced by stone dust to make the concrete mix sustainable in nature. This study also investigates the durability of different types of concrete in acid exposure. Cube compressive strengths of different mixes have been compared to see how the concrete strength differs from original mixes. In addition different types of non-destructive tests such as ultrasonic pulse velocity test, rebound hammer test and half-cell potential tests have also been performed on the concrete samples for better analysis of their strength and durability characteristics. Specimens were analysed through the Scanning Electron Microscope to understand the microstructural changes of concrete samples. Energy dispersion X-ray analysis was also done to understand the changes in the nature of the hydration products of some specimen.